Cascada Pingo

Cascada Pingo is a named waterfall lookout beside the Pingo River in the park’s western Pingo Valley. Several channels spill around a tall, moss-covered rock wall into a pool. This is a substantial walk from Guardería Grey, not a roadside stop. Route descriptions give sharply different out-and-back totals, so confirm the marked route and conditions before setting out.

The walk starts in open ground beside the river, then enters native woodland. After about 20 minutes, taller lenga and coigüe appear among ñirre, calafate and notro. The valley changes character as you go, which gives the waterfall more of a payoff than simply reaching a single lookout.

The official lookout is close to, but distinct from, the waterfall itself. From the viewpoint, include the split streams and central mossy rock together; a tight frame on one drop misses what makes the falls distinctive. The viewpoint faces west.

Published guides range from 6.5 km to about 22 km round trip, and from roughly four to eight hours; they also differ on seasonal access and whether a guide is required. Ask at Guardería Grey which marked route is open, how far the waterfall is that day, and whether you need a guide. The park restricts hiking to daylight and authorized trails. A Río Pingo cafeteria is marked near the ranger station, but its current service and menu aren't confirmed, so arrange food before you go.