Paine River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paine River |
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| Country | Chile |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Dickson Lake |
| River mouth | Del Toro Lake |
The Paine River (also known as Río Paine) is an important river in the Magallanes Region of Chile. It flows through the amazing Torres del Paine National Park, which is famous for its tall mountains and beautiful nature. The river connects several lakes and creates stunning waterfalls as it travels through the landscape.
Contents
The Paine River: A Journey Through Patagonia
The Paine River starts its journey in Dickson Lake. From there, it flows east for about nine kilometers (about 5.6 miles) until it reaches Paine Lake. After passing through Paine Lake, the river continues for another 15 kilometers (about 9.3 miles). It first flows south, then turns west towards Nordenskjöld Lake. This part of the river's path includes a beautiful spot called the Paine Cascade.
Waterfalls and Lakes Along the Way
After leaving Nordenskjöld Lake, the Paine River flows a short distance and then drops into Pehoe Lake. In this area, the river forms a truly spectacular waterfall known as Salto Grande. This means "Big Waterfall" in Spanish, and it's a very popular place for visitors to see.
Once the river leaves Pehoe Lake, it creates another waterfall called Salto Chico, which means "Small Waterfall." From there, the river flows its last six kilometers (about 3.7 miles) before finally emptying into Del Toro Lake. The lower part of the river is wide and deep.
Wildlife and Plants Near the River
Along the Paine River, especially close to Salto Grande, you can find many different kinds of natural plants. You might also spot some interesting wildlife species. One common animal in this area is the wild guanaco, which is a type of llama. These animals often graze near the riverbanks.
What Does 'Paine' Mean?
The name Paine comes from the native Tehuelche (Aonikenk) language. In Tehuelche, "Paine" means "blue." The word is pronounced PIE-nay. This name likely refers to the beautiful blue color of the lakes and glaciers in the region.
See also
In Spanish: Río Paine para niños
