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We went to Torres del Paine National Park after two weeks of non-stop fishing. We were definitely ready to enjoy this southern region of Chile. We flew from Balmaceda (near the Heart of Patagonia fishing lodge) to Punta Arenas, one of Chile’s southernmost cities. It also serves as the jumping-off point for many tours to Antarctica.
DAY 1 (Sunday, March 13): This morning we were picked at our hotel in Punta Arena by our host, Explora Patagonia. Explora Patagonia is an upscale facility located deep within the Park and it offers guests excellent opportunities for hiking, photography, horseback riding or just relaxing (www.explora.com). Access into Torres del Paine takes about 5.5 hours, three of which are on paved roads while the last 2.5 hours are on dirt roads. We got acquainted with our fellow passengers en route and enjoyed some great views as well as spotting lots of guanacos. Unfortunately, the rain that hounded us for the last 10 days continued to fall so some views were not as spectacular because of the rain. You’ll also notice that photographs which include people also include rain gear.
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Our view driving into the park |
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Another view of the snow capped Andes |
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A guanaco herd near the road |
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A mother guanaco and her calf |
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A view of the Andes with
a lake in the foreground |
After setting into our room (which was beautiful), we went on a two hour hike to an overview with a spectacular view of the mountains. One highlight was seeing a massif near Cuabre Puncya (some 13,500 feet tall). Following our hike, we enjoyed the hospitality, fine food and fine Chilean wines offered at Explora Patagonia.
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View from the hike including |
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View of the massif from the hike |
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Views from the end of the hike |
DAY 2 (Monday, March 14): This morning we went on a hike to Salto Grande (“Grand Falls”) and the Cascada Paine. After returning to the lodge for lunch, we relaxed until late afternoon when we went on a one hour horseback ride along a ridge. Our hosts and fellow riders were gauchos who work for Explora. It was followed by happy hour outside the stables where the gauchos barbequed meats for us and we enjoyed wonderful wines. Then, we returned to the lodge for another great dinner.
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Cascada Paine |
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Lindy and Ed at French Valley |
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Ed on his mount riding in a Chilean saddle |
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One of our gaucho hosts |
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Ed enjoying vino rojo by the wood pile outside the stables |
DAY 3 (Tuesday, March 15): Our morning/afternoon was spent enjoying an asado at the Explora quincho. A quincho is a building used for barbequing over an open fire. Typically, it features fresh lamb. While this feast was being prepared, we took another horseback ride. After enjoying the asado, we also took 2.5 hour walk near Lake Sarmiento. Unfortunately, we had very rainy conditions so we have no photographs to share from this day except for Salto Chico, the falls directly outside the lodge.
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Salto Chico |
DAY 4 (Wednesday, March 16): We took this morning off to enjoy ourselves in this wonderful setting. Then, in late afternoon we took another horseback ride to Laguna Negra. It was followed by another happy hour with the gauchos. This was a very special event, however, as we celebrated the honeymoon of our companions, Tara & John, and the 50th wedding anniversary of our companions, Anne & Peter. Spectacular!
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The gauchos making barbequed meats |
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Our guide and driver with the gauchos |
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The gauchos enjoying a beverage at the wood pile |
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The celebration!! |
DAY 5 (Thursday, March 17):
This was our departure day from the lodge. Wouldn’t you know that it was the first truly sunny day
since our arrival?! Oh well, we got
some great photographs of the scenery as we made our trek back to Punta Arenas.
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The snow
capped Andes with |
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Another view of these spectacular mountains |
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The high peaks and bowls |
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The mountains reflected in the lake below |
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A final look |
In closing, Torres del Paine National Park is a remarkable place. Explora Patagonia offers a wonderful experience there.