Torres del Paine National Park (Patagonia)

Today we‘re off on a guided day tour of Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park. (Pronounced, “Tore ayes dell Pa een aye) Weather is perfect for our day, slight clouds, cooler around 65F, and no rain. There will be 13 of us day trippers in the van so a bit cozy.

The ride will take about 1.5hrs from Puerto Natales with a couple of stops to stretch our legs and have a coffee. The first of these stops is at the check point for border crossing from Argentina. We’re just stopping to have a coffee and a potty break so no customs actions are necessary. A couple we met on the tour said they crossed here yesterday and there are actually 2 border stations, this one by the restaurant, and another one about 1 mile away. The one we’re at is staffed with Chilean border patrol, the other is Argentine border patrol.

On the border

Just like an airport, got to go thru the gift shop…

Back on the road. During the drive, our guide pointed out a few of the indigenous animals wandering around near the road. There are llama like animals called, ‘guanacos”, and emu like animals called, ‘rheas’. They are protected animals in Chile and can only be hunted in certain areas at certain times of the year. Apparently, this isn’t the area where you can hunt them as they are everywhere.

Wild tourists along the roadside

“Rheas”

“Guanacos”

Coming into Torres del Paine the driver stopped so we could get a few pictures of the park entrance and the “torres” or towers that make the park famous. We also came across a lake full of flamingos! No idea Chile had flamingos.

Flamingos

This mountain range is the famous hiking area known as the “W”. The “W” is for the three hiking trails that go to separate areas to see the towers. One trail goes over Grey lake by ferry, then continues to a viewing spot. The round-trip hike is said to be about 6hrs and is rated moderate. The next trail is through the middle and takes about 7-8hrs hiking time. This trail is rated moderate to difficult. The last trail leads to the base of the towers, takes about 8hrs and is rated difficult. These are round trip times so if you’re up early, you can complete any of the trails in a single day’s hike. Our van covered the numerous viewing areas and stopped for lunch in a single day. You decide.

Torres del Paine

I could get into a discussion on how the Andes range was formed and the different tectonic plates that collided to cause this amazing mountain scene, but instead, why not just see the photos. If you’re thinking of coming here be sure to plan at least 6-9 months in advance to get a good selection of hotels or glamping sites.

After a long day- a Pisco Sour with Calafate berries, or a Calafate Sour

Heart of the Mountain