Enter the gorgeous mountainous terrain of Torres del Paine, complete with turquoise blue lakes, breathtaking glaciers, and unique rock formations. This is one of the highlights of Patagonia—which in itself is full of beautiful national parks. However, Torres del Paine, located in southern Chile just north of Puerto Natales, is known for the Cordillera del Paine. This rock formation is composed of granite and gabbrodiorite laccolith, along with sedimentary rock—all eroded by glaciers, which are still visible in small remnants. With its signature glacier, Glacier Grey, and lakes, such as Lago Pehoé, and different viewpoints of the “horns” (Torres), it is no wonder that UNESCO declared Torres del Paine National Park a Biosphere Reserve.
Our trip began with a bus ride at 5:30 in the morning from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales. Most people slept, but I watched a brilliant red sun rise over the rolling hills and marshland of southern Chile. It was a panoramic sunrise. Probably the most breathtaking sunrise I’ve ever seen. Every direction I looked, there were colors—pale pinks to radiant reds painted on the clouds and reflecting in the ponds surrounding the road. The sun glistened road led us to the Last Hope Sound (Seno de Última Esperanza); the area’s name has origins tracing back to the mid 1500s when the European explorer, Juan Ladrillero, thought he had finally discovered the Strait of Magellan, only to realize it was merely an inlet.
Next stop: an ancient Milodon cave—complete with bones of ancient milodons. I’ve always wanted a Giant Ground Sloth. I think they would have been the coolest creatures. Okay, I guess if we lived in harmony with those, it would also mean I’d be running from Saber-toothed tigers. So yeah, maybe not.
Finally, we swerved up into the mountains on gravel roads and saw the blue water that Torres del Paine is known for…paine translates to blue in the Tehuelche native language. We hiked in 100km/hr winds across teetering suspension bridges, impressive terrain, and ice-laden aqua lakes. I think the experience of having to link arms with my two friends in order to not blow over and protect myself from flying pebbles just adds to the story. No matter the wind, the views were something out of a fantasy novel. The peaks were picturesque, the colors unheard of—due to blue green algae. We saw guanacos, rheas, Andean condors, Black-chested Buzzard-eagle, South American gray foxes, and more. It was lively with vibrancy. Now I know why my father has this place on his bucket list. It’s more magical than I can describe. The photo at the header of this blog is from there and that truly is the color of the water. This is the view from the road. THE ROAD! Winter winds were worth braving the cold to see this wonderful place.
The fun had to end at some point. The drive back was interesting. I may have pole danced fully clothed on a broom. The bus had to get a tire changed. And, we didn’t make it back to the hotel until 11 in the evening. But, the full day was even more fulfilling than I could have hoped. (Note: this trip was super affordable)
Feeling like I’m in a dream,
@
alexastravels 