3 Days in Chilean Patagonia
Argentina to Chile
I got a potent dose of Argentinian Patagonia and was determined to cross the border for a taste of the Chilean side. Three days isn’t much time, but it was unfathomable to come this far and not travel to the “End of The World”.
The bus from El Calafate left for Puerto Natales, Chile at 8am. Considering the time crunch, I wanted to get to Torres del Paine National Park right away. When the five hour bus journey finished, I chose to rent a car and fill up with bread, cheese, peanuts, and wine…because food is not cheap at the hotels and refugios in the campground…
Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales is a small fishing town charmed with murals celebrating the indigenous culture. The people are as friendly as they come, enjoying a life enriched by plenty of natural beauty and resources.
The town is a gateway to Torres del Paine, and provides opportunity for non-locals providing a tourism service or just those looking to find a new life. I met a Colombian man who rents a little shanty to travelers making their way around Chile, Argentina, or even Antarctica for the bravest. He seemed to find so much fulfillment in the everyday stories shared with visitors from all over.
Torres Del Paine National Park
The best way to experience the park is by doing a circuit. Most do the “W” circuit, which takes 4-5 days or so. The ambitious types do the “O” circuit, which would require over 10 days. My window wasn’t big enough to suit either of those, but hopefully I’ll make it back for another visit down the road.
Driving through the park is certainly not a bad option. For those who need to be efficient and also the non-camping types, it’s actually an ideal way to explore. I also don’t mind having some music…there’s something about experiencing the beauty of a place to the soundtrack of my choosing. Well, staying warm in the otherworldly Patagonia wind is pretty nice too…minor conveniences!
Life in Chilean Patagonia
The first night was committed to exploring the gravel roads that wind around the remote beauty of this place. Glaciers, waterfalls, mountains…all those phenomenons I had previously only known from my Iceland conquest. If ever there’s a place to decompress and appreciate God’s creation, this is it. For the most part, it’s experienced with little human interaction. Not always ideal, but clearing my head was exactly what I needed.
The animals are pretty scarce in Chilean Patagonia. Tough to survive in these conditions I would imagine. Occasionally you’ll encounter a fox, rhea, or some guanacos, and if you’re lucky…a friendly puma. Oh, and birds of course…the night I slept in my car I woke up to a family of ducks fighting with a strange duck trying to swoop in on the mother. Good times.
Trek to Torres del Paine
The last trek of the trip was to the base of the towers. I got started early considering the temperature inside my car wasn’t comfortable for sleeping in any later than 530AM. This hike was a difficult one with steep terrain, slippery rock, and the most powerful winds I’d experienced in Patagonia. Literally the gusts will knock over any unbalanced challenger.
Similar to Fitz Roy’s last leg in El Chaltén, the last hour or so up to Los Cuernos was exhausting. Massive rocks of an unforgiving nature are required to reach the base of the towers.
The arrival is like a scene out of Star Wars. Torres del Paine feels exclusive. It takes you to another level of consciousness.
Whether touring the Argentinian or Chilean side, the beauty of the region is majestic. And you get all the feels. Hot. Cold. Thirsty. Hungry. Tired. Scared…Patagonia makes you feel alive. I loved it. Gotta get back.
