One week in Patagonia: Chile & Argentina.
A story in seven chapters.
In 2023, I returned to Patagonia, this time starting from the Chilean side.
I had booked again through Quasar, which provided the use of a Jeep that we could drive across the border and leave in Argentina. It’s the trip I had originally planned when I visited the last time. This time I brought my cousin and niece with me.
The trip was a revelation. I wasn’t prepared for how stunning Torres del Paine is. And even though I had prepared myself for the base of the towers hike, it still proved a punishing hike to finish. Added bonuses were a return to the Perito Moreno glacier and a day spent at the Estancia la Peninsula, where I had the best asado de cordero I’ve ever had.
To read more about my adventures, click on the chapters below.
1.
A day at the Estancia la Peninsula.
Rodrigo picks us up from our hotel in Puerto Natales and drives us to the boat landing.
2.
Our introduction to Torres del Paine.
The day looks promising.
3.
The hike to the base of the towers.
It’s still dark when my alarm goes off. I fight the urge to turn over and go back to sleep. Instead I turn on the lights and climb into my hiking gear.
4.
Lago Grey and a rest day.
It’s raining when I wake up.
5.
The hike to the French Valley.
We are none too keen to wake up as early as we need to.But there’s a ferry to catch to the trailhead and so time is of the essence.
6.
The drive from Chile to Argentina.
None of us wants to leave.
7.
A return to the Perito Moreno glacier.
It’s the last full day of our trip and our last early morning departure. We meet in the hallway between our hotel rooms and walk together to the dining room, located in a restaurant across the street, for breakfast and to pick up our sack lunches.