Map of the travel route 🗺️ (Figure 17)
After an exhilarating yet exhausting 7-hour adventure at Moreno Glacier two days prior (check out our previous post for more details), we arrived at Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, feeling both physically and mentally drained. Our initial plan was to tackle the challenging trek to the three towers, but we decided to take it easy instead.
We embarked on a self-driving tour around the park, making frequent stops to soak in the breathtaking scenery, which turned out to be a delightful experience 🏔️🏞️🌄
We set off early from Natales, heading towards the eastern entrance of Torres del Paine. The journey was a feast for the eyes, with lakes of various sizes and lush pastures lining the way. The roadside was adorned with vast fields of vibrant lupine flowers, creating a stunning tapestry of color. As we approached the park, the landscape became increasingly majestic, with herds of guanacos, a type of camelid, dotting the hills.
Upon entering the park through the eastern gate (refer to Figure 17 for the map), we discovered that the roads inside are made of gravel, making for a bumpy ride. Careful driving is essential. Soon, we reached our first stop: the picturesque Paine Waterfall (Figures 2 and 3). The cascading water, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, provided a perfect photo opportunity.
This scenic route continues all the way to Laguna Azul, where you can pause at any point to admire the views. At Laguna Azul, there are dining facilities and restrooms, offering simple pizzas and coffee to refuel.
Next, we retraced our steps to the eastern gate and followed the red line, eventually exiting the park through the southern gate (as shown in Figure 17). In my opinion, this route offers even more spectacular scenery than the initial yellow route, with snow-capped peaks, incredibly blue lakes, and distant glaciers of various sizes. The abundance of wildlife, including eagles, flamingos, foxes, and other small animals, attests to the park’s rich ecosystem 🦅🦩🦊🪿.
However, the return journey from the southern gate to Natales is also on a gravel road, which is not as smooth as the one near the eastern gate. Additionally, the scenery outside the park is less impressive once you leave its boundaries.
Overall, driving around Torres del Paine is a relaxing and enjoyable experience. You can stop at any time to capture the beauty and savor the moment. I have great respect for those who can complete the W or O circuits, but it’s crucial to choose activities that match your physical condition when traveling.
For friends who prefer a more leisurely experience, this self-driving tour is highly recommended. Enjoy the journey!
