November 2024
The first note is dedicated to the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, a true gem for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Main attractions:
One-day hike to the iconic Three Towers of Paine:
1. Our adventure began at 7:00 am from Puerto Natales, with a scenic 2-hour drive to the park’s welcome center. By 9:30 am, we were lacing up our boots and setting off on the trail. The first leg of the journey was relatively gentle, leading us through picturesque landscapes to Refugio Chileno after about 2 hours.
Here, we took a well-deserved break, savoring a refreshing beer and a can of chips while soaking in the serene surroundings.
2. The next 2 hours proved to be more challenging, with the final hour navigating a rocky path under the relentless gusts of Patagonian wind. Despite the tough conditions, the weather held out, and upon reaching our destination, we were rewarded with a stunning, unobstructed view of the majestic Three Towers.
3. The 4-hour descent was grueling, especially for two hiking novices like us who had not rented trekking poles. By the time we made it back to the welcome center at 7:30 pm, our knees were aching, but the sense of accomplishment was immense.
4. A 2-hour drive brought us back to Puerto Natales, where we indulged in a sumptuous king crab dinner at Santolla, a perfect end to an exhausting yet fulfilling day.
We finally returned home around 11:00 pm, tired but exhilarated.
The entire hike covered approximately 25 kilometers, with over 30,000 steps, and took about 9 hours, punctuated by two well-earned beers. 🐻 felt the experience was absolutely worth every step, while 🐑, though equally impressed, declared she would never attempt such a climb again.
Stay tuned for more updates on other routes and attractions from our road trip.
