TORRES DEL PAINE
PHOTO DIARY OF TORRES DEL PAINE
There are few times in my life where I can say I’ve seen a spectacular sunrise, let alone in an extremely remote location in southern Chile. Rising very early for the full day trek to the base of the Towers, our group was travelling in the Patagonia Camp van along a quiet road within the Torres del Paine National Park in darkness.
When we were close to the starting point of our trek, the morning eventually became lighter with violet hues naturally filtering the clear sky. We stopped so we could watch the moment pink morning rays crossed the granite massifs to illuminate the peaks. This sight would eventually welcome us up close later in the day.
As a seasoned walker but not yet acclaimed hiker, I’ve found a new appreciation for long and sometimes demanding walks if they are to be surrounded by nature as captivating and pristine as Patagonia.
SUNRISE OVER THE GRANITE MASSIFS
VERY EARLY MORNING IN TORRES DEL PAINE
MOMENTS LIKE THESE
TORRES BASE TREK BEGINS FROM HOTEL LAS TORRES PATAGONIA THAT HAD JUST CLOSED FOR THE SEASON
PUMA TRACKS ON THE FROSTY BRIDGE BUT NO PUMA SIGHTINGS
TORRES DEL PAINE
TREKKING VIEWS
TREKKING HIGH ABOVE
BEWARE OF ROLLING STONES
WINTER IS COMING
ABOUT TO TREK THROUGH THE FOREST
GETTING CLOSER
THE BOULDER PATH TO REACH THE BASE OF THE TOWERS
BASE OF THE TOWERS
THE THREE GRANITE MASSIFS
CONDORS PUTTING ON A SHOW FOR US
SHEER GRANDEUR
TREKKING DOWN FROM THE BASE OF THE TOWERS THROUGH THE BOULDERS
GLACIAL STREAMS
AFTERNOON RAYS
SUNSET IN TORRES DEL PAINE
HOSTERÍA PEHOÉ ON LAGO PEHOÉ
BIRD WATCHING OVER LAGO PEHOÉ
EXPLORA PATAGONIA LUXURY HOTEL IN THE DISTANCE
SHORT HIKE TO SALTO GRANDE
ONE OF NINE AVALANCHES DURING OUR MORNING HIKE
LOS CUERNOS HIKE
CUERNOS DEL PAINE
IN SUMMARY | What you need to know….
– LOCATION – Torres del Paine, Chile South America
– TO DO – The Torres Base Trek is a 18km return full day excursion with an experienced guide that is included in the Regular All Inclusive program at Patagonia Camp
– STAY – Patagonia Camp
Originally booked just Bed & Breakfast but decided to upgrade to the Regular All Inclusive
Our 5 night program included return transfers from Punta Arenas, full board (buffet brekky, lunch, 3 course or buffet dinner), open bar (house wines, standard liquors, drinks on excursions), daily standard shared excursions to Torres del Paine inc Entrance fees, Spanish/English guides and a free night at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Santiago
Camino Milodón – Porteño Km 74, Torres del Paine, Chile South America
– FLY – Qantas Premium Economy to Santiago (SCL) and LAN from SCL to Punta Arenas (PUQ)
– TRANSFERS – Transfers are included in the Regular All Inclusive Program from Punta Arenas (or other select locations) to Patagonia Camp return or can be organised separately for an additional cost
Photos by Mel McLeod ©
