Lost in Torres del Paine
At the end of the Chilean world, 350km from the nearest big city, lies Torres del Paine; a prehistoric-feeling National Park famed for its granite spires, ancient plains, ethereal glaciers and isolated beauty. This is a place of adventure and intrigue. While days are passed braving the Patagonian terrain – a combination of grassy fields, impossible cliffs, snow-covered mountains and dazing waterfalls – nights are spent watching the beautifully choreographed light display put on by the various constellations of the Southern Hemisphere. The fact that the only other light at night comes from the moon only adds to the region’s mysticism.
Feeling whimsical and rather in awe, you’re up for any challenge Torres del Paine decides to throw at you. You’ll dare to tackle at least a small part of the famed ‘W’ Trail. Voted as one of the world’s best hike by National Geographic magazine, the entire trail covers a distance of 75km and takes three to six days to complete. You walk through the Park’s iconic las torres (the towers), huge granite monoliths that turn pink at sunset and foster pastel-hued glacial lakes. You’ll also venture through the French Valley, a forest, wildflower and mountain-covered area that still carries the scars of bushfires past. Then there is Glacier Grey, accessed only by boat, this glacier glows the most astounding shade of blue. Alternatively, you could always bike through the plains, watched over by Alpaca-like Guanacos, who are simultaneously inquisitive and terrified. Or just indulge in the region’s famed Patagonian food and local wine – somehow Malbec always tastes better when actually devoured in Chile.
However you choose to pass you time in this uniquely stunning National Park, one thing is sure. Being this isolated is utterly exhilarating.
