Hike with Me in Patagonia – 18 photos
Arriving in Puerta Natales - the gateway to Torres del Paine
Patagonia – Torres del Paine National Park in particular – is an incredible destination for solo travelers.
It was my “big” trip last year. Flying to Santiago, enjoying colorful Valparaiso, taking the Navimag Ferry through the fjords south to the Puerto Natales and, finally, hiking in Patagonia.
I have written many posts about it. You will find a summary in this Solo Travel Chile Guide that I put together.
But here, I’d like to share with you the experience of hiking the fantastic Torres del Paine.
Excitement mounts as you enter the actual national park.
I decided to go up the right side of the "W" first as the weather was good. You don't want to miss the towers in the sunshine. This is the bridge that begins the trail.
The trail follows this valley for quite a while.
I hiked and camped with Noemie who I met on the Navimag Ferry. Here, she is dwarfed by the mountains.
We spent the first night in the campground below the Towers.
Nearing the top. The towers are peaking out. The orange polls indicate the trail.
And we made it to the grand prize - the Towers in Torres del Paine.
Coming back along the same trail in the opposite direction. From this perspective, it's hard to believe that there are such peaks so close..
We headed to the other side of the "W" by shuttle, bus and catamaran. Everyone had to walk across the bridge and the shuttle bus went empty.
Hot chocolate and biscuits on the catamaran were a treat.
The view from the catamaran was magnificent as well.
Pisco Sours top off the day.
Storybook drama in the sky that evening.
The hike that day included the Grey Glacier.
It was windy at that lookout.
Stunning aqua lake. I then took a bus back to Puerto Natalies
After three days of very simple food I enjoyed the best seafood stew at Restaurant El Maritimo in Puerto Natales.
