Patagonian Adventure
Maria Lucas, who worked in our office for a year before moving permanently to Chile, has just come back from her first ever visit to Patagonia.
Here are her observations:
Located where the Andes slowly sink into the sea, Chilean Patagonia is characterized by numerous mountains, glaciers, fjords and channels that stimulate the adventurous traveller’s instincts.
Puerto Natales
Gateway to the Torres del Paine National – this is also a charming Chilean port. The recent opening of Puerto Natales airport during high season means that direct flights save a 3 hour drive from Punta Arenas.
This territory was once inhabited by the Kawéskar and Aonikenk peoples is world-renowned for its great beauty. I entered the territories between mountains, glaciers, lagoons, rivers and forests. I walked, cycled and rode; got to know estancias – local ranches – immersed in immense prairies. It was without a doubt, the Patagonian adventure that I imagined.
Near the town, we also find the Milodon Cave Natural Monument, former home of a 3 meters tall herbivorous mammal whose remains can be found in the British Museum.
In Puerto Natales we find a great diversity of hotels to stay in, depending on what you are looking for. Among them, I must highlight the Remota Patagonia Lodge with its vast views of Fiordo Ultima Esperanza – Last Hope fjord. An award winning hotel for its sustainable architecture that offers warm and personalized services and excursions inside and outside the park.
The Patagonian adventure is also beyond the National Park
Hike
The trails surrounding the Milodon Cave offer numerous options for trek lovers and also mountain bikers. There is a series of trails and a varied range of panoramic views of one of the most interesting areas of the Chilean Patagonia, The Paine mountain range.
The main path leads to the largest of the three caves, where the remains of the Milodon were found; a full size replica can be found on site. Most visitors, only do this short walk.
However, we went further and the fabulous views were well worth the effort. To stand at the viewpoint contemplating the immensity of the Chilean mountains and landscapes is among all the feeling of being in Patagonia.
Estancia
The Chilean Patagonia estancias are slowly opening up to tourism. A visit gives you the opportunity to experience the lifestyle at the tip of the continent. Any visit will offer horse riding, hiking, cultural experiences related to the work of Gauchos with dogs and horses and sheep shearing. The traditional “cordero al palo” barbecue – roasted whole lamb will be essential. A full day experience in an estancia is without a doubt an unmissable Patagonian adventure.
For me, the Estancia La Peninsula is definitely a recommended place. A cosy estancia in a peninsula where the attention of the staff makes you feel at home. To get to this estancia we navigated the fjord Ultima Esperanza. On arrival, we had an exciting horse ride through a spectacular setting of Lengas and Coigües; returning by a path on the shore of the fjord. In the estancia, we tasted the famous roasted lamb that had been roasting slowly for over 3 hours. A good glass of Chilean wine, or a southern beer accompanying that tender meat in the typical landscape of the place, was a fitting Patagonian lunch. Before leaving the place we witnessed the traditional shearing. Five kilos of wool were shorn off a single sheep in around 3 minutes. We also got to learn shearing functionality and the different types of wool quality.
Torres del Paine National Park
Ice Hike
To get to the Gray Glacier, the boat trip is a very recommendable way to arrive. This is on an ice boat which will take you close to the glacier`s walls.
When you disembark you will be kitted out for the trek and briefed and then set off on a zodiac heading for Islatak Island. From there, you walk on this one for about an hour to reach the glacier.
This is a walk that requires being in good physical condition and suitable clothing. Upon reaching the ice, the guide helps to adjust the ice equipment – ice axe, crampons, helmet and harness. Fabulous.
