DAY 7-8 Torres del Paine

Parque Nacional Torres del Paine lies about 4.5 hours north of Punta Arenas. Sharp peaks jut above jagged ground and striking blue lakes. Guanacos which to my untrained eye look just like llamas graze lazily and barely take notice as hikers and cars go by. This is clearly their land. The young ones scamper about the plains and win my heart immediately.

I have decided at the last minute to rent a car which is ultimately a relatively easy arrangement. The prices seemed prohibitive at first but using a site called rentalcars.com, I found a great deal. Once I arranged the pick up of my 6 speed, Toyota, a welcome upgrade, in Punta Natales I set out for the park. The level paved roads soon became gravel and narrowed considerably but fortunately adapting to the experience came easily.

The Park contains lakes, rivers, waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and a range of snow capped mountains but the jewels of the park are the three granite peaks that stand above all:Torres del Paine.

My first stop-primarily for lunch-was at one of several hotels in the park where rooms go for about $350/night and up. I didn’t love the ambiance and was pleased to go on my way. I stopped at one of the park stations and asked where I might go to spend the night. They recommended a ranger station hosted by Victor who has lived in the area almost 30 years. His passion is cooking and if you are fortunate enough to catch him there, as I was, you are in for quite the treat.

The station over looks the Laguna Azul which is bluer than blue and offers the reflection of the iconic peaks on a calm day but the incessant winds leave only ripples.

My sleeping bag was very much appreciated after a long day.