The Crown Jewel of Chile
March 25th, 2006 by MikeToday we returned to Puerto Natales after a brief (2 day) trip of Parque Nacional Torres del Paine.
Yesterday one bus got us into the park and another got us to the Los Torres Refugio, where we were going to spend the night. We dropped off a few things there and started our 8 hour hike to view the Torres (directly translated, towers)
The first 3 hours, we climbed up the valley. Most of the folks on the Navimag boat also headed straight for the park so we met some friends along the way. Here are Ashley and her mother, from Calgary, and Alicia. In the background you can see the Los Chilenos Refugio.
The last hour up was more like a scramble. Even with the orange dots on the rocks it was not easy to stay on track.
Even though the Torres were clouded over, the views from the top were impressive.
Alicia, Ashley and Sue. Sue and her husband are actually from Wallingford!
Just imagine three huge spires sticking straight up at the far end of this lake. Actually, they are so tall the peaks would be way off the top of this photo.
A beautiful stream on the way down.
Alicia crossing the river.
We made it back to our refugio just in time for dinner, then retired to our room. We shared a room with two of the couples we knew from the Navimag. The next morning we woke to a beautiful red sunrise so I hopped out of bed to catch of the glimpse of the illusive towers.
We started walking to the park entrance but only made it about half way before we were offered a ride. Who could refuse?
The truck barely squeezed through this bridge. It looked like about an inch on each side to spare!
Today we did short hike to the Cuernos viewpoint and some falls. The Cuernos peaks are in the background here.
Massive mountain just southwest of the Cuernos.
Another unknown mountain off in the distance.
The Grand Falls, complete with a rainbow.
Ostrich!
The End.
