It was early in the morning, at 6 o'clock, that we took the road to leave El Calafate in Argentina and to reach Puerto Natales, in the extreme south of Chile. We had booked the minivan trip the day before, at a local tourist agency in Calafate. It included a four-hour guided hike in Torres del Paine (8 passengers) and a transfer to Puerto Natales.
After two hours, we arrive at the border to leave Argentina and enter Chile. 45 minutes later we arrive at the entrance "PorterÃa Laguna Verde" of Torres del Paine Park.
Torres del Paine National Park
This national park was created in the early 1960s to conserve and protect biodiversity and landscapes. It bears the name of the three granite formations (Les Tours du Massif Paine) which symbolize the park and stand out clearly from the landscape.
It is best to spend a minimum of two days exploring this park. It is possible to camp there and some spend a whole week there. For our part, we made a quick visit but we spend four splendid hours.
Upon our arrival, we come across hundreds of guanacos (kind of lamas) and herds of ostriches.
At this entrance of the park, a path runs along the Laguna Verde which offers sublime reflections.
Lakes, lagoons, rivers punctuate our small expedition under the blue sky ...
Throughout the walk, the heterogeneous vegetation is surprising.
We arrive at the wonderful waterfall "Salto Grande".
The Paine Towers are hidden by the white clouds that mingle with the snow of the peaks.
To prepare your hike, here is the map of Torres del Paine Park
Puerto Natales
Arrived at Puerto Natales, we discover its fishing port where majestic swans lounging. It is hot but there is a little wind omnipresent. We spend a day exploring the city and its surroundings.
Puerto Natales is located on the Señoret Canal and the Última Esperanza Fiord, connected to the Pacific Ocean by the Almirante Montt Gulf. This prime location makes Punta Arenas the starting point for regular sea cruises.
The architecture of the city reminds us of our stage in Ushuaia. These small houses in sheet metal and colored wood give a lot of charm to the places.
Puerto Natales: where to sleep and eat?
Our hotel: the Hostal Mary, a guesthouse in the center of an English type house, kitsch to perfection! With kitchen available and a warm welcome.
A restaurant that will be remembered for a long time: The Afrigonia, fusion between cuisine from Africa and Patagonia.
We also liked the Pizzeria Mesita Grande and the Parilla Don Jorge on the place des arms. In short, we spent our time at the restaurant!
After Puerto Natales, I reached Punta Arenas by bus to take my plane to France, after a month and a half of a ride in South America.
Discover the complete itinerary of my trip to South America (Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego)
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