Overland from Argentina to Chile and Torres del Paine National Park

12/21/16

Because almost all flights to southern Patagonia originate in Buenos Aires, we, like everyone else, must ride overland almost 8 hours to get from point A to point B - of course with several stops along the way to break up the monotony.

Our first stop for coffee and banos (bathrooms) was in the extremely tiny town of Esperanza (hope). I decided to try a sub marino - a delicious hot chocolate made with steamed milk and a solid submarine-shaped chocolate bar.

We are on our way to Torres del Paine National Park, a 1978 UNESCO
designated World Biosphere Reserve, and one of the most remote, beautiful and unspoiled locations in the world. The rich and diverse landscape includes dramatic geological formations, different ecosystems, wind-bent grasses, waterfalls, rivers and the frozen cliffs of the Andes Mountains.

 To pass the time and to honor the border crossing from Argentina to Chile, 

Godi, our local guide holds up the Argentinian flag of his country, 

while Nicole waits to showcase the Chilean flag of her country.

Here is a great color-coded sign at the entrance to the Patagonia...
(we will be traveling from north to south - all the way to the Cape Horn). 

Across from the park entry sign is a shrine of sorts where travellers share food and drink in the hopes of a safe journey. Nicole poured a beer as we observed a moment of silence - shivering and trying not to be swept away by the nasty wind.

We had a moment of "learning and discovery" when we stopped the bus to interact with one of the local ranchers and his adorable 12-yr. old son.

Torres del Paine National Park tidbits:
approximately 935 square miles
part of Paine Massif - formed about 12 million years ago

The first of millions of photos of the iconic Paine Massif - the granite mountains capped with crumbly sedimentary rock that used to lie on the valley floor. The collision of the sedimentary rock and magma forced the rock upwards into huge towers of varying shapes up to 9000 feet. Some of these are covered in permanent ice.

The park glaciers are retreating at the rate of 56 feet a year over the last 90 years. There is plentiful flora and more than 40 species of mammals, and some of the rarest bird species.

And here is a video panoramic of the Paine Massif and surrounding area from another vantage point...

https://youtu.be/RBhwyzMTdAM