Hiking in Patagonia - Chile and Argentina
February 2-18, 2013
Part One - Chile
Page Four - Hiking to Torres del Paine
We hiked to the Towers of Paine (Torres del Paine) from the Hosteria Las Torres,
about 2,600 ft. elevation gain from lowest to highest elevation but much more
gain considering ups and downs.
Nordenskjold Lake in the background as we head up near the beginning of the hike.
Ascencio River Valley (Rio Ascencio)
Rio Ascencio (Ascencio River) with Nido de Condor behind and the Towers
just starting to appear to the left of Nido de Condor
Nearing the steep, scree area before reaching the Towers.
Although it was a beautiful day, we occasionally experienced strong winds
characteristic of Patagonia. When we were in the scree, a particularly strong gust almost
knocked many of us over.
The granite towers - Torres del Paine - shaped by glacial ice
Pat in front of the eastern face of the Towers
Heading back to the Hosteria Las Torres along Rio Ascencio. You can see the trail that goes uphill on the right.
A horseman wearing the typical hat of the region, probably a worker at a camping area that was nearby.
Firebush, a large perennial shrub (Hamelia patens)
Almirante Nieto in the background
Horses go to the right; hikers go to the left. No words are needed with these signs.
This is back near the beginning of the trail.
Southern Crested Caracara. They mainly feed on carrion.
This one was wandering in front of the Hosteria Las Torres, where we stayed
the night
before hiking to Torres del Paine and the night after the hike.
The Southern Crested Caracara (Carancho) has become aware of our presence nearby.
Link to Page Five - Hiking the Paso Los Cuernos Trail
Pat's Home Page