Video Tour of Patagonia
I ended my 2-year RTW trip the perfect way – spending nearly a month hiking the mountain ranges of Patagonia. The fresh (at times freezing) mountain air, stunning vantages, and the long hard treks gave me time to reflect on my incredible journey.
It was the first time I had the time and space to begin unpacking all I have seen. I cherished both the time and the inspiring landscapes.
Patagonia, as you know, is the southern-most tip of South America and comprises the Andes mountains, deep lakes and icy glaciers. For more about the physical region, read: Mapping the End of the World.
But see for yourself – Here’s a video tour of the mountainscape that gave me great serenity.
Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Tierra del Fuego, Spanish for “Land of Fire,” comprises more than 18,500 sq. miles. I went to the national park on a beautifully sunny day to hike, picnic and soak up the view of a glassy Beagle Channel.
Can’t see the video? Click on this link: Tierra del Fuego
Torres del Paine, Chile
A Chilean national park, Torres del Paine is famous for its three “Towers of Paine,” which stand more than 3,000 meters above sea level. Due to a missed connection, I spent only 1 day and 1 night camping in the park, hiking to Glacier Grey in one day — It was well worth it!
Can’t see the video? Click on this link: Torres del Paine
Perito Moreno Glacier, Glacier National Park
Perito Moreno Glacier is 19 miles (30 km) long, nearly 100 square miles wide, and still growing. The glacier’s ice depth is 558 feet (170 meters). I took a boat up close to the glacier, then spent nearly 4 hours admiring the view from the catwalks directly opposite.
View from the catwalks:
Can’t see the video? Click on this link: Erin at Perito Moreno Glacier
View from the boat:
Can’t see the video? Click on this link: Panorama at Perito Moreno Glacier
El Chaltén, Argentina
El Chaltén is a tiny town within a national park. With one iffy ATM and little cell reception, it was definitely an isolated oasis.
Chaltén means “smoking mountain” in the indigenous Tehuelche language. Since the peaks are usually covered in clouds, the locals thought that the mountains were volcanoes. With this type of reputation, I was incredibly lucky to have 3 stunning days to explore the range.
Hiking to the glacier:
Can’t see the video? Click on this link: Cerro Torre
Hiking in the snow:
Can’t see the video? Click on this link: Cerro Fitz Roy
Hiking through alpine pastures:
Can’t see the video? Click on this link: Fitz Roy Range
Like Mountains? Check out these other posts:
Tags: Andes, Argentina, Cerro Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Chile, El Chaltén, mountains, Patagonia, Perito Moreno Glacier, Tierra del Fuego, Torres del Paine, trekking
This entry was posted on Sunday, January 6th, 2013 and is filed under South America.