Chile – Part IV
Patagonia
On December 28th, we entered Chile for the fourth time, crossing the border at Paso Río Don Guillermo and heading straight into one of Patagonia’s most iconic landscapes: Torres del Paine National Park. As soon as we entered the park, the dramatic scenery unfolded around us—vast open plains, sharp mountain silhouettes, and changing light shaped by the ever-present Patagonian wind. We passed Laguna Amarga, stopped to admire the powerful Cascada Río Paine, and continued deeper into the park, fully immersed in its raw and untamed beauty.
Driving further south, we reached the shores of Lago Pehoé, where we decided to stay for two nights. The views over the turquoise water, framed by rugged peaks and fast-moving clouds, were simply spectacular. During our stay, we hiked up to Mirador Cóndor, a rewarding walk offering panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains—one of those moments that perfectly captures the essence of Patagonia.
However, the weather forecast soon reminded us who truly sets the rules in this region. With strong winds predicted for the coming days, we chose to adjust our plans and continue south toward the Serrano River, seeking slightly more sheltered conditions. Early the next morning, before the wind picked up again, we decided to leave the park and drive to Puerto Natales.
In Puerto Natales, we slowed down and welcomed the New Year, enjoying a few quieter days after the intense landscapes and constant movement. The town provided a good opportunity to rest, reflect on the past months of travel, and prepare for the next leg of our journey.
After the New Year, we continued south to Punta Arenas, and then followed Ruta 9 even further, driving toward the very end of the South American mainland. Along the Strait of Magallanes, we spent two quiet nights, surrounded by vast open skies, cold winds, and the unmistakable feeling of being at the edge of the world. During this stretch, we visited Fuerte Bulnes, an important historical site marking the early Chilean presence in the region, before returning to Punta Arenas.
Back in Punta Arenas, we took care of a few necessary errands before setting our sights on Tierra del Fuego. On the way, we stopped at Estancia San Gregorio, a beautifully atmospheric historic sheep ranch overlooking the strait, offering a glimpse into Patagonia’s pioneering past. We then boarded the ferry to cross the Strait of Magallanes, another milestone in our journey south.
Shortly after arriving, we stopped at Parque Pingüino Rey, where we were able to observe a small and rare King Penguin colony, a truly special wildlife encounter and a highlight of this remote region.
Finally, on January 8th, we crossed the border once again and re-entered Argentina at Paso San Sebastián, ready to continue our Patagonian adventure on the other side of the island.
