january 2014

Patagonia is still my top travel destination. The whole trip felt epic. First, we flew into Puenta Arenas, Chile, took a bus to Puerto Natales, then took another bus the next day to the catamaran that would eventually take us to the trailhead of Torres del Paine National Park. And then from there, a 3 night/ 4 day hike on the W trail to reach the Mirador of the Towers. I've never been through so many micro-climes at once and had such a consistent gorgeous view while hiking.  We were also lucky with the weather, where the most it rained was a drizzle in the mornings or in the evenings. Patagonia usually has such inhospitable weather, few animals live there, which is one of the reason why the river water is safe to drink. Best tasting water I've ever had. For the trek, we had booked bunks at the various refugios along the trail: Refugio Grey, Refugio Cuernos, and Hotel Torres. It really helped to have shelter and food at the end of a long day's hike. This was really one of the best experiences ever and I always recommend it to everyone.

This is also where I fell in love with hiking. The ability to rely on your own two feet and carrying all your belongings in a pack on your back gave me a freedom I never had before. I love the physicality, the independence, and the views that only hiking can bring.