It would have been Criminal to Miss this One!

The Lonely Planet guide book describes the Torres del Paine as the best National Park in South America.

Therefore, having reached a point within 70 kms of this attraction, we surely could not ignore such a claim.

With a clear day specifically set aside, we immediately set about organising our trip to this National Park as soon as we disembarked from our ferry at Peurto Natales.

Much to our disgust, the travel agents appeared totally apathetic. With so few tourists around in this "low" season, I would have expected them to be chasing what little business was about. However, our initial enquiries were met with responses that any day trips needed a minimum of 3 people....but they seemed reluctant to chase around for that third booking themselves!

Neither did they have a clue as to weather forecasts as a gauge to what we might be able to see if we ever reached the park. Indeed, the chances were more likely that cloud cover would be down and we wouldn't see the famous mountain peaks as portrayed on the covers of our guide books.

We were far from giving up, though time was running out since the trips normally left at 7.30am.

Luckily, our perseverance paid off......Braving the continuing blizzard, we took a side turning in town towards a main square, and discovered another travel agent, who was both incredibly helpful and was able to take our booking (and at a cheaper price than our earlier attempts).

This was not the only good fortune fate decided to lay our way...

The weather conditions for the trip could not have been better - exceptional for the time of year.

With a decent layer of snow on the ground, the skies were completely clear the whole day, providing perfect views of the Park´s famous mountain peaks.

Torres Del Paine National Park

Herd of Guanacos (Llama family)

The day reflected the true artistry of the elements, from the stunning views of the snow capped mountains, almost falsely blue-coloured ice bergs from the glaciers and finally, an amazing sunset canvass.

There was a price to pay, with the fierce, rasping and icy winds reminding us of our location. But, we survived, mainly through wearing most of the layers of clothes we had brought.

So, how chilly was it?  I´d say about an inch and a half!

Icebergs from the Grey Lake Glacier

Spectacular Sunset to end the Tour