Earthquakes, Glaciers, Hiking - Three Weeks in Patagonia

South America » Chile » Magallanes » Torres del Paine
March 2nd 2010

Published: April 14th 2010

When I first decided to travel round the world for a year or so, one of my greatest concerns was how I would manage to get around South America when I didn't really speak the language. The idea of doing it all on my own, and the risk of ending up in the wrong location, or even the wrong country, was a little concerning. So, I booked a three week trip though Patagonia with a tour company known as T... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 58, Displayed: 21

Perito Moreno Glacier

Those walls of ice are 60m high.

Perito Moreno Glacier

Occasionally the glacier reaches all the way to shore and forms an ice dam, that then gets eroded and collapses. ven now, the glacier is only 10m from reaching the shore.

Perito Moreno Glacier

Proof that I am in South America, and that I was trying to grow a beard.

Perito Moreno Glacier

This Glacier is part of the Southern Icecap, which is the third largest in the world, after the Antarctic and North Pole.

Llamas in Fitroy National Park

We passed these guys as we did the first day hike in Fitroy, by El Chalten. Llamas are used because their feet/hooves do les damage than those of a horse or mule.

Mt Fitroy

We had wonderful views of Fitroy every day. Apparently this is highly unusual and we were very .

El Chalten

As you can see, the town is a bit of a nothing, located purely for good access to rock climbing and hiking spots. Well, that and to cement Argentina's claim to the territory.

El Chalten Condors in flight

They're there... honest!

Bariloche and it's Lakes

Taken from one of the mountain lookouts. Apparently this is one of the best views in the world.

Bariloche Town

Tourist Information Centre on the main Plaza.

Bariloche - Main Plaza

What I missed in this photo were the kids skateboarding off the stairs.

The Seven Lakes Drive

The road from Bariloche to Pucon.

Destroyed Bridge

Located on the Seven Lakes Drive.

Volcan Villarica

Yes, that is real smoke coming out of the crater.

Lake Pucon Shorefront

Due to previous volcanic activity the lake has a black sand beach.

Pucon at Sunset

15th April 2010

anonymous
non-member comment

bloody brilliant mate- I have photos of that exact same lighthouse! Oh and it snowed when I was there... so I get the cold bit!!

16th April 2010

Dan Wetstein
non-member comment

I'm insanely jealous Mr. Heggart
You've done well for yourself, Marc. I really like this part of your journey. I can tell, though, that you have a special affection for cormorants. Actually, remind us when you get here and we'll pull up our Patagonia photos. Have some really good ones of JPaul and Mark nose to nose with some Magellans. All the best -

16th April 2010

J. Paul
non-member comment

Enjoying Reading about your travels
Hey Marc- Really enjoying your writing, I look forward to each post. I can't wait until you get to our area. If you need it, we've got an extra room and an extra car. We're in Haymarket, VA, about an hour and a half outside Washington, DC, via car => rail. Let me know when you have a set date asap, we may be able to get you a tour or two.

27th April 2010

Bronwyn
non-member comment

Just catching up!
Hey Marc - finally catching up on your journey! It looks amazing and you write so well it feels like I am there as well! (Mind you - did NOT want to be there when you saw the spiders!!!! Love, love the wildlife you are seeing and especially love the surfing penguins!! The earthquake does not sound like something I'd want to go through, nor the way you were treated by the tour company but I guess that is all part of the travel experience! Looking forward to reading more entries when you get the opportunity to post them but in the meantime, travel safely and we'll see you in December for that slideshow night!! xx

29th April 2010

Random Remarcs
Marc Heggart

DC is definitely on the list
Hi Jeep Thanks for the invite - DC is a must as far as I am concerned, but I haven't quite worked out the dates yet. I fly out of NY on 09 or 10 Jun, so I'll probably aim to hit DC between 27 May and 03 Jun, then head up to NY for a few days before jetting it over to Europe. Marc

29th April 2010

Random Remarcs
Marc Heggart

Wait til you see the Galapagos photos....
Hi Dan I'll admit that birds in general were a fave photograph for me. When I finally get around to posting my Galapagos photos you'll see the new creatures that replaced the cororants... Albatross and the comically-named Blue-fotted Boobie! Now I just need to thin out the 300 or so photos. How's London going?

8th May 2010

Jamo
non-member comment

Awesome!
Hey mate Great work, that brought back seom good memories- Torres Del Paine was where Thorpey and I spent about 9 days hiking and kayaking (and then drinking in town after. Good times!!

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Earthquakes, Glaciers, Hiking - Three Weeks in Patagonia

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