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Published: April 3rd 2010
Hola, all my travel blog followers I appreciate all the comments and those wishing me well along my journey. As the title indicates, I have travelled the distance of Peru all the way to the tip of South America to the city of Ushuaia in Tierra de Fuego on buses. Its been a great journey with so much diversity of landscapes meeting all sorts of people from locals to fellow backpackers.
The last segement to the bottom was filled with spectacular scenery from Torres de Paine in the Chiliean patagonia to Ushuaia in Argentina. Torres de Paine is the big name natianal park that tourist flock to in Chile. The main attraction is the W circuit of 4-5 days or the Circuit which takes 10 days of trekking. I did a quick modified portion of the W section that took 3 days with my full pack on. With stories of having to walk single file on the overcrowded trails, I found my experience much different only seeing a few others and experiencing spectacular weather. I believe the earthquake in Chile restricted flights and buses to get to the natianal park, which I benefited from minimal crowds. Travelling solo on
the trail it was a great time to observe and respect the nature I was surrounded by. Giant peaks (The Torres), wild Guanocos, glaciars, condors, and many rivers, creeks and lakes to replenish my water supply from. Truly an outdoor wonderland, with great infrustructure for all abilities. A highlight for me was all the suspension bridges to cross over the many rivers as well as the wonderful free camping sites. I really enjoyed the trekking with a pack to the next location to set up the tent and cook backpacker food, a nice change from all the day hiking I have been doing. The natianal park is located a 2 hour bus ride from the city of Puerto Natales. Puerto Natales is a small windy city on the coast that has thrived as the preparation city to the Torres de Paine park.
Returning to Puerto Natales after 3 days on the trail I was able to catch an early bus the next morning for Ushuaia the southern most city on Earth with a decent population. A total of 12 hours with one connection in Rio Grande I made the long journey along the western part of South America. Sitting
Tierra de Fuego
Curious Penguinon the Strait of Maggelen Ushuaia has expanded its shipping, fishing industries into tourism. With a long main street full of souvenir shops, tour agencies a casino and nice restaurants and nightlife catering to the thousands that make it to its isolated location every summer. Used as a main hub to take trips to the unique continent of Antartica the city attracts all kinds from the very rich, backpackers, and many finishing there motorcycle or bicycling journy's. The trip to Antartica was tempting if I had 3000 extra dollars to use on the 10-12 day trip. Activities I did were trekking through the Tierra de Fuego natianal park, with its spectacular views of forests and lakes, a penguin tour where you were aloud close encounters with the curious flightless birds, and nightlife with all the interesting characters who have also made the journey south. After 6 days in Ushuaia I was ready for my journey north to Buenos Aires, where I fly out of to South Africa 18 days later. What an incrediable time in Patagonia from the north in El Bolson to the south in Ushuaia. There are many efforts to keep Patagonia clean and pure, and large companies
from exploiting the natural resources within. As population and wealth grows in Chile and Argentina, there as an ever increasing demand for energy sources, and natural resources. If you have interest in the natural beauty of Patagonia try and make it here sooner than later. My final entry in south america will be of the wonderful city of Buenos Aires and of the country across the river Plato, Uruguay.
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Joe
non-member comment
Wow man
This is cool man. You have been so many amazing places. From a photography standpoint, I can only imagine what it must be like to see this stuff in person. Stay safe man and keep enjoying it all and taking it all in.