The Torres del Paine National Park has been
a World Biosphere Reserve since 1978. In this
area are found the colossal towers and horns of
granite and rock which have made it world-famous,
with altitudes of 3,050m above sea level. The
climate is unstable and even in summer the winds
can reach over 193 miles per hour.
The park preserves fragile eco-systems
inhabited by guanacos, foxes,
ñandus
and flamingos. There are various circuits, and
it is possible to do some of them by car, but
the most exciting are the paths for trekking and
excursions on horse-back.
But
adventure in Patagonia does not end here. Beyond
the Magellan Strait is Tierra del Fuego.
Magellan
gave it its name when he discovered
the territory in 1520, having glimpsed a series
of fumaroles along its coast. These were lit by
Selk'nam natives, the original inhabitants, who
were violently exterminated during the colonization.
The
island, full of mysteries and legends, today invites
the visitor to enjoy unique scenery
and
amazing sites
for sport fishing, plus
the life on the estancias, observing the
flora and fauna and sailing the channels of the
south of the world.
Attractions
History
When Ferdinand Magellan sailed through the strait in
1520, he was the first European to lay eyes on Chile.
His historic voyage opened the gates to the Pacific,
and until the Panama Canal opened in 1914, the Strait
of Magellan (and later the Cape Horn route) was the
only passage between the world's two greatest oceans.
However, the area remained the domain of Selk'nam, Aónikenk,Yamana
and Kaweskar nomads until the early 19th century, when
Chile established settlements at Fort Bulnes and later at Punta Arenas. The surrounding area
was converted into extensive sheep ranches and in the
space of few years the remarkable native cultures of
the region disappeared altogether.
Geology
The southern Patagonian Andes are composed of resistant
granite intrusions, which over millions of years have
been sculpted by glaciers into fjords, islands, U-shaped
valleys, and the dramatic spires of Torres del Paine.
East of the Andes, the landscape transforms into a broad,
nearly treeless pampa that makes great wildlife habitat.
To the south, the Andes are to the east, forming a chain
of rugged, glaciated islands ending at Cape Horn.
Flora
and fauna
The forests and pampa of Torres del Paine are home to
a remarkable array of easily visible wildlife, including
guanacos and foxes, pumas, ñandus (a South American
avestruz or ostrich), condors, and flamingos. Near Punta
Arenas there are penguin colonies at Seno
Otway and lsla Magdalena.
Activities
Fishing
The rivers and lakes of Tierra del Fuego boast Chile's
largest fish, including copious runs of sea-run trout.
A world-class lodge on the Blanco river provides guests
with unforgettable fishing at the very end of the world.
Navigation
Boat
trips departing from Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales
follow protected channels through the intensely glaciated
Andes, providing the only access to Bernardo O'Higgins
National Park and Alberto D'Agostini National
Park. Top destinations include the Balmaceda
glacier, Seno Almirantazgo, the Beagle
Canal
(to Ushuaia and Puerto Williams), and of course Antarctica.
Trekking
Torres
del Paine is the site of the world's most famous
and spectacular treks. These range from 7-10 day
circuits (with hut accommodation) to lodging in luxurious
inns and hotels, with daily hikes to the Frances
Valley, the Torres del Paine overlook, Grey Glacier,
and other waterfalls, lakes and glaciers.
Horseback riding
Once a sheep ranch, Torres del Paine is the top destination
for horseback trips in this area. |
