The guides had warned Jackie not to do the Cuernos hike with a broken foot. But after trekking with her for four days, I knew a rocky trail would hardly deter her. She had survived a harrowing bout with breast cancer by taking it “one step at a time,” she had told me. I wasn’t surprised to see her using the same modus operandi to get herself up and down this trail.
Back at EcoCamp, the cooks had prepared a farewell feast of broiled lamb, rice and pasta dishes, salads, homemade breads, fruit salads and cakes. By now, we were all comrades, and the jokes flowed as freely as the wine. The male psychologists and social workers laughingly regretted not sneaking a peek at the German “nudies.” Steve, the investment banker, still swore he didn’t snore, although we all knew better by now. We all laughed when Kenneth came around with stiff pisco cocktails chilled by a chunk of ice he had somehow pirated from the glacier. I took a sip and it tasted just like Patagonia—cold, wet and wily, and with a jaw-dropping kick that stirred my soul.
Patagonia 411: Located 70 miles north of Puerto Natales and 223 miles northwest of Punta Arenas, Torres Del Paine National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere located in southern Chile. The park is known for its granite peaks and towers that soar from sea level to upward of 9,184 feet and is widely regarded as one of the world’s up-and-coming hiking meccas. For more information, visit the park’s website at www.torresdelpaine.com/ingles
This trip: Adventure Life’s 8-day Pure Patagonia Base Camp Trekking adventure is an active itinerary of massive glaciers, jagged mountains, glacier hikes, and wonderful wildlife. Hiking each day is moderate to strenuous, and participants should be in good shape.
Price is $1,670 per person and includes lodging, meals, guides, maps, and internal transportation. Airfare to and from Chile is not included.
Adventure Life encourages sustainable, low-impact travel in small groups averaging 8-10 guests. Trip leaders are bilingual and hold university degrees in anthropology, biology, botany and other relevant disciplines. Adventure Life runs several trips in Patagonia and other countries where the wilderness is the star.
