Exploring Patagonia - Ruta 40 - Torres del Paine - Take 2

I thought before moving on I would share some more pics from torres del Paine, since it yielded so many great shots.

Exploring Patagonia - Ruta 40 - Camping in Torres del Paine

In Torres del Paine National park, there are plenty of places to stay, be them Hotels or campsites.

If your on a budget you might want to consider camping, and among the camp sites, the cheapest ones are those located outside the park itself.

We stayed at one that was just outside the Serrano entrance towards the south, Called Camping Serrano, and it was very comfy and cheap.

Exploring Patagonia - Southern Chile - Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine is Chile's most southern National Park, at least the largest, most southern, it is a must on your bragging rights list.

It spans 242242 hectares, for Chile that is quite a lot, it is located way south on the 50th parallel and is visited mostly by wealthy foreigners. If you continue 300 clicks south you will reach Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams which are Chile's most southern cities located in Tierra del fuego.

"Torres del Paine" sits on the other side of the border parallel with "Los Glaciares"in Argentina.
no need to say that the scenery is breathtaking. You can spend from 3 days to a week in the Park and still leave some spots behind.

The entrance fee for non Chileans is around around $35 American, but will last you for the whole stay. The lodgings in the Park range from expensive Hotels to basic campgrounds with all the basic amenities.

Exploring Patagonia - Southern Chile - Camping in Coyaique

As of finding a place to camp in Coyaique, there is a neat place at "Piedra del Indio" which is a Rock beside a river that is famous

The camp is called "El Camping " and it will accommodate vehicles or anyone with a tent, the price is around 8 bucks a night and it has all the basic amenities you will find in campsites all along Chile.

In Passing snapshot - The cat in the window

This kitty was taking nonchalance a nap inside a store window in Coyaique, Chile

Exploring Patagonia - Southern Chile - Coyaique

The city of Coyaique is the Capital of the XI region in Southern Chile. It is a hub for all business and tourism in the Area

whether your heading south or north, you will probably stop there, even if you need any type clothing or bike parts, its the place to go.

Food is good specially if you stick to seafood and fish, since the southern coasts of Chile abound with delicious Salmon and extra large sea food.

It also has some very pretty scenery.

Exploring Patagonia - Southern Chile - Puerto Ivanez to Coyaique

Leaving Puerto Ivañez, we headed north to Coyaique on Chile's ninth region, roughly 90 clicks away from Puerto Ivañez.

Te "Carretera Austral" which spans most of southern Chile will take you there

The road is filled with bikers cuz the scenery is magnificent, thousands of cyclers come here to do this stretch of road across the Andes.

Exploring Patagonia - Southern Chile - Chile Chico to Puerto Ivañez

S, if you are heading west from Chile Chico, your next stop is Puerto Ivañez which is even smaller than Chile Chico.

You need to take the ferry which in the summer season is always packed with vehicles, so if you are with one, buy yer tickets in advance. As a passenger on foot, there isn't much problem.

the trip is only two hours long, but the scenery is amazing

One arriving in Puerto Ivañez you can go to Coyaique or continue south.

Exploring Patagonia - Southern Chile - Chile Chico

Crossing into neighbouring Chile at this latitude, yo arrive in Chile Chico, that is located at the other shore of The Lago Buenos Aires, which in Chile is called Lago Gral Cabrera.

the town is very nice and tidy, its a fixed stop for bikers and backpackers going both ways of the border. You will have no trouble finding lodging of any price range.

there isn't that much to see around town cuz it is mostly a port for the ferry that comes from Puerto Ibanez, but it does have a lookout where you can view the lake and all the surrounding areas.