In March 2007 Kathy and I visited the Patagonian Andes of South America. Located at the southern tip of the South American continent, the Patagonian Andes are shared between Chile and Argentina. We visited both countries as each contains national parklands that were on our itinerary; Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. Both national parks are located adjacent to the Hielo Sur or Patagonian Ice Cap. The Patagonian Icecap is the third largest body of ice on Earth, exceeded only by Greenland and Antartica.
Our intentions included a circumnavigation of the Paine Massif in Torres del Paine and exploration of the valleys within the northern sector of Parque National Los Glaciares in Argentina, better known simply as "Fitzroy" for the largest mountain in the region.
Click an image gallery below do see photographs and trip notes from each national park.
From the photos you have taken, I think that both El Chalten and Torres del Paine have similar landscapes in the classic views. Am I right ? I'm thinking going to El Chalten and skip Torres del Paine.
Xavier
08-Aug-2007 05:33
Forgot to add. Feel free to email me: cohenxa@gmail.com
Xavier
08-Aug-2007 05:33
Great Photos and great commentary. I am planning a similar trip next year and I still wonder when to go: January or March. My goal is photography and I am planning to spend a total of 2 weeks at both parks. Based on your experience(s) do you have any thing that you will recommend? Books, website, recommended equipment...Was it hard to find empty site at some refugios in Paine? I was planning to alternate camping and refugios. Last comment, what was your budget? Since you use the bus/campground I guess you did not have a lot of expenses. Thanks for sharing. Xavier