The next few days of the trip were spent in a completely different way. We flew down to El Calafate, where we began our journey through the beautiful Patagonia. El Calafate, is a small town tailored towards travelers wishing to see the glaciers and is often used as the base into Patagonia. In addition only 75km away is the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the world not situated in the North or South Pole. What makes this glacier special besides its sheer size is its location. Situated at the same latitude as London, the continuous clouds above the mountains blocks most sun from shining through and melting the ice caps. Thus the weather is always partly cloudy with sun showers drizzling on and off . As we drove through the national park we caught glimpses of rainbows shining through the rain clouds. The colors rested on the mountains looked as if they were etched into the sides, blending in beautifully. As the van turn the bend our tour guide told us to close our eyes and open them at the count of three. The next view that greeted me was unlike anything I've seen before. There at the end of the river laid the biggest ice mass imaginable. The frozen gigant sat perched on top of the water as if standing guard before the mountain ranges. Up close you were able to hear the cracking of the ice as pieces broke and plunged into the water. At certain angles when the light hit the glacier the reflection was almost blinding. Other time the shadows exposed through the cracks slivers of blue so rich they reminded me of sapphires. It was truly one of nature's most stunning creations.
The next few days found us in Torres del Paine caught in the middle of some pretty nasty weather. On the first day we visited a few lagunas in and around the park. However the clouds were so thick it made the once towering mountains seem like nothing more than hills. The brief walk we made to see the Salto Grande waterfall quickly became a fight with Mother Nature as we pushed through the strong gusting winds trying hard not to get swepted away.
At night laying in bed hearing the howling of the wind pounding against the windows and door
we decided to scratch the hike to the base of the mountain and instead use the day for some quality rest. The morning of our departure was beautiful as the sun finally shoned through and the wind subsided. We broaded the boat to see the Grey Glacier nearby which took us on a picturques ride along the mountains. As we got closer to the glacier it started to rain, which set a foggy surreal moody to the place. Upclose this glacier was more porous then the last and resembled an ice cave. Surrounding our boat where floating chunks of ice big and small, which the staff scooped up to make our Pisco Sour.
Atmosphere: The glaciers was definitely the highlight of this part of the trip. Though driving out of Torres del Paine on a nice day I quickly saw the beautify of the park and understood why so many came out of their way to experience it.
People: Found the people pleasant enough. For the most part they were helpful and polite.
Food: Before leaving Argentina I had the pleasure of tasting their baby lamb, roasted on an open pit. Though typically I'm not a lamb lover, this was one of the best piece of meat I'm eaten. The meat was tender but flavorful while the skin was crispy like a Peking duck. It was so good I had it two nights in a row.
Beauty: Loved the glacier tours and think it was one of the prettiest natural wonders I've seen. Since typically I don't find myself venturing on trips to experience mother nature this was a good change of pace. Though the snow capped mountains were also pretty, they didn't feel as unique.
Cleanliness: The city of El Calafate was a lot nicer than Aguas Calientes.... The streets where cleaner and the houses didn't have tin roofs.
Comments: It was a great experience as a whole. The weather could have been better but it held out long enough for us to see the glacier.
Rating: 7
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