Jaunted

As we drove 5 hours from the small and deserted town of Punta Arenas to the heart of Patagonia, two things came to mind:

- Patagonia Outlet shopping. - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid, because legend has it they spent their final days in this region.

American consumerism aside, it was time to get a more unique taste of this incredible destination known as backpacker paradise.

THE ESTANCIA
Our first stop was an estancia (farm) called Cerro Lodge Guido right on the outskirts of Torre del Paine National Park. For hundreds of years, these self-contained communities have peppered the countryside. The one we visited sprung up in 1906, it is the oldest in the region, and comes complete with 50,000 sheep and 2000 cows. For $236-$305 a night, you can also sleep in the Cerro Lodge overlooking the farm and enjoy a traditional lamb BBQ.

After the tour and a little horseback riding, we were treated to a Pisco Sour lesson. While you might not get an official one during your travels, we’re sure if you beg most local bartenders they will be happy to teach you how to make this signature Chilean drink. In case you get turned down, we will leave you with the Cliff Notes.

HOW TO MAKE THE ULTIMATE PISCO SOUR
Put ice in a martini mixer
Add 8 shots of Pisco liquor
Add 3 shots of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 egg white
3 spoons of honey
2 spoons of sugar
Shake it up and salut!

Look Cool Amongst Your New Patagonian Friends:
Before toasting, pour a little of your drink out of your cup onto the ground and say: "For the pacha mama". It is a local tradition to toast Mother Earth.

TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Our next stop, Torres Del Paine National Park.

Tip: Driving is the way you want to get here.
This isn’t one of those “Are we there yet?” drives. You’ll forget how long you’re driving after being swept away by the vast breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and lakes outside your window. If you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of a Condor, Guanacos or a Rhea -- that last one is a Chilean Emu.

One of the main attractions in this park is Torres Del Paine -- the star mountain of the park. This vista is sure to produce an aha! moment. Or, at the very least it will have you zooming in, out, and clicking away on your digital camera until you get the perfect shot.

Deep Chilean Thoughts
As our tour guide Christina noted:

It’s not just a place you go and see, but a place you feel.

Amen Christina, Amen.

Patagonia Adventures Part II is next...

Related Stories:
· Chile Travel Stories [Jaunted]
· Shira in Chile [Jaunted]