Jaunted

Our first trip was organized by Rutas Patagonias in Puerto Natales. After getting decked out in our super sexy wetsuit, we headed to Grey Lake. We’re told that the winds can be get up to 150 mph, which can make for a bumpy lake excursion. A tourist boat recently capsized in the middle of lake because of the turbulent waters, and while we may be clumsy and not the sportiest type, we refused to be the Grey Lake's next victim.

Luckily, the weather gods were looking out for us. The conditions ended up being incredible -- sunny, clear and the water was so calm. It was an ideal kayaking day. The coolest part of this trip was that Grey Lake has some amazing 100 year old icebergs poking out from the water. These are some sturdy burgs to boot, with 75% of their mass underwater. We followed our leader, keeping our distance from any possible burg breaks, but stayed close enough to grab a piece of ice to snack on. As for the lake water, it is completely fresh and even drinkable. We couldn't help ourselves and got lake drunk in a hurry. Aahh!! How many spots on earth can you still drink straight from the source? Not many.

Next, it was off to Lake Sofia for some rock climbing. While most tourist companies tend to make it easy for tourists to get through these excursions so that they can return home and boast about accomplishing this or that amazing feat with exerting much energy, our organizers, Hotel Remota didn't play that game. Our guide said the rock climbing was pretty easy for first time climbers, however, we beg to differ. What beginner can climb up a 50 meter incline unless they are some sort of rock climber savant.

Jaunted Tips:
+Wear flexible light pants
+Ditch that fear of heights
+Pre climb drinking to ditch that fear of heights not recommended
+Trust your guide
+Breathe
+Check out the scenery

Jaunted Victory One *male* traveler on our trip got only a quarter of the way up the incline before quitting, but Jaunted embeds don't quit. Truth is, we were being lead meticulously by our guide, and slowly made our way up never looking back, until of course we were on top. Just in case you’re wondering- yes, you do feel like you’re on top of the world when you challenge yourself and climb up a 50-meter cliff. The view is mind blowing -- Lake Sofia surrounded by green mountains -- but the adrenaline rush is what it is all about. Besides the reward of that incredible moment, our afternoon was capped off with a cave lunch prepared by the hotel. Pisco sour, wine, food and the taste of success.

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