The Magic of Torres del Paine
If you forced me to choose a favorite National Park in the world, I would have a heck of a time choosing just one. I mean, I’ve been to some amazing National parks in my lifetime. In the states, I love Zion and Glacier national Parks…they are both amazing (for very different reasons). The Serengeti National park in Tanzania will always have a special place in my heart, simply for the mind-blowing array animals I’ve witnessed there. I could go on and on about great National Parks that I’ve been to. However, if you really made me choose my favorite National Park, I’d fight you tooth and nail to not have to limit it to just one, but in the end I think I’d have to go with Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.
When I first set eyes on the massive mountains in Torres del Paine in Patagonia, I was awestruck. I will remember it in the same way when I first glimpsed the Pyramids of Giza. And writing that just now, I find it to be a bit of a strange comparison that I am correlating a mandmade structure like the pyramids to a natural National Park like Torres del Paine. But I really do love the outdoors that much…..I think I am more impressed by natural beauty.
The landscape of the park is dominated by the Paine massif (part of which is pictured here), which is an eastern spur of the Andes, rising dramatically above the Patagonian steppe. Visitors there typically do day hikes into the park and sleep at hotels and Estancias (South American ranches) overlooking the mountains, but there is great camping there as well (albeit cold and windy). I stayed at the incredible Explora resort, which (at about $1,000 smackaroos a night) was one of the most incredible places I’ve ever stayed. Imagine waking up to this view every morning?
Besides great mountains and world-class hiking, Torres del Paine has some great animal life. You are bound to see the crazy Guanacos (camelids native to South America), Andean Condors, and Darwin’s Rheas (small flightless birds that are cousins to the ostrich). If you are really lucky, you may even see a fox or a puma.
I like this image for the light touch of sunset that appears on the very peak of the mountains, and the sweeping natural structure of the mountains themselves. I also love the shape of the weathered and eroded top of the mountain, and how you can see the different sedimentary layers in the rock. Seeing this photo takes me back to that moment when I was watching the sunset seep over the mountains and just sat in stunned silence. Just an awesome place in the world…..one of my favorites, in fact!
If you had to choose just one National Park as your favorite (if I twisted your arm), which one would you choose?
Jonathan Irish is a seasoned travel photographer who has traveled to over 65 countries and specializes in photographs of people, landscapes, abstracts, and, above all, cultures abroad. His work has appeared in various National Geographic publications, and he is represented by National Geographic’s Image Collection www.NationalGeographicStock.com/jonathanirish. When he is not traveling the world in search of amazing photos, he gathers inspiration from the other great photographers at National Geographic, where he is the Program Director for National Geographic Adventures Jonathan lives in Washington, D.C.
Check out more of his photography at JonathanIrish.com
Follow his daily photography on Twitter at MagnumJI,
Instagram at Magnumji
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17 Responses to The Magic of Torres del Paine
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The harsh and beautiful wilderness region of Patagonia, which is shared by Argentina and Chile, does not give up its secrets easily, but rewards the few people who make it this far south with some truly breathtaking scenery. Home to mountains, fjords, glaciers, unbelievably blue lakes, and perhaps the best fishing and big-game hunting to be found on the continent, Torres del Paine National Park is the epicenter of all that is untamed and unspoiled in the area. A trek through its many spectacular peaks – most of which can be scaled by mid-level climbers – is guaranteed to send you back for more. In fact, most of its visitors are returning trekkers.
TourisT recently posted..Grace Bay
The harsh and beautiful wilderness region of Patagonia, which is shared by Argentina and Chile, does not give up its secrets easily, but rewards the few people who make it this far south with some truly breathtaking scenery. Home to mountains, fjords, glaciers, unbelievably blue lakes, and perhaps the best fishing and big-game hunting to be found on the continent, Torres del Paine National Park is the epicenter of all that is untamed and unspoiled in the area. A trek through its many spectacular peaks – most of which can be scaled by mid-level climbers – is guaranteed to send you back for more. In fact, most of its visitors are returning trekkers.
Torres del Paine is honestly one of the most amazing parks in the world, nice review keep up !
Marc Lincoln recently posted..Grace Bay
I love that park…Killer photo too!
For the family backpacking trip memories I have to say Yosemite, but in sheer beauty I could definitely vote for Torres del Paine! I only spent a couple of days there and need to go back to explore more.
Emily in Chile recently posted..Saturday in Santiago: BocaNariz Wine Bar
One of these days I’ll make it down there! I can’t even imagine how witnessing these mountains would feel in person. Photographs are nice, but they never fully capture a location like seeing it with your own eyes. But I’m guessing Jonathan’s shot does a pretty decent job.
Matthew Karsten recently posted..Running with the Tarahumara
That photo is amazing! I want to go so badly. I haven’t been to many national parks – not nearly as many as you! – but White Sands in New Mexico has been my favorite so far…even though it is technically a National Monument…hmmph.
Lindsay – An Adventure A Week recently posted..Escondido Falls Hike
Torres del Paine appears to be breathtakingly beautiful, mountains appear to be delicious blocks of chocolates with lots of cream thrown in.
beautiful picture
Indeed.
It almost feels trite but, Yellowstone National Park, in the United States. I had heard so much about this place I didn’t want to like it. I was too cool. I mean how awesome can a place this popular be. I was wrong and immediately fell in love.
Jonathan Look, Jr. recently posted..Worry and Concern
It’d be really hard to choose one National Park for sure. But if you twisted my arm (I hope you won’t), I’d go with Banff National Park in Canada. Then again, there are so many National Parks I’m yet to see, like the beautiful Torres del Paine.
Salika Jay recently posted..Is Iceland A Destination Worth Saving Up For?
stunning photos! i wish i can go there someday too!
Happy Philippines recently posted..Timeless Bolinao Sights
OMG! It looks amazing! Take me there NOW!!
Laura @Travelocafe recently posted..5 Things to Do At Las Fallas Festival in Valencia
I can’t stop to see this view.I wish to go this park.This is rear to see.Just simple nice………….
Island Deals recently posted..Enjoy 50% off $30 vouchers to be used towards delicious appetizers and entree’s at Libra New …
Magical indeed!!! Would love to see it with my own eyes someday.
Arti recently posted..Thirsty Throats and Water Woes of India
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