Why would anyone go to Punta Arenas and then to Puerto Natales? To see the Torres del Paine national park! It is truly amazing. You have seen photos of Punta Arenas it is a pretty humble port city. It has some amazing smallish buildings in the city center, nice airport, and a number of military bases. However, it’s claim to fame is a protected port on the straights of Magellan. It was summer in Punta Arenas and we kept our down jackets zipped up and purchased ski hats to stay warm. On the bus trip from Arenas to Natales we saw windswept trees – only a few – and a few hearty homesteads. —not much to see. Then once our bus arrived in Puerto Natales this town is very modest. The town is about 5 blocks wide and about 1 mike long. The town has small shops and cafes and small homes. The economy is tourist driven with trip planning to Torres del Paines being the driving force. Life in Chile and South America is basic. People live simply. They live in small homes, walk to the local market / daily for their food. Do not go out to eat. Dress simply. Most do not have cars. The local buses are packed at all hours of the day and the long distance buses are filled with tourists and families and are nice, timely, and reasonably priced. ….okay….why these two towns? To see Torres….coming next…but first a few photos of getting to Torres…
Camino Venture 