"The Beauty of Magellanes Region" Región Magallanes y Antártica Chilena by Trekki

Región Magallanes y Antártica Chilena Travel Guide: 463 reviews and 1,202 photos

Cuernos del Paine, just after heavy rain

Famous PN Torres del Paine

Ok, by now, Torres del Paine NP is quite overcrowded with backpackers. But usually, most of them trek the famous Circuito or the "W" (a section south of the Circuito).
However, there is much more in the park, worth to be discovered !
There is Lago Grey with it's glacier and the tiny little peninsula, there is Refúgio Zapata, close to Glaciar Pingo, there is Laguna Verde, and much more to explore.

Please see my separate page on Cordillera del Paine.

Puerto Natales - more than a "base-town"

Puerto Natales - hike around the town

Puerto Natales is considered to be the base town for the tours in all the famous parks.
But, it's more than that. Being still a fishermens' town, it already has setup itself for tourism. The restaurants are magnificent, you can have all sorts of mouthwatering seafood, the little cafes serve all kinds of cakes (inspired by "Kuchen" - the german ones :-), the hotels and hosterias will help you in organizing trips.

And it's also inspiring to feel the atmosphere of this fishermens' town by walking around - either south of it, or north, along the shore.

Penguins in Seno Otway

Curious penguins in Seno Otway colony

Pros and Cons

Pros:mighty beauty of magic mountains
Cons:the center is filled with backpackers
In a nutshell:if you avoid the beaten tracks - you'll have the adventure of your life

Last visit to Región Magallanes y Antártica Chilena: Jan 2000
Intro Updated Oct 3, 2004
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Reviews (6)

little creek - as you find them all over the regio - Región Magallanes y Antártica Chilena

Please purify your water Warnings Or Dangers (2)

Although in most southern Argentina and Chile towns, water is usually clean enough for drinking - please use precaution... more travel advice

no tents like that - please ! - Región Magallanes y Antártica Chilena

Make sure, your tent is suitable for the... Warnings Or Dangers (2)

When backpacking and camping anywhere in the Magallanes region, make sure, you have a tent which is suitable for the... more travel advice

where is the best fishing ground today ? - Región Magallanes y Antártica Chilena

Listen to penguin talk in Seno Otway Things to Do (2)

Around Punta Arenas, two major colonies of Magallanes Penguins are located, one on Isla Magdalena, the other at Seno... more travel advice

Go and have a Pisco Sour after the treks - Región Magallanes y Antártica Chilena

Go and have a Pisco Sour after the treks Favorites (1)

Trekking in Chile is always an adventure. Mainly, when the weather is typical southern Patagonia, meaning windy and... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (1)
Hike to Refúgio Zapata - in Torres del...

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Comments (25)

richiecdisc Jan 27, 2008 at 12:54 PM Report Abuse

I think the purple tent is cute but D says she wants to see penguins next trip, no ifs, ands, or buts. ;) I missed this one and the off the beaten hike sounds like a great alternative.
deecat Jun 25, 2007 at 5:02 PM Report Abuse

Now, this is real Treking, Trekki! I found these tips quite fascinating and educational. Loved the recipe for Pisco Sour. The penguins are a real delight.
NeverBeenThere May 18, 2007 at 8:40 PM Report Abuse

beautiful pictures..!
robertgaz Jun 26, 2006 at 10:13 PM Report Abuse

Now I know what makes p!ss go sour :~)
sim1 Mar 25, 2006 at 11:16 AM Report Abuse

Such beautiful landscape! And that cloud formation is simply amazing! I've never seen something like that before!
scottishvisitor Jan 23, 2006 at 2:49 PM Report Abuse

Such a spectacular place but don't fancy the mice much!!
DPando Jan 23, 2006 at 2:32 PM Report Abuse

more than better!! superb pics...!! such a place
Rusket Nov 6, 2005 at 3:08 PM Report Abuse

Welcome back, and thank you for the postcard! XXX
pepples46 Sep 23, 2005 at 1:41 PM Report Abuse

rugged and beautiful, great pics Ingrid...right now..looks a lil too cold for me ..but a Pisco could do the trick LOL
JetlagCity Jun 1, 2005 at 11:15 AM Report Abuse

Spectacular pictures - love those jaggedy mountains! And the penguins, who could resist them?!