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On the way home from Torres del Paine

Of course the day we left PN Torres del Paine the weather looked like this...




Driving back to Puerto Natales we stopped to have a look at the Milodon Cave (actually several caves).  The caves are a key archaeological site with extensive animal and human remains dating from the last ice age.  The site was well set up with a range of information in both Spanish and English about the site and its historical inhabitants and the environment around them.


Taking a walk around the caves was a lot easier than our other recent walks.  It has some potential as an orienteering area.



Arriving back in Puerto Natales for a late lunch we had the best lamb of the trip so far.  Slow cooked over the fire on a crucifix.

Some reflections on Torres del Paine.
  • Infrastructure is quite variable in quality - roads are abysmal as is the lack of facilities like food shops and ATMs.  Especially when many places only accept cash.  Even the nearest petrol station is in Puerto Natales (100km away)!  However the accommodation and dining are very good in terms of options and quality (though pricey).
  • The park administration seems quite good.  It must be hard to manage the impact of so many visitors in a sensitive environment but through strict arrangements and rules backed up by law, the park seems to get the balance right.
  • You can still have a good experience on a budget - there were plenty of backpackers doing things on the cheap and still getting to see great scenery.  Ultimately though the weather probably plays the biggest role in whether you have a good or a great adventure.  When the wind blows and the rain falls it can be pretty uncomfortable even for the most prepared visitors and very uncomfortable for campers.  We were lucky on the worst nights we were indoors and camping on the best ones.

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