Across the border to Chile and Torres del Paine National Park

The past 4 days have been spent in the pristine Torres Del Paine National Park, staying in the beautiful Eco Camp within view of the towering granite massifs. This amazing location is full of natural beauty and wildlife, remote, wild and far away from Internet and modern conveniences.





At the risk of repeating myself, the wild beauty of this part of Patagonia is awesome. We stayed in very comfortable dome style luxury tents, complete with ensuite bathrooms and wood fire heaters which were very much appreciated at the end of the day.

My dream of viewing the Condor in flight and up close has been fulfilled even though I did not manage a good photo, but hopefully one of my travel companions will have a photo to share with me.


Some of our group of 7 have treked the 22 kms along the Torres trek which ends at the top of a ridge with amazing views of the towers and lake. Unfortunately, the day I did the trek it was snowing near the top and no views could be seen, though we did experience the real Patagonia with its harsh wind and snow conditions. The weather here can change within minutes. On other days we explored the flora and fauna as well as other vantage points for outstanding views and easy walks.


We are now on our homeward journey through Buenos Aires, with a little time left for shopping.

- Marika at Women's Own Adventure signing off

Location:Torres Del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Going South to the Glaciers

Our adventures have taken us to El Califete and the National Park of the Glaciers. Setting sail aboard a powered catamaran we headed to the very remote Estancia Christina situated on the edge of the Upsala Glacier, accessed only by a 2 hour boat trip (by modern standards) or a 7 day hike. This remote area was a privately run sheep station from 1916 to 1999, when the area became a Natonal Park after the last family member passed away. Percival and Jessica Masters came to the area as pioneers in the early 1900's and built a sheep station and a home out of nothing and on their own. It feels like the end of the world.


We were very fortunate to have the opportunity of spending the night in one of their cabins, with plentiful amounts of wine, food and good company. An adventure experience to be rembered.



The following day was spent at the awe inspiring Moreno Glacier, where viewing platforms provide unsurpassed views of the glacier from several levels. The great thundering noise made by the glacier as it sheds a section into the freezing waters is an exciting sound. We endured snow and sunshine intermittently throughout the day. This is an area of quickly changing weather with 4 seasons in as little as an hour.


The wild beauty and magnificence of the area must be seen to be believed.

- Marika at Women's Own Adventure signing off

Location:El Califete, Patagonia, Argentina

I think I'm in Heaven

We have spent the last couple of days in Bariloche, the northern part of Patagonia. It is very European in style, remindng me of a Swiss village.


Picture postcard beautiful with snow capped mountains and lakes. The scenery and views are simply stunning. You can climb and paraglide here in the summer and ski in the winter. The houses are very northern european mountain resort style. They also have the most amazing chocolate shops...I think I'm in heaven.


Yesterday we spent the afternoon aboard a large catamaran on the lake, exploring islands and forests.


- Marika at Women's Own Adventure signing off

Location:Bariloche, Argentina

Time for some adventure in Iguazu

We have arrived and are ready for some adventure in Iguazu. Even though it is raining we headed off in our very attractive wet weather gear, on the first day for some wet rapelling and flying through the forest canopy on a zip line. With steely determinaion and very little hesitation these ladies clicked on their harness, stood on the precipice of a 15 metre cliff with an overhang, in the rain, and one by one rapelled down to the valley below on a single rope. What brave hearts!


Then came the best and most exhilerating part when we launched ourselves into the tree canopy of the forest along a zip line. WoooHooo ! Through the tree tops!



The next day we spent at the falls, beautiful and so powerful. Iguazu falls are the largest in South America. Not only did we see the falls from the top, but also under the falls in a boat. Wet weather gear was definately the order of the day to see the falls so up close and personal.
A great experience to be had by all.



- Marika at Women's Own Adventure signing off

Location:Iguazu, Argentina

Ah ... Buenos Aires ... at last we have arrived

Known as the Paris of South America for very good reason. Buenos Aires is a beautiful city with many flavours. The people are friendly and the city is full of life. We enjoyed a coffee at the famous Gran Cafe Tortoni situated in the worlds widest avenue, Avenida de Julio. This cafe has been open since 1858 and has been a favourite of many successful writers. We have been to The colourful area of Caminito in La Boca where it is said that Tango was conceived.





With time for sightseeing, taking in a Tango show, discovering how delicious the the local empanada is and shopping (great for leather jackets and shoes), our time in Buenos Aires was wonderful.

Tomorrow we leave for Iguazu Falls and some real adventure.

- Marika at Women's Own Adventure signing off

Location:Buenos Aires, Argentina