Driving on the dirt road just outside Torres Del Paine Park, for as far as the eye can see, there is only pampas with sheep and juanacos against the majestic mountains in the backdrop.  

You will see a gate painted red with only the logo on a sculpture, letting you know that you have arrived.  Circling through the property, passing sheep and possibly with a condor flying overhead, you will reach a beautiful wooden structure that will be your home for the next few days (we recommend five days).  

The beautiful wooden building blends seamlessly with the environment.  Designed to be the shape of the wind, it is almost as visible from the road as the wind, but once inside it comes alive with beautiful windows and views of the Paine massif and towers.  

Built of local lengas wood, the interior is accented by ample sheep skins, beautiful photo books of the area, a huge map of the region, and loads of sitting areas designed for guests to meet or as places to gaze at the views.

Yesterday I walked through this common area and a man had his paints out and was painting the beautiful view; I love that he travels with paper and paint!

The view is so spectacular it made me wish that I could paint but, with no talent, I resorted to getting up at 4:50AM to walk alone out the front door and up the driveway.  Drifting off into the pampas, I climbed up a little hill to catch the hue from the sunrise with my camera on the massif and over the hotel.  

I was a little worried about running into a puma on the hunt for a local sheep, but in the end the only danger was a near meeting with a skunk whose smell I only noticed on my way back; I must have just missed him!  There are lots of little bushes in the area where the pumas, hares or skunks may hide.  

Later I learned that I could have gone out with a bird watching group only an hour later and that would have been safer, but I am happy with my photos.  

When you arrive at the hotel, you will have a meeting with the guides in front of a huge map as they review all the different kinds of activities offered and the difficulty level. The guides encourage people to start off with the easier activities on the first day to warm up your muscles, and then more active clients can work up into the difficult hikes.

For the soft adventurer, the guides will make sure that you get a good variety of easy or moderate activities in order to see all the highlights of the park and the wildlife in the area.  

My stay at this beautiful and remote hotel, Torres del Paine, was an amazing way to explore Torres del Paine National Park.  During the days we were able to explore this remote and dramatic region, filled with wonderful landscapes and beautiful wildlife. 

Our early mornings and evenings were enjoyed exploring the property, relaxing in the Spa or heated pool, and devouring the delicious cuisine that highlighted local flavors and produce.   

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