10km

Seven of us set off for the 7 day “O” circuit around Torres del Paine, one of the most famous treks in Patagonia. It was a (mostly) self-supported trek - we carried tents, sleeping bags, mats and food - but bought odds and ends from the refugios when needed.

The Torres (towers) are large rock formations that jut out of the middle of the park. The first campsite we stayed at was about an hour from the lookout over the Torres, so we woke up before sunrise to get pictures of the rock glowing orange in the dawn light. It was a beautiful hike, windy but mostly clear and bright.

The only downside to the first day was that it fell on the “W” circuit and thus was really crowded. Mostly with Israelis, for some reason, who were carrying hookah pipes with them. Go figure.