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- Mar 30, 2015
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Wild Patagonia Brings the “Wow!”
Wow. That’s what I said nearly every day in Patagonia…“Wow!”
Patagonia is an epic landscape, ripe with adventure. What was once the desolate and inhospitable end-of-known-land, filling the hearts of early explorers with trepidation, is today a wonderland of glaciers, water, wildlife, and…fun!
Fitzroy Massif as viewed from camp. Deana Zabaldo photo
On the Chilean side is Torres de Paine – a land so full of glaciers that the aboriginal people called it blue (paine), nevermind the staggering rock formations cut in the ice age, the sweeping grasslands, and the snaking rivers. The landscape changes around every corner, and iconic rock formations are so plentiful that I took as many pictures of mountains as when I’m in Nepal. On the Argentinian side, the infamous spire of Cerro Torre and the jagged Fitzroy massif (that you’ll easily recognize from the Patagonia clothing logo) have been inspiring incredible climbing feats for over 60 years. Last year, Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell completed the first ever traverse of Fitzroy and its 9 satellite peaks: over 13,000 vertical feet in 5 days!
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Stunning views in Patagonia. Deana Zabaldo photos
In between the National Parks, sweeping golden grasslands and sheep farms give way to turquoise blue lakes nestled between the arresting mountains. Stories fill the geography…In 1521 Magellan discovered a passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific, resulting in the first circumnavigation of the earth. Fearsome giant natives were documented and gave the region its name “patagon” (big feet). In the early 1900’s, sheep barons ran the largest sheep company in the world and built homes that look like movie backdrops. One day we stop for lunch where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid used to hide out between robberies. Everywhere here, the landscape is magnificent, worthy of legends, blockbuster movies, or myths in the making.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F14_Orientation_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=4553cbb79ac1214a002ab92455eaf591 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F14_Orientation_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=c2074516a5f286681e9203436a9135a4 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F14_Orientation_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=e552a12cbdcc096aff2c31cf50928ea0 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F14_Orientation_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=91a675e8fb2f86a06f007b06a0449481 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F14_Orientation_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=9a326a0aca5551432a7411fc5cd4ff56 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F14_Orientation_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=f8f3c582f9d54d6e514dec3c4aac08a8 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F14_Orientation_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=783b6847863a012ea8793f2dffbdca35 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F14_Orientation_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=7029f1f8fc67bb0a61cc269fe496e3e5 768w)
The group at orientation. Deana Zabaldo photo
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Picturesque lake among the Patagonian mountains. Deana Zabaldo photo
Throughout Patagonia, we spotted a plethora of wildlife: circling condors, flocks of wild rheas (like a small ostrich), guanacos (similar to a llama), red fox, grey fox, ibises, herons, great buzzard eagles, and more bird species than I could count. We also engaged in one adventure after another…two treks (one 6‑day, then another 3‑day) were split by kayaking with icebergs, a glacier hike, a boat tour of the glacier face, inflatable zodiac rides, a winding river ride, a catamaran ferry ride, and a border crossing.
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Fun in the Zodiac! Deana Zabaldo photo
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Icebergs along the river. Deana Zabaldo photo
The trekking itself was unexpectedly delightful. The trails are well-maintained, and the elevation change generally gradual. We found comfortable beds and hot showers every night, an abundance of local wine on the trail and some delicious local cuisine in the towns. We could fill our water bottles from most of the streams – the water is pure and uncontaminated. We had record good weather (never even pulled out our full rain gear!) and caught clear panoramas of all the famous mountains and glaciers. At night, the Southern Cross and a dizzying billion unfamiliar stars were strewn across the heavens. Although we hiked some long days, it was never so hard nor so high as to be overly strenuous – and Patagonia is probably the best place in the world to see miles of glaciers without the complications of extreme altitude. The highest point on the trek was only 3900 feet (yes, feet!), but we found icebergs calving off and floating in the lakes. Unbelievable!
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Trekking lodge. Deana Zabaldo photo
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F1_ArgentiniansLovePastries_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=b070a48e9db01799193d8fa4fe949320 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F1_ArgentiniansLovePastries_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=82cfd893131edebb205128233f38291f 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F1_ArgentiniansLovePastries_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=1a031b762cf31e223e01a8a54e938bad 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F1_ArgentiniansLovePastries_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=11709c2baab720960447e11027d6338b 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F1_ArgentiniansLovePastries_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=4ffc46aa416af9b6643df6d279fba443 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F1_ArgentiniansLovePastries_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=dcc99ec682a3cda1ae1a62e3d4f91ba8 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F1_ArgentiniansLovePastries_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=a2dd520d0ad5fd3602a5743012a432b4 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F1_ArgentiniansLovePastries_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=0f809a52e6c9cfded3613bcbc5839e55 768w)
Argentinians love pastries. Deana Zabaldo photo
One of the greatest highlights of the trip was the hike out onto Glacier Grey. After some instruction on using crampons and ice axes, we all proceeded out for a mesmerizing hike in a world of blue ice. Everyone from experienced climbers to people on crampons for the first time were surprised by how beautiful and fun the hike was. Because the glacier is not snow covered, it’s easy and safe to explore, check out moulins (vertical wells in the glacier more than 100 feet deep), cross mini-rivers on the surface, and pause for a cup of tea to soak in the extreme landscape (glad we brought that thermos!).
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13_GlacierGrey_4_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=0d3adf014c72cf5bd4ce9c8f020bc112 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13_GlacierGrey_4_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=53b886e1cf5b25aefe5bd8bb1f8839d7 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13_GlacierGrey_4_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=f6ce4f493c99697f40a6deabec0f5d22 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13_GlacierGrey_4_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=92f99cd83cdd8be437aa6c7fad814b77 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13_GlacierGrey_4_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=0f0a6367e8c358ef1b7921c0866d4bc5 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13_GlacierGrey_4_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=af83c52eb1b405d789521a47e8515e52 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13_GlacierGrey_4_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=07dfb7b223efc27dc9c4de8b6266a991 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13_GlacierGrey_4_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=9cd17a0a441880a3bf7b5e1f7d700b1d 1024w)
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Scenes from hiking Glacier Grey. Deana Zabaldo photos
Patagonia was at times vivaciously sunny or mystically foggy. Wind was ever-present. Locals were friendly and welcoming. Wine flowed easily. Days were filled with adventure. In a land so wild and pristine, “Wow!” comes easily and often. Don’t take my word for it – come find out for yourself: Patagonian Adventure 2016
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F6_DZ_6_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=d9715b5ea7f263475c5b3cc7162e7c6b 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F6_DZ_6_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=a44acf5560683bdb1fe239bb51e93fbb 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F6_DZ_6_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=908aa38f626977356b113f8c0676519e 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F6_DZ_6_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=d70c068b829777d09a886f9224ea4d2b 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F6_DZ_6_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=5865e830d4766a3508dee13c39c01ceb 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F6_DZ_6_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=caf82518ba9972493ac5c2874c2443d5 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F6_DZ_6_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=58e1723da406b36a42517f37a00da9e1 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F6_DZ_6_1024px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=05eea75dec1bbe005c6803a418cfb867 1024w)
Happy Patagonia adventurers! Deana Zabaldo photo
~MM Guide Deana Zabaldo