It’s hard for many people from the “Old World” to envision the vast people-less places of the Americas, especially the closer one travels to the poles. It’s equally empty in northern North America (Alaska, the Yukon and Northwest Territories) as it is in southern South America (Patagonia).
There are stretches of road in these remote areas regions where you might not encounter a petro station for hundreds of kilometers (don’t worry, signs will warn you in advance so you’d need to be a fool to run out of gas). No towns, often not even a rancher, to be found as far as the eye can see.
When visiting Patagonia, we made a rather long drive from Argentinian Patagonia to Chilean Patagonia. A trip of about 500 kms in a region that stretches thousands of kilometers. It was one of the most remote places I’ve ever traveled. Besides the paved roads (most of surprisingly good quality), a few fuel stations and a border crossing (Argentina to Chile — lots of paperwork!), we encountered only 2 small towns along the entire journey. Mostly our companion was the empty steppe. And the wind — it was darned windy. Oh, and a few guanacos and rheas.
Here are some of the sights from that drive, which I hope you enjoy!
Leaving El Chalten in the rear view mirror…..
Some scenes of the Andes across Lake Viedma….
And along Rio la Leona, filled with glacial melt-water….
Views of the Andes across Lake Argentina….
Our most elevated and panoramic view of the vast, empty steppe….
And hours later, our first views of towers of Torres del Paine
Some wildlife spotted along the way, including a herd of guanacos….
And several incredibly stupid rheas, flightless birds of Patagonia…..
Finally we arrive at Torres Del Paine. More on that visit soon!
Such a magnificent and beautiful place. I think the vast remoteness adds to the appeal of Patagonia. One of my top bucket list places to visit some day. Thank you for the awesome pictures.