Journey to Las Torres: Wild Landscapes and Estancia Life in Patagonia

After visiting Magdalena Island, our Australis cruise came to an end at Punta Arenas. At the port, we were greeted by a driver from the hotel we would be staying at, who took us on an unforgettable drive with some interesting stops along the way.

The journey was about 5 hours by car, and we were joined by another couple. The wind was incredibly strong—so much so that we saw cyclists leaning into the wind while pedaling, a fascinating sight for us but apparently quite normal in this region.

As we traveled, vast expanses of wild nature stretched out on either side of the road. It was truly remote and untamed.

One of the highlights of the journey was our stop at an estancia, a traditional ranch typical of the area, where we had lunch. They gave us a tour of the house, which was fascinating. But the real treat was the meal—it was the best lamb we’ve ever tasted! Cooked slowly in a pit in the ground, the meat was incredibly tender, melting in our mouths.

After lunch, we had the opportunity to watch a man shear a sheep’s wool, an impressive display of skill done so quickly. Then, we saw a sheepdog expertly herding the flock from one place to another with such precision and control. Witnessing these traditional practices was an unforgettable experience.

As we continued our journey, we were thrilled to spot a majestic condor soaring high in the sky. The landscape grew even more breathtaking—vast, wild, and seemingly endless. Along the way, we encountered guanacos, ostriches, and flocks of sheep, and even caught a glimpse of Las Torres, the iconic peaks we’d soon be hiking to during our stay.

We made a brief stop at a local café for a break before continuing on through increasingly wild terrain.

Finally, after the long five-hour drive, we arrived at our hotel, Las Torres Patagonia, just as the sky began to darken.

Las Torres Patagonia:

https://lastorres.com