El Chalten, Argentina

After a 2hour bus ride, we arrived in El Chalten. People started clicking camera shutters while approaching the city. Mountains we saw in Torres del paine, chile was just an introduction to patagonia. Before entering to town, the bus stopped at the information center. A retired army looking bloke got onto the bus and told everyone to get out. We all went into the center to listen to his lecture. He gave us instroductions about rules people must follow while tracking the area. All waters coming from the mountain are drinkable without any processing. No enterance fee not like other national parks in patagonia. What can we ask more. The guy's lecture was working as we could not see any rubbish from 28km long walks.

From the bus station, we walked to the hostel and rang the bell. No one was answering. After a half hour waiting, a door was open with a lady's face popping out. She said she was taking a shower. We were guided to a corner room from outside. It was an ensuite room, but that was all. We could not access a kitchen. No free hot water! David went in a panic until the lady brought a pot of tea. Dave calmed down after drinking hot tea. We then set off to a walk for Lago Torres. It was a classic walk combining the whole W-walk in Torres Del Paine. We were very lucky with ghe weather. Sunshing with no winds. Quite unususl weather for Patagonia. We were extremely happy.

A nightmare soon after followed. When we got back to hodtel, the reception room was locked with a sign saying will be right back. We waited an hour and squeezed a note into the keywhole. Where ate you?? David became extremely unhappy. Everyone knows heeds a hot tea after a long walk. This could not hsppen. They claimed 24hour reception, but the lady didnt come back till next morning. As soon as he got up, Dave went to the reception to complain. The lady said she would give a free night or a full refund. We got refund and moved to another hostel. The hostel was a similar as there was no kitchen. But the owner lady gave us a kettle, so we were happy. There were two huge dogs with the owner family. Dave left his bread outside the bench for a second, and one of the dogs started eating it. Dave took the bread back and ate it.

Next two days we did great walks. A classic walk to Mt Fiz Roy was so popular. Many people could not make to the lake and had to turn back, but they were still happy. The best tracking place in the whole world. We hope it stays as is.

photos from el chalten...

youngmi and dave