Back to Argentina

Packing up and leaving EcoCamp is one of the hardest things Cory and I have had to do on a vacation. We've had such a wonderful time here and could have easily spent another week just taking in the sights of Torres del Paine and enjoying the company of the staff. Our transfer to Puerto Natales comes early in the morning and we say a blurry goodbye to Rafa, with promises to keep in touch over email. The EcoCamp staff has loaded us up with chocolates for our trip, and Cory and I chew silently as we take in the sights on our last drive around the park. I will never, ever forget this place.

Travel days are always a little unsettling, and this one is no different. After a rather chaotic bus ride to El Calafate, we arrive at our hotel dusty and tired. We added a stop at the famous Perito Moreno Glacier onto our trip, and now we are very happy to have done so because it's providing a buffer between the magic of the Via Australis and EcoCamp and our real life in New York City. Cory and I drop our packs and set off to find a restaurant that was recommended to us by Rafa, and after a very satisfying meal of pizza and beer, we head back for a little R & R. There is a television in the hotel room and the bad made-for-TV movie we find (in English no less!) provides a welcome distraction.