Family Adventure in Torres del Paine National Park

A Day of Azure Dreams and Glacial Views

Today was a day of serene beauty and quiet contemplation amidst the grandeur of Torres del Paine. Leaving behind the familiar trails, we ventured towards Laguna Azulada de Serrano and Mirador Serrano Glacier, two destinations that promised a different perspective on this magnificent park. I was particularly excited to share this experience with Klara and Mateo, hoping they would find the same sense of peace and awe that I anticipated.


Explore the stunning Laguna Azulada de Serrano in Torres de Paine National Park, a breathtaking hiking area with extraordinary views and diverse wildlife.

Our day began, as usual, with a hearty breakfast at Las Dos Rosas de Paine. The familiar scent of freshly baked bread and strong coffee filled the air, setting a comforting tone for the day ahead. Mateo, ever the early riser, was already animatedly discussing his plans for the day, pointing at the map and tracing our route with his small finger. It’s moments like these that make traveling with family so special – seeing the world through his innocent and enthusiastic eyes. We made sure to pack plenty of snacks and water, knowing that today’s adventure would require some energy. I also double-checked that I had my camera ready; I didn’t want to miss a single shot of the stunning landscapes that awaited us.

The drive to Laguna Azulada de Serrano was scenic, to say the least. The road wound through valleys painted in hues of green and gold, with the towering peaks of the Paine Massif looming in the distance. We passed grazing guanacos and soaring birds, each a testament to the vibrant life that thrives in this rugged terrain. As we approached the Laguna, the landscape opened up to reveal a vista of breathtaking beauty. The lake, a striking shade of blue, was framed by rugged granite peaks and lush vegetation, creating a picture-perfect setting. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of tranquility wash over me, a feeling of being completely immersed in nature's embrace.

Sometimes, the most beautiful discoveries are the ones you least expect.

We spent a good part of the morning exploring the area around Laguna Azulada de Serrano. The hiking trails were well-marked and relatively easy, making it perfect for Mateo. He loved spotting different birds and collecting interesting-looking stones along the way. Klara, ever the architect, was fascinated by the geological formations, pointing out different rock layers and explaining how they were formed over millions of years. I, of course, was busy capturing the stunning scenery with my camera, trying to capture the essence of this magical place. We even spotted a few condors soaring high above, their majestic silhouettes against the clear blue sky a sight to behold.

After working up an appetite, we decided to have lunch at El Ovejero. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with a rustic charm that perfectly complemented the surrounding landscape. We ordered traditional Patagonian dishes, savoring the flavors of the region. Mateo, surprisingly, devoured his plate of lamb stew, declaring it the best meal he had ever had. It’s always a pleasure to introduce him to new culinary experiences, especially when he enjoys them as much as he did today.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we set off towards Mirador Serrano Glacier. The drive was relatively short, but the anticipation was palpable. As we approached the viewpoint, the landscape transformed once again, revealing a panorama of ice and snow. The Serrano Glacier, a massive river of ice, stretched as far as the eye could see, its surface shimmering in the afternoon sun. The air was noticeably colder here, carrying the faint scent of glacial ice.


Experience the stunning beauty of Mirador Serrano Glacier in Chilean Patagonia, a breathtaking scenic spot perfect for photography and exploration.

The Mirador offered a stunning vantage point, allowing us to fully appreciate the scale and grandeur of the glacier. Mateo was particularly fascinated by the ice formations, asking endless questions about how glaciers are formed and how they move. Klara and I did our best to answer his queries, sharing our knowledge and sparking his curiosity. It's moments like these that make me realize how important it is to expose him to the wonders of the natural world, to instill in him a sense of respect and appreciation for our planet.

We spent a long time at the Mirador, simply soaking in the view and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The only sounds were the gentle breeze and the occasional creaking of the glacier, a reminder of the immense forces at play in this dynamic landscape. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for being able to witness such a spectacle, to share this moment with my family, and to connect with nature on such a profound level.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back towards our campsite. Before heading back we stopped at Wild Restobar & Cervecería for dinner and drinks. The place had a lively atmosphere, with locals and tourists mingling and sharing stories of their adventures in the park. We ordered some local craft beers and hearty meals, savoring the flavors and reflecting on the day’s experiences. Mateo, exhausted but content, fell asleep in Klara’s arms, his face flushed with the glow of a day well spent.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, our itinerary includes a visit to Mirador Cónor and Glaciar Los Perros. I’m particularly excited about Glaciar Los Perros, as I’ve heard it offers a unique and challenging hiking experience. We'll be having breakfast at Hostería El Pionero, lunch at Restaurant Pehoe Barbecue, and dinner at Refugio Laguna Amarga. A quick stop at La Tehuelche is also planned for a bit of shopping.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can’t help but feel a sense of contentment. Today was a day of quiet beauty and profound connection, a reminder of the simple joys of life. It’s days like these that make all the challenges of travel worthwhile, that create memories that will last a lifetime. And as I drift off to sleep, I can’t help but wonder what adventures tomorrow will bring. I feel like my family and I are really starting to connect with the wild beauty of Patagonia, and I can't wait to see what else is in store.

I am also glad that I got to practice my Spanish a little bit today! I even taught Mateo a few new words. I think it's important for him to learn about his heritage, even though we live so far away in Germany now. Klara is also trying to learn, and I think she is doing a great job. It's nice to be able to share my culture with them.

Good night from Torres del Paine!