Family Adventure in Torres del Paine National Park

Echoes of Giants and Valleys of Wonder

Today, Torres del Paine unfolded more of its captivating stories. It was a day of contrasts, venturing from the depths of ancient caves to the heights of breathtaking valleys. With Klara and Mateo by my side, I felt a profound connection to this land, a sense of shared discovery that made every moment even more special. It’s days like these that remind me why I love sharing these experiences, hoping to inspire others to seek out similar adventures.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Hosteria Pehoe. The cozy inn, nestled on the shore of Pehoe Lake, offered stunning views of the mountains and forest. After breakfast, we packed our essentials and set off towards our first destination: the Mylodon Cave Natural Monument.


Discover the ancient wonders and breathtaking landscapes at Mylodon Cave Natural Monument, a must-visit national park in southern Chile.

Journey to the Mylodon Cave

The drive to Mylodon Cave was scenic, offering glimpses of the vast Patagonian landscape. As we approached the monument, the wind picked up, a constant reminder of Patagonia's raw, untamed nature. I couldn't help but think of my childhood in Los Ángeles, Chile, where the landscapes, though different, held the same sense of awe-inspiring grandeur.

Stepping out of the car, we were immediately greeted by a life-size replica of the Mylodon, a giant ground sloth that roamed these lands over 10,000 years ago. Mateo's eyes widened in amazement.

The cave itself is enormous, much larger than I expected. Experts believe that it was a popular hunting ground for the earliest inhabitants of Patagonia. Inside, the air was cool and damp, carrying the scent of ancient rock and earth. Walking through the cave, I imagined the lives of these early people, their struggles and triumphs in this harsh environment. Klara, ever the architect, admired the cave's natural structure, pointing out the intricate patterns formed by erosion over millennia. We explored the various trails, each offering a unique perspective of the cave and its surroundings. Mateo, with his boundless energy, was particularly fascinated by the Devil's Chair, an imposing rock formation near the cave.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found not in conquering new lands, but in understanding the ancient stories etched into the landscapes around us.

We also peeked inside the Middle Cave, where archaeologists have found traces of human life dating back 11,000 years. It was humbling to stand in a place where so much history had unfolded. I thought about how much the world has changed since then, and how important it is to preserve these sites for future generations. The experience was both educational and awe-inspiring, a perfect blend of nature and history that resonated with all of us.

Ascent to Mirador Valle del Francés

Experience the breathtaking vistas of Mirador Valle del Francés in Torres del Paine National Park, a true gem of Patagonia's natural beauty.

After a morning of exploration, we drove towards the heart of Torres del Paine, our sights set on Mirador Valle del Francés. The drive itself was an adventure, with winding roads and stunning vistas at every turn. We stopped for a quick lunch at Rio Pingo Restaurant.
Experience authentic Patagonian cuisine at Rio Pingo, nestled in Torres del Paine National Park's breathtaking landscapes.

The restaurant is located in the heart of Torres del Paine, offering a unique culinary experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of Chilean Patagonia. I had a hearty sandwich, while Klara enjoyed a salad and Mateo devoured a plate of pasta. Fueled up, we were ready for our hike.

The trail to Mirador Valle del Francés is known for its moderate difficulty. The trek starts at the Paine Grande refugio. From there, a 25-minute catamaran ride across Lake Pehoé offered excellent views of the Paine Massif and Salto Grande. The weather was cooperative, with clear skies and a gentle breeze, making the hike all the more enjoyable. As we started our ascent, the landscape transformed from open plains to a dense lenga forest. The air was filled with the scent of pine and the sound of birdsong. Mateo, always the curious one, peppered us with questions about the trees, the birds, and everything else he saw.

The initial part of the trail was relatively easy, following the northern shore of Lake Pehoé. The turquoise waters sparkled in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing contrast with the surrounding mountains. We passed by the tranquil Lake Sköttberg, enjoying excellent views of the Cuernos del Paine. After about 7 kilometers, we reached Campamento Italiano, the gateway to the French Valley. We took a short break here, catching our breath and enjoying the serene atmosphere.

The next part of the trail was more challenging, with a gradual ascent through the lenga forest. The path was rocky and uneven, requiring careful footing. Mateo, though, was undeterred, scrambling over rocks with the agility of a mountain goat. As we climbed higher, the forest began to thin, revealing breathtaking views of the valley below. The French Glacier loomed in the distance, a massive river of ice cascading down the mountainside.

Finally, after a strenuous but rewarding climb, we reached Mirador Valle del Francés. The view was simply spectacular. The entire valley stretched out before us, a panorama of glaciers, mountains, and forests. The French Glacier dominated the scene, its icy blue surface scarred with crevasses and seracs. We could hear the distant rumble of ice calving off the glacier, a sound that sent shivers down my spine.

We spent a long time at the Mirador, soaking in the view and taking photos. Mateo was fascinated by the glacier, asking endless questions about how it was formed and how it moved. Klara, meanwhile, sketched the landscape in her notebook, capturing the beauty of the valley in her own unique way. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for being able to share this experience with my family. It was a moment that I knew we would all cherish for years to come.

Patagonian Souvenirs

On our way back, we stopped by Patagoniawool to pick up a few souvenirs.
Discover the essence of Patagonia at Patagoniawool, where premium 100% natural wool products embody the spirit of the region.

The store specializes in 100% natural wool items, providing visitors with an opportunity to connect with the essence of Patagonia through its exquisite textiles. Klara bought a beautifully crafted scarf, while Mateo chose a cozy wool hat. I opted for a traditional Chilean poncho, a warm and practical reminder of our Patagonian adventure. It’s great next to skin, in terms of feel and warm.

For dinner, we decided to try Restaurant Pehoe Barbecue.
Experience authentic Chilean barbecue surrounded by breathtaking landscapes at Restaurant Pehoe Barbecue in Torres del Paine National Park.

The restaurant specializes in serving various and fresh grilled dishes prepared with professionalism and care. As we sat down to eat, I reflected on the day's adventures. From the depths of Mylodon Cave to the heights of Mirador Valle del Francés, we had experienced the best of Patagonia's natural wonders. And, more importantly, we had done it together, as a family. As the sun set over the mountains, casting a golden glow over the landscape, I knew that this was a day we would never forget.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Torres de Paine trail head and Salto Chico Falls. I'm excited to see what new adventures await us.

Final Thoughts

As I sit here, writing this blog post, I am filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude. Patagonia has a way of getting under your skin, of capturing your heart with its raw beauty and untamed spirit. I am so grateful to be able to share this experience with my family, to create memories that will last a lifetime. And I am excited to see what new adventures tomorrow will bring. Perhaps we'll stop by Patio Bar 209 for a drink.

Patagonia, you have stolen a piece of my heart. And I know that I will be back, again and again, to explore your hidden corners and discover your untold stories.