I spent much of February and March exploring the spectacular region of Patagonia across Chile and Argentina. Though many know the name only from the clothing brand, the actual place has so much more to offer.

What astonished me most about this region was its seemingly endless expanse. There is no one place here more beautiful than the rest. Rather, its beauty is everywhere, well-preserved thanks to its remoteness and careful stewardship by local communities and governments.

My weeks immersed in nature reminded me of the importance of preserving the natural world. When we have the privilege to step into places like this, we can be overtaken by a wordless beauty as nature’s lessons quietly unfold.

I took more pictures than I could share here. You can find more of these stunning landscapes in an album here.

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Reflections From a Backpack: Cultivating Presence

Through these months of travel, I’ve come to see that what looks like freedom from the outside often comes with its own challenges. With frequent shifts in place, routine, and people, any familiarity I used to lean on has fallen away. In this absence, I’m learning the importance pof finding my own centre. Without it, I feel unanchored—blown around by each passing moment. Flexibility is important, but even a reed needs roots.

For me, being centred means staying present and grounded in who I am, wherever I am. Travel has no end of incredible opportunities, but I’ve learned that if I’m not present, even the most breathtaking place can pass by like scenery outside a moving train. The richness of this journey doesn’t come from the places themselves, but from the quality of attention I bring to them.

There were many moments while hiking in Patagonia where I found myself in front of the most awe-inspiring scenery imaginable—stunning mountains, sprawling glaciers, flowing rivers, and diverse flora, all perfectly arranged. For a moment, I saw beauty that felt divine. My instinct was to grab my phone—to capture it, freeze it, make it mine. But the moment I held the screen up, the magic slipped away. The screen showed an image, but not the moment. Not the depth. Not the smell of the air or the feeling in my chest. It’s tempting to trade presence for preservation, but I’m realizing that nothing we can capture is worth more than what’s actually here.

It doesn’t matter where I go if I’m not truly here. Presence has become a quiet practice—meditating, reflecting, slowing down, and feeling into what I need. Some days I forget. I get anxious, lost in fear and worry about an uncertain future. But when I notice, I return. And each return, no matter how small, is part my growth on this journey.

This isn’t just a lesson for travel—it’s a lesson for life. In the rare moments when I’m fully present, life feels closer, like the veil of separation lifts for a few seconds. That’s when I remember: the only real magic is in the moment I’m in.

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Discovering New Places

Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park had been on my radar since leaving Peru. When people talk about visiting Patagonia, this is one of their main destinations. When I got here, I understood why. Each day in the park revealed stunning views with every step.

The park is centred around a mosaic of unique mountain formations that create a breathtaking landscape. Its appeal extends to numerous glaciers feeding pristine lakes, vast open spaces, and wildlife that brings the area to life.

The park is located about 2 hours outside of the closest city of Puerto Natales and offers something for every outdoor enthusiast, from easy day hikes to multi-day treks. During my visit, I met people from all corners of the globe, making it clear that this is truly an international destination—though an exclusive one, given its cost.

Tips and Advice for Hiking Torres del Paine

When hiking Torres del Paine, here are some helpful tips I discovered:

1. The booking process is challenging since two separate companies own the campsites. You’ll need multiple browser tabs open and several hours of headache to coordinate your reservations.

2. Book your campsites early—the affordable spots fill up quickly, leaving only expensive options available.

3. Don’t panic if a campsite shows as full online. Many sites, especially along the ‘O’ circuit, accept walk-up campers. We successfully camped at several locations without reservations.

4. Each refugio is well-stocked with hot water, shelter, showers, camping equipment, and food. This proved helpful for hikers who ran low on supplies during their trek.

5. Pack layers and high-quality rain gear—temperatures vary dramatically throughout the day, and weather changes quickly.

6. Wear sturdy, broken-in hiking boots and pack plenty of good quality hiking socks—blisters can ruin your trek.

7. Consider trekking poles—they’re invaluable for steep sections and river crossings, especially with a heavy pack.

8. Download offline maps like maps.me and bring a physical map as backup—there’s no cell service in most of the park.

9. Pack light but don’t skip essential safety gear—first aid kit, headlamp, and emergency shelter are must-haves.

10. Assess your fitness level when choosing between the W and O circuits—the full O circuit is significantly more demanding.

11. Protect your electronics with waterproof cases or bags—the rain can be intense and unpredictable.

12. Learn basic Spanish phrases—while many staff speak English, knowing Spanish can be crucial in emergencies.

13. Stock up in Puerto Natales—it’s affordable and well-supplied. Buy or rent camping gear here instead of at the park to save money.

Hiking the ‘O’ Circuit

There are two popular hiking routes through these mountains. The shorter “W” trek (80km) takes 3-4 days and is the most visited route. The “O” circuit extends 130km, encompassing the entire “W” plus a loop around the mountains that adds several more days.

Ben and I chose the “O” circuit to make the most of our journey here. This would be one of my first multi-day hikes and I was excited for the challenge ahead.

Torres del Paine on a Budget

Here’s a cost breakdown for the 8-day ‘O’ Circuit on a budget (in CAD):

Total Cost: Approximately $425

With your own gear, you can complete the circuit for under $500. Optional extras like equipment rentals, meal plans, or premium accommodations will increase costs significantly. While we hiked on a budget, we met many people who spent several thousands of dollars (albeit for a more comfortable experience).

Ben and I stocked up well for our 8-day excursion. At the start of the trip, food made up at least half of our pack weight. We each carried about 50 pounds, though we made sure to whittle down our loads with hearty meals each day.

Weather here is notoriously unpredictable, so we came prepared for whatever the mountains might throw at us.

Our first day tested us with rain, hail, and wind. At points, the wind was so strong that we could see water being lifted off of nearby lakes and being brought up to us. Even with proper gear, I ended up quite wet. Fortunately, our refugio offered a drying area for clothes, and this turned out to be our only rainy day.

Each leg ranged from 12 to 28 kilometers, offering diverse distances, terrain, and scenery. While I had expected to hike exclusively in mountains, the days spent traversing open landscapes like the grassy fields above were equally spectacular.

As we walked around these stunning peaks, Ben noted how watching the mountains was like witnessing nature’s theatre unfold. The way clouds danced and parted around the summits, and how light played across the ancient stone faces, created an ever-changing performance on nature’s grandest stage.

The water in the park was clean enough to drink. In fact, many locations actively advised using the water from glacier-fed streams.

The Torres del Paine Towers

The hike to the Torres Towers led me along a valley between the mountains. This leg took me through a section called “Windy Pass,” named for its infamous gusts known to knock people over. The trail continued through trees and along a ravine, ending with a final scramble over loose rocks and scree that brought me to the famed towers.

It’s hard to capture the scale of the huge Torres Towers, but they are well over 1500m taller than the lake in front of them. These spires of rock were created when magma cooled under the earth’s surface millions of years ago. Over time, erosion exposed these hard rocks by wearing away the softer sedimentary rock.

Glacier Grey

As we approached the final stretch of our circuit, Glacier Grey came into view – a massive ice field stretching beyond the horizon. Part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, it stands as one of the largest glacial masses outside Antarctica and Greenland.

We walked alongside the glacier for several hours, and it’s immense scale made progress feel slow. Several suspension bridges crossed deep gorges, offering complete views of the glacier, lake, and surrounding peaks. The swaying bridges were completely safe, but still added an element of adventure to the journey.

While the glacier’s beauty is undeniable, it also serves as a stark reminder of climate change. Like many glaciers worldwide, Glacier Grey has been retreating at an accelerating pace in recent decades, making it both a spectacular sight and a sobering testament to our changing planet.

Camping and Refugios

Throughout the loop, the park had well-equipped refugios (mountain shelters with basic accommodations). Despite our remote location, most had small stores, sheltered cooking areas, hot showers, and hotel-quality food and beds—though at a premium price.

Rule for cooking are strict in the park, so everybody has to prepare their meals in a common room. This came into effect after some fires were started due to improper cooking. This also meant that we ate communally.

Throughout my trip, mornings remained challenging without my usual routine or familiar space—I faced decisions the moment I woke up. Yet waking up to views of these world-class mountains filled me with gratitude each day. I was even more grateful once I had my cup of instant coffee in my hands.

Cooking

Carrying all our food for the eight-day trek meant we had to pack sparingly. For breakfast and lunch, we kept things simple with a rotation of oats, granola, and trail mix. It was enough to keep us going each day.

Dinner was a daily highlight. We alternated between pasta and lentils with rice. Though basic, we spruced up each meal with dried vegetables, spices, and seasonings. The small additions elevated the meals into something special.

Sharing meals with fellow hikers became a daily traditions. The simple mix of good food, great company, and the backdrop of nature fostered many meaningful connections. It reminded me that happiness is often found in the simple things, and away from everyday stress.

Completion

Eight days of hiking left our feet sore and bodies craving a change in diet. Back in Puerto Natales, Ben and I made sure to celebrate with an ingredient-rich meal and some Chilean wine.

El Chalten (Pop. 2000)

After Torres del Paine, I crossed back into Argentina to explore El Chaltén, a town famous for Mount Fitz Roy—the iconic mountain range featured in the Patagonia clothing brand’s logo.

El Chaltén, founded in 1985, is a young town that has grown a lot in recent decades. With its small-town charm and mountain surroundings, it’s a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. All trailheads are located at the edge of town, offering easy access to the beautiful hiking trails.

The main downside of the mountain towns of Argenrtina is the price and limited selction. I couldn’t find a meal for less than $20, so I subsided on pasta, potatoes, and eggs while I was here.

The hostel I stayed at here was small – it was actually a house with each room turned into a dorm. I slept on the dirt floor outside in my tent to save a few dollars. The small space meant a quick bond between us travellers as we spent evenings crammed into the small kitchen sharing travel stories and food.

Mount Fitz Roy

The Laguna de los Tres hike is the most popular in the region, leading trekkers up close to the towering Fitz Roy mountains. I set out early, starting in the dark to avoid the steep $45 park fee. From the very beginning, the trail offered amazing and diverse views, with teasing glimpses of Fitz Roy’s jagged peaks through the landscape as I climbed.

It’s easy to understand why people travel from all over the world for this sight. The glacial lake and epic spires of Fitz Roy are Patagonia in its purest form—wild, rugged, and awe-inspiring. But what surprised me most was how the scale of these mountains never seemed to change. Whether I was seeing them from the highway or standing at their base, they remained just as massive, just as imposing. There’s something almost surreal about it—like they exist outside of normal perception, always towering, always distant, no matter how close you get.

A Secret Waterfall

A short hike brought me to the popular Chorrillo del Salto waterfall. Like many well-known spots, it was crowded, making it hard to fully enjoy the solitude of nature. Fortunately, a friend mentioned a nearby ‘secret’ waterfall just above Chorrillo.

/I found a path that led up and around the popular waterfall to this secret spot. I spent a couple of hours here and was virtually alone.

There’s an indescribable beauty in being alone in a place like this. Everything felt perfect—the crashing water, the autumn leaves changing colours, and the purity of it all. I sat here alone for a few hours, letting nature’s unspoken wisdom flow through me.

A few other curious people found this secret spot while I was here. A father and son from Germany were kind enough to capture this polar plunge.

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Recent Blog Posts

After taking time to reflect, I’ve finally put my experiences with ayahuasca into writing. This quickly expanded into a series, as there was more than I could include in a single post. While parts of these writings are deeply personal, my goal is to honestly capture my experiences as part of my larger journey.

About Ayahuasca: Vine of the Soul [Part 1]

“From ancient times, men and women have gathered under the night’s sky and taken substances that have helped them commune with their inner being and the life that runs through all things. They have sat in prayer and silence seeking healing and guidance so that they could return…

My First Ceremonies with Ayahuasca [Part 2]

Some of the most profound and transformative experiences of my life have come from working with the plant medicine known as ayahuasca. Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew originating in the Amazon jungle, renowned for inducing visions, facilitating healing,…

A Return to Ayahuasca [Part 3]

The three years following my first experiences with ayahuasca felt different than my life before. My approach to living shifted from pursuing material wealth to seeking deeper fulfillment and understanding. My first ceremonies revealed that meaning lies beyond material possessions, encouraging…

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Final Thoughts

My time in Patagonia brought me to some of the most beautiful nature on our planet. It was everything I could ask for on this journey I’m on. Hitchhiking across Chile and Argentina, and then hiking here connected me both the the culture and natural world in these countries.

Being here has further reminded me of the immense beauty that is our responsibility to preserve–not just in Patagonia but all around the world. During my hikes, I wondered how different our world would be if everyone had the opportunity to see these landscapes. Would people pollute, over-consume, or exploit nature if they knew such beauty is possible.

How many people have never left their city or seen a starry night? To me, even one person is too many.

From this, I see my advantages that allow me to travel like this and the responsibility I carry–to walk lightly, listen carefully, and share what comes form my heart. As always this is a work in progress, and these newsletters serve as one way for me to do so.

As always, I appreciate you following along as my journey continues to places yet unknown.

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” – John Muir

With love,
Adam