Tell The Truth Travel - Torres del Paine - Sarmiento Trek and Estancia Tercera

Torres del Paine - Sarmiento Trek and Estancia Tercera

The Towers at Sunset from Estancia Tercera Barranca

Our itinerary for the day was titled FRENCH VALLEY and CUERNOS, but you had to read the details to see that it was not a French Valley hike (which is part of the popular W trek) at all. Instead it was a long trek across the park from north-east Lake Pehoe across the northern shore of Lake Sarmiento.

The first four or five hours were pleasant, but the last three or four hours across the open pampas in gale force winds were a major ordeal. We were too busy keeping upright to notice any views of the French Valley.

When we finally reached the road, completely exhausted, we had to walk another thirty minutes to get to the van that had been left for us. And wait another thirty minutes (at least) while our guide searched for the keys.

Followed by a forty-five minute drive (which included fording a river!) to our new lodging, the remote (and lovely) Estancia Tercera Barranca. It was 9:30 p.m. by the time we got there. Thank goodness the food was delicious - the woman who cooks there is marvelous.