We arrived at about 18:00 hours with rain. The park closes at 18:00 so we really arrived in the nick of time. When checking in, we were recommended camping in the uppermost camping area which is accessible only by 4×4 vehicles on a 15 km or so narrow, curvy, and very hilly forest-road. At the end of the road, however, we found a beautiful campground with a combination of open green spaces and forest. The campsite includes small, roofed cottages for food-preparation and eating (with wood benches and a table). An incredible standard – all clean and well kept.
This campsite is really a must if one is in the area and in its natural beauty and setting by far the best place we have stayed so far – in addition it is free of charge….. (apparently the use of the land of the park is donated by a private owner).
We woke up to sunshine and decided to hike the 2×10 km to the feet of the hanging glacier in sunshine and only a soft wind. It is a relatively easy hike following a valley in the direction of the glacier which is visible almost from the start. The only challenge we had during the hike where a few kms of climbing alongside a riverside and some areas that where wet from the rain the night before.
But what an experience of nature’s beauty in all its glory – somewhere in Chile it was posted that “nature is the art of God” – and this hike perfectly proves this saying with its varied terrain and vegetation – and of course the close-up view of the hanging glacier as the glorious premium at the end!
We returned to camp, prepared an early dinner – the 20 km hike had helped build up an appetite – and during the afternoon were fortunate to have several interesting conversations with our temporary neighbors. A young couple – she a physiotherapist and he a medical doctor giving us insights into the state of the so often heavily politicized health sector in Chile, and the other a family with grown up children hiking for the first time…….. Curiously, they knew the names of Norwegian international soccer players and the father even knew “skaal” (cheers in Norwegian) after having served at sea under the command of a “thirsty” Norwegian captain!
elworldtrip 
muzammal masud
December 24, 2024
It sounds like an incredible start to your camping adventure! You’ve painted a vivid picture of a stunning campsite nestled amidst natural beauty. Arriving in the rain and just in time, only to be rewarded with such a pristine location, adds to the adventure. The description of the forest road leading to the site—narrow, hilly, and accessible only by 4×4—heightens the sense of exclusivity and remoteness.
The combination of open green spaces, forested areas, and well-maintained facilities must make it an ideal retreat. The fact that it’s free, thanks to a generous landowner, adds a unique touch of serendipity.
Your hike to the glacier sounds equally captivating. Waking to sunshine and embarking on a trek with the glacier visible almost the entire way must have been inspiring. I’d love to hear more about the challenges you faced and how the kids enjoyed the experience—perhaps some haiku inspiration is already brewing from this trip! Would you like help crafting some or editing your journal entry?
4o