Our flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas was spectacularly beautiful. Delighted to have a window seat and clear weather, I photographed the Andes and glaciers as we made our way south. Punta Arenas had a thriving sheep industry in the 19th century and, set on the Strait of Magellan, was a major port as ships rounded South America, avoiding Cape Horn. With construction of the Panama Canal, trade lapsed, but the city seems to be on the upswing again, as tourism increases. We stayed in Punta Arenas only one night, at the José Nogueira Hotel, a late 19th century mansion. We then set out by bus for Torres del Paine National Park (staying at the Lago Grey Hotel), where we hiked on several trails and spent hours enjoying the mountain views and wildlife (see Patagonian Animals).

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