The Tough Gauchos of Patagonia

It’s the people you meet that make the trip so special. The people of Patagonia are incredible. Their forefathers and to great extent those we met are pioneers. Colonizers of the vast, temperamental and wild land. This was very true of the Gauchos we met. These tough rugged individuals who run the “estancias” – the […]

Glacier Blues

Patagonia is Melting One of the highlights of Cycling the Carretera Austral, is that you are consistently close to a Glacier or ten. Chile is home to over 24,133 glaciers, 80% of all the glaciers in South America. When you riding, to the left, right, in front and behind, you can nearly always see a […]

The mighty Carretera Austral

Our main objective for coming to Chile was to cycle the Carretera Austral. I hitched this road 21 years ago and vowed to return one day. The Carretera Austral is 1240km long and goes north south through Patagonia from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins. 98% of the road goes through fantastic wild countryside, passing fiords, […]

Bigwoods in the bigwood

The mighty Alerce Tree I’m not sure if it’s the name, by Big Woods – or rather big tree always attract me. This part of Patagonia is home to the coniferous Alerce Tree (False Larch). Just like the Redwoods of the US west coast, these majestic trees can grow for over 4000 years and reach […]

La Fiesta Del Cordero

The island of Chiloe, is at the heart of the Chilean culture and the focal point of many stories. Stretching 180km long by 50km wide, Chiloe is South America’s second largest island (after Tierra del Fuego). The indigenous community – the Huilliche’s and Chonos are still very present and it’s easy to spot these descendants. […]

Shipbuilders of San Juan

We had the pleasure to visit the amazing little village of San Juan. Famous for its church and its two ship builders. It was amazing to see the team of artisans at work repairing 3 or 4 boats, and building about 5. These are family businesses with their trade being passed down from father to […]

La Minga

Day 6: Quemchi We visited the Museu of Francisco Coloane, a famous Chilean Poet and Author who wrote some great books about life in Patagonia at the turn of the century. The museum also explained a great Chilean tradition called the Minga. La minga de tiradura de casas is an old Chiloé island custom which consists […]