"Perfect, now I can return to civilization with a sense of achievement." - "This is without a doubt the most beautiful place in this part of Chile." Two typical comments, just a few words that synthesize the magic of Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, a group of weird-looking natural skyscrapers which is sure to impress even the most experienced traveler.
And travelers will wonder, smiling with skepticism, "How were these towers built?" The same query nagged those scientists who became "geological detectives" and set out to discover when these marvelous topographic features originated. They found the answer to be 12 million years ago, at a time when Earth spewed forth its inner fury, shaping the fabulous towers. Vegetation did its part by covering up empty spaces, and animals, following their instincts, took over the area, up to the day when the first men arrived on the scene to gaze perplexedly at the amazing sight.
This reaction is a very common one now, and since future generations must be allowed the same feeling, the park was declared a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in 1978, to preserve the rule of nature in this incredible area of the planet, which offers unforgettably exciting adventures.
There are a lot of things to see and discover: lonely spots on the pampas, misty Magellan forests, splendid lakes, enchanting iceberg-filled lakes and glaciers that make a perfect combination with the imposing presence of the rocky towers and the Paine caves.
All these delirious excursions start at Puerto Natales, the doorway to Torres del Paine and its enormous range of flora and fauna. The city is located 247 kilometers away from Punta Arenas - it was founded in 1911, the first inhabitants being British and German settlers who turned Patagonia into one of the world's most important cattle farming areas.

When Puerto Natales - from the Latin natalles meaning "birth"- is left behind as a memory and the traveler feels like tackling an unusual and singular crossing where he can test the limits of the contemplation of nature, he may, if he is daring enough, be tempted to use a kayak or a bicycle, or simply follow a rough trekking trail.
Aside from the activities you may indulge in, there is no doubt that you will return home eager to emotionally describe the marvelous "natural skyscrapers" that keep company with the clouds in Chilean Patagonia.