Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile
As a professional travel photographer, Wolf has traveled to over 160 countries around the world. Here is the countdown of his top 10 favorite destinations
At the tip of South America, mountains rise like castle turrets above emerald meadows dotted with wild flowers. Glaciers sweep down the mountainsides and calve, creating icebergs that float like schooners in crystal lakes. This magical landscape is Torres del Paine National Park. Here, the wondrous extravagance of nature dazzles the mind, thrills the photographer, and inspires the poet. For Wolfgang, our world traveler, this is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Wolf roamed the hillsides of Torres del Paine photographing guanacos, relatives of the llama, as they foraged, mated and gave birth in this southern haven. The opportunity to watch animals give birth in the wild was something even Wolfgang had seldom experienced. Wolf was on assignment photographing for NHK, Japanese Public TV for 5 weeks. The extensive assignment meant that he could watch the young guanacos take their first steps on their spindly legs then grow strong enough to frolic in the meadows with the other calves.
A unique wildlife sanctuary, Torres del Paine is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. The guanacos, protected from poachers, are thriving. But they are not the only wildlife to be found. Rhea, giant birds resembling ostriches, foxes, geese, parrots, owls and flamingoes, all make the park a wildlife photographer’s dream.
If you venture to this 181,000 hectare park, bring good hiking boots to take advantage of trails and your camera to seize the dreamy landscape. At local hotels, enjoy a Pisco Sour, Chile’s national drink, or a glass of the renowned Chilean red wine. Don’t miss the tasty homemade empanadas, meat-filled pastries, ideal for a picnic.
To the End of the World: Patagonia and Atacama Desert November 7-22, 2011
If you ever wanted to travel to this part of South America, here is your chance. Over the past 30 years I have traveled many times to these spectacular places, and now I have designed my dream trip. Here is a link to more information:
http://www.wkaehlerphoto.com/photoTourTitles/Patagonia%20Itinerary.pdf