My hiking friend experienced lots and lots of rain so he couldn’t comment on the scenery but he did go to the Parque Pumalin rainforest,which he says is beautiful.

He cautions that on the Carretera Austral that you need need lots and lots of time because traveling is very, very slow.

It’s the hiking icon of South America. My friend did the circuit in 8 days at a leisurely pace. “Beautiful but very crowded and a little pricey.”

I also hear that the price is going to be higher next year. But, it’s worth the price. Don’t even think about skipping it if you’re in the area.

A hiking friend visited Punta Arenas, Chile earlier this year and says that it’s a nice town. He recommended visits to Casa Braun-Menendez and Isla Magdelena to see the Magellanic Penguins.

He stayed at the Hostal Art Noveau and recommends it as a place to stay, though it was at US$50, he reports that it is very nice.

He mentions that from a hiker’s perspective that the hike to Glaciar Martial was not that special.