Easter Island – One of the Most Spiritual Places on Earth

Ahu Ko Te Riku, the only Moai of Easter Island discovered with intact eyes

For years, friends have raved that Easter Island is the most spiritual place they have ever visited. This speck of land in the eastern Pacific, known to locals as Rapa Nui, had been on my wish list for years. Since childhood I had read about the Moai, enormous statues that the indigenous people carved and … Read more

PHOTO: Salto Grande Waterfall in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Salto Grande Waterfall ibn Torres del Paine in Patagonia Chile

The tour guide promised the trail to Salto Grande Waterfall in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park was easy. “Just a 20 minute walk,” he said. As a casual aside, he advised us to take our jackets, as it “might be a little windy up there.” The first 15 minutes were a breeze. A graveled … Read more

PHOTO: Lago Nordenskjold Viewpoint in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Lago Nordenskjold in Torres del Paine, Chile iridscent mountains and lakes in Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia Chile

What struck me most about Torres del Paine National Park in the Patagonian region of Chile were the colors. Depending upon the angle of the sun, the mountains of the Cordillera Paine Massif range from the deepest black to pale gray, lavender, and Wedgwood blue. As the sun sets, abundant feldspar in the granite flanks … Read more

Torres del Paine National Park in Chile – One of the World’s Beautiful Places

Las Torres (the towers or pinnacles), are perhaps the best known formation within the park. Although they are best seen at the end of difficult treks, I was delighted that they were also easily viewable on a guided day tour

Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is one of the world’s beautiful places. The centerpiece of the park is a branch of the Andes mountain range known as the Cordillera del Paine. Located in the southern Patagonian region of the country, the park’s magnificent scenery includes lakes ranging from ultramarine blue to brilliant turquoise, … Read more

PHOTO: Guanaco Surveys its Domain in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Guanaco surveys his domain from a hillside in Torres del Paine national Park in the Patagonian region of Chile

When my tour van entered Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonian Chile, our guide enlisted us as wildlife spotters. She ticked off some of the species we might see. The Patagonian Puma is the most sought after sighting, however they are reclusive and usually stay far away from the only road through the park. … Read more