Marrakech: The most beautiful riads to stay
Morocco
Marrakech: The most beautiful riads to stay
With so many sleeping options in Marrakech, it might get a bit overwhelming. Marrakech is well known for its boutique style hotels, also known as riads. Riads are traditional Moroccan homes build around a garden or courtyard. Since most of the riads only have six to ten bedrooms, the service is very personal. So hereby, my favorite riads in Marrakech. They got a thing or two in common; great friendly staff and incredibly beautiful interior. What more could you wish for? So, planning your next city trip? Go to Marrakech and stay in one of those dream riads.
Riad Dar Rbaa Laroub
The moment you enter Dar Rbaa Laroub you’ll be in an oasis of tranquility. French owner Jean-Noel knows a thing or two about making a place letting you feel welcome. The interior has a true French je ne sais quoi. It all looks like a coincidence but it’s all well thought through. Great music, curios everywhere, fireplaces in your room, and the most beautiful plants all over the place. Dar Rbaa Laroub probably has the most impressive rooftop of all the riads I’ve seen. With cactuses, fat plants, and palm trees the rooftop is a true urban garden with lots of little nooks to enjoy your breakfast or a fresh mint tea.
Riad Tizwa
A little bit on the outskirts of the souks, this riad gives you all the peace and quietness after a crazy day in the shopping mecca. Riad Tizwa is a very authentic riad, with beautiful Moroccan details. A quiet courtyard, a cozy rooftop with great views, ceilings that will blow your mind, and comfortable rooms, it’s all part of the deal.
The bathrooms are almost as big as the rooms themselves, and this doesn’t mean that the rooms are tiny. Since size does matter in certain situations, I should tell you about their breakfasts as well. They are huge. Fresh fruits, Moroccan yogurt, dried fruits, croissants, bread, Moroccan style pancakes, name it and it will be at your breakfast table. Besides that Riad Tizwa has a great staff that will assist you in any way. Helping you out with restaurants, prices (since everything is a haggle, this is very helpful!), and anything that will make your stay more pleasant.
Riad Vert
If you are looking for a smashingly good-looking riad, but are a bit on a budget, then Riad Vert is your place to go. With relaxing rooms for only $50 a night this really is a gem. Riad Vert lives up to its name with beautiful green tiles everywhere feeling like a true oasis. Having breakfast in the green courtyard or up on the roof with an amazing view over the medina is a real treat. And guys, they have a rooftop pool! Unlike all the other riads, who have pools in their courtyards, Riad Vert actually offers you a pool warmed up by the sun and with a view.
Riad BE
Could I please, please, pretty please, move here? My boyfriend would probably kill me, but this is exactly how I would like my house to look like. Beautiful Moroccan tiles everywhere, dreamy little corners, and stunning rooms overlooking the even more stunning courtyard. Riad Be is my favorite of them all. Every room is different, having fresh flowers and candles lit. This place is perfect for a city trip with the girls (sorry guys, I’m afraid it might be a bit too much for a guys-only party), or as a romantic getaway. The guys who receive you are incredibly friendly, knowing a word or two in dutch, and more than happy to assist you in any way.
Riad Adore
Riad Adore has a modern feel but hasn’t lost its Moroccan touch. So when all the tiles and Arabic touches are a bit too much for you, this place will make you feel at home. The minimalist modern style doesn’t compensate for comfort, however. With a beautiful pool, spacious unique rooms, a hammam with various spa treatments, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views Riad Adore really is a place to unwind. Very close to the entrance of the souks and around the corner of the Djemaa el Fna, this riad has the perfect location.
Le Riad Yasmine
An Instagram hype, and not without reason. Le riad Yasmine has the most beautiful swimming pool surrounded by palms and banana plants. The rooms are just as beautiful as their Insta-famous courtyard, with colorful Moroccan rugs and mosaic bathrooms. You can have your breakfast either in the garden or on the rooftop, depending on the weather. However, if the sun’s shining then definitely choose the rooftop. The views from up there are amazing, with the Koutoubia minaret and the Atlas mountains on the horizon.
I do have to warn you, Instagram has done its marketing magic, so the place is almost always fully booked. But never hesitate to give it a try, because when you do get in, you’ll have the most amazing stay.
Riad Al Massarah
Just in a little side street of one of the busy souks, you’ll find this beautiful riad hidden away. The moment you enter the door there’s a vibe of tranquility due to the great jazz music and the relaxing courtyard with a pool. The rooms are as beautiful as the courtyard, with bathrooms that look like your own private hammam. If you’re visiting in winter the fireplaces in your room and anywhere else in the riad will be lit. How romantic does that sound? Riad al Massarah is a modern, yet luxurious riad that awaits you with the warmest welcome.
Riad Khol
The beautiful Riad Khol is located about ten minutes from the Djemaa el Fna square in the middle of the old medina. This riad is so well decorated. With dark hues, great smelling fragrant candles, and orange trees in their courtyard. The place feels like a true 1001 night fairytale, being very mysterious and all. Their great rooftop terrace has 360 views over the medina and the Atlas mountains in the background. So sip on your mint tea after a day strolling around the souks or start your day here with a delicious breakfast. A great add-on to this riad is that they have an in-house hammam!
Marrakech Riads
After spending a bit of time in Marrakech and visiting all those riads, I’m an absolute fan of this form of accommodation. They are all different in style, but so similar in great service and hospitality. While staying in a big hotel can be very relaxing, you do really notice the difference in care. The riad staff really tries to make you feel at home.
After all those Marrakech impressions and days strolling around the medina, how good is it to come home to a mouthwatering home-cooked meal and a comfy bed in a beautiful room? Sleep like a queen and enjoy this 1001 night fairytale.
Love,
Marthe
Photos by: M. Barends©
Marrakech city guide: the bustling red city
Morocco
The Marrakech City Guide: The bustling red city
Welcome to the red city. The city of a thousand sights, smells, and sounds. The city that will take you along in its whirlwind. Welcome to Marrakech! The moment I arrived in Marrakech I was completely overwhelmed. So many people, so many things going on, so many impressions… I had no idea which way I had to look. If you look left, you’re definitely missing out on something on your right, and the other way around. Of course, you could spend days just wandering through the souks, but there’s more to Marrakech than just that. And with a zillion things to see and do, a little help wouldn’t hurt, right?
What to do in Marrakech
When you look up Marrakech, you’ll be able to find an endless list of activities. I think you can spend weeks here and still discover new things. But with only a few days around, you gotta make choices, unfortunately. One of the places you definitely shouldn’t miss is Madrasa Ben Youssef. This might be one of the most beautiful architectural buildings I’ve ever seen. This old Muslim school has so many details, you simply don’t know where to look. From top to bottom and back again, the mosaics and carving skills are just insane.
Local advice: to take or not to take?
Sometimes the guys in Marrakech will drive you utterly crazy. Trying to sell you things, luring you in their shops with “only looking” (yeah right…), or pushing you to take them with to show you directions. However, sometimes you get lucky. So one morning, getting properly lost again in the souks, this guy came up to us asking if we wanted to see the tanneries. This was definitely not the plan, but I’m very glad we tagged along.
The Tanneries
The tanneries are the place where all the leather gets prepared for use. With a branch of fresh mint under our noses (that smell!!), we conquered the tanneries. So the skins get drenched in pigeon poo (with high ammoniac) to get the hairs off, and in the end, are dried in the sun. In the summertime, this is a great sight since they color the skins as well. In the middle of the city, you’ll find all these colorful pools at different levels. Definitely a must-see!
Jardin Majorelle
Outside of the walls of the medina, you’ll find Jardin Majorelle. The house of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. There’s no doubt about it that Yves Saint Laurent had style. The master of the French Haute Couture left Paris in the ’70s to spent some time in Marrakech. While living in the red city, he bought a beautiful bright blue house with a huge garden around it, which is now open to the public. Although Yves Saint Laurent unfortunately no longer gets to enjoy this beauty of an estate, we can do it for him. A true beauty!
Where to eat
If there’s one thing I absolutely love about Morocco it’s the food. They sure know how to do breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When in Marrakech try all their local delicacies like pastillas, tajines, couscous, and tabouleh. You will be one happy camper, I promise you. So, first of all, you gotta head to Nomad. Anyone who has ever been to Marrakech will tell you to visit this place. With a rooftop terrace like that, the envious interior, and their light and tasty menu, who can you blame? Try their veggie pastilla, calamari, or lamb burger, I guarantee you’ll come back the next day for lunch.
Le Jardin
Another great spot is Le Jardin. Le Jardin is a green oasis in the middle of the madness of the souks. The moment you enter Le Jardin you’ll start wondering if you’re still in Marrakech. This beautiful green garden has little turtles walking around, birds and parakeets, and an incredibly delicious menu with even more delicious desserts.
Atay Cafe
While all the tourists head en masse to Nomads, Atay Cafe actually is a bit more of a hidden gem. With three different rooftop terraces, this place has amazing views over the medina. On a clear day, even the Atlas mountains will appear on the horizon. The food here is amazing. Try the Lamb Tajine, a real winner. With tasty fresh juices, incredibly friendly staff, and beautiful decor, this truly is a great lunch spot.
Where to sleep in Marrakech
Riad Dar Rbaa Laroub
There are so many options to sleep in Marrakech that it’s almost impossible to choose. The good thing about the Marrakech hotels is that they invented the boutique-concept. So most of the hotels, or riads as they are called here, only have 6 to 10 bedrooms, beautiful courtyard gardens, and rooftops with stunning views. In the middle of the souks, you’ll find Riad Dar Rbaa Laroub. It’s a true mission to find this place, but when you do, you’ll fall in love. Owned by a french man, this place really has this typical french je-ne-sais-quoi vibe. Rooms with fireplaces, stunning bathrooms, and nice music. So incredibly beautiful and relaxed, and their rooftop is probably one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.
Riad Tizwa
Another great option is Riad Tizwa. A little bit more away from the madness of the souks, this place got big rooms with loads of true Moroccan details (look at their ceilings!). The staff is incredibly friendly and always willing to help you out with anything. To top it off they got breakfasts that can feed a village, so so tasty…
Riad BE
Another beautiful riad is Riad BE. This place is a dream. If I could, I would move here. Covered in mosaics, this place is truly unique and so beautiful. Every room is different, their rooftop is perfect for sunny breakfasts and the staff will greet you in any language possible.
Beautiful Marrakech stole my heart
Marrakech won me over completely. I love everything about this city. Make sure you have enough time when you visit, cause you need some time to take it all in. I really have to return to explore more hidden nooks and crannies of this beautiful place! Oh, and don’t forget to bring an extra suitcase. Or as my cousin said; when going to Morocco, bring a truck. I couldn’t agree more.
Love,
Marthe
Karma Surf Retreat: escaping winter blues in Morocco
Morocco
Karma Surf Retreat: Escaping Winter blues in Morocco
We gotta admit something. We got the Africa fever. Not just a little bit, but a lot. After spending months in Southern Africa, this continent had us blown away. So you can only imagine how excited I got when I got invited by Karma Surf Retreat to join them on a week of surfing and yoga fun in Morocco. Morocco to me is like living in a 1001 night fairytale. Whether desperately wanting to be Jasmine of Aladdin or pimping my bedroom like a proper Moroccan tea house, this eastern vibe got to me from a very young age. So Essaouira, I’m coming for ya!
Welcome to Essaouira
A warm welcome, a quick run through the maze of the old medina and there we are, our beautiful stay for the week. A very colorful and artistic riad with charming rooms, and a beautiful rooftop terrace overlooking the Atlantic ocean. The riad is in the middle of the medina, with the souks just down the street. Due to its location near the ocean, however, you can hear the waves and seagulls and enjoy its tranquility. Best of both worlds, right? Your hosts during the retreat, Yassine and Melanie, will take great care of you. The moment you enter the raid you’ll feel so welcome by these two. Any question, any request, they are more than happy to help you out with it (including modeling for photos).
Surf's up with Karma Surf Retreat
This week is all about surfing and yoga, and I’m pretty sure I must be completely fit and zen at the end of this week with Karma Surf Retreat. With plenty of hours in the water and yoga twice a day, this goal cannot be missed. What a day looks like at Karma Surf Retreat? Well, what do you think about early morning yoga lessons to wake and shake you up a bit. Then stumble on to this huge amazing (vegetarian) breakfast and stuff your face. Believe me, you will. Off to the beach we go, which is chosen depending on the wave conditions. My favorite part of the day! Whether we road trip up and down the coast looking for waves, or just stick to Essaouira beach, it all feels like a treat. I love discovering new beaches!
Om Shanti Om
Of course, after all that hard work the muscles will be sore. But thank god we had Jenn, our yoga teacher. Did you think you already had your fix this morning? No no no, we do sunset sessions as well! On the rooftop of our riad or on beachfront decks, one way or another you will hear the ocean and see the sun going down while practicing your downward dog. The day flies by, and in the end that well-deserved lamb tajine is all you need.
When in Morocco...
For those who get a little bit scared by all this active talk, don’t worry guys. It’s not only surfing and yoga that’s the order of the day. Melanie took us to a traditional hammam which is relaxing and all but, believe me, quite the adventure. No tourists around, just two mamas washing and scrubbing you like it is supposed to go. I don’t wanna spoil to much here, but please, if you get a chance, do it. This memory will stay with you forever. To stick with Moroccan traditions we also had tajine cooking classes from Ahmed, the tajine king. After eating that you too will succumb to bringing a true Moroccan tajine back home and probably never use it again. But hey, that’s what souvenirs are for!
Bye, bye cold Winter days
This week with Karma Surf Retreat really was the perfect getaway. Wanna run away from that winter blues too? Then Morocco is definitely your go-to place. Recharge your battery at Karma Surf Retreat eating deliciously healthy food, doing yoga, surfing, and absorb some vitamin D. Let Essaouira charm you with its beautiful little streets, tempting shops, friendly people, and many great restaurants. At the end of it, you’ll start wondering if you just couldn’t do this every month…
Marthe
Check out Karma Surf Retreat’s website for bookings since there are many more retreats coming up.
Photos by: M. Barends©
Chobe National Park: where elephants rule the world
Botswana
Chobe National Park: Where elephants rule the world
Africa is scattered with stunning game reserves, but if there’s one you shouldn’t miss it would be Chobe National Park. In the north of Botswana, this national park is home to the biggest elephant population of whole Southern Africa. Besides elephants, Chobe National Park will let you experience the habitats of giraffes, lions, leopards, hippos, baboons, and loads of impalas. No shortage of wildlife or of the ultimate safari adventure!
Just an ordinary day at Chobe National Park
It’s not only the great variety in wildlife that makes this park so special, but also the variety in how to visit. Of course, you can take the well-known game drive. This will definitely give you the possibility to see all of the big five and more. But if you want to experience Chobe National Park properly you should definitely take both the car and the boat. Due to the Zambezi River crossing right through the park, you can experience the game reserve from another point of view. Hippos wander through the fields as cows do in Holland. Alligators just chill meters from our boat and herds of elephants play along the river banks. Just an ordinary day in Botswana. Do take the boat trip at the end of the afternoon, cause you’ll be treated to amazing African sunsets!
Where to eat and sleep
While staying in Kasane, the gateway to Chobe National Park, there are many accommodation options. You can properly splurge at one of the many tented camps or boutique-style hotels, but if you are on a budget I can highly suggest the Thebe River Lodge. We camped here, had lots of (shaded) space and a perfect pool to cool down after a long day in the African bush. There are cooking facilities on the campgrounds, but if you feel like sitting back and eating good food try The Old House. Just a walk down the road you will find this place. A really nice restaurant with seriously good burgers and a view over the Chobe River.
African adventures
Those African days suit me well I have to say. It’s true adventure time with all those wild animals around us, sleeping in a tent under skies full of stars. I don’t know if you can get any closer to nature. Meanwhile, people are already making fun of us driving an Opel Corsa through the African wilderness, not getting their head around the fact we’ve made it all the way from Durban. Yes, we are happy campers, and we’ll keep on going, that’s for sure.
Love,
Marthe
Photos by: M. Barends, J. Roeland ©
The Okavango Delta: a nature's maze
Botswana
The Okavango Delta: A nature's maze
When entering Botswana the first thing we noticed was how green this country is. And how empty. With only 2.3 million people living in a country as big as France or Spain, you can do the math. From what we’ve heard the country doesn’t do fences around their national parks, which makes running into warthogs, zebras, or elephants on the highway an ordinary case. You gotta love Africa. So one of our first stops on this road trip through Botswana is the Okavango Delta. The delta is the largest in the world and offers a great variety of game.
A taste of the Okavango Delta
Sleeping on the river banks we got a real good taste of the Okavango Delta from the start. An insane selection of colorful birds, animal sounds the whole day and night through, and a true African sunset that you won’t find anywhere else. We stayed at the Old Bridge Backpackers which had a really nice vibe. With outdoor showers, a welcoming bar, and some front row seats at the river, they really got something good going on here.
Flying or rowing?
There are multiple ways of discovering the beauty of the Okavango delta. If you’d like an overview of the delta as a whole, taking a scenic flight is the way to go. The views will take your breath away! Even from up in the sky, you can see the herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and hippos. If you want to get a close-up of all this beauty, then take a boat trip with one of the locals and their Mokoro boats.
Maze hunting in the Okavango
Going on a Mokoro trip is like going to a kid’s birthday party. Including the invitation with bringing your swimsuit, you’ll be brought home. Being just as excited since we had no idea what we were going to do, we ended up at this little village in the middle of the delta getting greeted by a group of happy kids. Gearing ourselves up for a day in the delta with loads of sunscreen and water, we were ready to get lost in the maze of the Okavango.
Getting as close as you dare
Rowing through the delta is really tranquil. Nature is beautiful and bumping into hippos and elephants makes it even more special. We had some very close encounters which made our tiny unstable mokoro boat maybe not the safest place on earth, but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. After seeing all those crocs and hippos in the water, this “bring your swimmers” does sound a bit doubtful. For the daredevils among us, you do get a chance to dive into the delta. Our guide didn’t see this as a problem at all, however, I think I’ll pass. You go first, I’ll watch?
Amazing Africa
What a wonderful day it was. If you’d like you can actually book multiple days which will take you deeper into the Okavango delta and will let you see even more animals than what we’ve already seen. I definitely wanna go back to try this for a day of three or four, eat by the fire, camp under the stars, and hear those animals wandering around. There certainly is no place like Africa, and the Okavango Delta proves just that.
Love,
Marthe
Photos by: M. Barends & J. Roeland©
The best surf destinations: where to escape winter
The world
The best surf destinations: Where to escape Winter
Winter is coming. And don’t we all wanna escape it for just a little bit? Grey rainy days, alarms going off while it’s still dark, and freezing temperatures. Doesn’t sound too appealing right? Well, we got the solution for you! Our favorite surf destinations for this winter where the sun shines, the water still ticks that 20 degrees (or more) and the only alarm you set will be for sunrise surf sessions. Buckle up guys, we’re gonna chase waves and follow the sun!
Taghazout, Morocco
As Europeans, we might be quite lucky to be in the middle of most destinations ( I know, I know… the earth is round). It might be a long flight to Asia or South America, but it’s all doable. However, how dreamy those far away surf destinations might be, sometimes it’s nice to jump onto that plane and arrive 4 hours later. With winter in full galore, how good is it we have Morocco with an always 25 degrees or more only 4 hours away? It’s not only weather-wise this country is so appealing, but the best waves (especially during our European winter), authentic villages, and beautiful nature make this the perfect surf destination to escape to.
Taghazout is probably the most well-known town for surfing with its coastline covered in surf spots with long rides, steep barrels, and different reefs, beaches, and point breaks. With plenty of surf and yoga retreats in this beach town, this place is your perfect last-minute escape!
Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique
Ponta do Ouro is a true paradise. Just next to the border of South Africa, this little town is all about relaxing, surfing, and good food. There are no roads (so make sure you have a 4×4 ride), there’s no supermarket (just a market where every little stand sells cigarettes, Coca-Cola, and rum), and you can only get cash with a Visa card. A bit challenging maybe, but seriously, this place is all worth it!
Ocean playground
Daily surf sessions, empty beaches (read: white sands, crystal clear blue water, palm trees), and fresh fish for dinner. It’s also the perfect spot for scuba diving and swimming with dolphins. Can it get any better?! They got a conservancy project going on for the dolphin community that’s been living in the area. They will teach you all about those dolphins and will make it possible for you to swim with them (but not in a theme park kind of way, they’re seriously all about protecting them). On a lucky day, you might even be able to spot some whales as well!
Need more reasons to hibernate in Mozambique? Then don’t forget to visit the 360-degree restaurant in Ponta Malongane for stunning views!
Hiriketiya Bay, Sri Lanka
If you’re truly depressed during those dark cold winter months, then book a ticket and fly straight to Hiriketiya Bay in Sri Lanka. Make sure you do book a return ticket, otherwise you’ll probably just get stuck there. Hiriketiya ticks all the boxes of a paradise surf destination. So palm trees, white sands, good waves, it’s all part of the deal. This beautiful bay will offer you both beginner and advanced waves and will make you forget that winter is actually a recurring phenomenon.
Looking for a place to stay? Dots Bay House will cover all your needs, including yoga and surf lessons and well-deserved comfort food.
Punta Banco, Costa Rica
Punta Banco is your ultimate getaway fully off the grid. Leave your wetsuit at home and bring loads of sunscreen because the 28-degree waves will keep you warm for sure. This place is well known for its never-ending lefthanders, paradise beaches, and Pura Vida vibes. European Winter means Costa Rican summer offering you super clean mellow waves, clear blue skies, and stunning sunsets. If you’re looking for a bit more power in the waves, make sure to book your trip for March or April, when the swells pick up a bit.
Popoyo, Nicaragua
Popoyo got me hooked. Oh my, do I love the waves around here. Right-handers, left-handers, you name it, Popoyo got it. Because of the offshore winds blowing all day long, the waves are glassy and perfect almost every day of the year the whole day through. There are waves for every skill level, ranging from mellow beginner waves to hollow, racey reef breaks or monster barrels. The fact that it isn’t discovered by the crowds just yet, makes this place definitely one of the best surf destinations to hibernate and surf your ass off.
Planning a trip this way? Make sure to check out our Nicaragua Surf Guide.
Simeulue, Indonesia
A bit of a surfer has heard of the Mentawais at some point in their surfer life. The Mentawais sure are beautiful and have amazing waves, but have been discovered for quite some time now and that’s been filling up the line-up. A few island groups North of the Mentawais you’ll find Simeulue island; just as beautiful, amazing waves, minus the crowds. Not really a beginner spot, but intermediates and advanced can properly skip Winter here trying out the abundance of waves this tiny island has to offer.
Wanna know more? Check out our Simeulue article!
Costeño Beach, Colombia
Since Colombia is based around the equator it doesn’t really matter which time of the year you visit this beautiful country. The sun will be shining any day and the water will always be above 20 degrees. So pack your bags. With Colombia as number 2 on Lonely Planets destinations for 2017, you must be quick before the masses discover this amazing country as well. The waves aren’t the best in the world, but Costeño beach gives you hammocks, good food, empty beaches with palm trees, and the Caribbean vibe.
Check out our Costeño article for more info!
Surf your way through Winter
Getting a little restless already? I hope these surf destinations inspire you a bit and make your winter blues a little less present. Central America, Asia, Africa, you can do a world trip exploring one tropical surf destination after another. If you found your spot, will you send us a postcard?
Love,
Marthe
Photos by: M. Barends & J. Roeland©
Torres del Paine: The ultimate guide for hiking the O-trek
Chile
Torres del Paine: The ultimate guide for hiking the O-trek
Ok, I just conquered the world. Or at least it feels like that. I just came back from 9-day trekking in Torres del Paine carrying a 20kg backpack (my backpack wasn’t even that heavy when leaving home!!), eating lots of instant meals, and sleeping in a tent every single freezing night. And let’s put this straight; I don’t necessarily like camping that much, or hiking… for 9 days. I got trapped into this.
Team Seduction
Let me introduce you to Team Seduction; a Swede, 4 Yankees, the Ozzie, and I, all recognizable by a red fingernail and lots of noise. This crew got together in El Chalten where everything was still quite tame. Five days later we were let loose in the National Park of Torres del Paine with the worst preparation EVER. Leaving worried park rangers behind if we’d make it back alive and having no idea of what we were getting ourselves into. Having bin bags as bag covers, gourmet meals that weighed a ton, three people pushed into a two-man tent, and one of the members conquering the mountains of Torres del Paine in flip-flops (leaving literally every trespasser stunned behind). We definitely were a bunch of amateurs.
The O-trek of Torres del Paine
When hiking Torres del Paine you got multiple options. You either do day treks, the W-trail, or the O-trail. During your hike, you need to bring everything you need. Tents, food, sleeping bags, clothes for all kinds of weather, and some good spirit. We did the O-trek or circuit which means about 130km hiking up and down mountains coming across all four seasons in one day. Never ask about the weather forecast, because people simply can’t predict it.
Survival adventures
In the first part of the trail, we saw barely anybody. It was just us, a bunch of woodpeckers, beautiful valleys, and even more beautiful mountains. The absolute highlight of this part of the trail was ”The Pass”. Feared by many because of its killer incline and the insanely long day, but damn, it was cool. The first part was like a proper survival trail; swinging from branch to branch, trying to avoid ending up head first in one of the many, many mud puddles. Didn’t work out that well.
Highlight of Torres del Paine
After a bit of mud wrestling, the real incline started. Combined with some snow fights and survival chocolates we made it to the top where we were in for a big surprise: a humungous glacier and endless views with double rainbows. Worth every single mud puddle I crashed into and every single blister I had on my soaked feet. This view has been seriously one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen! Words can’t even describe how insanely beautiful this place was. I can’t believe I would have missed out on this adventure, if we’d chosen to walk the W-trail.
Torres del Paine on fire
As if this wasn’t enough we got treated to many more glaciers, the most amazing rainbows, bright blue glacier lakes, waterfalls, and snowy mountains, to top it off with a sunrise at the Torres del Paine. After 8 days of walking, we climbed our way up through snow (feet were unconscious by now), while it was still dark, to experience one of the most amazing sunrises I have ever seen. I’m not even gonna try to describe how special and insanely gorgeous this was, because there are no words to do it justice.
A grand adventure
We wouldn’t be Team Seduction if this whole trekking was just about hiking. Oh no. At dinnertime we took over the dinner shack with some pots & pans music, we partied in a dome, lost 5kg the first five days and gained everything within an hour of cookie munches, and made a proper song about the Mustache Man we kept on running into.
Yes, life wasn’t that bad under these conditions. But gee, I’m happy we’re back! Time for a shower, a feed, and a big bottle of red wine. Thank you Torres for the pain, but mostly for the fun. It was an absolute pleasure.
Marthe
Photos by: M. Barends, F. Mosesson, K. Huguelet ©
Recap
Do you rather look at images than reading stories? No worries, we have a short recap of everything you need to know below.
Best time to visit
Patagonian Summer: December till March
Sleeping options
Bring your own tent and sleep on a different campground every single night or stay at one of the Refugios (book way in advance).
Insider tips
- Rent your equipment in Puerto Natales
- Bring thermic underwear
- You can do the hike in running shoes if you didn't bring hiking boots (they dry faster)
- Bring enough socks
- A good water-resistant bag cover
Currency
Chilean Peso
Weather
You'll experience all seasons in one day. So buckle up for sun, warmth, snow, rain, wind, and cold.
Entrance Fee
35.000 Chilean Peso
Paid in cash at the entrances of the National Park Laguna Amarga, Sarmiento, or Serrano.