BEHIND THE LENS
PATAGONIA AND TORRES DEL PAINE, CHILE BY CRISTIAN ANINAT
Tell us about your relationship with Patagonia.
My relationship with Patagonia is a story of constant fascination, something postponed and finally consummated. Crossing Chile from end to end brought me to the gates of Torres del Paine, where the grandeur of nature and its people speak a unique language.
Can you tell us about this particular journey?
I undertook this journey in February 2021, amidst a pandemic that paralyzed the world. It was a voyage into the unknown during a time of total isolation.
I chose this time not by chance; I wanted to experience the immensity of its landscapes in the utmost silence. I found a Patagonia—and this park in particular—devoid of crowds, where the magnitude of its nature could be admired in a silence so profound that I could almost hear the echo of the earth, feel the passage of time and grasp how minuscule we are within our planet.
The immersive experience in the desolate landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park, normally bustling with visitors, was magnified by solitude, allowing me to capture its essence, wild and eternally free.
What does Patagonia smell like?
Patagonia smells like freedom, like the fresh and crisp blend of the glacial wind.
What does it taste like?
Its flavor is that of primitive purity, a cuisine that celebrates the origin of the land and the local.
Your best discovery?
The light, a unique light that bathes and constantly transforms every corner of this immense place.
What might surprise a foreigner about the city?
A foreigner might be surprised by the monumental silence that accompanies the grandeur of the landscape; a silence that speaks louder than any sound. A place that invites introspection.
If you had to choose your favorite thing about Patagonia, what would it be?
Above all, the light and the silence are my sanctuaries. Both strip away the everyday and immerse you in a timeless dimension.
What was your first impression of the city?
Puerto Natales, where I spent a couple of hours, presented itself as a refuge, a gateway that prepares you to immerse yourself in the deeper narrative of nature.
If Patagonia had a soundtrack, which songs would be included?
Hoppípolla by Sigur Ros
Varoeldur by Sigur Ros
String Quartet No.3 “Mishima” by Philip Glass
Fireflies by Philip Glass and Paul Leonard -Morgan
Oceans by RY X and Òlafur Arnalds
When you travel to Patagonia, what can’t you miss?
The opportunity to witness the sunrise over the Torres del Paine. It’s an almost sacred ritual that redefines the majesty of these rocky formations.
A typical food or drink?
Patagonian lamb accompanied by a good wine.
Where to stay?
In Puerto Natales, at the Singular Hotel. Inside Torres del Paine National Park, at the Awasi hotel.
Something everyone should know before arriving?
They should know that Patagonia is not just a destination but a journey inward, an adventure experienced both outside and within oneself.
What is the most special thing about Patagonia?
It’s a place where the community and its people mold themselves to the landscape, not the other way around. There’s a curious and beautiful symbiosis that reminds you that we are just guests spending time in this vast natural world.
Favorite local slang?
“Gaucho”; its meaning has evolved over time, but traditionally refers to the skilled riders and cowboys of the pampas, the extensive plains of the region. They are admired for their courage, individualism and ability to survive in harsh and solitary conditions.
What is beauty for you?
For me, beauty is directly related to the harmony of elements and the elegance of making thoughtful choices.
