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A Q&A with Milo about his recent trip through Patagonia with Guided by Nature.
Patagonia may be a young landscape, but its soaring peaks and ancient valleys leave a lasting impression. We caught up with expert guide Milo to hear about the surprising familiarity of Patagonia’s flora, rare wildlife encounters, and the powerful moments that define a journey to Torres del Paine.
Q: Explain this trip in one sentence?
Patagonia is a young landscape, but its peaks and valleys feel deeply ancient
Q: What was your favourite moment from the trip?
The first was the strange, familiar beauty of walking through a landscape that felt so much like home. Because Tasmania and South America were once connected as part of the supercontinent Gondwana, a lot of the flora in Patagonia is incredibly similar to what we have in Tasmania. There were almost identical Nothofagus (Beech) species, multiple Cyttaria (a genus of fungi) species, and even a flower called the Chilean Firebush that looked just like the Tasmanian Waratah. They’re both in the Proteaceae family and from the same subtribe, Embothriinae. Being on the other side of the world but surrounded by plants that felt so familiar was surreal and really special.
The second highlight was being lucky enough to see a puma in the wild. It wasn’t especially close, but it was still an incredibly rare and powerful moment. I’d been quietly hoping it might happen, and to actually see one was pretty unforgettable.
Q: How did our guests react when they saw the famous Towers?
Given the size of the day, about 22 km return with roughly 1000m of vertical gain, there was a huge sense of relief and achievement at the top for a lot of guests. Many of them weren’t sure they were capable of completing the hike, so reaching the Towers felt really empowering and emotional. That feeling, layered with the sheer natural beauty of the Towers themselves, made it a pretty special and moving moment for a lot of people.
Q: What is your top tip for people considering hiking Patagonia?
Be present. Patagonia is an incredible place with so much to offer if you really pay attention.
Also, be properly prepared for the weather. Patagonian weather can be relentless and unforgiving, so having the right gear for all conditions is essential.
Overall, be curious, be excited, ask questions, take photos, and embrace the rawness that Patagonia has to offer.
Q: Where to next for you, Milo?
I’m heading straight back onto the Overland Track after this, I’m writing this from the lounge room of one of our huts. I’m easing back into what I’d call even more unforgiving weather in the Tasmanian alpine, especially with this extended shoulder season we’re experiencing now.
