There is only one way to get to Glacier Geike: on horse or by foot. We decided to hike, and our journey began with this massive and stunning view of the Horns of the Torres del Paine Mountains.

 
Four hours on a ferry, then transferred over to the zodiac to go further up the Serrano River. It’s pretty amazing how much you can cram on a small zodiac without tipping over. Hanging out with local park rangers, its mate again their drink of choice, and through traveling with local Guachos we learned about the custom of hanging the heads of wild bulls as trophies. Guacho life.

 
We got invited for a day of horseback riding through the terrain at Estancia Mercedes. Before 2008, the only way to get here was via boat or horseback until a road was built through the peninsula. We were greeted with such warmth and open hearts, their hospitality made me feel at home. Nothing better than sitting down to a family style dinner with a lamb roast after a long day of riding.

The scale is unbelievably impressive, we are mere specks in comparison.

 
Walking barefoot across this partially frozen river early in the morning surely wakes you up. Most of the trails we used to get up this ridge were not charted by humans, but by wild horses and guanacos as they grazed up the mountain.

 
Welcome to Hacienda 3R, our home base for the next 3 days as we hike through the back country. The people are truly wonderful out here, and I’m already feeling at home after a day of hiking.

Warm shower, hot coffee, and this view upon waking up. I am ready for more.

 
Another world, untouched, pristine nature in all its grandeur. The turquoise water in combination with the silt and sand-like sediment of the lakebed gave me the feeling I was on a perfect swimming beach, if it wasn’t for the rain I might have jumped in ;). We had tied up the Zodiac to a tree allowing us to hike along the Bernal Glacier on a route where few if any have set foot.