What better place than EcoCamp Patagonia, in the very heart of one of the most beautiful places on earth - Torres del Paine National Park - to experience and capture the constant change of Mother Earth? We were privileged to witness a large number of nature wonders, whether in the piercing cold of Patagonian Winter or in the roaring windguts of Summer. We took thousands of pictures all along the year and, believe me, the choice was hard. We did not choose the most "easthetically" beautiful pictures - rather we picked up some striking, mind-blowing moments that literally made 2015 an unexpected year. And we are sure 2016 will be as great - maybe even better. We hope you will enjoy the selection, and wish you a happy, colorful, adventurous new year!
20. Stretching Fox
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : March
Context : We were having the classic - and generous - barbecue at Laguna Azul, on the Eastern side of the National Park, when this tiny Grey fox came to visit us. He did not even try to rob us a piece of steak, rather he stretched for a minute and fell asleep at the shore of the lake. Cute.
19. Revamped EcoCamp
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : October
Context : Spring begun under a shining sun as the revamped EcoCamp was just ready - EcoCamp just looked perfect with Mt. Balmaceda in the background, so we could not refuse a picture from the nearby hill.
18. Ready to Fly
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : November
Context : As we reached the peak of Cerro Paine - a marvelous 8-hour hike every Sunday on Wildlife Safari - we spotted this beautiful Southern crested Caracara. He was about to fly away as we shot the animal.
17. Los Cuernos
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : February
Context : We gathered on the classic Pehoe Lake lookout on our way to Glaciar Grey and, as usual, admired the dramatic shape of Los Cuernos (the horns), the worldwide famous peaks in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. This pic may be a classic, but we like it for the contrast and the passing car that looks tiny, tiny, so tiny...
16. Hiking the Immensity
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : January
Context : We were hiking the Torres del Paine Circuit, a striking trekking route that snakes between giant granite peaks and majestic ice fields. As we reached John Gardner Pass - the highest point of the 9-Day trek with 1421m a.s.l - it was pouring rain. But after a few kilometers, the sky suddenly cleared up, allowing us to enjoy a breathtaking view of Grey Glacier as we passed one of the dizzying suspension bridges.
15. Wandering Guanaco
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : September
Context : The steppe was still covered by the Winter snow as we did the first Wildlife Safari of the year in a still, silent Torres del Paine. The snowcapped mountains were otherworldly, just like the curious guanacos that were seeking food in the cold. Winter, a great time for pictures, for sure!
14. Flamingos in the Sky
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : February
Context : What better place than Sarmiento Lake - the biggest lake in the National Park - to spot hundreds of guanacos? Not that we wanted to fright them, but these guys decided to take off as we reached the lake. And here is the picture.
13. Reflection on Pehoe
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : April
Context : On our way to Paine Grande - as we were going to hike the famous French Valley trail - the reflection on Pehoe Lake left us speechless. April is a great month for those who want to see a quieter, wilder park. But seing absolutely no wind in the park is a gift.
12. Hiking in Heaven
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : October
Context : As we hiked along the Salto Grande waterfalls (every Sunday on Wildlife Safari), we could hardly believe how quiet the place was. Few people, few wind gusts. Only the sun that was shining on the Torres del Paine massive. So we hiked looking straight ahead and enjoyed the view.
11. Jumping Guanaco
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : January
Context : We knew guanacos could jump high, we had no idea they could fly! We shot this surprising creature as we were hiking Fauna Trail, a place well-known for its numerous animals. No pumas that day, but guanacos are always fun to observe!
10. Cordillera del Paine
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : April
Context : Another reflection picture...No, this is not a lake, but the reflection of the Cordillera del Paine on a big puddle after days of heavy rain in the National Park. A nice conclusion for the W Trek we were doing. Cool, isn't it?
9. EcoCamp in the snow
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : September
Context : That winter started kinda late, and ended lately too. Good news for our guests who could enjoy some fairy-tailesque landscapes as the snow kept falling for about a week in early September. We took that picture from a nearby hill; nature was beautiful, period.
8. So small in this world
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : March
Context : Of all the Towers' Base trails we did, this one was one of the most surprising. The weather was kinda strange at EcoCamp, but up there, in Torres del Paine's most famous lookout, the sun was shining. We could not believe the perfection of the towers' reflection on the lagoon. So we took that pictures and felt like ants on the mountain.
7. The Land of Icebergs
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : October
Context : At the end of Winter, when the temperature slowly increases in Patagonia, huge ice blocks calvings occur in Grey Glacier. As a result, hundreds of travelers come to Grey Beach to admire the giant icebergs. And, of course, they look really, really small on the pictures.
6. Blossoming
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : December
Context : A few days before Christmas, when thick flakes of snow fall in Europe, the Patagonian steppe is covered by colorful plants. At EcoCamp, we are lucky to have Lupinus right in front of our Welcome Dome; which makes the geodesic hotel a great place to witness the beauty of Spring.
5. Facing the Valley
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : December
Context : Salto Grande may be one of the most stunning viewpoints of French Valley and, believe it or not, the experience is even better with the roaring of the waterfalls in the background. A nice couple of adventurers + the impressive view of French Valley with Aleta del Tiburon (Shark's fin) = good picture.
4. Fishing in Patagonia
Photography : Sarah Culberson
Shot in : March
Context : The Serrano River is packed with surprises for fishermen; whether they have experience or not. There you can find heaps of trouts and salmons and hundreds of buddings fishermen come to catch (and release) them. A dream place for fly fishing - and if you take a look at that picture you will easily understand why.
3. El Condor Pasa
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : February
Context : Laguna Azul is located in the Northeast side of Torres del Paine National Park. An incredibly peaceful place, you can only enjoy the incredible view of the towers on a Wildlife Safari. We did not expect this condor to fly right in front of us in this dream landscape. Perfect timing for a perfect picture.
2. Milky Way Above EcoCamp Patagonia
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : September
Context : For some reason Chile is said to have the clearest sky - a dream country for astronomers and starwatchers. Even though the Atacama desert has the best fame, Patagonia offers a unique contrast between snowcapped peaks and the milky way if you are lucky enough to have good weather. Right in the beginning of the season we decided to put the tripod in the middle of the Standard domes and took that picture. No reason to envy Atacama, right?
1. Do you want to marry me?
Photography : Timothy Dhalleine
Shot in : October
Context : And here is the winner! David and Tess showed me their teeth as they stood on a rock. Why not, fun idea for a picture! I took two pictures before I said I got what they wanted. But David wanted a last one. Suddenly he dropped the knew, right in front of my camera.
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