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Polaroid of the Week: Puerto Natales' 'Amor al Viento' – A Tribute to Patagonia's Fierce Winds

Polaroid of the Week: Puerto Natales Amor al Viento – A Tribute to Patagonia s Fierce Winds

As we travel slowly southward through Patagonia toward Ushuaia, Argentina—the world's southernmost city—we paused in Puerto Natales, Chile, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Famous worldwide for the iconic 'W Trek,' a challenging 5-day hike ranked among the top 10 globally, the park attracts adventurers everywhere. After sharing many Torres del Paine photos on Facebook, this Polaroid of the Week celebrates the region's legendary winds (Jess is from Chicago, the Windy City, after all).

Patagonia is renowned for its powerful gusts—often exceeding 100 km/h—that challenge hikers on park trails (check out this video!). We were fortunate to experience unusually calm, sunny weather during our visit, avoiding the fate of some trekkers who get knocked over. In 2012, for the city's 101st anniversary, two captivating sculptures named 'Amor al Viento' (Love of the Wind) were unveiled at the future Plaza of the Wind. These 2.5-meter-tall bronze figures of a man and woman perch on 8-meter poles, swaying dramatically in strong winds.

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