Van Life: Patagonia

Driving the Carretera Austral is not a vacation; it's an expedition. Potholes the size of craters, landslides, and ferry crossings that depend on the tide. But the rewards are worth every breakdown. We bought an old converted van in Santiago and headed south. For two months, our backyard changed every day. We parked at the foot of hanging glaciers, bathed in hidden hot springs, and woke up to the sound of guanacos grazing outside our window. Patagonia is untamed. It’s a place where nature is still in charge. One day, we hiked to the base of Fitz Roy. The peaks were shrouded in mist, waiting for a break. When the sun finally hit the granite spires, they glowed a fiery red. Living in a van teaches you minimalism. You realize how little you need to be happy. Good coffee, a warm sleeping bag, and a view that takes your breath away. That’s enough.