After almost 3 hours of hiking with all the gear on our backs, we were presented with this dramatic sunset, clouds were burning up, almost spewing lava like.
These Moai stand on their original Ahu, facing the ocean in perfect alignment with the summer equinox's sunset.
Pure bliss is something unobtainable, but every now and then comes a moment where you feel you're almost grasping it. Just like that gush of wind breaking the mirror like image on this photograph, of the Torres del Paine mountain peaks reflect over Laguna Amarga. But in the end, who needs perfection, really?
Cuernos del Paine reflected onto lake Nordenskjöld's glacial waters or a vision of Eden's Gardens?
One of the most impressive Ahu of Rapa Nui with its Moai rock statues erect after restoration, including one with a Pukao on top. In this particular image the Moai contrast with the tall vegetation deprived landscape that characterizes a large part of the island. This particular Ahu is located on the southeastern part of the island, with the ocean on the back.
Glacier waters stream just before the Salto Grande waterfall, making for foreground to the fire red lit Cuernos del Paine massif.
Easter Island (Rapa Nui), home to the Rapa Nui people, is known for its mystery filled aura: an isolated island of the Pacific, connecting the Polynesian geographical triangle with Hawai'i and New Zealand. Whether you think of the massive Moai statues, the rich native culture or the widespread lack of tall vegetation, all come along with theories and uncertanties drawn by many curious minds, since first visited by an European expedition in 1722. The photograph depicts the extinct Ranu Kao volcano's crater, one of the few locations of the island that kept its original flora and fauna, having survived the heavy deforestation and natural resources depletion that ocurred in the island, and is the ground base for conservational efforts of international organizations and the Chilean government of recovering the island's flora.
The formidable, awe inspiring Moai statues at Ahu a Kivi, Rapa Nui (Easter Island). These particular Moai were the first to be re-erected after being toppled down amidst the population tumults during the XVIII-XIX centuries. They stand where their original Ahu, facing the ocean in perfect alignment with the summer equinox's sunset.
Easter Island (Rapa Nui), home to the Rapa Nui people, is known for its mystery filled aura: an isolated island of the Pacific, connecting the Polynesian geographical triangle with Hawai'i and New Zealand. Whether you think of the massive Moai statues, the rich native culture or the widespread lack of tall vegetation, all come along with theories and uncertanties drawn by many curious minds, since first visited by an European expedition in 1722. The photograph depicts the extinct Ranu Kao volcano's crater, one of the few locations of the island that kept its original flora and fauna, having survived the heavy deforestation and natural resources depletion that ocurred in the island, and is the ground base for conservational efforts of international organizations and the Chilean government of recovering the island's flora.
Light strikes through the skies and paints the rocky slopes at Torres del Paine National Park.
A glacier tip, hundreds of meters high, emerges from the mist gently and slowly crumbling down the mountain.
Anakena is the largest of the two white sand beaches found at Easter Island. Though it could be mistaken for any other beach of the Pacific, Anakena is a significant part of the Rapa Nui National Park, as it is said to be the location of the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers, which sailed in a two canoe party led by chief Hoto Matu'a. This beautiful tropical scenario is crowned with two Ahu: Nao-Nao which is comprised of seven Moai and Ature with one single Moai, both of which are depicted in this photograph, making it a truly out of the ordinary setting.
Cerro (mount) Fitz Roy, the 'smoking mountain', seen from the Argentinian Patagonia region. Starring in the surrounding landscape, this is considered one of the world's most technically challenging mountains to climb according to experts.
The intricacy of a glacier's surface is mesmerizing, worthy of contemplation.
A vantage point view over the valley leading to Carro Torre, Patagonia.
Epic skies welcome whoever visits Patagonia.
A young man photographs Moai statues that overlook the landscape surrounding Ranu Raraku volcano crater's slopes.
Sunrise light casts over a small coyote, awaiting our absence to return to its preys' carcase.
Dandelion (dent de lion), or its accurate name Taraxacum, as seen in a hill of the Argentinian Patagonia.
The Torres del Paine peaks lit by the first sun rays, seen at Laguna Amarga.