Patagonia is the region comprised of southern Chile and southern Argentina. It covers more than 650,000 square miles and is home to about two million people. The region includes the Andes mountains to the west and south with lower plains in the east.

In the Chilean portion, the climate is that of a temperate rain forest, producing varied vegetation and providing for much wildlife. Glaciers are also common in the southern Chilean portion.

The Argentine area is more arid than the Chilean portion and includes volcanos, a petrified forest, many rivers, lakes and mountains.

Patagonia's economy is made up of mining, livestock, agriculture and oil. Tulips are also grown and marketed worldwide. Tourism has notably expanded the region's economy in the last 50 years, and has become a popular destination for backpackers.

The Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine) National Park holds a very popular circuit route of hiking trails with sections that can be hiked in one, five or eight to nine days. The most popular of those is the "W," the five-day trail named for its shape. The W has campsites and hostels for hikers.Dan Jenny had hiked it before the January trip. "We kinda know the ropes. I don't ever take a trip without having done it first myself. If they're (participants) spending their hard-earned money, I want them to enjoy it," he said.The five points on the W include:• Glacier Grey — a glacier that calves into the Glacier Grey lake• Refugio Pehoe — a view of the "horns" of the Torres del Paine• Valle del Francés — a path that leads to a view of several small glaciers• Hosteria Las Torres — a hotel at the base of the mountains• Torres del Paine — large rock formations over a small lake