Southern Chile is simply stunning. Nestled between the snowcapped volcanos and the Pacific Ocean, this region of South America is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. One of the best places to appreciate what this region has to offer is the El Cañi Sanctuary, a 1,500 acre reserve containing some of the oldest trees in the world, as well as spectacular trekking with views of the surrounding volcanoes. We spent three days camping and trekking here, sleeping under the night skies and appreciating the best of nature.

Hiking through bamboo, Araucaria and Coihue trees.

Coihue trees, also known as Nothofagus dombeyi.

El Cañi’s highest summit covered in Araucaria trees.

Overlooking most of the sanctuary, with Araucaria trees in the foreground and Volcán Lanín in the background.

Overlooking Lago Villarrica and the town of Pucon.

Drinking a warm mate to stay warm as the sunsets and the cold sinks in.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Walker then majored in International Relations and Chinese at the New School University in NYC. He began traveling during a high school exchange to Argentina, and hasn’t stopped since. Walker has always sought out the more unusual and off the beaten path locations and is combining his love for photography and travel to kickstart a career as a journalist, striving to redefine the profession in rapidly changing world.