If this big guy was any happier, we’d have to call him a smile-adon! As the fearless guardian of the remote town of Puerto Natales, The Big Mylodon has taken over a round-a-bout near the waterfront. Just follow your extincts to find him.
Mylodons swaggered across Patagonia’s frozen tundra 10,000 years ago. They didn’t swagger too quickly, though, because they were basically giant sloths with kangaroo tails. Twice as tall as a human, they were covered in delightfully shaggy hair to cope with the rather Chile weather. Just look at this big guy – he’s like a young, foppish Hugh Grant!
A lovely chap named Hermann Eberhard discovered the remains of a mylodon near Puerto Natales in 1895. Human skeletons, along with bits and bobs from other prehistoric creatures, were also found. A smaller version of this statue lives in this cave, which is 15 miles-odons north of town. Don’t be slothful, because there’s nothing wrong with caving in to your desires to head out there.
Puerto Natales is best known nowadays for the nearby Torres del Paine National Park. It’s home to glaciers, icebergs and some wonderful hiking trails for the adventurous. I enjoyed a multi-day stroll with some like-minded nature lovers, and it certainly wasn’t a Paine in the bum!
Set your alarm clock, because they’re best seen at mylo-dawn!
