Guide, Hiker, Ecotourism Project Manager, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Approximately 6-9 days (varied by the fitness level); that’s how long it will take you to hike around Torres Del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile. You will huff and puff and stare at the unimaginable beauty of the glaciers and sharp peaks of the Chilean Antarctica. A limited access and a tough booking process as well as the remoteness, make this park one of the most pristine and glorious sites on earth. One way hikers can take in the Chilean nature is by booking a fit and impressive guide for a day or for the entire trek. Ms. Natalie Bascour is a guide in the Torres Del Paine who is also an educator for Chilean (and international) tourists. I absolutely love the way Ms. Bascour opens up the possibility to explore Torres del Paine through her eyes. There is nothing more inspiring than people who adore geeking out in their fields of study - the most successful ones are the most fervent aficionados. Natalie is definitely full of this wonder and respect for her role in this wonderous ecosystem, in one of the most remote parts of the world. Proud to bring her story to WOW Woman.

1. Name.

My name is Natalie Bascour Mora.

3. What ? What does your average day look like?

I wake up, eat breakfast and then go out trailing into the mountains of the Torres del Paine National Park. On my days off, I usually also hike, because I enjoy climbing and just chilling out in nature.

4. What did you study in school? What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the moment for you that changed your life (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?

I studied to pursue three different careers: (1) playing violin, (2) gastronomy (the study of the relationship between food and culture) and (3) ecotourism (a responsible form of tourism, involving travel to conserve the environment, and improve the well-being of the locals).

While I was in gastronomy, I realized that I wanted to pursue something else, work outdoors and experience something different each day without a set daily routine. So I decided to make a change in my life. When I got into ecotourism, I saw that I have a lot of tools to develop for being that change. With time, I realized that this career was having profound changes on the way I saw the world around me. It made me yearn for a better world. There is a beautiful quote our teacher once shared with us: “For a global change to occur, we need local change first*. I realized that everything started with me. If I could change me first, and open my own eyes I can also give something of myself to nature and in turn try to to protect it.

Some of my biggest achievements have been advancing through different positions throughout my career, starting as a guide, then educating project managers for schools, then coming to the edge of the world, to Patagonia working as an international tour leader, as well as having privilege of also working in different countries.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

I’ve never pictured anything specific for myself. Somehow, I’ve always been aware that everything, plans included, could change in a second. As such, I still don’t plan too much and try to live in the present. My goal is to be a good person, a good daughter and a good human; that's it.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

Oh, so many times! In my darkest moments I’ve been lucky to have my family nearby. When I was suffering from depression they were always there, supporting me and letting me see that there was a way out. I guess nature has always been there for me, providing a space of comfort when I was feeling low. In nature, I found all the support and love that I needed at the time.

8. Advice for other women?

Be brave and strong. Have courage but never, ever lose the sweetness of being a woman. I believe we don't need to be strong like men, or be hyper-masculine or brave like them; we have our own strengths, such as compassion. Don't hide the emotional part of yourself, be proud of it and embrace it. Be proud to have feelings and show them to the world, because that's is what the world needs now, to feel.

9. Knowing what we know now in a current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

I don’t think women always had a chance to be our full selves; that's why throughout history we’ve seen legendary women revolutionaries. We needed brave women to scream out loud for the rest of us. We still have inequality now, we just have to brave enough to speak out loud. Sometimes we do it and sometimes we do not, but we always have that opportunity; no one can take from us the ability to express ourselves.

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

In nature; the only place where I can be truly myself. Nature doesn’t really care who everyone is in their respective worlds, so everybody can just be themselves.

When it comes to my inner peace and contentment, my happy place is me, when I’m being honest to and loyal with myself, that makes me feel the tallest. 

11. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

Sports! I'm very good at several sports, and you know, my job  (lucky me) is my hobby, so I guess I'm a very proud woman with a complete life.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I'm in the exact place where I want to be, I don't have any more expectations. I'm enjoying life just the way it is.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

I can’t answer this because I'm not sure I have big fears. I guess I prefer to see beauty in life. 

14. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

Nothing at all.

15. What/who inspires you?

My parents and my family, as they are amazing, sweet and compassionate humans; always trying to help each other and others around them.

16. What are you hopeful about?

To live in a better world and leave a better world for others, where people can interact with each other without hateful or angry feelings. I am hopeful we can all take care of nature better together. I hope more people will have the chance to live and respect nature and work together with a mission to give and receive love and be at peace.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life? Has the global pandemic changed your perspective about the world, about your life, your goals and dreams?

Family, good friends, self-knowledge (to understand ourselves better), communication and a lot of love (not a couple-type love, but love, real love).

18. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why? What are your superpowers?

1. My connection with nature. This helps me on my trips as a guide to better connect people with themself.

2. My open heart. At some point I understood that it doesn't matter how damaged you feel, if you open your heart in those tough moments, it could benefit you and those around you.

3. I’m very affectionate, I love hugging, cuddling and reassuring. I feel that it’s the best way to create bonds, make people feel more comfortable and give them a safe space to have confident relationships.

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? What advice would your 14-year-old self give you in return?

Be more childlike and don't stress about small, meaningless things and problems. Enjoy different parts of your life and be happy with the little things. Get outside more and breathe fresh air, let sunlight touch your skin more, hug more, smile more, do things that make you happy and don’t bend to anyone’s expectations. I would give this advice to myself now as well.

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

• “La vida tal como es (Nothing Special, Living Zen)”, by Charlotte Joko Beck is very good. “Living Zen is nothing special: life as it is. Zen is life itself, nothing added.” - Charlotte Joko Beck

• An autobiography of a yogi I loved is called “Paramhansa Yogananda: A Biography with Personal Reflections and Reminiscences”

• “The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom” by Miguel Ruiz

21. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, about why you admire them?

1. My grandmother, who passed away 11 years ago, is the love of my life. She showed me how to live simply, she taught me that taking care of little details for others can make a big difference for their happiness levels. My grandma was the most amazing woman and I will never meet anyone like her. 

2. My mother, the greatest witch that I’ve ever known. She has an amazing heart, full of love for others, even those who sometimes hurt her. My mom has an impressive pride in her deep feelings; she is not ashamed of being sensitive. My mother is the most gifted woman that I have in my life now.

3. My sister, she always seems to have the capacity to say sorry, and she is honest when she says it. She doesn't seem to have any bad intentions toward anyone, and is so kind and sensitive. I love how she shows me, thereby teaching me, how to be more humble.

22. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

For now, I’m just on Instagram: @luzlunatural.

Bonus Quick Round Qs:

1. What would you do if you knew that nobody would judge you? Nothing different.

2. Who is/are your mentor/s (men or women)? My parents, some of my best friends and nature.

3. If you didn't have to work anymore what would you do with your days? Same things I do now: travel around the world, discover different realities and ways of being a better human.

4. If you could be anyone for a day who would you be? Not a person, but something - I would want to know what it’s like to be the wind.

5. If you could relive one year in your life, which one would it be? 2017, in order to have just one more year with my Grandmother.

6. What bothers you most about other people? What do you love most about other people? It bothers me when people are disrespectful. I love when people are empathetic.