After spending the night at the Esplendor Hotel in El Calafate we took a public bus (a large, very comfortable tour bus) the following morning for a four hour ride to Puerto Natales, crossing into Chile. We passed through countless miles of a desolate landscape, unlimited expanses seemingly unaffected by time and man. At Puerto Natales we had lunch before transferring to a van and heading north again for a two hour ride to Torres del Paine National Park. Along the way we stopped at the Mylodon Cave National Monument, one of the most important paleontological sites in South America. The EcoCamp was a blend of rustic and chic. Designed for minimal environmental impact the camp consisted of a series of geodesic domes connected by wooden walkways. We chose to upgrade to a ''double suite'' dome which meant we had our own bathroom with a shower and composting toilet, and a small woodstove for heat. The dome was beautifully decorated and quite comfortable. Common areas included a meeting space where we gathered each night for drinks and appetizers before dinner and for an orientation on the next day's schedule of activities. Connected to that space was a dining area. Dinners always included a soup or salad, a choice of three entrees (there was always a vegetarian option) and one of two desserts -- and bottles of Chilean wine. Examples of the offerings included squash soup, vegetable timbales, roast lamb with hummus, seafood lasagna, flan, and fresh fruit. The design and casual atmosphere was conducive to interacting with the guides and our fellow travelers, and it made us feel as though we blended into the landscape instead of being intruders. (see Day 2 photos)
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.