One mustn’t expect solitary, wilderness-style hiking in Torres del Paine National Park. The area is incredibly popular, and for good reason. Trails are well-trodden (sometimes overly-trodden), and you will rarely go more than a few minutes without seeing other hikers along the way. This is particularly true about the trail to the famous “Base of the Towers”, in the Valle de Ascensio. But nothing about the popular nature of this trail should make you avoid it.
Most of the hike is through thick forest, and the final mile or so is quite steep. But there are few views on the planet as spectacular as those you get as you crest the top of the ridge after those final few switchbacks. I had a sense of what was coming, but I still blurted out some nonsensical exclamation of both surprise and awe upon looking out over the lake and the granite monoliths towering above. Well worth the long day and crowded trails.
Now, it is always possible that one crests this hill in a cloud bank. Even if you do, stick around for at least a little while in hopes that things open up. Remember, weather is changeable here – and every once in a while it is changeable for the better!
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.
