Torres del PaineThis morning was much nicer than the day before. The sun was back out again, and we had a few hours to wander the town in the morning before our pickup to Torres del Paine National Park. After the van picked us up, we picked up a guy from Brazil, and a couple from Australia. We met our guide, Armando, a few hours later in Puerto Natales where we had lunch. On the way to the park, Armando took us to the Milodon cave, a HUGE cave located on the way to the park. He explained to us how the mountains were formed in that area, and how the ocean waves had washed away the earth to create the cave. Another couple hours and we were in the park. What a sight! As we approached, you could see the towers appear in the distance. We arrived right after sunset and settled into EcoCamp. This was by far the coolest place I had ever stayed. We were in a canvas dome, with windows, and comfortable beds with fleece sheets! After we settled in, Frankie and I met the group and our guide in the main dome where we had a delicious dinner, and another pisco sour.
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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
