Our first Condor sighting!If you ever cross from Chile to Argentina while staying in Torres del Paine, I can tell you what to expect. We had an early morning breakfast and took all of our things to the van. We said our farewells to our friends and guides we met. We headed to Cerro Castillo, about an hour away from EcoCamp. We shopped for a few minutes at the souvenir shop while we waited for the bus. Our guide helped us get our ticket to the bus, as well as loaded our luggage into the bus, and from then on, we were on our own. The bus driver directed us to the first check point leaving Chile. We waited at least 30-45 minutes in line for the Chilean border to check our passports. Adventure Life advises that you not bring any food across the border, but there wasn't even a time that they asked us about the food we had. At EcoCamp, they only recommended you not bring any fresh fruits across the border. After they checked our passports, we headed back to the bus. The bus was really comfortable, with big seats and a bathroom at the back. About 20 minutes down a bumpy road, we arrive to the Argentina border crossing. We all file out again and wait in line to once again show the Argentina border our passports. We loaded back on the bus and made our way to El Calafate. They made it easy, and we didn't need an interpreter with us, but it was quite a process. Sometimes it's helpful to know what to expect! So, there you have it.
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.
