Along the drive from Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine, we had the chance to stop at Cerro Negro Ranch. This ranch is owned and operated by the same family who runs Las Torres Hotel and it has been in the family for over 100 years.
Normally, you transfer in the morning with a larger group, and stop at the ranch for a tour, sheep show and big Patagonia BBQ. Since Kepler and I were transferring in the afternoon, we happened to be the only ones on our “tour”. This gave us a fun and more intimate experience at the ranch.
We toured the family farm house that was full of unique treasures, and then enjoyed a quiet snack of homemade breads, meats and cheeses. The sopapillas were incredible. After relaxing for a bit, they asked if we wanted to watch a sheep be sheared, fully expecting us to say “no”. They were shocked and amused by our enthusiastic “yes!” and happily led us to the barn. The gaucho did a series of intricate whistles, and the two dogs we were petting jumped up and leapt through the barn, returning with a dozen sheep that they quickly sorted into pens. The gaucho pulled one out and sheared it for us. He did it with such skill that he was left with one giant fleece of super soft merino wool! After explaining their full process to us, they asked (again, waiting for a “no”) if we wanted to see a sheep-dog show. Again, laughing as we excitedly answered “Yes!”. The gaucho took the sheep and dogs out into the field and performed a private show for us before we loaded back up and made our way off to Torres del Paine.
While we were sad to miss the BBQ, the private show and the hospitality and joy of the employees more than made up for 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.