How do you see Pumas in Torres del Paine?
A puma tracking experience in Patagonia is the best way to encounter these big cats. And while some tours allow travelers to spot the local wildlife and eventually see pumas, a puma tracking tour almost ensures you a 100% probability of spotting pumas. Such tours are popular in Torres del Paine National Park.
How many days do you need to see Torres del Paine?
5 days
5 days is a good amount of time to see the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park (towers’ base, french valley, Grey glacier). You can also mix one or two of the highlights with another off-the-beaten path option and take some time for wildlife observation.
How much does it cost to go to Torres del Paine?
National park entrance fees vary, too: the entrance fee for Torres del Paine National Park is $21,000 CLP ($32 USD) for foreigners in the 2018/2019 season, while the northern section of Los Glaciares in Argentina costs nothing.
Do you need a guide in Torres del Paine?
Best Multi-Day Hikes in Torres del Paine
Both W and O Trek can be done on your own without a guided tour during the summer season. However, you will need to arrange a guide for the winter season. If you decide to do one of those treks, we believe you will have a great time there.
What do you do when you see a puma?
Pumas are incredibly reclusive creatures.
…
If you nonetheless do encounter a puma:
- Absolutely do not run. Nothing triggers this predator’s reflex like fleeing.
- Pick up small children.
- Stare the puma down. Make loud noises and try to look bigger by waving your arms.
- If the puma attacks you, fight back.
How many pumas are in Torres del Paine?
Currently, the population within the Torres del Paine National Park is estimated at between 50 to 100 pumas.
What is the best month to visit Patagonia?
The best time to visit Patagonia is in the austral Spring and Summer, between September and March. Days are longer and warmer and there’s less rainfall than other times of the year. However, the few who are lucky enough to visit in winter are tend to experience less wind and more blue sky days.
What airport do you fly into to visit Torres del Paine?
Punta Arenas The Punta Arenas airport
The Nearest Airport: Punta Arenas
The Punta Arenas airport, located 360 kilometers and 5 hours south of Torres del Paine National Park. It’s the closest airport to the park and has daily non-stop flights from Santiago.
Is the W trek worth it?
If you’re looking to be wowed by the sheer majesty of hiking in Chilean Patagonia, then yes, the W Trek is most certainly worth it. This relatively low-altitude trek takes you through areas of the national park that are widely considered to be the most incredible places in Patagonia.
How hard is Torres del Paine hike?
Try this 10.8-mile out-and-back trail near Torres del Paine, Magallanes. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 31 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are October through March.
What to do if a lion approaches you?
Hold your ground or back away slowly. Face the lion and stand upright. Do not approach a lion. Never approach a mountain lion, especially one that is feeding or with kittens.
What do you do if a cougar attacks you?
If the cougar attacks, fight back. Be aggressive and try to stay on your feet. Cougars have been driven away by people who have fought back using anything within reach, including sticks, rocks, shovels, backpacks, and clothing—even bare hands.
Can you see penguins in Torres del Paine?
Penguins. Head south-east from Torres del Paine and you’ll find two particularly special penguin colonies. The first is at Useless Bay, the unfortunately named spit of land which is far more exciting than it seems, as it is the only place you can find King Penguins outside of the sub antarctic islands.
Is Argentina or Chile Patagonia better?
If it comes down to size, the Argentine Patagonia is a winner. It’s larger than Chilean Patagonia, meaning there are more places to visit and more things to see and do. However, while Chilean Patagonia may be smaller, that also means it’s easier to see and do all the best things in that region.
What airport do you fly into for Patagonia?
You can fly straight to Patagonia’s main airport, Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ), but you may experience long layovers in other cities or countries. Flights are most likely to stop in Chile at the Santiago International Airport (SCL). Consider booking a flight to Patagonia’s El Calafate International Airport (FTE) first.
Which airport is closest to Torres del Paine National Park?
How far is Torres del Paine National Park from Santiago?
approximately 1,700 miles
The distance between Santiago and Torres del Paine National Park is approximately 1,700 miles (2,800 km). You can travel the distance in a total of 6-13 hours by taking a flight from Santiago Airport (SCL) to either Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas. From there, you can travel by bus or rent a car.
How difficult is the W Trek?
How difficult is the W Trek? The W Trek is not a difficult or technical trek. Hiking the W Trek doesn’t require you to be a pro, but some hiking experience is highly recommended. Compared to lots of other hiking destinations in South America – especially in the Andes mountains – Patagonia is low altitude.
Is Patagonia a hard hike?
Hikes in Argentinian Patagonia
Expect six to nine hours of walking on fairly easy terrain. Although wind and rain might be problematic, the well-maintained and clearly-marked paths won’t be.
Are there mosquitoes in Patagonia?
Prepare for mosquitos.
Patagonia may be a bit cool, dry and windy, but the mosquito population can explode anytime rainy weather happens in the summer. Consider repellant mandatory and consider bringing along a mosquito net for even more protection.
Is there cell service in Torres del Paine?
You Won’t Miss Your Laptop or Mobile Phone
Hiking in Torres del Paine means complete disconnection from your electronic existence. You’re unlikely to take your laptop hiking with you and there are many places within the park where there’s no cell phone signal at all.
What animal shouldn’t you look in the eye?
If you encounter an aggressive lion, stare him down. But not a leopard; avoid his gaze at all costs. In both cases, back away slowly; don’t run.
Why shouldn’t you look a leopard in the eyes?
The leopard relies so heavily on its camouflage, it will lie dead still until the absolute last second, hoping you will not see it and simply pass it by. Believe me, this happens. If you do see it and look it in the eye, it knows it’s cover has been blown and has to react. The so-called “Flight or Fight” response.
Should you throw things at a cougar?
Never run past or away from a mountain lion. Don’t bend over or crouch down. Aggressively wave your arms, throw stones or branches, do not turn away.
Should you look a cougar in the eyes?
Directly face the cougar, but look at the cougar’s feet, not directly into their eyes, to avoid appearing aggressive. If the cougar displays aggressive behavior try to appear larger—raise your arms or open your jacket over your head.