Q&A with guide Francisca De los Reyes: What to expect from our Wildlife Safari excursions

The new tourist season at EcoCamp Patagonia kicks off on September 7, 2024, bringing with it some exciting changes to our excursions. If you’re planning to visit EcoCamp in the coming months to explore Torres del Paine with our Wildlife Safari program, we’ve got you covered. 

Francisca De los Reyes, the head of our Wildlife Safari guide team, answers some frequently asked questions, offers you interesting tips and fun facts to get ready for your holiday!

How do I choose my excursion?

Francisca: “Every evening, we brief you about the possible excursions for the following day. You’ll have three options to choose from, each varying in terms of walking intensity and activities. Some focus more on wildlife spotting, others let you explore the park by boat, or you might opt for a more challenging hike, like the trek to the Base of the Towers, the iconic viewpoint. During that briefing, our guides explain the details of each excursion and provide an update on the conditions, like the weather, so you can make an informed choice.

We offer a total of 11 excursions, scheduled according to the itinerary on our website. But one thing’s for sure—they all help you connect deeply with nature!

How should I visualize the park?

Francisca: “I describe the landscapes as a blend of colors. That’s what captures the attention of many travelers. You’ll see the blue of the rivers and lakes, the green and brown of the forests, the gray of the Paine Massif mountain range, and the white of the glaciers. It’s a dry yet green landscape, and it changes quickly. For instance, the color of glacier water can shift within just a few kilometers. 

It is interesting to know that EcoCamp is located 250 meters above sea level, which is the average altitude of the Patagonian pampas, but during hiking, you can go much higher. Las Torres viewpoint, for example, is located at 890 meters.

Another thing our guests often notice is how uncrowded it is compared to parks like Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. But don’t get me wrong—on the popular trails, you won’t be walking alone.”

What wildlife can I see?

Francisca: “There’s a lot of wildlife here, but we can never guarantee sightings, as these are wild animals in their natural habitat. The park has the highest density of pumas in the world, so there’s a chance you might spot one, sometimes even crossing the road. There are also two types of foxes—the red and the gray, which are different from those in the U.S.—as well as Patagonian haired armadillos and a chingue (a type of Latin American skunk) that releases a strong odor. Just outside the park, you might see nandus.

Additionally, there are plenty of birds to spot, such as condors, the Magellanic woodpecker, the austral parakeet, Chilean flamingos, black-necked swans, and the Magellan goose. You’re more likely to see wildlife in the quieter parts of the park where fewer people go, like in the northeast, which we visit during our Lazo Weber excursion.” 

Will I encounter any special flowers or plants during the excursions? 

Francisca: “There are several interesting spots for flora enthusiasts, like the Lazo Weber trail, the Aoniken trail, and the French Valley. But honestly, there are trees, flowers, herbs, and fascinating plants throughout the park. Think of Southern Beech trees, orchids (like the lady slipper), mata negra (black shrub), mata barosa (muddy shrub) and calafate (box-leaved barberry).”

Which excursion should I choose if I enjoy other sports besides hiking?

Francisca: “If you’ve ridden a horse before, the ‘Horse Riding in Las Chinas River’ excursion on Sundays is a great choice. This new excursion takes place in the Laguna Azul area of the park. You’ll ride along a river, passing by the Las Chinas waterfall. It’s a beautiful, less-touristy part of the park, so you won’t encounter many people, allowing you to fully connect with nature. You might even come across condors or puma feces. Afterward, you’ll have lunch at a local estancia, where you can enjoy hamburgers and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free alternatives. If horseback riding isn’t for you, there’s a short hike of about 4 km with a fantastic view of the Torres del Paine, the iconic mountains of the park, if the weather is clear.”

Is there an excursion focused more on the region’s culture and history?

Francisca: “Yes, you can choose the ‘Aoniken Trail and Laguna Azul’ on Thursdays. This excursion offers much information about the indigenous peoples, and you’ll also see cave paintings. The trip includes two hikes, with lunch at Laguna Azul in between. Those who want more can go for an additional walk.

Another option is the trip to ‘Estancia Dos Elianas’ on Wednesdays. Here, you’ll visit a typical Magellanic sheep farm, where you’ll learn about the local sheep farming and shearing culture and even taste the famous Magellanic lamb. Many guests return from this excursion, telling us how much they’ve learned about the region’s culture and how people coexist with animals. You’ll also have the chance to take a one-hour horseback ride, which requires no prior experience, or go for a walk. This is a great option for families!”

Will I be guided during the activities?

Francisca: “For each excursion, you’ll be accompanied by one or more guides, depending on the number of participants. Our guide team is roughly half women and half men. They’re not only experienced in hiking but are also passionate about nature and have received intensive training from locals where they learned to interpret the environment. That means that they will share insights on fauna and flora, history, geology, ecotourism, wildlife conservation, and more based on what you see, hear or smell around you. "

What should I definitely keep in mind when traveling to EcoCamp soon?

Francisca: “Flexibility is key if the schedule changes. We love that people look forward to this trip and have plans in mind, but the Patagonian climate can be intense, and we sometimes need to adjust plans due to rain or wind. But don’t worry, strong winds are normal here, and our staff knows how to handle it. 

That said, it’s best to be well-prepared for changing conditions. Bring layers to protect against the cold, rain, and snow. Make sure you have hiking boots and trekking poles. Don’t forget your sunscreen, as the sun’s rays are very powerful here. And, of course, your camera so you can relive your holiday later. Also, good to know: you can drink the water from the rivers here, as it comes from the glaciers and is free from harmful bacteria.

If you’re traveling with family, it’s important to know that a parent must accompany children on excursions. Kids aged 6 to 9 can only join the easier excursions. Those aged 10 to 12 can participate in the more challenging ones, but only if you have a signed document confirming the child is physically capable of doing intense trekking of more than 8 hours and hire an extra guide. We arrange the extra guide, but it’s essential to mention it in advance. Children over 12 are considered adults.”

Finally, what’s your favorite excursion?

Francisca: “My favorite is the Lazo Weber hike on Tuesdays and Fridays. I love this excursion because it follows a trail that can only be completed in one direction. This means solo travelers don’t come here since they can’t be picked up at the end of the route. It’s peaceful, you’re in a beautiful part of the park, and there’s plenty of flora and fauna to see. At the end, you reach a viewpoint with an impressive view of the rivers, the Paine Massif, and everything surrounding you. It’s a must-do!”

Haven't you planned your Wildlife Safari at EcoCamp yet, but are you itching to travel?  Check out more details about the program, and book through reservations@cascada.travel.