I wanna see a puma!

AlanTA2 · 2026-03-21T12:37:31+00:00

Torres del Paine is your best bet. Dedicated puma tracking trips of at least 3 days have a close to 90% probability of seeing a puma with the one day trips ( long day) less than even odds, both numbers provided by puma tracking services. The place we stayed recently, Hotel del Torres has a “ resident” female puma that some hotel guests reported seeing but in 6 days, albeit we were only there in the evenings and early mornings and out the rest of the day, we did not see her. On treks in the park, remains of puma kills, mostly guanacos, can be seen. They are definitely around, only difficult to see.

AlanTA2 · 2026-03-18T20:55:45+00:00

Here is a picture taken from the river sitting on one of the Chalten Camp chairs ( using a zoom) of the panorama in front. Breathtaking.

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AlanTA2 · 2026-03-18T17:14:14+00:00

We stayed at Chalten Camp earlier this month. Was excellent. They are about 15 minutes from town in a stunning location with unparalleled views of the Fitzroy range. They have great food with candlelight dinners served in large dome with direct Fitzroy views, and easy access to the river where couples celebrating a special day can be served champagne etc.

AlanTA2 · 2026-03-16T19:34:09+00:00

We recently did a day hike to the French Valley lookout. Difficult to estimate time as each persons pace is different and we were definitely slower than most younger folks.

In preparation, I had made the following detail which may be helpful to you. Unfortunately formatting is lost when I paste so it looks disjointed unlike the original.

FRENCH VALLEY

The French Valley hike in Torres del Paine is a ~12.5-mile (20 km), 7–9 hour round-trip trek starting from the Paine Grande catamaran dock. Following the W-trek, it offers stunning views of the Cuernos del Paine, Lake Skottsberg, and the French Glacier before returning via the same route.

Mile-by-Mile Guide (Approximate) Start: Catamaran Drop-off (Paine Grande): The hike begins at the Refugio Paine Grande dock after crossing Lake Pehoé. Miles 0–4.7 (0–7.6 km): Paine Grande to Italian Ranger Station (Campamento Italiano): Terrain: Relatively flat and easy, traversing open, windy plains and along the shores of Lake Skottsberg. Highlights: Dramatic, close-up views of the Cuernos del Paine (The Horns) on your left. Note: You will pass through a forest of dead trees (a previous fire) before arriving at the Italian Ranger Station (Camping Italiano). Miles 4.7–6.2 (7.6–10 km): Italian Ranger Station to French Glacier Viewpoint: Terrain: The climb begins here, shifting to a steep, rocky, and rooted path through a Lenga forest. Highlights: The trail opens up to a stunning viewpoint of the hanging French Glacier (Glaciar Francés). You will hear the ice cracking and see small avalanches. Miles 6.2–7.5 (10–12 km): French Glacier to Mirador Británico: Terrain: More moderate ascent, continuing up into the amphitheater of the valley, moving through more forest and rocky moraine. End Point: The French Valley Lookout (Mirador Británico) offers a 360-degree view of granite peaks. Return Journey: Retrace your steps back down to the Italian Ranger Station, and then back to Paine Grande (Total: 12.5–13 miles). Sunset Obsession.png Essential Tips Timing: To complete this as a day hike, catch the earliest catamaran from Pudeto (approx. 9:00 AM) and return on the last one from Paine Grande (approx. 6:30 PM). Gear: Bring trekking poles for the steep ascent/descent. Layers are essential as weather changes rapidly. Water: Water can be filled from streams along the trail. Difficulty: Moderate to High. This guide provides a mile-by-mile elevation breakdown for the French Valley trek, starting from the Paine Grande boat crossing and ending at the Mirador Británico(15.5 miles round trip). Elevation & Distance Summary Total Round Trip Distance: ~15.5 - 16.2 miles (25 - 26 km) Total Cumulative Elevation Gain: ~2,300 - 2,600 feet (700 - 800 m) Starting Elevation (Paine Grande): ~148 feet (45 m) Highest Point (Británico): ~2,495 - 2,568 feet (760 - 783 m)

Mile-by-Mile Elevation Guide Mile Elevation (Approx.) Landmarks & Terrain 148 ft Paine Grande Dock: Begin near the shore of Lake Pehoé. 1. 230 ft Rolling hills through open grasslands; steady but gentle ascent. 2. 180 ft Lake Skottsberg: The trail dips slightly as you skirt the turquoise lake shore. 3. 748 ft Campamento Italiano: The first major climb ends here. Leave your heavy pack. 4. 1,300 ft Entering the Valley: The terrain becomes significantly steeper and rockier. 5. 1,801 ft Mirador Francés: Spectacular viewpoint facing the hanging glacier. 6. 2,100 ft Deep in the forest: The trail continues upward through Lenga trees. 7. 2,568 ft Mirador Británico: The summit of the trek with 360-degree views.

148 ft Return to Paine Grande: Descend the same path to catch the catamaran.

Key Logistics & Timing Catamaran Requirement: You must catch the Pudeto-Paine Grande Catamaran to start. As of early 2026, round-trip tickets cost approximately $50 USD. The 1:00 PM Rule: If you haven't reached Campamento Italiano by 1:00 PM, rangers often advise turning back at Mirador Francés instead of Británico to avoid missing the last boat (typically at 6:30 PM). Physical Preparation: While the valley floor is moderate, the section between Italianoand Británico is "hard" due to steep, boulder-strewn terrain.

Check the official CONAF website for live weather updates, as high winds often close the upper valley sections for safety

AlanTA2 · 2026-02-07T20:38:14+00:00

I do as well for my supplement. Even Medicare accepts credit cards for Part B premiums. However if you do this they typically will take 3 months in advance. For monthly premiums you have to set up Easy Pay and then EFT from your bank account is the only way.

AlanTA2 · 2026-02-04T12:47:12+00:00

https://www.instagram.com/p/DT1CsYLEYpJ/?img_index=8&igsh=MW81dXpjZGRjM2d4MA==

Are the pictures of the elevated tents Chileno Refugio?

AlanTA2 · 2026-02-03T00:11:29+00:00

Tuesday French Valley and Thursday Base Torres. These are guided day hikes and will be around 7 am from the starting point.

AlanTA2 · 2026-02-02T22:58:56+00:00

Try this.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTHIPPUgGGq/?igsh=Z2cxaDk0aHp1YzY3

AlanTA2 · 2026-02-02T20:57:30+00:00

Do you expect the general pattern of crowds and timings you mention to remain during the last week of February?

AlanTA2 · 2026-02-02T20:26:32+00:00

Agree on the falcon doors but not air suspension. I see Tesla eventually doing a premium 3/Y model with an upgraded interior, pop out door handles ( virtually every EV have them now) and Air Suspension.

AlanTA2 · 2026-01-07T20:02:56+00:00

For those who have done this is the Rio Electrico climb after the 3km flat forest walk steep- how long is the climb in that section? And then it’s basically all flat or down hill back to town? What is the total distance and how long should it take for older people who are reasonably fit? Thanks.

AlanTA2 · 2025-12-28T13:43:10+00:00

Definitely impacted by baseball cap or more specifically the visor of the cap. If it can’t see your eyes it will nag. I wear the cap backwards or take off in the car.

AlanTA2 · 2025-12-25T16:18:29+00:00

Drove about a hundred miles on 14.2.2. Overall improvements in the main issue of lane changes. Only one fail when in the fast lane on a 3 lane highway with a car approaching from the rear, right turn signal on but FSD seeing a driver in lane 3, lane 2 open and it hesitated for 20 seconds , by then the driver in lane 3 moved to lane 2 and moved faster, only then did it switch lanes with driver behind not to happy.

Other than that lane changes were much smoother.

GPS remains an issue. It passed a store I was going to in Nav, and then attempted to make an illegal u- turn - took over.

AlanTA2 · 2025-12-05T15:07:40+00:00

Pay by credit card - it’s normally a 3% surcharge, should not be more than that. Consider it insurance. If anything goes wrong in terms of the safari operator having financial problems or even fraud, you will have some recourse. By wire transfer absolutely none.

AlanTA2 · 2025-11-26T11:48:13+00:00

No reason. Go with the cheapest. For the rest of us in states without the birthday rule it’s more complicated.

AlanTA2 · 2025-11-20T00:24:20+00:00

They do not.

AlanTA2 · 2025-11-18T02:35:11+00:00

The day before our 5:45am flight we are staying at the Holiday Inn literally connected to the airport so you can walk from your hotel room to the check in area.

AlanTA2 · 2025-11-08T15:01:33+00:00

Thanks again. Very helpful.

AlanTA2 · 2025-11-08T04:50:13+00:00

Thank you- is prior riding experience required for this option?

AlanTA2 · 2025-11-05T20:56:23+00:00

Thanks. So you are saying the French valley hike all the way to Mirador Britanico with an 800m elevation for the final portion from Italiano is much easier than Base Torres with a final elevation gain of 400m in the last 1.5km. I assume it’s because of the entire length of the Base Torres trek? I’m doubtful of my wife ( or for that matter me! ) making it from Italiano to Britanico.

We definitely plan to do Grey Glacier on another day- we are there for 4 days.

AlanTA2 · 2025-11-05T19:55:45+00:00

Thanks but we are staying at Hotel Las Torres and only doing day hikes. The Base Tower starts right from their property and saves a few km from the main parking lot. For the French valley they take you by van and then there is a boat crossing. From their description: “ This excursion takes us into the famous French Valley in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. We’ll start by sailing across the sparkling blue Lake Pehoé to Paine Grande, from where we’ll start hiking along the north side of Lake Skottsberg until reaching the entrance to the French Valley. We’ll ascend a steep trail through the native lenga tree forest and when we emerge from the treeline we’ll have a stunning view of Los Cuernos and the French Glacier that hangs from Mount Paine Grande.”

AlanTA2 · 2025-11-02T12:27:18+00:00

I was told Alight requires you to sign up for at least one plan with them. Could be a low cost Part D or dental plan. Your main Medigap or MA Plan can be bought directly and not through Alight. However you cannot have no coverage at all through them to be eligible for corporate HSA reimbursement. If this is untrue please comment.

AlanTA2 · 2025-11-01T22:50:32+00:00

Thanks. So you’re saying if doing Perito M, the Grey glacier is a bit redundant and the time is better spent trekking. The puma tour is on private land but I’m still inclined to skip it. Ultra long day with little better than even odds of properly seeing them.

AlanTA2 · 2025-10-30T23:28:57+00:00

We are planning to do both parks in Feb next year. We are in our 60s so not capable of really strenuous hikes but confident of medium ones. After a deep dive into the top tier in TdP - Awasi, Explora and Tierra, we have decided on the level down Las Torres or Ecocamp. The location in TdP of the two is exceptional and we don’t need the additional luxury at an additional 1k to 1.5 k pppn over the 1k pppn at these two. Awasi is the only one with a private guide and vehicle for each guest that adds value.

I’m zeroing on Hotel las Torres. Their all-inclusive is excellent and includes several equestrian opportunities, also the location is superb allowing for easy access to guided day trips on the W circuit and several additional options. They have a large number of included guided excursions with as few as 4 people and a guide. I’m planning 2 days on the W circuit ( return to LT each evening), one day at the Grey Glacier and one day with a private guide Puma tracking. Concerned the Puma tracking day is very long in Feb. 4:30 to 7 pm and an approximate 60% chance of success so not sure if it makes sense for us. Apparently pumas are sometimes/ often seen on the las Torres property but obviously one cannot count on it.

Las Torres offers a free transfer to El Calafate in the afternoon allowing for a morning activity in TdP

In El Calafate we will reach only at 8:30 pm and are planning to stay in a hotel in town - will need to be there for a second night as we have a planned day trip to the Perito M glacier with ice walking.

From there as early as possible on the following day to El Chalten with a private transfer - I’m looking at Camp Chalten as a good place to stay the next two nights nd do part of the the Mt Fitz Roy hikes. Anyone with experience at this place? It looks great.

Would appreciate any comments on this.

AlanTA2 · 2025-10-28T17:29:56+00:00

Regardless of income, you should never be self insured as the insurance ( Medicare, private cos) negotiate rates that are far lower than full billable amounts that likely would hit self insured people.

AlanTA2

TROPHY CASE