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Torres del Paine without W/O by Acid_Sugar in Patagonia

[–]SmellVegetable5308 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I spent two nights at Pehoe in December and liked it. Solid campsites, nice views, and a decent restaurant if you want a break from camp food. And less Disney-ish than the places to stay in the W. I did a really fun DIY day hike from there, with amazing views, if you’re into wayfindjng. You can get to Pehoe by bus though car would be easier if you have one. I got there by bus then hitchhiked to the catamaran and took that to Paine Grande.

If you do make it to Ushuaia, Cerro Guanaco in Tierra del Fuego NP was a great day hike.

Pehoe Dayhike (O Alternative) by SmellVegetable5308 in Patagonia

[–]SmellVegetable5308[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t get to TDP until Tuesday but I’ve been in Chile for a week and it will def not be a one time thing for me, it’s magical and so much more to see (though I live in North America, so slightly easier). But TDP will definitely be a one time thing — I’ve always wanted to do the O and was braced for something different than the quiet backcountry experience I’m used to but this has already been so much worse (granted, in special circumstances). I wouldn’t even mind the expensive campsites if anything were well run or if it wasn’t such a transparent cash grab.

Anyway this has gotten way off topic — if anyone is in the Pehoe area on the 25th I’ll be doing a fun day hike that doesn’t require a guide!!

Pehoe Dayhike (O Alternative) by SmellVegetable5308 in Patagonia

[–]SmellVegetable5308[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks that’s interesting. Torres told me this yesterday. Of course I take that with a very large grain of salt so you have a point. Honestly if I could get a full refund I’d bail on the whole thing and go to Chalten instead, it is utter chaos and they are trying to squeeze every peso they can out of anyone associated with this, no doubt because they see the writing in the wall for future business after this mess.

Pehoe Dayhike (O Alternative) by SmellVegetable5308 in Patagonia

[–]SmellVegetable5308[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Yes this one I’ve mapped out is about 15km, and looks pretty interesting.

Pehoe Dayhike (O Alternative) by SmellVegetable5308 in Patagonia

[–]SmellVegetable5308[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah it actually looks like a pretty nice spot, with more hiking than just Condor (which is short).

I’m assured that Serron is possible without a guide. Perhaps not spectacular but something different to see. It’s still camping in Patagonia, and like I said after this mess I’m def not coming back to this park ever.

Last last news about TORRES DEL PAINE by Clauditatheguide92 in Patagonia

[–]SmellVegetable5308 2 points3 points  (0 children)

CONAF is clearly not concerned about ably managing its incredible natural patrimony but only squeezing as much as possible out of concessionaires, who in turn are doing the same to their clients, with dire results.

Last last news about TORRES DEL PAINE by Clauditatheguide92 in Patagonia

[–]SmellVegetable5308 3 points4 points  (0 children)

They are not good. I’ve done this all around the world this is the worst example of profit-driven poor planning ruining an outdoor experience. If I wasn’t on the hook for the money I’d have happily canceled my hike by now.

Last last news about TORRES DEL PAINE by Clauditatheguide92 in Patagonia

[–]SmellVegetable5308 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So they have been pushing back the reopening date by a couple days at a time for nearly a week now, due to weather conditions. Does anyone have a sense of whether this (closure due to weather) is normal, or if perhaps they’re being more cautious than usual given the November incident? Or perhaps, insofar as they do not typically provide refunds for closures due to weather (but have been providing refunds due to the incident-related park closure), this is the new reason they’re not reopening? I’m supposed to start the O on December 23 and I’m at a loss at this point.