Seeing Puma

Great holiday

Not our first visit. The physical geography of the area is simply stunning. There being little or no pollution means the clarity is immense and the colours seen are just incredible. The Far South guides were second to none. Wonderful, knowledgeable and fun company. The hotel/b&b we stayed at was not of a standard one would have expected at all. * old and tired. The old does not matter at all, actually charming bur tired does matter * WiFi only available in one small corner near the reception. Not strong enough for a good reception for making WiFi phone calls. Within Torres del Paine and the village where the hotel was there was top notch WiFi available. * Central heating very 'iffy' and only on for a short time * Dinners were terrible. Like school food, but worse. There was no menu - take it or leave it. One evening I could not eat the fish in front of me - covered in a green sauce. I have a photo of it if you would like to see it :)

It is just such a vast expanse and most certainly lived up to expectations. The penguin colony itself was slightly underwhelming as it was like a zoo/nature reserve. Understand why, but should have had that perhaps explained?

Our guides from Far South were extraordinarily good. I would say, having been to Torres del Paine back in 2017 that there is already a change to the detriment of the area. This as time passes will inevitably affect the Puma's well being. The area is well policed yes, and only official guides can take you with the trackers to where Puma may be, but there are many 'unofficial trackers' who inevitably will take a toll on Puma numbers as the Puma will begin to become wary of man. So my message would be "On your bucket list - go now".

The Del Almagra hotel in Punta Arenas was 'fine', but just a big hotel. It would be a nicety when the tour is put together for us for hotel options to be given allowing one to choose. the hotel in El Castillo - the town near to Torres del Paines as already said was not good enough for a 3 night stay. The eco lodging for the Whales, a great concept but not for folk who have to get up in the night for a pee when the bathroom could be quite a way away, with no lights and pouring with rain. Fine if you are a bloke who are used to peeing in bushes, but not good for the rest of us. My husband's cousin broke a bone in her foot (seriously enough for it to be operated on last Monday). This occurred as there are only railings on one side of the walkways, the lighting was inadequate and she lost her balance having to go down a step, which could not be seen and she put her hand out for the railing but there was none there. One German architect on the tour said "this would be forbidden in Europe". The Whale staff on the island and on the boat were top notch and can only be highly recommended. Apparently they are getting another boat which is currently being built. The one in service at the moment is sea worthy but pretty old. It is important for you to know that I travel all over the world to some pretty far out places, even now at my age, and so these criticisms are from an experienced traveller.

Only take necessary clothing, rather than you think 'that might be nice to have'. Have layers which you can take off. Have a small backpack to put layers and keep water in etc.

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The Far South Teams were simply the best - from their empathy, knowledge and interest. The Whale Watch team on the boat and the camp cannot be praised enough.

Very. The Puma was the last of the big 5 not seen by us. Although technically not one of the big 5 as the puma can't 'roar' in simple terms. Not only did we see adults we had a mother and aunt (very very unusual) with 2 4 month old cubs. Spectacular pictures of this for reminding one as time passes!