Torres del Pain
Travel Advice for Seniors: Torres del Pain
Chile was our first trip after the COVID shutdowns. They were one of the first to allow Americans into the country post-COVID and we were going stir crazy in the States, so scheduled this trip as soon as it opened. As it ended up, we had to take a COVID test upon arrival at the airport and then wait for the results in our hotel room. Fortunately, the results came later that day so there was no real delay. We also had to report in daily via an app for a week on our wellness status. However, we were so happy to be traveling again, that we were okay with putting up with wearing a mask full time and going through constant sanitizing.
One of our main reasons for visiting Chile was to visit the Torres Del Pain in the Chilean part of Patagonia.
We set out from Puerta Natales for a full day tour of Torres del Paine in the Chilean side of Patagonia. We were there in February, so the weather was chilly, but not too cold. Torres Del Paine has beautiful lakes, mountains, glaciers, forests, plains and waterfalls. You can see many different types of terrain and landscapes in your trekking which is what makes it such a magical place to visit.
Our first stop was at Milodon Cave, a deep, but walkable (ramped) cave. Also, home to a giant sloth like replica of what was discovered in the cave in 1895. The cave takes its name from this sloth technically called Mylodon darwini. The giant sloth replica also makes for some fun photos.
Next on tap was the Nordesnkjold, a beautiful glacier fed lake of a unique hue of blue created by microscopic glacier dust in the water. The Lake’s turquoise waters flow south towards the Salto Grande waterfall and empty into Lake Pehoe. Gorgeous viewpoints and a chance to see a guanaco or two which we did see on the way out of the park.
A word of warning when you make the Salto Grande waterfall stop, the water is very powerful and the falls is not very high. These conditions create a great deal of wind that will blow your hair straight out from your head! Those with mobility issues or balance issues may want to see someone’s picture of the Falls and not go out to the lookout point themselves.
We had a very nice lunch at the Lago Grey Hotel Restaurant, with a window view of the lake and its icebergs. This is actually the first time we had seen icebergs and it was indeed a treat.
The beauty of the Torres del Paine is in its gray jagged peaks of mountains and the clouds and sun’s play upon them. The mountains are truly majestic, the lakes pristine and the landscape quiet and serene. A very enjoyable Patagonian experience.
Where we stayed: Weskar Patagonian. Nice hotel, breakfast included. Centrally located.
How we got there: Private drive from Punta Arenas to Puertoa Natales.This was part of an 12-day private tour through Chile.
General Accessibility Information: Santiago is more accessible than other cities and areas, with major hotels, sights and some transportation accessible. The National Tourism Service (SERNATUR) and the National Disabilities Service (SENADIS) have a guide for traveling in Chile with a disability. National System of State Protected Wild Areas (SNASPE) has accessible services in national parks, reserves, and monuments. Call in advance to verify and make specialty arrangements. See our sections on specialty apps and accessible travel for more on accessibility assistance.
