In the “new normal” of travel, travel agent certifications carry more weight than ever before. We are seeing weekly shifts in COVID-19 sanitary protocols, along with local vaccination rate developments. So, you want to make sure your travel agency not only keeps you informed but anticipates these changes, so you can book your private tour with as much confidence as possible.

Safe Travel certifications concerning COVID-19 are the newest addition in travel accreditations and only the tip of Kuoda’s credential iceberg. This article covers what type of certifications Kuoda Travel maintains as a top travel agency for curated journeys in South America and how these certifications provide crucial support before, during, and even after your trip!

What are certifications for?

When we say “travel agent certifications,” we refer to an umbrella term that includes certificates and/or “stamps” for having accomplished or earned something, like carbon neutrality or becoming an accredited institution. And this also includes the relationships an agency maintains with distinct travel associations who back what they do, such as the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA).

Travel agencies who maintain their memberships with associations like the ASTA (see below) are generally far more trustworthy than those who don’t. Essentially, the more a travel agency cares about connecting with associations and earning certifications, the more they demonstrate a passion for growing, learning, and continuing to provide the best possible service imaginable.

This is precisely why at Kuoda Travel, we pride ourselves on staying up-to-date with our accreditations. Furthermore, we continuously analyze where we can become even more sustainable and equally promote luxury and custom-designed travel experiences that are simultaneously eco-conscious and responsible in every sense of the word.

Which certifications & accreditations do we have?

We’ve had some of the following certifications almost since the inception of Kuoda Travel and have added others more recently to adapt to the shifting needs and pressing issues within the travel industry. Needless to say, all of these accreditations have only further bolstered our ability to build meaningful experiences in our beloved Peru and other South American countries.

Safe Travels Stamp – World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)

It goes without saying that human beings will not let something like a pesky pandemic hinder our intrinsic call to travel. We are in the process of adapting and will adapt, so we can continue to safely connect across the globe. This is why the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has risen to the challenging occasion and created something called a Safe Travels Stamp.

Destinations and travel businesses (agencies, hotels, restaurants, airports, shopping centers, etc.) can register and incorporate this Safe Travels Stamp into their individual protocols. Once they do, they are protected by a living document updated regularly according to CDC and WHO COVID-19 sanitary guidelines.

 

Carbon Neutral Seal – Green Initiative

The Green Initiative is an organization and sustainability specialist recognized and recommended by United Nations-Climate, that awards one of the most internationally renowned carbon-neutral seals. In October 2020, Kuoda Travel was awarded this seal for reducing our carbon footprint to zero.

We achieved this essential milestone through both in-house efficiency efforts and partnering with external emission reduction initiatives. Ultimately, considering our home base in Cusco, Peru, we place an incredible amount of value in our conservation efforts and sustainable travel practices.

 

IGLTA Member

We are a proud member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA). IGLTA has been an empowering organization working to advance the safety and equality of LGBTQ+ travelers and businesses worldwide since 1983.

We want to make sure our clients feel safe and seen, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. So, becoming a member of IGLTA has allowed us to stay on top of LGTBQ+ friendly destinations, service providers, and accommodation throughout South America.

 

TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice and Certificate of Excellence

When it comes to a travel agency’s rating and clout, few organizations know better than TripAdvisor. This is why we feel honored once again to have been awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence five years in a row starting in 2015, and also the TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice award in 2020.

The TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice award only recognizes the very best in the travel industry, sifting through millions of reviews and opinions. These reviews touch upon a business’s customer satisfaction, quality, terms of service, and many more categories to determine who can claim to be a top travel agency.

 

American Society of Travel Advisors Member

To travel with integrity, you should seek out a travel agency like Kuoda Travel that allies with travel organizations epitomizing integrity and professionalism. The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is one such organization. ASTA advocates for travel experts and the traveling public alike. As a result, their logo is recognized around the world as an endorsement for reliable travel companies.

 

Latin American Travel Association Member

The Latin American Travel Association is all about bringing sustainable and regenerative tourism to Latin America. As one of the most critical membership associations for travel to Latin America, LATA holds the following three objectives at the heart of its mission:

“1) Promote and grow travel to Latin America, 2) Be the authoritative voice in the UK for Latin America Travel and Tourism, 3) Encourage best practice and increase standards across all aspects of travel in Latin America.”

 

APTAE (Asociación Peruana de Aventura, Ecoturismo y Turismo Especializado) Member

When it comes to minimizing impact for travel and tourism to Peru, the Asociación Peruana de Aventura, Ecoturismo, y Turismo Especializado (APTAE for short) reigns supreme. This Peruvian organization has been striving to improve adventure and specialty tourism in Peru since 1981. In recent years APTAE has also become a leader in promoting eco-friendly travel in the country.

 

Adventure Travel Trade Association Member

The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) remains the most extensive global network for adventure travel specialists. Unlike some of the other associations above, the ATTA is a private, for-profit trade group that relies on its members to advance sustainable adventure tourism practices.

 

PromPeru Member

PromPeru is a unique collision of the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism and Trade and Ministry of Culture and stands for “Promocionar Perú” (Promote Peru). As the leading tourism commission in Peru, they create campaigns (such as Marca Perú) and hold members events to promote Peru’s unique ecology, destinations, cultural biodiversity, and gastronomy.

 

World Travel Awards Nominee

The World Travel Awards is as much of a household name in the travel industry as the Oscars are in Hollywood. Since their birth in 1993, they have curated a cross-section of awards categories for the travel and hospitality industries. We have now been nominated for four years in a row as the Best Peruvian Agency, and we honestly couldn’t be happier about this.

 

What guarantee do you have with these certifications?

To drive the point further home, a genuine travel specialist will seek out and sustain the endorsement of internationally-recognized travel organizations and associations such as ASTA, WTTC, LATA, among others. This endorsement comes in the form of certificates, stamps, and seals that should be easily advertised and recognized on an agency’s website.

When you see these stamps and logos, you are guaranteed 1) safety, 2) excellence, 3) integrity, 4) top customer service, and ultimately 5) an authentic experience. At the end of the day, we all want these guarantees, especially when booking the trip of a lifetime to a part of the world we aren’t personally familiar with.

 

Why choose Kuoda Travel?

In addition to all of the above travel agent certifications, we have also honed our ability to be as detail-oriented as possible in our travel planning. This means we prioritize your interests and preferences above all else. Our travel designers construct each itinerary to not only match your expectations, but also exceed them.

All the while, you can rest assured that booking a trip with Kuoda means you are also prioritizing purposeful and sustainable travel to South America. So, if you are considering a private journey to Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, or Colombia, contact us today to get the planning started!

“Water is the driving force of all nature.” – Leonardo da Vinci

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a waterfall’s delicate mist gently floating all around you, in contrast to its undeniable force. This striking opposition is precisely why waterfalls can so easily capture your heart and imagination. And where best to experience this magical energy than amongst the most breathtaking waterfalls in South America. 

There are almost too many out-of-this-world waterfalls in South America to choose from, but our travel experts have narrowed it down to the top twelve. From Argentina to Chile, through Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil, all the way to the tippy-top of Colombia, each of these cascading beauties offers something unique and adds an authentic experience to your private journey.

The top twelve waterfalls in South America 

We have broken our list of the twelve must-see South America waterfalls down by country, starting at the southern tip of the continent in Argentina and working our way up to Colombia. And the draws of each waterfall range from the geography of that particular region to the size of the waterfall itself and the local culture and folklore surrounding these natural wonders.

Argentina | Los Amigos Waterfall and Chorillo del Salto

These first two Argentine waterfalls can be found in one of nature’s most coveted playgrounds: Patagonia! This incredible 260,000 square mile expanse between Argentina and Chile has become synonymous with eco-conscious travel in the past couple of decades and remains one of the most spectacular demonstrations of the natural world in all its glory.

To get to the Los Amigos Waterfall, you must travel to the world’s most southernmost city in Tierra del Fuego, called Ushuaia. Ushuaia is a spectacular destination in and of itself, home to five quirky penguin species, including the Magellanic penguin, endemic to Patagonia. The trail to Los Amigos Waterfall is 2.7 miles through breathtaking Tierra del Fuego scenery.

Further north lies the Chorillo del Salto, also known as the Cascada del Salto, in the town of El Chalten. The Chorillo del Salto was formed from the melted glacial snow accumulating in the grand Fitz Roy Massif. Exploring this waterfall also means hiking through the starkly beautiful glacial mountain landscape of El Chalten.

Argentina + Brazil | Iguazú Falls 

The next waterfall on our list may need little to no introduction: Iguazú Falls! Many people plan their personalized travel experience in South America around the great Iguazú Falls, and with good reason, seeing as it is the world’s largest waterfall system. Argentina claims roughly 80% of the 275 individual waterfalls, and Brazil the remaining 20%.

Our travel designers recommend staying physically on the Argentine side because you can make a simple day trip to the Brazil side to see the renowned Devil’s Throat waterfall. And the National Park of Puerto Iguazú in Argentina deserves to be well-traversed.

Chile | Cascada Apoquindo, Salto Grande, and Salto el Claro

Visiting Cascada Apoquindo in Chile is an excellent addition to your private itinerary, especially if you are also planning on spending some concentrated time in Santiago, Chile’s capital city. Cascada Apoquindo is in the Parque Natural de Aguas de Ramón east of Santiago and lying against the Andes Mountain Range. If you love multi-day hiking trips with the reward of a waterfall at the end, the Cascada Apoquindo is for you!

Getting back into the Patagonia region, but this time within the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park, we encourage you to consider the lookout over the Salto Grande waterfall. Salto Grande means “big jump” in Spanish, and this particular big jump of gushing water lies against the stunning Pehoe Lake. But the water itself flows from another lake, Lake Nordenskjöld, before falling 10 meters into Pehoe.

Our final must-see waterfall in Chile is called Salto el Claro, which lies in Pucón City, in the Araucanía region, home to Villarrica Volcano and beautiful Villarrica Lake. Salto el Claro, also known as the “hidden waterfall,” is an off-the-beaten-path destination for the ages. You also have the option of arriving by car, hiking, or biking from Pucón – a great choice for some added adventure!

Bolivia | Las Siete Cascadas

Sucre, Bolivia is an up-and-coming tourist destination for many reasons, including the footprints of 15 different dinosaur species and precious colonial architecture. However, there are also ample opportunities to escape into nature. If you’re looking for another easy day trip while in Sucre to dive into Bolivia’s natural surroundings, hike a little, and see a precious waterfall, Las Siete Cascadas hits the spot.

Peru | Gocta Waterfall

Gocta Waterfall in the Chachapoyas region of Peru was only rediscovered and made known to the international community in 2005. It also happens to be the world’s third tallest waterfall! This impactful water flow falls from 2,530 feet high and can be seen from several unique vantage points. You can either hike or horseback ride to Gocta; and for a luxury travel experience, you can stay in the Gocta Andes Lodge.

Ecuador | Peguche Waterfall 

Reaching the small but mighty country of Ecuador further north, you have the chance to visit a sacred waterfall with immense cultural significance in the Otavalo province. The Peguche waterfall is about 50 feet tall and most known as an indigenous ceremonial site, where community members cleanse their bodies before the Sun festival called San Juan or Inti Raymi (in Peru).

Otavalo is also home to the largest indigenous market in South America. So, you can easily pair your time here with a visit to the market before or after your hike to Peguche with your local guide, who will regale you with the captivating legends also associated with this waterfall.

Colombia | Caño Cristales, Tequendama Falls, and La Chorrera waterfall 

You will find the final three waterfalls on our list in Colombia, and they are nothing short of striking. Let’s start with Caño Cristales, which is technically not a waterfall but an ethereal multi-colored river. Traversing the otherworldly landscape of Caño Cristales, you will notice baby waterfalls here and there, so we couldn’t bring ourselves to leave it out; what a unique natural phenomenon!

This brings us to the Tequendama Falls, also known as the Salto de Tequendama. A visit to Tequendama makes for a memorable vacation because of the chilling and thought to be haunted Hotel Tequendama overlooking the falls. Local Muisca indigenous communities also believe the legend of this site that their Gods formed the falls to alleviate the flooding that prevented them from building their villages.

Finally, we have La Chorrera waterfall, which is by far Colombia’s highest waterfall and sixth-highest in Latin America at almost 2,000 feet. After a serene two-hour hike through the cloud forest of Colombia, you will reach La Chorrera and also pass some exciting sights on the way, such as the “monkey stones” – Simian-like rock formations – and another small waterfall called El Chiflon.

So, just this once, we encourage you to go against the words of the wise women of TLC and go chasing waterfalls in South America! Please contact us today to learn more about incorporating some of these forces of nature into your curated journey through South America.

Safety and tourism have always gone hand-in-hand. After all, we have grown accustomed to saying: “Have a safe journey,” or “safe travels.” Travel is, of course, incredibly exciting, and one of those exciting components means stepping out of your comfort zone, trying something new, and taking some risks.

This is why having a safety net is crucial, and even more so in 2021 as we all head into our own versions of a “new normal.” In other words, guaranteed safety while traveling has become more critical than it’s ever been. And this might mean embarking on more private travel experiences, avoiding group tours, and booking with a company like Kuoda that has your best interest at heart always.

In this article, we break down what this stamp actually means. We also explain why it’s so essential in the new normal of travel so that you can feel incredibly confident in booking a custom-designed trip to South America with us and not have to worry about a thing!

What is a “safe travels” stamp or certification?

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has stepped up to the plate during this pandemic to create the world’s very first “Safe Travels” stamp. They launched this stamp, which is a type of certification according to global COVID-19 safety protocols, so we can all navigate this uncertain climate with more ease and still create wonderful memories while traveling.

The safety protocols built into this stamp form part of a living document. Because, as we all know, new information about COVID-19 and the SARS-CoV-02 virus is constantly coming to light as experts learn more about the science behind this new disease and the virus that causes it. This living document is updated regularly according to WHO and CDC guidelines.

Something worth noting is that this stamp does not reflect the current infection rate of COVID-19 in any particular destination. Therefore, just like the vaccines against COVID-19, having the “Safe Travels” certification does not guarantee 100% safety against the disease. However, it is a crucial added layer of protection for all travelers to be on the same page and respect host destinations, local culture and communities.

Who the gets “safe travels” certification?

Essentially two umbrella categories designate who can receive this “safe travels” certification: destinations and businesses. Businesses can include travel companies, hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, attractions (like archaeological sites – e.g., Machu Picchu), car rentals, transportation, airports, and outdoor shopping centers.

Once a destination or business decides to apply for the “Safe Travels” stamp, they don’t necessarily need to become members of WTTC. Instead, they can contact their corresponding industry association or public authority, who will then coordinate with WTTC to obtain the stamp. In this way, the public and private sectors are constantly working together to ensure safe travels for as many people as possible.

Why is Kuoda a “safe travels” tour operator?

Even pre-pandemic, we always prioritized our guests’ safety. The vehicles we use are all incredibly safe brands, which could pass an inspection with flying colors any given day. The restaurants we work with are only the best options in each destination. Everyone covets an authentic experience with cuisine, especially in a destination like Peru, but food safety is also paramount.

We include only the very best accommodation from 3* boutique to 5* luxury properties, and our incredible team of knowledgeable travel experts and guides know how to anticipate your needs. In keeping with these tried-and-true standards, we’ve now added the “Safe Travels” stamp to our certificates! Our guides, drivers, and all of the hotels/restaurants we work with adhere to the latest health and hygiene protocols.

Our certificates also include a TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award from 2020 (the sixth year in a row) and a nomination from the World Travel Awards as Peru’s Leading Tour Operator for 2021. Lastly, we have a carbon-neutral certificate through the Green Initiative because sustainability is another one of our company’s pillars, which factors into each and every curated journey we create.

What are the safe travel destinations in South America?

Currently, there are 80 destinations across the Americas, Europe, Africa, The Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Islands that have received their WTTC “Safe Travels” stamp. Within South America, these destinations include Argentina, Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador! We craft personalized travel experiences to all of these countries, and for the new normal of travel, we recommend the following in each country/region.

Now is the time for exploring Patagonia, especially if you’re an eco-conscious traveler! The natural wonderland of Patagonia spans Argentina and Chile, and you can partake in unique outdoor activities on both sides. For some spectacular trekking, head to Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, and for the world’s best whale-watching, consider adding a visit to the Peninsula Valdes in Argentina.

The coveted 4-5-day Inca Trail trek in Peru opened again on July 15th and is one of the most authentic trekking experiences you can have in the Andes. This original Inca Trail belongs to the original road system called the Qhapaq Ñan during the Inca Empire. The Qhapac Ñan spans over 40,000 km. The multi-day Inca Trail trek is the 43-mile stretch of this road network leading to Machu Picchu and is impeccably preserved.

Colombia is another South American destination known for its natural majesty and biodiversity. For those who love beautiful beaches, national parks, and the ocean Tayrona National Park is heaven on earth. Tayrona National Park lies between Colombia’s Caribbean coast and the base of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountain Range.

And sandwiched between Peru and Colombia, Ecuador is another country that should make it onto your bucket list if it hasn’t already. Ecuador was one of the first South American countries to welcome back international visitors during the pandemic, and the Galapagos Islands, in particular, have remained incredibly safe and protected.

We recommend booking your luxury trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands as soon as you can help re-stimulate the archipelago’s economy. The cruises are up and running again, and the Ecuadorian government has completed its COVID-19 vaccination rollout for residents. You won’t be required to have the vaccine to visit; however, we do recommend it, seeing as their population is quite isolated and vulnerable.

Safe experiences create the best memories

Some of us know all too well that something like food poisoning, an accident of any kind, fever and chills, or any other type of illness can instantly overshadow all of the positive experiences during your trip. But, on the other hand, we recognize that meaningful travel experiences are all about taking the good with the bad; the trick is to make sure the bad doesn’t surpass the good.

This is the ultimate goal of the WTTC “Safe Travels” stamp, to join forces in the tourist industry across the globe and confront this pandemic head-on. Every destination and business that has collaborated on this idea, of course, is looking to reactivate tourism, and at the same time, make sure your travel experiences are protected as much as possible.

International travel most certainly will bounce back because travel is something uniquely human. We love to learn about other corners of the world first hand, to take in the unique differences and the resounding similarities among us. Thanks to the WTTC “Safe Travels” stamp, and other collective local efforts, we can make sure we keep taking care of one another and keep traveling!

Contact us today to learn more about how to craft your perfect vacation to South America in the new normal; our travel designers are excited to hear from you!

In South America, pampa means grasslands or prairie. And although Spanish-Speakers understand its meaning instantly, it is actually a loan word from the original Quechua, meaning “flat space” or “flatness.” When it comes to the Pampas in Argentina, the word evokes a romantic notion of living off of the land, rough and tumble gaucho culture, and raising some of the best cattle in the world!

In this article, we want to show you all the magical aspects of this unique swath of Argentina. So why are the Argentina Pampas famous? When should you plan a trip to the Pampas? And which activities are worth including in your itinerary, and why?

What are The Pampas in Argentina, and why is this region famous?

The Argentine Pampas extend from the Atlantic coast near the Buenos Aires’ border all the way to the Andean foothills in the northwest corner of the country. This breathtaking natural expanse spans 295,000 square miles and comprises two distinct zones – the dry area to the west and the wetlands to the east.

The Pampas region of Argentina is famous for a couple of reasons, which are inextricably linked with the culture and history of Argentina. First, much of Argentine folklore since the Spanish conquest centers around the both mythic and authentic gaucho figure, who still work these fertile plains to this day on some of the private estancias (ranches). Second, in addition to cowboy life on the estancias, the Pampas are home to some intriguing up-and-coming vineyards in all of Argentina.

When is the best time to go to The Pampas grasslands in Argentina?

There’s truly no terrible time to visit the Pampas of Argentina due to the pleasant climate year-round. The austral summer months from December to February are the hottest reaching the lower-eighties in Fahrenheit, while the winter months between June and August are relatively mild, never dropping below mid-fifties, for the most part.

This said, we highly recommend visiting this region of Argentina in the spring from September to November because the temperature is just right, and the sprawling spring blossoms make the already impressive landscape even more captivating.

Must-see places to visit in the Argentina Pampas

Activities in the Pampas of Argentina satisfy nature lovers, culinary connoisseurs, culture enthusiasts, and history buffs alike! You can be as active as you want to be, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, etc. At the same time, spend some quality relaxation time with one of the most precious natural backdrops and incredible local fare.

1. Visit San Antonio de Areco

Just a short 70 miles northwest of Buenos Aires, San Antonio de Areco remains one of the steadfast “gaucho towns” in the Pampas. Home to some original Argentine estancias turned all-inclusive accommodations, visiting San Antonio de Areco promises one of the most romantically rustic experiences you can have in all of Argentina.

Here, you will also find several exciting museums highlighting some essential details about gaucho history and culture, such as the Museo Gauchesco and the Museo Las Lilas de Areco. We also encourage everyone to visit the Old Bridge of Areco, originally built in 1857 and one that has become an iconic architectural feature in Argentina.

2. Taste of the Pampas: the traditional Asado meal

Asado is essentially Argentine barbecue and also a cornerstone within Argentine identity as the national dish. Each cut of meat is treated with the utmost care, and expert asadores are highly respected. Considering the Pampas have provided the ideal conditions for raising high-grade grass and grain-fed cattle and sheep, this is also the geographic epicenter for Asado.

You can find some of the most authentic Asado in Tandil, a small town in the southern Pampas known for its excellent cheese and cured meats. If you stay in one of the estancias here, trying the Asado is a full-day affair. The asadores start preparing the meat at about 9:30 in the morning for a 12:30 feast that lasts 2-3 hours or more depending on the types of meat and the amount of wine served!

3. Explore the Pampas on horseback with the gauchos

You can enter into the gaucho mindset for yourself riding horseback across the still mostly wild Pampas. Practically all of the estancias offer horseback riding as either full-day or half-day experiences, guided by gauchos who still work the ranches.

You can opt to traverse the multitude of dusty trails through fields of wheat and alfalfa, join the gauchos in their daily cattle drive, or even play some Polo! The Pampas also are home to some of the best Polo players in the world; for those versed in the sport, there is no better place to “bowl-in!”

4. Meet the native wildlife

In addition to the roaming cattle and sheep, plenty of wild fauna inhabits the Argentina Pampas. Here you will find herds of wild guanacos (a type of Andean camelid slightly smaller than llamas but bigger than alpacas), foxes, bush dogs, viscachas (in the chinchilla family), hawks, waterfowl, and a feline resembling the long-lost cousin of an angora housecat called the Pampas cat.

5. Tour through Campos del Tuyú National Park

Campos del Tuyú National Park lines the northeastern flank of the Pampas along the Atlantic coast. Its 3,040 hectares encompass woodlands and salt-grass prairies that shelter the endangered Pampas deer. Birdwatchers would especially find this protected area interesting due to the over 100 unique bird species.

6. Take a wine tour in the Pampas

Argentina is also known for its exemplary wines and vineyards, many of which belong to the Mendoza province, including the Pampas region to the east. The largest concentration of vineyards lies at the base of the Andes in Mendoza; however, there is now a surge of vineyards closer to the grassy plains of central Argentina as well.

On the northern border with Patagonia, La Pampa province has become one of the country’s leading producers of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Chardonnay. There is also a new area of vineyards of interest in the Pampa húmeda (wetlands) of the Buenos Aires province along the Atlantic Coast. Here the Pampas towns of Tandil, Tornquist, and Médanos have some fabulous vineyards offering a taste of these new “oceanic wines.”

Can you picture yourself on horseback, the wind rushing through your hair, as you wind your way through the wild Argentine countryside, and then indulge in a well-earned cut of beef? Then, don’t hesitate to contact us to get the planning started on your next trip to the Pampas of Argentina!

Torres del Paine National Park in Chile’s Patagonia will bring you so close to pristine panoramic nature that you instantly remember how humans remain an integral part of the natural world. And if this pandemic has left us with one intrinsic lesson, let it be the importance of getting back to nature!

Here, in the sweeping 181,000 hectares of Torres del Paine National Park, you will begin to forget the definition of “the daily grind” and start to focus on taking one step at a time. It’s no wonder that this is one of the most coveted hiking spots in the Andes!

There are plenty of options for a fulfilling day trip to the park from the closest nearby town, Puerto Natales. However, in this article, we would like to highlight the incredible variety of hiking trails and considerations for one of Patagonia’s most precious and protected areas.

Day hikes in Torres del Paine

We must first note that to take full advantage of the Torres del Paine National Park with limited crowds and the most breathtaking fall foliage, we recommend making this trip between March and April, at the end of the high tourist season. These months belong to the Austral Fall, which in Patagonia means an endless sea of bright oranges, deep reds, and festive yellows flowing through the forest.

With this autumnal effect in full force, Torres del Paine National Park is a day-hikers veritable playground. You have your pick of more than twenty routes total, as short as three miles and as long as twelve. One of the main advantages of sticking to some of the many day hikes is staying at one of the fabulous accommodations within the park and engaging with local Chilean culture as well.

Where to stay within Torres del Paine National Park?

Several hotels dot the Torres del Paine National Park, but the two accommodations worth mentioning for their sustainable innovation and rich cultural history are, respectively, Explora Patagonia and Hotel las Torres.

Since its founding in 1993, conservancy and sustainability have informed Explora’s every action and aspect of their interactive lodging experience in pristine nature. Throughout South America, Explora has seven properties total and three in Patagonia alone. Their Torres del Paine location is unique within the park in that it is nestled between Lake Pehoé and Paine River. Plus, their all-inclusive program includes 40 different excursions and the option to hike the W-Trek.

If you are someone who loves connecting directly with nature and with local culture, then Hotel las Torres is the perfect option for you. Hotel las Torres lies on a swatch of Torres del Paine National Park called Las Torres Reserve. This 2,200-hectare private reserve predates the national park and belongs to a Croatian family that bought the land in the early 20th century.

In 1979, the oldest son of this same family, Antonio Kusanovic Jercic, bought an estancia (ranch) called the Cerro Paine Ranch, where they continued to thrive working the land with over 600 cows. And in the 1990s, when word of Torres del Paine’s natural splendor, tourists began to arrive, Antonio and his wife Amor Eliana expanded their ranch to include a rudimentary lodging. These same quarters kept transforming and evolving into the now Hotel las Torres.

The all-inclusive program at Hotel las Torres includes 21 activities, from horseback riding to hiking. And with the fourth generation of the Kusanovic family still running the hotel, you are guaranteed an unfiltered look into the Chilean Patagonia local ranching culture.

Multi-day hikes in Torres del Paine

You can choose between three main multi-day treks within Torres del Paine National Park. These treks follow circuits that, from an aerial view, roughly create the shape of three letters, giving each trek its name. The W-trek is the shortest of the three at 62 miles and takes 4-5 days to complete, and the O-circuit is next at 83 miles and takes about 7-8 days to complete. Finally, the Q-trek spans 95 miles total and means a solid 8-9 days hiking.

Depending on the circuit, you will clock in about 8-12 miles per day, stopping at designated campsites to set up your tent, or make your hiking pack comfortable in domed yurts (in the case of the Francés Sector in the W-trek).

When you hike one of these multi-day treks with Kuoda, you will be with a local private guide who knows the area like the back of their hand and will keep essential details in mind. For example, the O and Q-treks can only be hiked counter-clockwise, whereas you can hike the W-trek in any direction. And each designated campsite has its own closing time, so you will not be able to start a new stretch of trail after said closing times.

What to pack for your hiking adventure in Torres del Paine?

First and foremost, you want to make sure you have a sturdy pair of hiking boots with plenty of ankle support and a super-tough sole; and this probably goes without saying for avid hikers, but you will want to break in these hiking boots well before your trip to Torres del Paine!

Hiking in Torres del Paine with Kuoda means that your hiking poles, tent, prepared meals, and sleeping bag will already be included, where necessary. However, some items you will want to make sure to bring with you are 1) a headlamp, 2) a sturdy (not super large) hiking pack, 3) a fleece, 4) a hard-shell jacket, 5) thermal underwear 6) sunglasses and brimmed hat 7) gloves and winter hat 8) hiking pants, 9) three pairs of socks, and 10) camp shoes (crocs are great for this)!

If you make Torres del Paine in Southern Patagonia your next hiking adventure in South America, we guarantee you won’t regret it. Not only is it one of Chile’s most coveted national parks, but also one of the world’s most captivating. Contact us today to start planning your next trip to Chile!