On November 26, the Eighth Wonder of the World will open again, a moment that has been long awaited by both tourists and the sector’s workers.
With the opening of the “W” trail, one of the most popular circuits in the Torres del Paine National Park, the 2020-2021 tourism season will begin in the Magallanes Region and the Chilean Antarctic in the far south of the country.
The Park has been closed since September 9 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, with only one active case, the municipal district and the Park are preparing to receive tourists who, as from November 26, will be able to visit them.
“We are very happy to be able to share this announcement with the workers and the Última Esperanza community because it means that, little by little, we are going to be reactivating our economy, doing so safely and responsibly, always safeguarding the life of people,” said Regional Governor Jennifer Rojas.
Representing the tourism sector, Andrea Tellez, manager of the Association of Hotels and Tourist Services of Torres del Paine, highlighted the initiative. “We are committing to mounting a campaign with the community so that we continue working on the cases and can move to the next phases and, in this way, continue on the path of regional opening.”
Each year, the Park receives over 300,000 visitors from the rest of Chile and around the world. Tourism accounts for 10% of the GDP of the Magallanes Region and up to 14% of jobs and more than 2,700 companies are involved in what is one of its principal economic activities.
How should I schedule my trip to Torres del Paine?
- Those wishing to schedule their trip in advance and book camping spaces or hotels within the Park can find full information at www.parquetorresdelpaine.cl.
How do I get to Torres del Paine?
- Visitors from municipal districts in Phase 3 or higher of the Step-by-Step Plan can use the Carlos Ibáñez del Campo and Teniente Julio Gallardo Airports and travel from there directly to the Torres del Paine municipal district.
What will I be able to visit inside Torres del Paine?
- For November, the safe and responsible opening includes the “W” mountain circuit, which comprises the Base of the Towers; the Horns, the Gray Glacier, all the area of the vehicle road between the Laguna Amarga Reception Center and the Río Serrano Reception Center and the road to the Río Pingo sector. Subsequently, in a second phase, the Paine “O” circuit will also be opened.
How will Torres del Paine operate?
- To enter, people must fill out a form indicating that they do not have coronavirus symptoms, which will be verified by CONAF personnel by taking their temperature.
- Markings on the ground will prevent crowding and visitors must maintain a minimum distance of one meter.
- The ticket offices and service counters will have a transparent panel to separate park rangers, cashiers and visitors.
- Preference will be given to the sale of tickets online for which tourism companies have created a platform and visitors can either print their ticket or show it on their phone.
- A talk will be given for all visitors about self-care and the Park’s installations in order to avoid infections.
How do I move around the Park?
- For the use of viewpoints, visitors must wear a mask and practice social distancing. They must, therefore, refrain from accessing a viewpoint if, due to the number of people, it would not be possible to maintain a sufficient distance.
- Under the Step-by-Step Plan, under which the Torres del Paine municipal district is in Phase 3, no more than 25 people can participate in group activities. If it moves on to the next phase, this will increase to 50.
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