What were the top 3 highlights of your trip?
1) Waking up in the tent to the sounds of the whales and calfs laying just off shore in Golfo San Jose. (Just how close – please see picture). We complained to Gabriel that we couldn’t sleep because of their noise – and just for a few seconds he thought we were serious!
2) Kayaking in Golfo San Jose. We suddenly attracted the attention of a Sea Lion colony. If one came to investigate us, then so did the other fifty – all at once! It was some spash. They swam amongst, alongside and splashed the kayaks for good measure.
3) Sitting on the edge of the Elephant seal colony at Ea.Rincon and attempting to photograph a pup. It, of course, decided the best way to observe humans was upside down. (Hopefully the picture above explains this!).
What could have made the trip better?
Argentina isn’t the best place for vegetarians. OK not great surprise. So this is a general commment. We talked to Gabriel and Silv about this and they were putting their minds to improving on this.
How was your guide?
Gabriel met us at the airport after an early morning flight with coffee and a bag of fresh rolls. Need I say more! Seriously we could not have been better looked after but never in an overbearing or invasive manner. No problem about just sitting and reading a book (picture).
Gabriel and Silv are passionate about what they are doing. This means that they won’t go chasing wild life just so their guests can get a good picture. They make no promises about what the guests will see and stress the importance of the weather in Patagonia to any acivity, especially the wind. If the weather was not suitable for safe kayaking they said so immediately. We all appreciated their honesty in this.
Did the logistics run smoothly?
Absolutely no problems. One day the roads were flooded and were closed off. Following on from the above comment; Gabriel explained this straightaway so we understood why the trip’s start would be delayed. They and some friends then arranged an impromptu local history and wildlife session finished off by fabulous lunch until the weather cleared. Even their dog Kostan joined in to keep us entertained.
The equipment was well maintained and clean. The tents were secure for the climate – we had some wind and rain. The sleeping bag and mats were perfectly suitable for the night time conditions.
Would you recommend H & C Patagonia?
Most definitely; our friends are probably fed up with us showing pictures and telling stories of the trip!
Would you go back to Patagonia? If so, where?
Not if but when. Certainly we plan to catch up with Gabriel and Silv and wouldn’t rule out a similar trip again in Peninsula Valdes. We also want to head inland and travel to the mountains.
We love this close up of a seal, thanks for sharing your photos!