Author: Harriet Pike

I’m lucky enough to have spent eight years of my life travelling in the Andes and Himalayas. Between my trips, I worked in an outdoor shop in Covent Garden, London. I loved it and quickly became one of the top boot fitters in the branch, relishing the chance to chat about trekking and get people […]

Patagonia boasts countless treasures, including the granite spires of Torres del Paine National Park and the spectacular Fitz Roy Massif. The region’s trails are renowned among wide-eyed hikers the world over, and it’s easy to see why. Deep forested valleys are carved by giant glaciers that crumble into powder-blue lakes and ice fields sparkle high […]

My mission during my recce of Patagonia in spring 2016 was to delve into Chile’s little-known region of Aysén. I tracked condors, mountain biked in remote national parks and took to the water multiple times to see sights only accessible by boat or kayak. In Puerto Aysén, I enjoyed serene paddling and beautiful weather for a day’s […]

With my anticipation building as I fly towards the Andes, the panoramic views from the flight down the chain of mountains to Patagonia is a great appetiser for my trip. I arrive amongst the bald peaks and forest filled valleys of Aysen by flying into Balmaceda airport. This tiny airport is out on the steppe and as […]

As the world’s third largest mass of ice, trekking and living on the Patagonian ice cap is a truly unique experience and a challenge. Danny contacted Swoop in May of last year looking for an experience that took him to the ice field for several days. Danny’s trip to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field started with […]

Greg, along with his sister Michelle and two other friends, asked Swoop to help them explore some of the more unknown destinations in Patagonia. Their jam-packed itinerary took them to many of the well-known highlights but via routes that enabled them to truly discover Patagonia’s wild beauty. We put together a challenging, action-packed programme with […]

Swoop’s definition of REFUGIO: are warm, friendly, convivial places with shared dorm-style rooms for 6 people, and hot meals and showers. The accommodation is basic but comfortable

The second route was the Bader valley, a small valley that most hikers walk straight path. The turnoff isn’t obviously and it slices into the range between the Cuernos and the Torres giving you an extraordinary close up of the Cuernos and a different view of the south tower.