Swoop’s trips are all categorised with our own ‘Effort Levels’, which range from 1-10; 1 being a walk in the park, and 10 being a high altitude, technical mountain ascent such as K2. This table summarises the 10 Effort Level categories, hopefully allowing you to best select and prepare for your trip to Patagonia.
Level | Description | Example(s) |
1 | Walk in the Park | A Walk in the park 😉 |
2 | Walking for 3 to 4 hours, with some up and down | Walking in the South Downs |
3 | 6 to 8 hour day hikes, significant ascent, with a daypack | Day hike up Ascensio valley; Full day’s hiking in the Lake District |
4 | 2-3 days trekking, significant ascents, with rucksack, but with support, and comfort overnight | W circuit, with support and overnight in lodges/refugios |
5 | 2-3 days trekking, signficant ascents with limited support | W Circuit of Torres del Paine, un-aided |
6 | Trekking with major ascents and tough terrain over 6+ days, but perhaps with some porter support, or comfort overnight | Torres del Paine full circuit, but with support / nights in refugios |
7 | Trekking, major ascents, 6 days+, camping overnight, tough terrain | 8 day trek in Torres del Pain, off the beaten track |
8 | Trekking including some mountaineering or work on ice | Trekking Patagonian Ice Cap |
9 | Mountaineering, one of either high altitude (6,000 to 7,000 metres plus) or technical | Climb Aconcagua |
10 | High altitude technical mountain ascent | Climbing K2 |