Tag: Trekking

Anticipation is an underrated aspect of travel. There’s so much pleasure that goes into planning a trip and looking forward to what you’ll do when you get there, from studying your  itinerary to putting together a packing list. For me, that’s only heightened when you’re going on a trek, where the journey is as much […]

Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is one of Patagonia’s great banner destinations, and its breathtaking granite towers offer up one of the region’s most iconic views. There are many ways to experience the park, its mountains and glaciers, but the classic way is to hike the multi-day W Trek,  At Swoop Patagonia, many […]

There are few moments I’m happier than when I’m hiking far off the beaten track, communing with Mother Nature and testing myself against the elements. Patagonia offers plenty of scope for just that, not least among the wilds of Los Glaciares National Park. One of the most extreme hikes it’s possible to do there is […]

Los Glaciares National Park is packed with beautiful day hiking trails. From the mountain town of El Chaltén, you can set out on any number of brilliant hikes from the door of your hotel to enjoy the spectacular Fitz Roy Massif, while returning to sleep in a cosy bed at night. But there are plenty […]

If you asked me to describe Patagonia’s weather in one word it would be quite simple — unpredictable. Any experienced local guide would say the same, and might add, “You can experience all four seasons in one day here”, which couldn’t be more true. Although it’s typical for travellers to expect a comprehensive forecast for […]

Refugio is the Spanish word for shelter, and this is exactly what they are to me. A place where hikers from across the globe can meet, share their experiences, eat together and find protection from bad weather. After a long day of hiking, giving your all and carrying a heavy pack, it’s always nice to […]

I first visited San Martín de los Andes in the Argentinean Lake District 15 years ago when I backpacked around Patagonia and had much longer hair than I do today. When I finally returned recently for a trekking adventure, I was overjoyed to find that not a lot seemed to have changed in the intervening […]

There is no wrong way to experience Torres del Paine. Certain people are looking for the classic backpacking experience of an Original W Trek, with four nights spent out at the campsites and refugios along the trail. Others are seeking the amenities of a traditional luxury hotel and will feel most at home with Explora or Tierra as their base. […]