Teri and Deb returned in March from a trip to Patagonia, which included 4 days of excursions in Torres del Paine, and some hiking in Los Glaciares National Park. here they tell us about their experiences on the trip and in booking with Swoop and our partners…
We had a great trip and enjoyed both areas of Patagonia.
How was your time with Swoop’s partners in Los Glaciares National Park?
We were very well taken care of from pick up & delivery services to hiking recommendations…all good. They even loaned us hiking poles during our stay in El Chalten.
We hit some rocky weather but it didn’t spoil our adventure. Sometimes we didn’t get to see the full view points on our hikes (due to snow, clouds & wind on Laguna los Tres & Laguna Torre) until we were leaving town on the bus, but then we might never have hiked in 100 Kph winds if we hadn’t ventured forth! It was an experience.
We loved El Calafate (& the beer by the same name), and would have liked to explore the wine country after trying the local Malbecs too.
Glacier hiking on Perito Moreno was a huge highlight. We had great guides, good weather and it was a spectacular site. We only wish they would re think the age restriction on the Big Ice hike.
El Chalten is a beautiful hiking town, and a very sweet location. It was very gusty though and we sure appreciated the Buff supplied by Swoop, it kept my nose stuck on my face when the wind threatened to tear it off and fly it to Antartica.
All transportation was very comfortable and timely (except the American leg on Delta). We spent a lot of time traveling, but those busses have great views and are cushy compared to flying.
How was your time in Torres del Paine
The eco friendly camp…ahhhh! What a delightful way to wrap up our trip. Blissful location, comfortable, great food, good wine, just a wee bit of travel to get where you were going to hike.
We were fortunate enough to see a Puma up close on our first excursion from camp. She had just fed on a Guanaco kill and was lazing in a rock overhang right beside our trail.
Were also lucky enough to get to do both our big hikes – the French Valley and Base of the Towers. Weather threatened our Base hike but knowing how much we wanted to see it, they decided to give it a go on our last day in camp. It turned out to be spectacular. We were thrilled.
How was your experience of planning and arranging your trip with Swoop Patagonia?
Swoop was a font of information about itinerary options and tips. We were just a bit confused early on to be introduced directly to your local partners. I suppose we were thinking that you would be our single point of contact and all coordination/details would be with you. Your partners wonderfully helpful and delightful to us however. They were ready & waiting for us on arrival and all went smoothly – so I would say you have your ducks in a row and are working with some great folks over there.
We appreciate all that you did to make our trip a success. We were a bit late in getting the planning started but with your help it was stellar. Not just another location checked off the bucket list for these 60+ hikers, but a beautiful, surreal series of experiences, sights and memories that will warm our hearts for a lifetime. Thank you.
