Jeff, a professor of Biology from the Presbyterian College in South Carolina, USA, returned in May from a trip to Patagonia with a group of his students. Here he tells us about their experiences Trekking in Torres del Paine and Tierra del Fuego, and in booking through Swoop Patagonia and our partners in Chile…
‘Our Patagonia trip was perfect. The weather was amazing, save a foggy day by Glacier Grey and some blustery wind on our day to visit the king penguins in Tierra del Fuego. Both of our guides were terrific!’
What did Swoop do Well?
Swoop Patagonia was instrumental in putting this trip itinerary together. You absolutely put us together with the appropriate Chilean partners for our trip needs. Additionally the students and I appreciated the feedback on packing lists, tipping guides, etc…
What could we have done differently?
Nothing
How did you enjoy the itinerary prepared for you by Swoop and our Chilean Partners?
Your partners and their guides/drivers did a tremendous job. Gonzalo was very prompt in responding to e-mails and was helpful. Both Ricardo and Armando were extremely knowledgable guides. The itinerary they crafted was perfect for our needs and balanced sightseeing with hiking in the park.
How were your guides on the trip?
Both Ricardo and Armando were really great. I would request either of them for future trips without hesitation.
Is there anything you would have changed about this part of your trip?
I think I would make 3 of minor changes to the itinerary if I run this trip again: Switch the Torres del Paine hiking and Punta Arenas/Tierra del Fuego touring parts around so that people can recover from the hikes, move the towers hike to the beginning of the hiking days, and try to visit Valparaiso/Santiago as well.
What was the highlight of your trip?
The majority of the group got up-close and personal with a puma on the last day hike. I would say that is something that everyone will remember.
Again thank you to everyone at Swoop Patagonia and your partners for helping us provide this amazing trip for our students. Please feel free to use me as a reference for anyone who is putting together their own trip.
