Customer Reviews

Our trip included 7 different experiences and locations. Sometimes the travel between stops seemed too long. But how could it be otherwise? And as it turned out, we always loved the journey as much as the end. I love the Chilean people - always open and friendly, free of the arrogance, anger or malice so often seen in Americans. The weather could be discouraging if one didn't have the proper apparel, but we all did and we weren't discouraged by the wind, rain and cold. I intend to go back next year with 7 different stops. I don't have any grandchildren.

The trip was incredible, so many contrasts of landscape, weather, etc! It was particularly special being away at Christmas!

Highlight - scenery which came up to expectations. Wildlife pretty good. people we dealt with generally excellent. That said, the reason I have ticked 'maybe' on the 'would I return' box is because TdelP in particular is now being 'loved to death'. If I returned to Patagonia I'd need to be convinced that I could do so with fewer people around - and preferably without the need for guiding all the time. [I would add that one thing I will consider and would need a guide for is an ice shelf walk out of El Chalten. As a general comment I preferred the experience at Fitzroy cf TdelP except for the back end of the O circuit. I would recommend Fitzroy over TdelP W circuit. Magical moments - there were a few - the Loma de Plieges Tumbado walk on a brilliant day was one. Arrival at Petit peninsula in Barriloche was another (what a top hotel). Going over the top of the John Gardner Pass. And a little thing, but being met by Victor at AEP in BA and him driving me to the Holiday in at Ezeiza was a pleasure for me as I was not comfortable with travelling across BA at night.

More personal. I went with my two adult kids. There were a couple of moments during which laughed a lot togetber at dinner. The hiking adventure contributed to those relaxing 'let the guard down' moments.

3rd morning at Explora Torres del Paine. Magical sunrise casting a fire red/orange/pink glow against the towers.

All the various stops within Patagonia, both on the Chile and Argentina side. Torres del Paine, as well as El Chalten , El Calafate were spectacular. Various hikes in these regions added to our enjoyment, as well as the lodging, various towns / villages and meals. History of the cities, countries and the culture

The whole Australis boat experience.

Patagonia Camp and all it had to offer was quite memorable. Beautiful, captivating views from the lodge and yurt were as advertised .

The highlight of my trip was seeing the wildlife up close and personal. My EcoCamp dome was nestled in the bushes where the chincols (rufuos-collared sparrows) sang for my arrival. Guanacos were not sparse and I felt I got the full experience being able to see them anytime we traveled on the road. In addition, the iconic rock formations were stunning and a real privilege to see in person. I enjoyed the experience at EcoCamp. The structure of eating with your group tour for breakfast and dinner was an absolute bonding experience with people from all over the world. The most exciting moment for me was seeing the young pumas napping while the guanacos walked by to taunt them. I came for the hiking experience as well and the hikes were challenging but not intimidating. My guides were exceptional at knowing about the park, motivating me through my treks, and making me feel comfortable back at EcoCamp.

There were so many great highlights of the trip. I very much so appreciated the progression of hikes and thought the order in which we encountered them was perfect. I think if things had gone in any different order, it would not have been nearly as good. The very best part though was our guides. Juli and Claudio were perfection. Thank you for trusting us to them - they both did a phenomenal job! I can't recommend anyone more highly. They went out of their way so many times to ensure we had an unforgettable trip.

Highlights: Torres del Paine/Explora Casa Bouchon Erasmo Winery Tour to Tatio geysers Loved the altiplano of Atacama desert Good guides at Atacama, Sergio in Santiago Wildlife in Atacama desert and torres del paine

There were many memorable moments, but the stay at Patagonia Camp was idyllic. The accommodations were unique and comfortable, the scenery breath taking, and the staff welcoming , gracious , helpful and kind.

The highlights for me (being a mountain person) were the enormous and abundant glaciers and always the thought that I was seeing only a fraction of the ice that makes up the South Patagonian Ice Cap. Another highlight was the weather! We were blessed with clear sunny days that offered perfect views in all directions. Saw quite a lot of wildlife but no pumas ;( My group was fantastic. Lots of fun, supportive and caring. Guides too.

The view from Mirador Base Torres.

Private cabin at the Cuernos mountains.

A highlight was going ashore at Cape Horn. The landscapes were incredible, each one was stunning in its vastness and beauty. We saw penguins twice--they were delightful! We met a few interesting fellow travellers. The crew on the Stella Australis was fantastic. We will tell our family and friends that this was a holiday of a lifetime. There are too many specifics to share in a few words! There were several magical moments when we overwhelmed by the beauty of Patagonia and the fact we were far off the beaten path of tourism.

I was unexpectedly moved to tears as we suddenly saw the moai quarry with unfinished/half-buried heads -The futility of human effort and faith.... and (if I can have a second most memorable moment) a cloudless flight North up the Andes with ice sheets, glaciers, volcanoes ...

Very good - Cruise was the highlight

My first glimpse of Lago General Carrera surrounded by the Andes mountains. The sunrise over the lake in Purto Varas. Our view of the light hitting Cuernos del Paine from our yurt outside Torres del Paine National Park.

360 degree views near the Frances mirador and hearing glaciers calving Walking on Grey Glacier and seeing all its tongues from the Grey Navigation boat. Fabulous views and hikes at El Chalten.