Everything went to our itinerary. Highlight had to be a perfect day at Cape Horn in weather to die for. Landscapes were stunning and wildlife aplenty ( except Puma ). Chilean people were so welcoming and in particular the owner of the restaurant in Porvenir who took a photo of us Australians to hang on his establishments wall. We have already told of seeing 'mingos' ( flamingos) to my 3 1/2 year old grandson who was full of questions. Surprises were everywhere while travelling down to the Cape, glaciers that eclipsed those in Alaska wildlife to be seen on all our excursions with Protours.

Absolutely FANTASTIC. Such an amazing wild place totally different from anything we have ever seen in other parts of the planet.

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Swoop performed well considering we live in Australia all bookings were done using email and Skype. Our itinerary was full and perfectly delivered by our Protours guides and drivers. Swoops confirmation of our hotel selection instilled confidence that they were the right choice and proved to be spot on. We had no need to utilise Swoop's 24/7 support everything went well. Just a little more info on footwear needed on shore excursions to areas where groups needed very sound hiking/ waterproof footwear. Also the need for a booked transfer from the dock to your hotel/ airport at the cruise end and NOT rely on the suggestion that taxis are thick on the ground in Punta Arenas dock area. They are not allowed to access the dock area to pick up fares on 'speck'. Luckily we found a super cabbie outside the casino hotel who did not want to charge us for the trip to our hotel. He was paid for his efforts.

Our highlight was our guided tour with Sergio and Jorge our driver. Sergio opened our eyes to the full extent of Santiago and it's beauty. The hotels were acceptable, clean and with attentive staff. Do NOT accept a room on the 7th floor of the Hotel Cumbres as it is directly below the restaurant/dining/ breakfast area and is noisy for most of the night! Some things are found out the hard way! Protours guides, drivers and modes of transport was impeccable and the excursions were spot on. We would recommend staying at the Hotel Cumbres in Santiago because it is in the 'Bohemian' district of Santiago with great places to eat visit and people watch. We did not get to visit Valparaiso so cannot comment. Protours were FANTASTIC in their quality of service and great personnel. Always on time for pickups etc. We would not consider another trip to Chile/South America without utilising the services of Protours.

Obviously not many people can say that they visited Cape Horn on a near perfect weather day. We did and it was exceptional. Zodiac excursions were carried out with utmost passenger safety foremost. Did not encounter great numbers of wildlife as it was early in the season, but enough sighted to satisfy. Guides were very safety conscious and provided accurate information on every excursion. They were friendly and very helpful. Food quality was good and plentiful with good service provided both in the dining room and the cabins. We do not drink alcohol but reports were that the bar staff went beyond the call of duty to keep passengers happy. Cruscero provided a sound ship in the Stella Australis for the expedition. We are informed that they are building/have built another ship with other itineraries which should be interesting. Flights, cruise and tours could not have gone any better and that is from seasoned world travellers. Congrats Swoop and Protours.

Book through Swoop and Protours if you want to have a troublefree adventure to Patagonia. We did. Thanks to all the staff, Cloe, Zoe and others at Swoop for making this a real adventure for a couple of older Aussies.We have now ticked off another exciting thing on our ever diminishing 'bucket list'.

Thanks Swoop and Protours, great job and well done.