My trip was incredible. It has really left me at a bit of a loss for words. While I tremendously enjoyed every piece of my trip (hiking, kayaking and then day hiking with an afternoon of horseback riding), I really loved hiking the W. I was traveling solo, but I enjoyed my time with our small group during the W trek. We were incredibly lucky with weather and very fortunate to have a group that was made up of all positive, excited people who were up for whatever each day brought our way. Our guide, too, was incredible. The Patagonian landscape was breathtaking. Every single bit of it. I've never been in a place quite so beautiful.

Even though I'd talked with a lot of people about Patagonia and even though I'd seen photos of Patagonia, it still absolutely blew me away.

Yes

Swoop did a great job! I enjoyed working with Tom. I feel like he definitely guided me in the right directions and I appreciated his patience as I continually sent questions his way. I'd think that I had it all set and then I'd think of yet another thing to ask, and he was always very patient. He definitely helped me choose the right trips, absolutely. He did an outstanding job. I've already told friends and family about Swoop, so I really am very happy to have stumbled across Swoop online and to have had the opportunity to work with you all!

I think booking with partners is a good move overall, but I do think that I was a little confused about a few small things when it came to who was doing what. I had thought, for example, that Kayak en Patagonia would cover the lodging for the last night of my stay, as I think this had been implied in an email somewhere along the line, but luckily I called them from Chile Nativo before leaving for the W about where I would stay once they dropped us off in Puerto Natales and they let me know that I was responsible for booking that. I found a place just around the corner that I really loved, but I think I was fortunate to find such a great place on such short notice. (Also, just an FYI note, as it perhaps hasn't been communicated out: the hot tub at Refugio Paine Grande seemed closed indefinitely due to 'new company policies.') The transport elements were confusing for me, too. I think perhaps helping people to make sure they've "dotted their i's and crossed their t's" for things like bus transport might be helpful. Even though Swoop and the partner groups were incredibly helpful, transport can feel a little confusing for someone who has never been to the area. Having gained a bit of experience in the region now, I now have a better understanding of how the buses work in the region, so I know I can manage that on my own should I ever go back (which I desperately hope I will!). One last thing worthy of noting is that it may be helpful to figure out which clients know no Spanish, which clients know a little bit and which clients are fluent. I don't know Spanish (though I'd taken a little bit before the trip and so know little things), but it was clear that the hostel host on my first night was not terribly happy that I wasn't able to speak in Spanish with her.

This was my favorite part of my whole trip. It was seriously incredible. Everything was beyond expectation. Chile Nativo was a great group to work with. My guide, Tatiana Romero, was seriously INCREDIBLE. I'll probably seek her out whenever I'm able to make it back, as she was just that truly wonderful, kind, energized, etc. Chile Nativo did a great job. Everything was so smooth and seriously just perfect.

Don't let yourself get stressed out if things are running slightly behind. I found that the locals were much more relaxed than I'm accustomed to when it comes to being right on time for things. It was a welcome change. Bring cash and be sure to bring cash for tipping! Most places in El Chalten, specifically, do not accept credit cards with chips! If you're working with any groups on the ground, don't hesitate to ask for help booking busses.

Thank you all SO much. You all really made planning this trip so much easier and I am so grateful for all of your assistance!