Swoop and JLA prepared me well. Just enough to ensure I took the right stuff and had realistic expectations but not too much so no spoiled surprises. Everything surprised and delighted me. I hope it doesn’t sound self-centred to say that most of all I surprised myself. I was petrified of holidaying alone as I didn’t know what to expect but I seemed to cope with all the challenges. On reflection I think that my enjoyment of the holiday was largely due to our group leader who successfully built and managed the group dynamic so well, ensured super smooth administration of the arrangements without any fuss and was always mindful of our needs.

Nothing can prepare you for the awesome beauty of the place. I’d seen lots of photos but was still breathtaken by the colours, the climate and majesty of the landscape.

Yes

Yes! I do not have any criticism only a suggestion....I benefitted from an extra day at the beginning to recover from the journey and get my bearings. I would recommend this to anyone as some of those who arrived in the morning the tour started were too tired to enjoy the first day.

I loved visiting Harberton because I had read so much and am interested in history. I found it so moving to see the estancia after it had been nurtured in my imagination for so many months. It did not disappoint. The highlight was talking to a young woman , sixth generation of the Bridges family about how Harberton came to be a tourist attraction and how the family manage it.

Get there a day early. Read. Be positive. Be prepared to be active. Be curious. Be excited.

I don’t know if I’ll ever afford a holiday like that again ......if not I think that the memories of that time in Patagonia will sustain me! Thank you Swoop , JLA, superhero Daniele and all the skilled, knowledgable and patient local guides.