There were so many highlights that it is difficult to pick one. We experienced it all. From the 10 hour hike in freezing rain, gale level wind, and no view to days of perfection weather (so lucky) and stunning views every minute of every hiking hour. The bicolor majestic cuernos (horns), the glassy turquoise surface of the Nordenskold lake, the 360 degree amphitheater view in the Frances Valley, the wild orchids of Patagonia, and the bluest of blue Gray Glacier. One day, we even experienced the famed four seasons Patagonian day. My magic moment? Las Torres....the gleaming granite towers of Paine sheathing straight to the Patagonian skies from the pit of volcanic hell. After a very steep climb, I turned the corner and the scenery took my breath away. My heart stilled. No human could have conceived or imagined such beauty. Pictures are one dimensional and emotionally limited. I can now understand why Las Torres have been a life time dream of hikers and mountain climbers the world over. It is here that heavens and earth syphonically merged to create a beauty that will forever endure.

Patagonia was truly beyond my expectations, hopes, and dreams.

Yes

Swoop is an AMAZING company and I would go anywhere with you. Competent from beginning to end. You are worth every penny you charge. Thank you for making my trip of the life time flawlessly amazing. It began with the wonderfully encouraging, responsive Natascha, then rockingly efficient Ange, then kind, patient and confidence-inspiring Sofia and Rocio (Fitzroy guides), and of course amazing Claudio, the Chuma (W guide). The guides were protective, observant, knowledgeable, highly competent, encouraging, and wanting us to reach for new heights and experience the best views possible. I cannot thank them enough. It was due to them that we didn't get blown off the cliff by the freezing classic Patagonia winds on top of Tumbado and that our eyes feasted on the magnificient views of the 360 degree Britanico amphitheatre. I LOVE the different activities on the trip...………...and that Ice Trek on the Perito Moreno Glacier? One thing a person MUST do before leaving the planet in my opinion. I have never been on a motor dingy so that was also extremely exciting. I never felt unsafe with any of the planned activities. Long happily exhausted days filled with one amazing experience after another. SWOOP really has this trip buttoned up and has engaged very competent partners to make dreams happen for many of us. I MUST give a specific shout out to Alex, our Serrano camp keeper and chef. OMG. He rocked my world. I got the shock of my life at dinner at the Serrano Camp!!! I was expecting boxed crackers, store bought dips and spaghetti with meatballs. We ARE camping after all. Instead, Alex gifted us with cocktails, exquisite cheeses drizzled with Calafate preserve, petite perfectly charred meatballs, and a fresh, tangy green apple salsa!!!! That was just the appetizers. Then dinner arrived. I was speechless. It was incomprehensible that Alex's stubby manly fingers could have artistically, tenderly and exquisitely placed the tiniest wild flowers on the plate. The beef was excellently seasoned and it hovered atop the very nutritious and yummy lentil mash (original). OMG. Seriously. At a campsite. In a tent dome? I will forever be an Alex groupie. Then I died when the dessert arrived. That was no ordinary caramel sauce. The sweetness of caramel was enhanced and taken to another level with a mango and citrus infusions? I was eating ART at a camp site in one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Even my imagination would not have been able to imagine this. Swoop and Chile Nativo, please give whatever Alex wants to keep him happy!!!!

Keep an open mind and an open heart and stay optimistic!!!! Weather unpredictability is part of the experience and it is NOT the guides' fault that it is rainy or cold or windy. Their job is to protect us and giving us the best experience possible given the safety concerns. They get wet and cold too!! Trust in Swoop and their local partners. They have this experience nailed down so perfectly. Other than that, get ready to feast on the beauty and marvels that Las Glaciares and Las Torres Del Paine willingly share!!

I said "no" to the Antarctica not because of SWOOP but because I don't seem to be drawn into Antarctica. Onto Europe next!!!