Carolyn
United States Of America
Customer
Rating
10
Customer Rating On return from their adventure we ask customers: “On a scale of 0-10, with 10 being the highest, how likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend or colleague?”
Carolyn's Trip Date:
15th Jan - 5th Feb 2020
What was your most memorable moment?
Watching 50 to 70 guanacos in their natural habitat about 200 feet from me in the late afternoon in a stunning valley with mountains surrounding the valley - Valle Chacabuco Parque Patagonia
Which of the following best describes your adventure?
Great holiday
On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend or colleague?
10 out of 10
Tell us about Aysen
The hike to Cerro Castillo base was terrific. All of the hikes in Parque Patagonia were wonderful. We had a thrilled raft trip down RIo Baker. We loved the varied landscape of the Aysen from the more agricultural valleys to snow capped mountains, driving along turquoise blue lakes, seeming glaciers, All this stunning landscape with very few people was. A treat. All of hotel accommodations from the home stay to top notch places like Patagonia House and Chacabuco Lodge were wonderful. The latter showcased the superb design and used of materials and wonderful customer service. Maps.me application was very helpful in finding hotels, restaurants and services. The road trip from Puerto Guadal to Chile Chico is amazing but it is tough and difficult road and should be only traveled in day light. WE were glad that we took the 5pm ferry (not the 8am ) from Chile Chico to Ibanez. Three nights in Puyhuapi Lodge is sufficient unless one loves spas and just sitting around reading. We could used more time in Coyhaigue as there are some good hikes there and the Patagonia House was fabulous with the best internet of our trip. We enjoyed our 3 nights in Chiloe and touring the wood churches. The hike at Parque national Chiloe is really a walk along the beach
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Patagonia?
Be sure to check in with various local tour companies. Swoop had told us that the San Raphael Glacier trip started at 7:15 to 7:30 in morning but they left at 7 am. (We checked in wtih the local firm the day before and learned that). Also, Southbound told Mitta that are car rental return date was a day earlier than Swoop and we had planned. Mitta did not charge us for the extra day. I checked Southbound details and found that discrepancy but only after it occurred. Driving in Aysen can be abit tiring; don't try to cover too much distance in one day. We were glad to have 4 nights in Parque Patagonia and then 2 nights in Puerto Gudual where we had a yummy organic lamb asado at El Mirador de Guadal. I wish that we had time to visit Cochran and Villa O'Higgins
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
WE discussed the protests with many of the Chileans that we met and got a better understanding of the complexities of their current economic climate. Many of the young people are avid environmentist which is wonderful.
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
Appreciated the very detailed trip itenary and all the details and addresses in one document. Southbound gave us a call to see how we were doing at Puyhuapi Lodge which was nice.