David
United States Of America
Customer
Rating
9
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?”
David's Trip Date:
27th Dec - 31st Dec 2023
What was your most memorable moment?
Each time I looked up, which I tried to do as often as my footing would allow, I said "WOW!". The W is straight out of a movie with it's breathtaking landscape. The entire trek was my most memorable moment. :)
Which of the following best describes your adventure?
Life changing
On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend or colleague?
9 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: The Original Torres del Paine W Trek?
10 out of 10
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Patagonia?
I would say that hiking poles are a MUST for anyone over 50. We bought them in Puerto Natales (~$20 each) at our guide's suggestion and I am SO thankful that I had them. Some parts of the trail are pretty steep and my knees would never have forgiven me if I didn't have the poles to assist. You can drink the water straight out of the rivers and lakes, so skip the heavy filter bottles. We all had medium size Nalgenes, and they were perfect. Unless you are an epic sweat-er, plan to wear the same thing every day (except underwear), to keep your pack light. Lots of thin layers up top is key. The wind can take you from sweating to shivering to sweating on the same hike. We were there end of Dec and were very fortunate with no rain and good weather. I wore (all synthetic!) a short sleeve T, a thin long sleeve T, a thin running jacket, and a waterproof windbreaker. The top 2 layers went on and off as needed and I was super happy the whole time, even when the wind was howling at 40MPH. Hats MUST have a strap. I wore a wool beanie on the windy day and a thin buff on the warmer days. Sunglasses at all times! Crocs for after hike were awesome cuz you can fit socks under them for warmth but it feels like your barefoot. And they dry quickly after you wear them in the shower, which you will want to, if you stay at the refugios. SUNSCREEN people! And don't forget your hands. The backs of my hands are the only place that got sunburned, and it's not fun. The smaller size quick drying towels from REI were perfection. Dry by morning, and they double as a "bedroom" curtain on your bunk in the refugio. Staying in the same room with other adults was not my new fav (but I would do it again for this hike!!) and the towel trick helped me sleep.
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
The front end planning (via email) was fine, although it almost felt like too many cooks in the kitchen. We were asked for information that we had already provided, by a Swoop employee we had never emailed with before. Not the end of the world at all and we weren't upset, but you asked for feedback. :) That part could be smoother. Our guide, Nana, made the trip. She was AMAZING! I know she's not technically Swoop, but you should use her as much as you can. She rocks.
How prepared and excited for Patagonia did you feel?
Did not feel totally prepared. Packed too much, but that's not the end of the world. I got a better workout than I would have otherwise. ;)
Would you consider another trip to Patagonia with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to Antarctica with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to the Arctic with Swoop?
No