Cresting the John Gardner Pass and looking out over the incredible expanse of the Gray Glacier.

Great holiday

We stayed at EcoCamp during the daytime and camped in the main campground at night, so I can't comment on the rooms. However, I can say that it was really beautiful and welcoming even for us campers. And the food was amazing! We had the same food as the people staying in the domes - delicious 3 course gourmet dinners every night we were there! I already raved about our guide Javy but could rave again - he was outstanding!

Torres del Paine is beautiful. I was really glad that I did the O trek because the more remote side of the park was beautiful and not at all crowded. The Dickson camp was our favorite site, sitting on a peninsula on the glacial Lake Dickson surrounded by peaks with crazy clouds covering them. As mentioned above, crossing the pass and coming down looking over the huge Gray glacier was the most spectacular part of the trip. The Frances valley was also beautiful with the classic Paine Grande peaks on one side and the spires on the other. And our last day climbing up to the namesake towers was also memorable. The trek was not easy, especially because we started the first day with the 20 miles hike to Dickson. Other days were shorter although some were more difficult due to elevation gains. The W trek side was much more crowded.

I love to trek and have done multiple treks in Nepal. Although Torres del Paine is low altitude, the scenery did rival the beauty of Nepal. Again, our guide Javy was amazing (see previous comments). I actually had some things that didn't go perfectly, none related to Swoop or Ecocamp. I got blisters after the long day one hike - I had worn my boots at home on a lot of hikes in Colorado up to 13 miles with lots of elevation change, but I think the last 7 miles did me in! Our guide Javy did a great job helping treat my blisters, but it's hard when you're going every day. I also got a "cold" starting on day 3 and was a little underpowered - turns out it was COVID. However, it didn't prevent me from finishing and loving the trek.

No, not really. Everyone was very helpful, and I especially liked the Webinar. (My answer disappeared when I went back but maybe you got it).

1. This didn't happen to me, but one of our trekkers came with intact but very old boots that fell apart (soles) on the first day in the middle of nowhere. Whatever you do, make sure your boots are not older than 4-5 years! With duct tape, she actually made it through the entire trek, but it was a miracle. (A few years ago my 5 year boots also fell apart, fortunately when I was coming into the parking lot after climbing two 14ers). 2. We were lucky with the weather but would make sure you have good raingear and Gortex lined boots. 3. I had a great sleeping bag and pad but if you don't, they do rent sleeping bags and pads at each camp. Some of our group were cold at night, and they actually rented even though they had their own gear.

Just that I learned a lot about Chile from Javy.

Extremely well prepared. I read all of the information on the websites and also looked on some other websites. The Webinar was not only helpful in reiterating the info on the website but also made me more excited about the trip. In some ways I was probably too prepared - maybe if I didn't know so much, it would have been more surprising and novel. Some of our group hadn't read much and enjoyed it. However, that's not how I approach things so I was happy!

Yes

No

No

People worry about being on a group trip and not getting along with the group. However, my group was incredible - six super interesting and fun people of different ages (28-67) from all over the world, and we all got along great. We now have a group chat and have shared pictures and stories. And they didn't even get mad at me for giving them COVID! ;-)