Paul
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?”
Paul's Trip Date:
1st Mar - 10th Mar 2025
What was your most memorable moment?
Reaching the Torres del Paine Towers viewpoint. Tough hike with the wind blowing hard the last mile and a half. But having lunch while soaking up the view at the top made the hike ever more memorable. Actually, all the hikes we did were memorable in each of their own way. Whether we were hiking through a forest, steep incline or decline, grasslands, across a bridge, finding views to take pictures or a hundred other things.
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
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Torres del Paine Luxury Adventure Retreat?
10 out of 10
Tell us about Tierra Patagonia
We were blown away by the upscaled accommodations. Our room was unbelievable with the view, furnishings, small design touches, and again the view.
Tell us about Torres del Paine
Hiking the "W" Trek from a hotel base camp, made it easier than camping on the trail. The cold and unpredictable weather would have taken away from our adventure, if we didn't have a hotel base camp. If I'd been 50 years younger, the camping and comradery encountered on the trail would have been very appealing.
Tell us about Santiago
Spending a travel day of rest coming and going in Santiago, helped with our hiking and recovery. I did some site seeing in the business district from the hotel.
Tell us about the Excursions
We focused entirely on hiking with our guide, Diego. He was very knowledgeable about the area. He talked about the history, plants, 2011 fire, bird watching, and many more interesting items. He keep us on track while hiking. He pointed out the best viewing areas and sure we made contact with transportation on time. Our Spanish was poor and his English was very good.
Something Else?
The road entering Tierra Patagonia property needs improvement to fix the many ruts' and potholes. The road makes a poor impression nearing the hotel. Without seeing the property, the road makes one wonder what type of hotel is at the end of a poorly maintained road. However, all that disappears once you enter the hotel.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Patagonia?
Pack light for all weather conditions. Forget about the bringing trekking poles and trail mix since hotel provides that. Leave headlamps home since there is no nighttime hiking (unless you'd like to possibly be Puma bait). Use lots of sunscreen and lip balm. Don't overthink your packing and bring too much (keep it simple). Don't bother exchanging USD for CLP. The USD is excepted for all tips and purchases. Plus the exchange rate and fee hurts a little.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
Greater appreciation for the Patagonian people and the land. The small portion of Chile we visited left us with a desire to see more in the future.
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
Provide better clarification concerning the need for CLP money. When hiring a private driver, that also comes with a guide also.
How prepared and excited for Patagonia did you feel?
We both were physically prepared for the hiking. So it was no surprise when our guide stated we were in better shape than 99% of his hiking clients. We both trained in cooler weather and hiked the three months prior to the trip. On the excitement level, this was a bucket list trip for both of us. At times I was almost excited for this trip to the point I could almost pee myself.
Would you consider another trip to Patagonia with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to Antarctica with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to the Arctic with Swoop?
No