Gillian
United Kingdom
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?”
Gillian's Trip Date:
16th Jan - 5th Feb 2025
What was your most memorable moment?
Personally I loved the Atacama desert which was unworldly; the gorge walk was brilliant! As were the flamingoes and the town of St Pedro. The first sightings of the volcano from Puerto Varas across the lake was also memorable.
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: Highlights of the Atacama?
10 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Trekking in the Land of Volcanoes?
8 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: El Chaltén Highlights?
10 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Buenos Aires City Tour?
8 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Santiago City Sensations Tour?
9 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Buenos Aires Express?
5 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Santiago Express?
5 out of 10
Tell us about the Trekking
Both guides were brilliant. We would definitely recommend.
Tell us about The Atacama
The desert was unworldly - definitely worth visiting with a guide to understand the geology. Fabulous backdrop of 6000m volcanoes and stunning rock colours and formations. Petroglyphs were fascinating. We also loved the flamingoes on the salt flats past the ALMA observatory. One of our favourite places.
Tell us about Chilean Lakes
Volcanoes made a stunning backdrop across the lakes. Very beautiful and we loved the Cruce Andino.
Tell us about Los Glaciares
We spent a couple of nights at Nibepo Aike which was a traditional estancia and learnt a lot about the history of the Argentinian settlers. We were also lucky enough to have a chat to the owner about a common interest in Hereford cattle imported in mid 19th. century. The private boat trip to Perito Moreno glacier was beautiful and again a lot of information available from the guide and the visitor centre. Stunning trekking around Mt Fitzroy. A few steep sections but the glacier views were definitely worth the effort. Refugio Condor was more of an eco lodge than a traditional rifugio and very luxurious. We also visited the rifugio at Laguna Diablo which was more like the European refuges we know. The campsite at Poincenot was supported by a charming and capable hostess who fed us very well and provided three sleeping bags each - for which we were grateful!
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Patagonia?
It’s a big country and a huge amount to see! We feel we packed a lot into three weeks and left a massive amount unexplored. We spent around 8 days trekking which for us was an essential but probably meant we didn’t see as much as those on a whistle stop tour.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
It’s made us even more determined to spend three weeks away every winter!
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
The people we dealt with were fantastic. Peter initially helped us put together our wish list and once that was settled we dealt with Carys who was always responsive and supportive. The Swoop local partners eg Southbound, Birds of Chile, and Serac were all extremely easy to deal with, sent Welcome letters by WhatsApp with all necessary info about pick ups etc and were really delightful to deal with.
How prepared and excited for Patagonia did you feel?
About 8/10 on each count
Would you consider another trip to Patagonia with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to Antarctica with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to the Arctic with Swoop?
No