MJ
United States Of America
Customer
Rating
8
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?”
MJ's Trip Date:
19th Mar - 2nd Apr 2025
What was your most memorable moment?
There was not a most memorable moment. My takeaway is a collection of very memorable moments/views/experiences.
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?
8 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: 9-Day Torres del Paine Circuit?
9 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: The Best of Los Glaciares?
8 out of 10
Tell us about EcoCamp
Personnel: excellent Showers: great Food: Excellent!!
Tell us about Torres del Paine
I am glad I did the O trek (vs W). There was more time to enjoy the trail surroundings and few people on the trails. Grey glacier and several days of hiking in the forests near by Grey glacier were my favorites. The first 2 days we hiked in light rain (and therefore muddy trails) and the physical demands were average. The 3rd day was overcast but no rain and trails were still muddy. I wore rain pants most of the hiking days. I much preferred the hiking over the pass and around Grey glacier to French Valley. I liked hiking through the forests. The weather was cooperative (but with occasional strong wind gusts) and the hikes were more physically challenging (lots of steep up and down sections). Overall the campsites were fine. I was glad not be carrying, assembling and disassembling the tents very day! An absolute highlight of this trek was the guide (Javier) and his super demeanor, attitude and enthusiastic willingness to educate (history, geology, glaciology, ….) us on this beautiful national park. He did a good job of setting a reasonable hiking pace and for keeping all of us safe and engaged with nature.
Tell us about Los Glaciares
I liked the flexibility of having multiple day hiking options with a single starting point (El Chalten). The trail options range from easy to difficult. The weather was highly variable (wind, rain, snow, and even warm sunshine…..all in the same day). There seemed to be many hikers on the trails that were not experienced or in great physical condition. The autumn colors definitely added to the beauty of the area and the hiking trails.
Tell us about the Trekking
The guide,Javier, from Cascada was excellent and really made the TDP trip a success and much more enjoyable. The trekking was good. I liked hiking at the end of the season since there were fewer people on the trails. I spent at least 4 months getting my legs and body core muscles strengthened and I was glad I made this physical prep a priority. I suffered no significant issues with ankles, knees, hips, feet (including no blisters), etc. Our hiking group (excl guide) ranged in age from 50-70 years old.
Something Else?
It was a good and enjoyable experience. Thanks to Swoop for helping to make this unique (to me) travel getaway a reality.
How prepared and excited for Patagonia did you feel?
Well prepared and very excited.
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
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Patagonia?
Tip for the prospective traveller…do not over complicate or be too stressed with the packing list details. It is ok if you only have 4 pairs of socks vs 5, or a cotton cap vs a merino wool cap, ……
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
Greater appreciation of the fragility of our ecosystem and the obvious impacts of warming on glacier, water supplies, weather…..
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
Any possibility to build trips around guides or specific local organizers that are clearly engaged and excellent at what they do?