February Reviews

The highlight was definitely going over the John Gardner Pass. It was a tough but really rewarding day. One of the most magical moments was when we made it through the pass and had an absolutely gorgeous view of the Grey Glacier in front of us. I also really enjoyed going through the windy passes and fighting our way through the infamous Patagonian wind! It was a pleasure to meet other people on the trail and to discuss what we had seen already and comparing experiences.

The trip was really nice. The guide was friendly and knowledgble, the experience authentic as we stayed in ‘refugios’ that are still being used today, and the scenery was stunning (on the days it didn’t rain ;) ). The food was good, and we felt very welcome at the estancia. What bothered me was the extreme caution for safety, and the fact that we could only walk on the rides (as I’m an experienced rider it would be nice to do some faster riding now and then and thus also see more of the park and warm up a little bit). On the trip, there’s also to do a boat trip on the 4th day, this wasn’t mentioned to me beforehand.

The highlight was seeing the puma mother and cub playing for an extended period of time. The landscapes were beautiful just like the pictures. The wildlife was fantastic. We were extremely lucky in seeing several endangered, endemic species, the southern river otter, the pudu deer, the huemel deer. Nancy checked off about 80% of the birds on the Chiloe Island/Lake District checklist, thanks to our great guide Rafa di Biase The employees of the resorts and the natives in Chiloe Island especially, were very friendly and helpful.

An unexpected highlight was the other hikers in my group. We had a wonderful time getting to know one another during our walks. The landscapes and wildlife were breathtaking. John Gardner Pass was probably my favorite day. This trip will be highly recommended to any family/friends interested in a wild, wonderful adventure

1. Highlight of Patagonia was the Tierra Patagonia and the excursions. 2.You will see the landscape and the wildlife in our photos, sent separately. 3.People were all friendly and helpful. 4. Look at our photos. 5. On the Stella Australis we were hit by a 205 MPH wind gust near Cape Horn. All the furniture was thrown around, people were injured, food (eggs, melons, etc.) was destroyed, and the dining room place sessions for the next morning were destroyed. Yet, NO announcement was made during or after the storm. We were then unable to dock at Cape Horn. My conclusion is that the captain did not want to have any record that this occurred. 6. Iguazu Falls walking tour.

Whale watching from Forrest boat was fantastic. Excellent service, food, staff and guide.

Guides were fantastic, scenery was breathtaking, food was great and whole trip was very well organized.

Highlights: Hiking to the blue towers in Torres del Paine and hiking to base of Fitz Roy in El Chalten. Landscapes in Torres del Paine (Cordillero, lakes, glaciers) were stunning. no wildlife to speak of on the W Trek. The Trek afforded us the ability to meet like minded trekkers, willing to get up early and challenge themselves on steep trails through wind, rain, sun , all for the the love of the outdoors. Most magical moment was kayaking 21km on the Rio del las Vueltas, with crystal blue skies, views and reflections on Fitz Roy, Cerr Torre on the river! Booked when we arrived in El Chalten, not through Swoop.

Too many highlights. The landscapes are extraordinary. The Chilean were very welcoming, and all the other travelers I met along the way were super friendly. There were a few magical moments, riding into a rainbow, or experiencing a storm in Cape horn, or watching the pinguins.

The horsettrekking was the highlight! But also the sailing (with sailboat) trip on the beagle canal and Torre Del Paine, but also the dinosaur footprints! Landscape was rugged and wild, the locals open and very friendly. I'll tell my friends and family that it was a trip of a lifetime! Surpises were the high fees for limited amount of cash withdrawels, we weren't aware of the high inflation beforehand (but that changes very quickly). but also good surprises like the brilliant hospitality of the locals. Magic moments.... the silence in the bays of Terra Del Fuego, Horsetrekking and not seeing anyone else for days and seeing the humpback whale in the Beagle canal

The trip was perfectly planned. The campsites were wonderful and the staff were very helpful. We loved the food. Unfortunately the weather didn’t hold up the last few days, but that’s life. The John Gardner pass was definitely a highlight. The weather was memorably bad and made for a great adventure.

Trip was fantastic, everything organized well.. guides ,drivers, staff all were wonderful. Friendly and helpful. Only surprise was how difficult it was to get Argentinian pesos.

Highlight was probably the cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia, but both Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks were awesome. Local people were very friendly and helpful and we met lots of interesting visitors from other parts of the world. Landing on Cape Horn was amazing, but seeing Mount Fitzroy almost completely free of cloud was probably my magical moment.

Amazing trip, wonderful guide, breathtaking views

Highlights were the continuous views of the mountains, glaciers and lakes. Kayaking at Glacier Grey was our magical moment of the trip. We had a great group and our guides were fantastic. Very knowledgeable and engaging.

Highlights were the hikes to Laguna de los Tres, Loma del Pilegue Tumbado and the French Valley hike. Non hiking highlights were having our Argentinian welcome dinner in Masden’s house and the dinner in the dining dome at Serrano River Camp where we saw a Puma stroll by. The best meal of the trip was in a small restaurant in El Calafate opposite the hotel which was recommended by Rosio, our guide. The vast landscapes were stunning and we saw plenty of Condors, Giant Woospeckers, Rheas, Flamingoes and Guanaco. We loved the plants, particularly the alpines on the Tumbado hike and the Nothofagus betuloides. Everyone we met was friendly. The other members of our group were great fun and we all got on well.

My most magical moment was coming out of my tent one morning, walking to the rivers edge, and seeing Fitz Roy with that early morning glow from the sunrise.

The main highlights were seeing the glaciers, climbing to the top of one of the waterfalls and walking among the penguins. Patagonia is one of the most serene places we have ever been. It is truly a place where you can enjoy the natural beauty that the world has to offer. During one of our excursions, the guide asked us to take one minute to enjoy in silence the sites and sounds that Patagonia has to offer. In that moment, we were truly able to appreciate the landscape, as well as the sites and sounds of the birds and other wildlife. Our stay at the Barraco Lodge was also very unique. The hospitality of everyone at the lodge and the level of service they provided was truly amazing.

I loved it! The group dynamic was great and by the end of the trip had the feeling of having known everyone for years instead just 12 days. The landscape was breathtaking but that was expected

Patagonia was a great place to walk. Lots to see and do. Open landscapes, spectacular mountain ranges and glaciers. We met some interesting people. Some of which were on a similar journey to us, some were more 'local'. Everyone seemed friendly and interested in our lives too! We completed the 'W' trek quite comfortably. We enjoyed the cosy accommodation and comradery of other trekkers. Everyone had their own agenda and were happy to share their experiences.