November Reviews

The Patagonian ice field when we first saw it after .John Garner pass Stunning scenery and surprisingly varied with the steppes, mountains ,glaciers, mountains and lakes. The animals and birds were very different from any I had seen. Many species of birds. I enjoyed the wild flowers which were flowering as it was spring. In Buenos Aires generally the people were not as friendly but the taxi drivers and reps were fine. The guides, hostel staff, porters, etc were all very friendly. Being able to drink from a mountain stream was a surprise. If I have grandchildren I will tell them that this trip was one big adventure.

Unforgettable, torres del paine the best area, riding into the park getting close to the wildlife, people friendly. Rolling over in bed in the Ship cabin in Aysen to get a face full of Kitten who had decided that it was a nice place to sleep

There were so many great highlights of the trip. I very much so appreciated the progression of hikes and thought the order in which we encountered them was perfect. I think if things had gone in any different order, it would not have been nearly as good. The very best part though was our guides. Juli and Claudio were perfection. Thank you for trusting us to them - they both did a phenomenal job! I can't recommend anyone more highly. They went out of their way so many times to ensure we had an unforgettable trip.

The highlight was walking on the Grey glacier. This is a totally different experience from hiking and takes some getting used to. Walking on a river of ice with crampons is daunting at first, but one soon starts feeling secure and can appreciate the amazing surroundings. Our guide, Anna, was fun to be with - she took great care of us and we thoroughly enjoyed her company.

Highlight was the entire w trek, including the scenery, the challenge of the hike, meeting people along the way. Within the w trek the glacier trek, french valley day hike and torres hike were the best. It was enjoyable to completely disconnect and have no internet, email, phone, text, etc. Most of the people that we met were happily doing the same and had a variety of backgrounds and stories. The paine grande refugio was our least favorite and if there is a way to skip that, that would be advised.

Overall, my trip was incredible and that was due to the (1) scenery (2) personal challenges that I conquered (3) the guides and fellow travel mates. The landscapes were gorgeous and we really lucked out with weather only having a little bit of rain in Argentina and only 1 day of rain in Chile. Both Juli and Claudio were incredible guides that really supported and encouraged us all. Yes, unfortunately the biggest surprise was that I had to pack my 28L backpack for 5 days and 4 nights. This was NEVER clear to me in any written communications. And this was OPPOSITE what was told to me during a phone call with Swoop while booking my trip.

Overall the trip was great with the highlights being the kayaking excursion and homestay on Yolande's farm and the Chiloe Island wildlife. Everyone we met was very friendly, especially Yolanda, and the guides were all excellent especially Isobel. The Patagonia (Torres del Paine) landscapes were fantastic but we didn't see as much wildlife as we would have liked.

The Chilean fjords had just about everything: humpbacks, penguins, sealions; remote location; great scenery; glaciers; boat trip; small group, no crowds. Trekking from El Chalten was somewhat hampered by the weather, with some wet walking to viewpoints with no view! But managed to see Fitzroy and Cerro Torre on the last day. National park felt over-managed: signposts, guides, large numbers of people. Enjoyed the Viedma Glacier trek but group too large and disparate (approx. 30). Retreat of glacier now means longish scramble to access: not a problem for me but there were three falls (and one submission!) among the party, and I heard that the subsequent trip herded 60 people around together, with one person requiring x-ray after a fall. Better to split into small groups of similar experience. Packed lunches in El Chalten dreadful: unimaginative and repetitive. Sailing to Cape Horn excellent, with great landscapes, wildlife, and charming and highly experienced skipper. Hadn't expected tourism to be so highly developed, but met some interesting people from all over Europe, as well as locals, and overall a great combination of varied activity with good accommodation and restaurants.

The scenery was amazing. The hikes were nice and the guides provided insight to the fauna and flora of the area. Walking with the penguins were a real treat. Visiting the colony of Magellanic penguins was definitely a highlight of the cruise. Traveling in the Strait of Magellan was a surreal moment. We had a great group at our table. Meal service was incredible, as was the bar service.

Our trip was amazing! We only wish we could have stayed longer. Patagonia Camp was superb. The service was exceptional and the yurts were very comfortable. We enjoyed the community there and meeting fellow travelers. It was a highlight each night to come back and enjoy good conversation about the days adventures over delicious wine and beautiful views.

Overall the trip was fabulous. The highlight was probably the cruise on the Stella Australis - the weather was so good we were able to sail around Cape Horn. The landscape was amazing ranging from the peaks of Torres del Paine to the geysers of the Atacama. The wildlife was another highlight with penguins to condors to flamingoes & guanacos, rheas & llamas. Our only regret is not seeing a puma! The local people were lovely as were the travellers we met - sometimes the same people at opposite ends of the country!

Excellent varied package of life experiences, in a stunning unspoilt part of the world with great scenery and wildlife, friendly hospitable people and well organised logistics. Enjoyed the UNESCO sights of Valparaiso and Chiloe churches.

Overall the trip was really good! No particular surprise, the trip was detailed enough in advance that we knew what to expect. Every day was a highlight with always new beautiful landscapes. Cool people in the group and super nice guide!

The highlight was the traverse of the St. Lorenzo mountains with our guide Jimmy. It was epic climbing through thigh deep snow. The guides selected by Swoop without any exception were absolutely great and responsive to our particular wishes, again a great job.

Aysen kayaking

It was amazing! Every aspect of it was phenomenal (except for the king penguin excursion, will get to that). I was really impressed with how well it went, logistically. I think Swoop did a great job of making sure that there wasn't a lot of downtime (other than the travel from point to point, which couldn't be avoided and was still minimized as much as possible). And I appreciated that there were multiple guides so the group could split up and be flexible if necessary. The group, for the most part, was phenomenal. Everyone was excited and enthusiastic and for the most part very supportive of each other, emotionally and physically. I've made some good friends for life!

Patagonia Camp was an awesome 5 days. We all loved that part of the trip best. the staff was amazing, accommodations super and the overall VIBE of the place was great. Met super people there. We also really like Terra Luna. More rustic for sure but a great contrast.

Overall it was good, we were lucky with the weather and the group was fairly easy to get on with.

The Torres del Paine viewpoint trek and the walk with the Penguins were the two main high points. The guides were excellent.

Overall fantastic. Highlight was probabaly Mt. Fitzroy but Base of the towers were great as was kayaking and the glaciers! All superb to be honest Landscapes were stunning - never get tired of seeing those. Plenty of wildlife too including seeing a guanaco give birth and an armadillo. The base camp in torres Del Paine was great and our guide Rodrigo was top notch