Tag Archives: Cruise

We Know Because We Go: Harriet, Chloe & Sally’s Patagonia Trips in the Spring

In Spring 2016 Harriet, Chloe and Sally will be downing tools and heading to Patagonia. Regular trips like these ensure we stay close to our roots and maintain our in-depth knowledge of the region. We test out new trips, visit new parks, hike new routes and eat in new restaurants – all in the name of research, of course.

Harriet – Trekking, Mountaineering & Aysen Specialist

On a Swoop recce to Reserva Cerro Castillo in 2015

I am focusing all three weeks of my trip on the little visited Aysen region of Chile. I am planning to follow the spine of the Andes from north to south: trekking from Lago Verde to Lago Palena, visiting the Queulat National Park, sightseeing and relaxing on the Lago General Carrera. The final week of my Aysen adventure will be spent in the Patagonia Park, getting to know the various treks and day hikes there.

The Autumn colours of Aysen

I am very excited about the Patagonia Park. It’s an area that is receiving a large amount of coverage in the press at the moment, because of its link with the late Doug Tompkins, The North Face founder. I know a particular corner of Aysen fairly well, as in 2002 I spent 3 weeks in the Tamango Reserve volunteering on a biodiversity study.

Admiring Giant Rhubarb (Gunnera manicata) in Queulat in 2010

The Tamango Reserve is now to be integrated into the New Patagonia National park. I am very keen for Swoop to be able to offer some new and exciting adventures within the national park and only by getting into the area and exploring it with our local partners will I be able to truly understand what I am offering our customers.

Pedalling towards Lago General Carrera in 2010

The trek between Lago Verde and Lago Palena is reported to be one of the best in Aysen. I first discovered the trek on a friend’s blog, as the photos he took are absolutely incredible. I am entranced by the apparently enchanted forests and what looks like some great streams to swim in, but also the apparent remoteness and tranquility. I can’t wait to experience it for myself.

Chloe – Wildlife & Cruise Specialist

Prepping for the Patagonian winds on the Devonshire coast

My first ever trip to Patagonia – I’m SO excited! As Swoop’s cruise and wildlife specialist, I’m starting off with a 4 night ‘Wildlife, Glaciers and Cape Horn‘ cruise through the Chilean Fjords from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia (pronounced ‘oosh – why – ah’). I will be heading out on a number of excursions to see glaciers and wildlife including penguins, elephant seals, sea lions and dolphins.

Penguins of Isla Magdalena

My next stop will be the mountain town of El Chalten, where I’ll take a 2 day hike to Cerro Fitzroy and Cerro Torre and go rafting, before heading to El Calafate for an ice hike on Perito Moreno Glacier.

Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate

Next – the absolute highlight for me – a Humpback Whale Watching trip in Chile, where I’ll be spending three days studying the whales that congregate in the waters of the Magellan strait from my base at an eco research camp on Carlos III Island.

Breaching humpback Whale off Carlos III Island

On the final leg of the trip I’ll be venturing to the famous Torres del Paine National Park to hike the W Trek, and try out some of the park’s hotels, eco yurt camps and luxury lodges.

The famous Towers or ‘Torres’ of Paine

Sally – Lake District & Bespoke Trip Specialist

The flights are booked but unlike Chloe, there is really only a loose plan as to how I’ll be spending my 21 nights! One thing that is for sure though is that I am just as excited.

I absolutely love Chile and having spent so much time there over the years it always feels like going home. On this trip I will have the opportunity to visit the new Tantauco Park in the southern part of Chiloe Island. It’s a private park of 118,000 hectares with a new network of hiking refugios, virgin forests, exquisite bird life and wonderful flora.

The Bay of Ancud, Chiloe Island

I am utterly obsessed with Chiloe Island. It is charming, quaint, relaxing, captivating, intoxicating – time simply slows down. Whenever I visit, I am always filled with the sensation that I simply just don’t want to leave. As I was on the ferry leaving the island after my last visit I wrote a few words in my diary…

There is something about Chiloe that grabs me every time I visit, it sounds silly but something reaches deep down inside and touches my soul. It fills me with a feeling of deep satisfaction for having been here, experiencing the tranquility, calmness and simplicity to life. Thank you Chiloe.

I simply can’t wait to discover this new part of the island.

For the second part of my trip I am hoping to white water raft down the mighty Futaleufu river, then cross into Argentina to either hike, kayak or mountain bike (or all 3!), using the small town of San Martin de Los Andes as my base.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

If we’ve inspired you with our passion for Patagonia and you’re interested in any of the trips or activities on which we’re embarking, then we’d love to hear from you to help you plan your incredible adventure. In the meantime, you might like to take a look at our Itinerary Selector to help you decide what sort of trip might suit you best.

Christine’s Cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

Christine returned in March from a trip to Patagonia, during which she took a Cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia that was planned and arranged by Swoop. Here she tells us about her experiences on the trip and in booking with us and our cruise partners…

‘We had a fabulous time!’

How was your cruise overall?

The cruise was amazing, from the check in to boarding the ship. It was such a good experience that it is difficult to put into words!

What did you think of the excursions you embarked on?

The itinerary and excursions were very varied and interesting, and health and safety were well enforced every time we left the ship. We learned a huge amount about the environment and history of the area.

How were the staff and guides on board the cruise?

They were wonderful- very knowledgeable & enthusiastic!

What did you think of the vessel you travelled on?

it was fabulous: roomy and warm with a brilliant shower and amazing food!

Is there anything you would have changed about this part of your trip?

Not at all, we were so sad to leave, it was a very special experience and definitely the highlight of the trip overall.

‘Thank you all at Swoop Patagonia (Sally in particular) for your help, information and experience’

Rachel’s 35 day Adventure in Patagonia

Rachel returned in December from a 35 day trip to Chile and Argentina, planned and arranged through Swoop Patagonia. Here she tells us about her experiences on the trip and in booking with Swoop Patagonia.

helfer horse

Wow – what a great holiday for me. I always wanted to experience the size and wilderness of this far off land but for a long time did not know quite where it was. My trip covered only the lower half of Patagonia, and I still travelled 4,000 Km from the bare Steppe over the mountains to the tropical forests around the fjords of Chile, ending at Cape Horn, somewhere I never thought I’d get the chance to see.

Rachel’s trip began with a stay at Las Marianas Hotel in Bariloche, ‘a lovely, friendly hotel with a great café with a nearby cafe that had a tree going up through the middle of it- they made delicious soups!’.

She then travelled north for a 4 night stay at Estancia Huechahue where she spent 3 days horse riding, walking, and taking part in estancia life…

This working Estancia is about the size of Purbeck- it was absolutely wonderful, the highlight of my trip for sure. Magnificent European trees towered above this elegant country ranch, which looks out onto a beautiful landscape of lupins and lavender alongside a steam, and the irrigated mown lawns led into big apple tree orchards. The pink/grey hills rising up to granite tops with condors, vultures and from the green fields down by the river the weird cries of the Ibis were breath taking. Except for unexpectedly strong cold gales trying to blow us off our horses, we had a wonderful spoilt time riding here. We had some very exciting days here, ended with drinks in front of a fire and fantastic home cooked meals; this was very different from the next 18 day road trip that followed!

The next part of Rachel’s adventure was a road trip from Bariloche to Chalten, and then from Chalten to Ushuaia…

On this part of the trip I travelled with a group of 12 people, mainly from Australia and New Zealand in a strengthened bus (to take the rough roads and steep hills over the high steppe of barren soil with the odd tussock and a few bushes). We had a wonderful guide and driver for this part of the trip. Mel, our guide was just wonderful, the best guide. She made the trip so interesting by adding her own anecdotes and stories. I also loved our driver, Franco, who took great care of me, was very sweet and supportive, and kept the bus very clean. There were Guanacos, Condors, miles of fences made of wood and plain wire, no habitation or any sign of tracks going anywhere. Just persistent biting cold wind that tried to blow one over.

This part of the trip took Rachel first to Coyhaique, where she visited another Estancia and then along the famous Ruta 40 to El Chalten, where she enjoyed some lovely (although wet and cold at times!) walks in Los Glaciares National Park, and spent time relaxing and looking in the local arts and craft shops ‘I wish I had done more shopping here!’. In El Calafate, she stayed in an ‘absolutely gorgeous’ hotel, with ‘a lovely lake view room’, and took a tour/ walk/ boat trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier.

‘The Perito Moreno Glacier was absolutely spectacular and incredible- definitely a highlight of my trip’

Next, Rahcel’s road trip took her to Torres del Paine National Park, where she hiked to Grey Glacier, the French Valley, and The famous Towers of Paine.

‘The Grey Glacier was just lovely, and the French Valley was absolutely fantastic’

From Torres del Paine, Rachel’s trip headed across the Magellan Strait to Tierra del Fuego, finishing in the southern most city in the world, Ushuaia, where she visited a King Penguin Colony, a type of Penguin usually only found on sub Antarctic Islands.

‘The penguin viewing was extraordinary, and allowed us to see the beautiful creatures at their very best. It was exceptionally good.’

helfer pengs

Tierra del Fuego was where Rachel ended the road trip buy taking a catamaran through the waters of the Beagle Channel, spotting a variety of wildlife including sea lions, and a variety of bird life. The next day she took a day trip to Martillo Island to see colonies of Gentoo and Magellan Penguins, which was ‘absolutely fascinating’, followed by a day of bird watching in Tierra del Fuego National Park.

The final leg of Rachel’s trip was our Fuegian Glaciers and Cape Horn Cruise , which took her out into the Beagle Channel, to the Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers where she went on a ‘wonderful walk’, and then through Glacier Alley.

‘Everyone on the boat was very friendly- the company was superb and the boat was not too crowded, with an experienced and well-travelled crew.

The remainder of the cruise took Rachel to Wulaia Bay, and Cape Horn, but unfortunately the ship was unable to land here due to bad weather, nonetheless, Rachel said that it was ‘worth every penny’.

Her trip ended with a stay at the ‘unbelievable and lovely’ Arakur Hotel in Ushuaia, before flying back home to the UK. Below Rachel lists some of the highlights of her trip…

Highlights

One of the main highs for me was feeling fitter than I have for years so I could enjoy the hard walking up the mountains through the spectacular old southern beech woods besides tumbling streams falling into large lakes, looking at glaciers, craggy mountain tops, moss, flowing lichens, small alpine flowers and hillsides red with fire bush.

Then there was the highlight of sitting in sunshine listening to the blue 5 mile wide glacier calving, and watching huge blocks tumbling in the lake.

Spending time very close to 70 king penguins and ending with sailing the Beagle channel and seeing Cape Horn were wonderful also.

Helfer 1

Martin & Julia’s 28 day Patagonia Adventure

Martin and Julia returned in November from a 28 day trip to Chile and Argentina, planned and arranged through Swoop Patagonia. Here they tell us about their experiences on the trip and in booking with Swoop Patagonia.

Martin & Julia’s Feedback

‘There are two things that you need from a travel company: real ‘hands on’ in-depth experience of the country being visited and an ability to understand the needs and desires of the customer travellers. Sally, Luke and the team at SWOOP Patagonia had both.

Having recently retired, we were looking for a once in a lifetime, 28-day visit to Patagonia – with the emphasis on landscapes and wildlife. Sally quickly worked out what we wanted and what we were each capable of doing, and proposed a great schedule, with several unexpected suggestions that stretched our brief, and activities that suited our different physical capabilities. Now back home, we can say the trip was wonderful. The schedules and pick-ups all worked, and Sally’s recommendations of Chiloe and Aguas Aribas were outstanding, El Chalten was great and our Cape Horn Cruise super. The Patagonian wind blew every day – but the weather was kind – the trip really delivered.

I felt that Sally and the team really took the time to get to know us and our wants, and used their in-depth knowledge to deliver a great schedule and a wonderful string of places to stay, eat & drink, things to do, wonders to see and experiences.

Whilst one destination is off our bucket list, we’ve added another – El Chalten and Aguas Aribas in the Autumn with the Southern Beech forests turning red!!

Thank you Sally, thank you SWOOP.’

Martin & Julia’s Itinerary

Martin and Julia began their trip with 3 nights to relax and unwind on the tranquil and untouched island of Chiloe. They spent their days hiking along the rugged pacific coast, bird watching on the many tidal beaches and slept in a cabin on the beach.

The adventure continued by crossing into Argentina through a series of lakes and then hiring a car for few days to explore the stunning ‘Route of the 7 Lakes’ in the heart of the Argentinian Lake District.

Taking a flight south they then spent 5 days exploring the Los Glaciares National Park, hiking to the Base of Mount Fitzroy, taking time to stand and stare at the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier and were wowed by the setting, service and seclusion of the Aguas Arribas Lodge.

Torres del Paine was the next stop with 5 days spent hiking the trails of the famous W trek based in the comfortable Patagonia Camp.

They then boarded a cruise to explore the channels and glaciers of the Chilean Fjords and were lucky enough with the weather that they were able to land at Cape Horn.

They ended their trip with a few days to explore the vibrant, gastronomic and diverse Buenos Aires based in a boutique hotel in Palermo.

Kirsi’s Fuegian Glaciers & Cape Horn Cruise

Kirsi returned in January from an Adventure Cruise in Tierra del Fuego, visiting pristine glaciers and the famous Cape Horn. Here she tells us about her experiences on the trip and in booking with Swoop and our partners…

‘Our trip to Argentina and in Patagonia was amazing. Thank you!’

How was your experience of Swoop Patagonia?

In my opinion, Swoop Patagonia operated in very proactive way and offered all the help needed in order to plan a successful trip to Patagonia. I would definitely recommend you to anybody planning a trip to Patagonia. I highly appreciated your help in connecting me personally with the right cruise agent.

How was your cruise?

The ‘Fuegian Glaciers and Cape Horn‘ cruise from Ushuaia & back was amazing and very well organised. The trip consisted of two daily trips to shore with zodiac boats one of which was to Cape Horn. We were also extremely lucky with the weather, so we could actually visit Cape Horn national park.

How were the staff and guides on the cruise?

The guides were very professional and relaxed and were also very knowledgeable. The only thing that was a little bit disappointing was the fact that the ship did not actually cruise around Cape Horn. I think that came as a surprise to most of the passengers on the ship. People who go to Cape Horn want to also cruise around it. Otherwise….a pleasant experience.

What was the highlight of your trip?

Argentina is such amazing country so it is hard to determine a single highlight for our trip. We visited Buenos Aires, Pampa, Iguazu Falls, Mendoza, Peninsula Valdes, El Calafate (Perito Moreno Glacier), Ushuaia and we spent our New Year in Colonial de Sacramento in Uruguay. I think all of the places that we visited were Argentinian highlights except for Uruguay of course.

Do you have any tips for other people planning a trip to Patagonia?

I think that Argentina is very easy to travel. You can book everything online (buses, air fares, tours), so everything is pretty easy. The only thing I am sure of is that I definitely want to go back some day. For beef lovers the only tip I can give is that remember to ask your steak as a punto. If you order medium, you get well done steak!

[Check out our blog post on Where to eat in Patagonia!]

Regina & Chris’ Honeymoon Cruise from Ushuaia-Punta Arenas

Regina and Chris returned in November from a 3-night Adventure Cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas as part of their Honeymoon in Patagonia. Here they tell us about their experiences on the trip and in booking with Swoop and our partners…

‘Our trip was incredible and the cruise was definitely a highlight of our honeymoon! We are thankful for all your help for making it happen!’

How were Swoop Patagonia?

Swoop were very attentive, friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive.

What did we do well?

We were a little late planning our trip and wanted as much flexibility as possible. It was very helpful that you guys took the time to respond to many of our questions (via chat, email & Skype) despite the time difference to help us think through options and still book the cruise in a timely manner.

What could we have done differently?

Nothing that I can think of.

Would you recommend us to friends, family or colleagues for a trip to Patagonia?

Definitely.

How were our partners who ran the Cruise?

Wonderful and memorable. We are so glad that we booked the cruise although it was a bit pricy. We loved how it was outdoor and environmentally focused, and the ship was not too big. We were spoiled with delicious meals, beverages, and excursions.

How did you enjoy their itinerary and excursions?

They were great! Although we did not get to disembark at Cape Horn, the staff explained that 100 miles per hour wind is something that doesn’t happen often. It was amazing to have experienced it on the boat. We loved that the places we visited during days 2&3, which were more private (only accessed by our ship), and ending the cruise with an early morning walk around the penguin colony was incredible. We could understand why some of folks, who could afford it, did the round trip ride.

How were their staff and guides?

They were professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and just fantastic!

What did you think of the vessel?

The ship was modern and quite stable, rooms were surprisingly spacious and comfortable, and the zodiac boats for the excursions were great.

Is there anything you would have changed about this part of your trip?

Absolutely not. It was just perfect.

Did you manage to visit anywhere else in Chile or Argentina?

We visited Glaciar Perito Moreno, which was an incredible day trip, Mendoza and Buenos Aires.

What was the highlight of your trip overall?

The cruise was definitely a highlight of our overall trip, and it was a perfect indulgence for our honeymoon.

Do you have any tips for other people planning a trip?

Flying into Ushuaia is amazing as the plane goes over the snowy peaks so closely before landing into a town at the end of the continent. Day hikes to the Tierra del Fuego national park is great – we combined Pampa Alta trail and Costa trail to get the view from the top and along the water. It ends up being about 8 miles and well worth the effort. Being indulged on our cruise after few days of roughing it in Ushuaia enhanced our appreciation for everything on the cruise even more.

Larry & Susan’s Trek in Torres del Paine & Los Glaciares, & Cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

Larry and Susan returned in March from a trip to Patagonia with friends Jane and Jim. Their trip included an Independent trek in Torres del Paine and El Chalten, followed by a cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia. Here they tell us about their experiences on the trip and in planning and arranging it with Swoop and our partners in Chile and Argentina…

What was your experience of planning and arranging your trip with Swoop?

Speaking for Susan and myself, I think that the most important point in terms of the structure of the trip was that it worked very well. I believe that there are certainly logistical and language issues with a trip such as this, and I feel that the arrangements made by Swoop and the other operators were well worth the money. Having self-arranged trips elsewhere in the world, at least 5 times previously, going via Swoop was a different structure, and I would encourage others to do likewise, especially with potential language issues.

What were the highlights of your trip?

In El Chalten, we were pleasantly surprised that a small village of its size has the amenities that it does. Nothing like walking into the Mirador for Fitzroy, and walking out to enjoy a pint at the microbrewery, followed by a great restaurant meal, and a good sleep at Kaulem. For me, El Chalten was the highlight, given the total surprise at what we had expected for facilities, and the relative ease at getting into the objectives.

The cruise was wonderful; great meals, wonderful tablemates, very knowledgeable interpreters. The choice of a berth in the lower deck was the right one, given the rough seas, going towards Cape Horn.

Swoop is commended for recommending Parc Nationale los Glaciares; this was a highlight also.

How did you find the Trekking in Torres del Paine & Chalten?

I would not describe the “W Trek” as a life-changing experience. Having hiked, scrambled, and climbed in the Canadian Rockies for 35 years I guess I have been spoiled.

The trails in both countries are well maintained and clean; the daily itinerary was very do-able, for people of our age and relative fitness.

We found the Refugio staff to be less than helpful, not at all service based, and the meals monotonous and of dubious quality, especially some of the vegetarian options. I certainly think these young people could learn a lesson about guest expectations and service from the folks at Palermo, and on the Cruise. I picked up bed bugs at one of the Refugios as well. Could they not charge a little more, and offer a little more?

On the ground , we found your partners in Torres del Paine very helpful and a good resource, although we also took in the 3:00 p.m. talk at Erratic Rock. She could do with a little more prominent sign.

How were your other accommodations during the trip?

In Buenos Aires, we found the Palermo Hotel and its concierge service quite exceptional. We are not normally effusive in our praise, but Luke really picked a winner here. The facility in El Calafate was unexceptional, no strong memories, one way or the other.

In Chile, the people at both Erratic Rock were helpful, and it was appreciated that they held our spare kit while we were elsewhere (as did Palermo, in Buenos Aires).

The B&B in Punta Arenas could have been better. We were in side by side rooms, nearby the upstairs dining area. Noise from the front desk carried, the staff seemed to be oblivious to their all night “yakking” and then the German group got up (or maybe never went to bed) at 4:00 a.m. or so, to have breakfast. So, a real lack of commitment to other guests, and I’d encourage you to find something smaller, and quieter.

Overall…

In conclusion, a well planned and well organized trip, for which considerable recognition should also go to my wife, Susan, as well. I really think her secret job is also tour operating, and should you have any vacancies, please keep her in mind!

This is a trip we have been working on since we read Bruce Chatwins’ book, “In Patagonia”, in approximately 1980. We still have the book, and brought it along to reread. Then, we were poor University students and all we could afford was “armchair travelling”. So, 34 years later and the circle closes. We have fulfilled one of our dreams as a couple, between armchair and wheelchair, I guess you’d say.

Thank you, once again, for the effort. Cheers! Larry.

Ian’s Motorcycle & Adventure Cruise in Patagonia

Ian returned in March from a Motorcycling trip throughout Chile and Argentina, during which he also took a cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas. Here he tells us about his experiences on his trip, and in booking through Swoop and our partners…

What did Swoop do well?

Swoop were very helpful and efficient. They responded quickly, got in touch rapidly with people who knew the answers to my questions, and most importantly enabled me to take my motorbike with me on the trip.

What could we have done differently?

Nothing.

How did you enjoy your Cruise Itinerary and Excursions?

The cruise was really good, there was always something to do and there was no chance to get bored. If anything there was to much to do and little chance to just admire the scenery we were travelling through (but that was more my fault for wanting to go to all the talks/presentations etc)!

How were the staff and guides on your cruise?

Excellent. The ship’s crew were incredibly helpful in getting my bike on the boat and securing her. The expedition crew were all incredibly helpful, very knowledgeable and good fun.

What did you think of the Cruise vessel?

It was modern, well designed, and very comfortable.

Is there anything you would have changed about this part of your trip?

I would have potentially done a longer trip. We had very bad weather and so didn’t make it onto Cape Horn Island, or round the Horn. I’m not even sure I’d change this though, as it meant that I saw Cape Horn, a legendary landmark amongst sailors across the world.

I’m going to be able to annoy people for the rest of my life when they say ‘that’s a little bit choppy’, responding with “well, it’s not gale force winds at Cape Horn…”

70 knot winds at Cape Horn

What was the highlight of your trip overall?

Taking my motorbike to Cape Horn, and potentially having the most southerly motorbike in the world for a while!

Do you have any tips for other people planning a trip?

-Do it, you won’t regret it.

-Don’t expect it to be a cruise, throw yourself into the expeditions, talks etc.

-Take warm and waterproof clothes (as recommended).

-Listen to the crew.

Did you manage to visit anywhere else in Chile or Argentina?

Yes! My trip started in Buenos Aires, I drove down to Ushuaia, took the Cruise to Punta Arenas, then went to Porvenir, Puerto Natales (and Torres del Paine), Calafate (and Perito Moreno glaciar), Chalten, Carretera Austal, Chiloe, Pucon and am now in Santiago. It’s all been amazing but I think Chile might just be edging it as a favourite at the moment!

Why not take a look at Iain’s blog from his trip!

Puma Tracking and Adventure Cruise Patagonia

Kush and his friends returned in March from a trip to Patagonia during which they embarked on a Puma Tracking trip in Torres del Paine, followed by a 4 night Cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia. Here Kush tells us about their experiences on the trip…

‘It’s an incredible feeling seeing a Puma on foot less than 5 meters away from you. All of us were elated and kept replaying every moment again and again. It is a fantastic experience.’

How was your Cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia?

The cruise was fantastic. We really enjoyed the food the hospitality and the excursions.

How was the Puma Tracking trip? It was again fantastic. I can’t recommend our guide Carlos enough. He went out of the way to accommodate us and to make sure we were comfortable at all times. He even woke us up as early as 0430 and brought us back home as late as 2200 just because we were so determined to see Pumas. He carried packed lunch with us on our hikes and put up an extraordinary spread in the middle of nowhere. He was great and so was our driver.

What was the highlight of your trip overall? We managed to see Pumas and that was the highlight of the trip. We saw a sub-adult drinking, walking stretching and eating a day old Guanaco carcass, and the next day in the early morning we saw an adult (most likely its mother) walking quickly across the steppe. It’s an incredible feeling seeing a Puma on foot less than 5 meters away from you: all of us were elated and kept replaying every moment again and again. It is a fantastic experience.

Is there anything you would have changed about your trip? At our accommodation at Hosteria Pehoe we had problems with hot water, and the food at our first accommodation at the Ranch was very poor, but other than that it was good.

Overall… Overall we had a great time and I will definitely be returning with a few adjustments to the accommodation.

Perito Moreno, Torres del Paine & Whale Watching

Rebecca & Carolyn returned in March from a trip to Patagonia during which they took a trip to Perito Moreno Glacier, followed by a W Trek in Torres del Paine, and a Whale Watching trip from Punta Arenas. Here they tell us about their experiences on the trip, and in booking through Swoop and our partners…

What did Swoop do well?

Your suggestions were all great – perfectly aligned with what we were looking for on the trip

What could we have done differently?

Nothing

How did you enjoy the W Trek, Whale Watching trip and Perito Moreno hike?

All were phenomenal. The Whale Watching Adventure cruise was a particularly unique and special experience. It was the most remote, relaxing (and educational!) trip I’ve ever been on. We spent hours on the boat sailing through the remote straits of Magellan, slept in tents on one of a hundred or so uninhabited islands in Tierra del Fuego, and for three days did not see a single trace of another human! It was an incredibly special trip that brought us into the depths of nature. All proceeds of the trip go to fund the research operations of the group, and spending time with the scientists, learning about their research and the whales, was a truly special experience. It was a very remote trip, and we were perfect for it, but I wouldn’t recommend it to someone who wasn’t comfortable spending a lot of time on a boat in rough seas, or camping in remote locations. That said, it was the most amazing thing I’ve probably ever done!

How were the guides on the trips?

All great!

Is there anything you would have changed about the trip?

Nothing at all.

What was the highlight of your trip?

It’s hard to pick just one, but the Torres del Paine at sunrise, seeing Perito Moreno Glacier for the first time, and sailing through the remote straits of Magellan were all pretty high on the list!

Do you have any tips for other people planning a trip?

Use Swoop and their partners in Patagonia! You made coordinating the trip seamless and stress free and allowed us to really maximize our time in Patagonia.

Did you manage to visit anywhere else in Chile or Argentina?

Not on this trip.

Swoop Patagonia's Blog

Advice & information to help you book an unforgettable trip to Patagonia

Tag Archives: Cruise

We Know Because We Go: Harriet, Chloe & Sally’s Patagonia Trips in the Spring

Harriet – Trekking, Mountaineering & Aysen Specialist

Chloe – Wildlife & Cruise Specialist

Sally – Lake District & Bespoke Trip Specialist

Christine’s Cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

Rachel’s 35 day Adventure in Patagonia

Martin & Julia’s 28 day Patagonia Adventure

Kirsi’s Fuegian Glaciers & Cape Horn Cruise

Regina & Chris’ Honeymoon Cruise from Ushuaia-Punta Arenas

Larry & Susan’s Trek in Torres del Paine & Los Glaciares, & Cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

Ian’s Motorcycle & Adventure Cruise in Patagonia

Puma Tracking and Adventure Cruise Patagonia

Perito Moreno, Torres del Paine & Whale Watching