Customer Reviews

The trip was great. Highlight was our night in bader valley because we were ‘alone’ of course with our guide and porter and the trek up there was challenging so we felt incredibly accomplished once we arrived and got to imenjly amazing views and waterfalls. Second best day was the last 10 minutes of the towers climb. You’re so exhausted and you know your close and then you get to the top and the view is jaw dropping. We also LOVED the domes frances for sleeping after 3 nights camping it felt like heaven!!

We had a very lovely guide from Antares, Phillipe, who did a great job showing us around. My sons were particularly impressed by seeing the puma having her morning breakfast. The landscapes were impressive, and I enjoyed seeing the wildlife. The Pampa Lodge was particularly nice. I really enjoyed the quiet and the view from the lodge itself. Everyone we interacted with was very nice and friendly. The only confusion was in arrival from El Calafate. Apparently, the Always Glaciers company does not have the right to go in to the bus terminal, and we arrived a bit later than Antares was anticipating. In the end it was fine, and I have no hard feelings with Antares for that. It was a simple mix-up and they did offer an additional dinner as compensation for the confusion. We did really enjoy our itinerary with them -- I'll say it again... puma!

Torres del Pine

I would not say that the people working in the refugios were particularly friendly, but wow the people we met along the trail were all so unbelievably friendly! Almost everyone we passed said Hola, and it felt like we were all friends sharing this great experience together. The landscapes were unique and breathtaking, something new around every corner. We were fortunate enough to have good weather, as I think that would be the biggest cause for disappointment for most trekkers in Patagonia. The most magical moment was when we reached Mirador Britanico... impossible to describe the feeling of being in such an overwhelming place. Much like the first time I looked down into the Grand Canyon. The biggest surprise was how beautiful Los Cuernos were in person; photos do not do them justice. But Mirador Las Torres was the real reason for the entire trip to Patagonia, and despite the huge amount of people there and on the trail, it was one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen.

We had a superb trip. Both the landscapes and the wildlife were highlight - especially hiking and biking away from the more popular trails. People were invariably welcoming and helpful. We were surprised by the numbers of tourists on the more popular trails i.e. the W walk and also those around El Chalten (although a little less so around the latter). The walk around Los Huemules was a nice contrast. Magical moments were many, but usually linked to watching sunrises and sunsets.

The highlight was undoubtedly our stay overnight at Los Condores and the Puntiagudo trek. Rudi and his wife Rosa were great hosts and we thought their farm was a very special/unique place to stay. The trek was made even more memorable because of our guide Jose. We did not see much wildlife but loved the landscapes/wilderness of temperate rainforest interspersed with walkers/hiking trails. So many highlights on that trip from the boat ride, Arriving at Los Condores and then at Laguna Los Quettros. We both found that this trip eclipsed the majesty of the Torres Del Paine. All the locals we met were delightful. Particularly enjoyed our lunhch at Sandras at Lago Rupanco. Birds of Chile need a special mention for providing excellent guides throughout.

Highlight - scenery which came up to expectations. Wildlife pretty good. people we dealt with generally excellent. That said, the reason I have ticked 'maybe' on the 'would I return' box is because TdelP in particular is now being 'loved to death'. If I returned to Patagonia I'd need to be convinced that I could do so with fewer people around - and preferably without the need for guiding all the time. [I would add that one thing I will consider and would need a guide for is an ice shelf walk out of El Chalten. As a general comment I preferred the experience at Fitzroy cf TdelP except for the back end of the O circuit. I would recommend Fitzroy over TdelP W circuit. Magical moments - there were a few - the Loma de Plieges Tumbado walk on a brilliant day was one. Arrival at Petit peninsula in Barriloche was another (what a top hotel). Going over the top of the John Gardner Pass. And a little thing, but being met by Victor at AEP in BA and him driving me to the Holiday in at Ezeiza was a pleasure for me as I was not comfortable with travelling across BA at night.

Highlight - climbing to the base of the towers. Landscape - nice, nothing unique. Opinion would be weather dependent. People - lovely. What will you tell? - worth a trip if part of a wider SA tour. Surprises? None Magical moment - arriving at the base of the towers (Torres) in glorious sunshine so could witness in all its glory. Also got a suite, with jacuzzi in the hotel - VERY welcome after two 22Km days!

It was a good trip but I wouldn't want to do another trip in that way

Great trip- loved seeing marine mammals and wildlife.

Clients say it was the trip of a lifetime! It was pristine other than in and around some of the busy campsites. The people we met (guides and porters for example) were amazing. Highlight was seeing clients complete the O and the W in 5 days with a smile on their face.

The highlight of the trip was the wildlife. Just being in their land knowing that you are just visiting is an experience beyond words.

Hiking Torres de pines, riding horses with Guchoo on three ranches People very friendly Telling friends and family via Facebook with photos Would not probably return as there are other places in the world To go

The highlight was definitely the trekking tour - which was difficult, but rewarding.

The first two days of the back of the loop and the crossing of the Gap. The fun of the kayaking near the Grey Glacier

I was amazed at the distances we covered and the varied terrain. The highlight was the John Gardner pass day. I was amazed by the Gray icefield. I'd never seen anything like it.

Exceptional. Highlight was our stay at EcoCamp; between the brilliant guides (all our guides were young exceptional women which made it extra special), the people we met there, the hikes/activities, the overall experience was top notch. The FANTASTIC guides; Marcela, Angie, Francesca, Claire and our server Ingrid are women I will talk about and remember for a long long time. I find it incredible and inspiring that young people in their 20s are so dedicated to this type of work. They work long hours and consistently had a smile on their face and each had so much knowledge to share. In another life, I want to be them!

Peace in nature in the purest sense. It's a prime place to disconnect and enjoy being a human. In summary, it was surfing on rainbows. Thunder Pass day 2 is the pinnacle and the progression of the features along the trail really delivers. The great weather was the biggest surprise, our expectations were (properly) set for inclement weather. The crew was absolutely fantastic, friendly and funny when we needed it, highly professional when it mattered. Couldn't have asked for more.

It is difficult to single out just one highlight as every day brought new things to marvel at. The magesty of the mountains, the awesome glaciers, the variety of birds, the characterful range of animals, the ever-changing vistas, the charm of the different cities and towns and the ever-present friendliness of the people we met en route. One of the many images that will stay with me is the magical sight of Andean Condors soaring above our heads on the thermals at Torres del Paine. Also the reflections of snow capped mountains in the glass smooth water at Rio Serrano, the towering wall of the Perito Moreno glacier as we sailed closer and closer and the comical antics of the Humboldt and Magellanic penguins on the Isolets de Punihuil off Chiloe. Even the torrential rain, complete with thunder and lightning, that we walked through at the Iguazzu Falls and which left us all soaked, literally, to the skin despite waterproofs was an experience to remember !

Everything was fantastic. The highlights were the W Trek and the hikes in El Chalten. I was very lucky to have perfect weather for those.