Mike

Customer
Rating

10

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?”

Mike's Trip Date:

10th Apr - 14th Apr 2023

What was your most memorable moment?

More personal. I went with my two adult kids. There were a couple of moments during which laughed a lot togetber at dinner. The hiking adventure contributed to those relaxing 'let the guard down' moments.

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?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

10 out of 10

On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: The Original Torres del Paine W Trek?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

10 out of 10

Tell us about Torres del Paine

There were five days for us: Day 1: Torres del Paine. Challenging hike, spectacular finish. Great photos. Day 2: Hiking to Frances. Beautiful lake view all along the way. Day 3: Britanica. Our favourite day. Challenging but fun hike. Amazing views, fall colours and even an avalache to see. Day 4: To Grey Lake. Nice, not specaclar. Kayaking. Fun. Ice walking. Amazing.

Tell us about the Trekking

Trekking was challenging. A great sense of accomplishment to complete. The following are the times and distances. You may want to correct some of your literature. I am a 61 year old man in decent shape. I went with my two adult kids. They were at my pace. I think I am the average pace. Many people are faster; and many were slower. Day 1: Torres del Paine. 23 km, estimated elevation of 3,000 ft. Took us 9 hours and 20 minutes, including lots of rests and a 50 minute stay at the top. We were very tired and sore at the end. Day 2: To Frances. 16 km., estimated elevation of 1,500 ft. Took us 8 hours. Lots of ups and downs along the lake. Day 3: Britanica. 20 km, estimated elevation of 2,000 to 2,500 ft. Took us 9 hours and 15 minutes. Climbing and descending the rocks and creeks was fun and challenging. Strange that I and we felt better at the end of day three than the previous two days. Day 4: To Grey Lake. 12 km, estimated 800 feet of elevation. Took us 3 hours and 50 minutes. A relaxing easy hike. We were surprised as to how busy Day 4 was. Lots of tour groups. 8 to 11 people. Slower. Older people. Also surprised how busy Day 1 was with people hiking. Not a bad thing, just surprised. We loved the refugios. Food and service was great. (Although we joked about having the same breakfast every day with scrabled eggs, cheese, ham and bread). We enjoyed meeting people from all around the world. I had not slept in a dorm room for 40 years so that was fun to feel younger again. Our guide, Baru, was outstanding! Great sense of humour and positive energy.

Something Else?

We were well prepared with how we packed, thanks to your preparation video and written pieces. Layers, layers, layers! I suggest that you make it more clear and prominent on tipping. Have cash on hand, who to tip and how much to tip. We tipped our guide quite well, I think, but I am not sure. If we had to do it again, I think we would have stayed in a lodge or resort for one or two days after the trek to unwind, rest, eat well and go to a spa. You may wish to promote that idea.

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

We were fortunate with great weather. People should be aware of the real possiblility of bad weather (70% chance?). It was physically demanding. I have heard of people leaving the tour after day one. I would emphasize the physically challenging part. Having completed though, it feels like a huge accomplishment. Bonding - terriific bonding experience with those you travel with.

Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?

Reinforced that these types of trips are special.

Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?

See above. We were lucky that we had three of us and one guide. I am not sure I would have enjoyed it as much with a larger group. Yes, we would meet people but we would have to go at the slowest pace. For a future trip anywhere with Swoop, I would want to feel confident of the group.

How prepared and excited for Patagonia did you feel?

Very well prepared and excited.

Would you consider another trip to Patagonia with Swoop?

No

Would you be interested in travelling to Antarctica with Swoop?

No

Would you be interested in travelling to the Arctic with Swoop?

No

3 people found this review helpful

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