Wildlife, Glaciers & Cape Horn

The Heumal Circuit trek was a real highlight because athough it is very close to the very populated El Chalten it feels like truly remote wilderness. We met just 8 other trekkers during the whole of the 4 days and then only in passing.

Travelled: March 2021

As we were nearing the end of the Base of the Towers hike in Torres del Paine, I wasn't sure my legs were going to let me finish the hike. I then looked up and saw a condor soaring above my head. It was awe-inspiring to see this majestic creature against such an incredible backdrop. It was as if the condor was there to encourage me on, my energy spiked and my body was ready to continue to the base. What a magical experience!

Travelled: December 2019

Overall our trip was wonderful, with only a few snags. The highlights of Argentinian Patagonia were the Perito Moreno Glacier and the Estancia Christina in El Calafate, and the Fitzroy hike in El Calafate. The Perito Moreno Glacier is breathtaking, and easily accessible from the raised walkway in the park. We also did the boat tour, which offers history and closer view of the glacier. Beware though, once you see it, other glaciers in Patagonia will seem less impressive. Estancia Christina was fantastic, but only because we opted for the fossil hike. Others on the excursion had lots of waiting around and did not seems as impressed. Not so great- The scheduling from El Calafate to EL Chalten- we would have preferred a later transfer. With the sun setting so late, you can easily hike until 7 PM...therefore there was no reason to leave so early for Chalten. Chalten was beautiful. Liked the wild dogs and friendly locals. The Fitzroy hike was spectacular....we were on the trail early so it wasn't too crowded but I imagine during peak season it was be a little unpleasant as it is narrow and you need to step aside to let people pass. Our best meal in Chalten was at La Tapera, wish it had been recommended. Avoid La Senyera, worst meal of our entire trip. Australis Cruise- This was a mistake. After having days filled with hiking and enjoying the riches of nature, being confined to a boat was very frustrating. The boat itself was nice, the rooms clean and comfortable but the excursions were short and underwhelming and most of the time on the boat was spent waiting....waiting for a short presentation, waiting for lunch, waiting to get off the boat, waiting to get on the boat etc....The penguins were the highlight of the cruise but, we found out you can take a day trip from Puntas Arenas to visit them. That would have been nice to have known. Highlight of the entire trip was Torres del Paine. The Explora hotel is beautiful and the hiking on the W was the best we experienced. The spa, the guides, the surroundings were all unbelievable. If I could redo the trip I would nix the cruise and spend an extra 3 nights at Explora.

Travelled: March 2021

Highlight was ecocamp and our guide for the trek there. The food at ecocamp far exceeded any other food we had on the trip. Amazing vegan options at every meal. The biggest surprise was how hard it was to understand Chilean accented Spanish (I speak but mostly with Mexican speakers)! Our most magical moment was surprise live folk music at ecocamp on the evening of the summer solstice. We LOVE American and Celtic folk music, it was amazing to hear and see a new flavor.

Travelled: March 2021

The trip was unbelievable! No matter where you were, everywhere around you was breathtaking. Being on the water during the cruise was the most memorable portion. There were never ending waterfalls, the more you looked the more you saw! Each day we had at least one rainbow. We got to see the penguins, albatross, humpback whales, sea lions, and dolphins! The vegetation on all of the islands, areas and on Cape Horn was a huge surprise. The guides were so informative and reinforced each of the teachings over the course of the trip to make sure all of the guests learned as much as possible, and all of our questions were answered. Not only were we educated on the history but also present time varying from animals, flora, natives, and explorers. Absolutely loved the trip!

Travelled: April 2023

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.

Travelled: March 2021

Standing at the Albatross monument with Cape Horn in the background.

Travelled: January 2023

Cape Horn on the Ventis Australis

Travelled: November 2022

Visiting the Pia Glacier, seeing Glacier Alley, excursion to Cape Horn, hikes and excursions. Cruise was well organized and personnel professional and friendly. We also very much enjoyed the 1 day adventurous Crossing of the Andes arranged by SWOOP. So many memorable moments!

Travelled: November 2022

Experiencing strong winds while looking out at beautiful El Bote Bay, as we began the exclusive Patagonia Camp Los Maitenes Peninsula hike.

Travelled: January 2022

Lake Deseado was memorable in so many moments! We didn't have high expectations because it was a fill-in when Covid canceled our cruise from Ushuaia, but the lake was exquisite from our first glimpse. Then, the lodge itself (very isolated) was lovely in every detail. The view from our windows was of pristine waters with mountains in the distance. The short path to the dining facilities took us past beautiful birds, a brook and a beaver dam. Andres and the staff were welcoming, very helpful and genuine. We were a family of 14, joining one another from many parts of the United States and the only ones at the lodge. We were amazed at the menu, and managed to order everything from brie with local berries to guanaco, everything delicious. We over-80 grandparents got plenty of help so we could climb some trails and coast down the mountain on a bike. We also loved the library's collection of books about Patagonia. Our teens found challenging trails. Thank you to everyone including the gracious owners of Deseado Lodge!

Travelled: January 2022

Walking into our Explora guest room for the first time. Unbelievable.

Travelled: February 2020

Penguins are always going to be memorable. All the boat and ship captains on our trip were highly skilled seamen. However, our top memories will be tied to our abbreviated Dientes Trek, with Days 3 and 4 being the most impactful. Day 4 where we went down Valle Bronces to the end of the trek (instead of Virginia Pass for one more night of camping) taught us a lot about ourselves and our excellent guides. It pushed and tested us mentally and physically. When we reached the end and realized everyone had emerged mostly unscathed was the biggest victory of our entire trip.

Travelled: April 2023

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.

Travelled: March 2021

Kayaking Serono River was amazing. I've never been so close to a glacier while on the water. Saw so many animals -- rhea, puma, penguins.... I liked that fellow travelers had selected Patagonia as a destination -- no one was just 'passing through'.

Travelled: March 2021

Landing at Cape Horn. Cruising down Glacier Alley. The hike in Wulaia Bay. And the unexpected dolphin show near Tucker Isle.

Travelled: March 2021

Cruising the fjords, so majestic!

Travelled: October 2022

Kayaking on Lago Toro at Patagonia Camp

Travelled: January 2023

Excursions were interesting but honestly left quite a bit to be desired for the active traveler. However, the people we met and the experience onboard was unparalleled and totally made up for it. I was blown away at the thoughtfullness that went into the experience and the level of service and consideration towards the guest. I greatly appreciated the historic/informative talks and movies, and the onship library was a treat.

Travelled: March 2021

Reaching Base of the Towers in Torres del Paine and watching the Pia Glacier calving ! Sorry 2

Travelled: February 2020