December Reviews

TdP was our main goal, and undoubtedly a highlight, but not the only one. We loved the wide open spaces (we do live on the Prairies!) and the spectacular, unique TdP and area mountains. We saw lots of fauna and flora, especially birds. No Pumas though. Our guide and hiking companions were great -- and most others we met and chatted to were on similar trips. We learnt from them early on and later gave them advice. No grandchildren, but paramount in our memories is wind. Several surprises, mostly good.

The Kayak en Patagonia excursion was really wild and maybe more than I had anticipated, but that is also why it is certainly memorable. We all pushed ourselves into uncomortable territory that day, and we all did it pretty successfully. I'm glad that I sometimes jump into these adventures without knowing everything. If I knew exactly what it would be like, I might back out.

We felt very fortunate to have fantastic weather in Patagonia from start to finish, which meant that we were able to do everything we'd planned and more. We weren't sure what to expect of the wildlife, but were blown away by the diversity of animals we saw in Patagonia and even in Mendoza. Our guides were all very friendly and knowledgeable, and having them with us ensured that we truly appreciated what we were seeing, rather than rushing through the scenery. It's hard to say a specific highlight or magical moment, because each part of the trip had its own highlights. The glacier hike was surreal, seeing all those shades of blue. Cantering through Torres del Paine. Hiking up to stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy. Celebrating Christmas Eve at a family-run restaurant with the local community. Learning to really taste the different flavors in Argentinian wine. It may sound trite, but we have been on some fantastic trips and this was truly the trip of a lifetime.

Highlight: Puerto Varas generally and Valparaiso - loved both "cities". With F & F the activities are being talked about the most - kayaking, trekking, riding, fishing etc - not all enjoyable while happening (trekking and kayaking were hard work) - but great achievements once done! Dolphins circling kayaks one highlight and watching them in the bay the next morning from our tent. Seeing Darwin frog in Tagua Tagua another. Barraco Lodge generally enjoyed by my 10 year old - dogs, hot tubs and watching helicopters taking off and landing!

There were many highlights but the wildlife would have to be amongst our favourite experiences. To see twelve orca up close in the wild was a real treat. Kayaking up close to a sea lion colony and walking amongst the burrows of thousands of magellanic penguins were absolute highlights. Watching condors circling overhead as we were being blasted by the wind on rocky cliffs was memorable. Stumbling across a family of upland geese feeding and seeing a family of huemul were real treats. I could go on and on about rheas, guanaco, mara, king penguins, torrent ducks etc.

The trip rated 12 out of 10. Its very hard to pick a highlight - but (before I change my mind) the walk in French Valley in the Torres del Paine NP. Or maybe the day we drove into the Perito Moreno NP, or sea kayaking in Chiloe or walking the Aviles trail in Park Patagonia or visiting the Marble Caves or... The landscapes were sensational - I'd love to see them in Autumn. ? We really liked the Chileans - they have a great sense of humour! Of all the many lovely places we stayed Mirador de Guadal was my favourite.

In three and a half weeks we packed in an incredible amount; it is almost too soon to say what the highlights were. The landscapes were awe-inspiring; the wind, literally, took your breath away. The people that bother to live, work and even travel so far away are almost always delightful. It is a physical challenge: you could experience a limited Patagonia without exerting yourself, but you would miss so much. It's the sort of travel that at times makes you wonder, "Why aren't I lying on a beach in Thailand??", but that you appreciate so much more after the event.

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!

Fishing trip with Marco and Paulo from River Trout

The high standards of Argentinian national parks including the very high mountain guide training regime that provided us with enjoyable and interesting experiences.

The trip was incredible. The destinations are wild, unique, and absorbing. Every location took hold of us and offered so much more than we could do given our two weeks in the area. We found the people very pleasant and friendly, and the guides at the independent operators were knowledgeable, skillful and committed to ensuring that our family had the best experience possible. We were surprised by exceptional weather with clear skies all day but one! Coming down from the pass to Grey Glacier was unforgettable, as was Perito Moreno and Laguna los Tres.

Being quiet and still in the French Valley, absorbing the sense of beautiful yet stark unforgiving nature surrounding us. Unfortunately we could not get all the way to the Mirador Britanico due to some guides not wanting to split up their groups, many people having trouble keeping up a fast enough pace to ensure we'd be down and into camp at an appropriate time. This was disappointing to more than 8 people in our 2 groups. I was told early on in our planning that a group would be able to split off (if there were at least 6 people, but this wasn't an option for us)

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.

Being able to complete the W trek in Torres Del Paine with my husband.

I developed sciatica the week I was leaving for this epic trip. I was most amazed that even if I couldn't be super active, the most amazing views were right there all the time. Fitzroy in El Chalten, transfering from one point to the next, and Torres del Paine in Ecocamp. I really didn't feel like I missed out at all. I was blown away when we were driving into Ecocamp, and when we arrived seeing Torres del Paine up close and personal throughout our stay. Walking to and from our dome it was framed in the background by the Towers. I loved the theme of Ecocamp..."Making Connections". We met so many amazing people from all over the world who were there to enjoy the rugged beauty just as we were. At Ecocamp they connected people to different groups each day depending on their hikes. They would have breakfast and dinner together allowing you to really get acquainted with a different group each day. The guides on all our excursions from Chalten, Calafate, Eco Camp, Puerta Varas, and Valparaiso were well prepared to lead us on our adventures.

Loved Peninsula Valdez. It is wild and full of such a variety of animals......birds, marine, and wildlife.

My trip was incredible. It has really left me at a bit of a loss for words. While I tremendously enjoyed every piece of my trip (hiking, kayaking and then day hiking with an afternoon of horseback riding), I really loved hiking the W. I was traveling solo, but I enjoyed my time with our small group during the W trek. We were incredibly lucky with weather and very fortunate to have a group that was made up of all positive, excited people who were up for whatever each day brought our way. Our guide, too, was incredible. The Patagonian landscape was breathtaking. Every single bit of it. I've never been in a place quite so beautiful.

Santiago EcoCamp and W track - the guides, the food, the whole experience, the group we were with were awesome and we all had a stack of fun Australis 4 day cruise - simply astonishing - and incredible experience, again the food, the guides/crew, the whole pace of the adventure and on back of hiking was really perfect

There were many. Probably the most memorable for me would be the fly fishing in Torres de Paine National Park.

Making it to the beautiful endpoints of our two very demanding hikes (Laguna des los Tres & Mirador Base Towers).