February Reviews

Highlights were the hikes to Laguna de los Tres, Loma del Pilegue Tumbado and the French Valley hike. Non hiking highlights were having our Argentinian welcome dinner in Masden’s house and the dinner in the dining dome at Serrano River Camp where we saw a Puma stroll by. The best meal of the trip was in a small restaurant in El Calafate opposite the hotel which was recommended by Rosio, our guide. The vast landscapes were stunning and we saw plenty of Condors, Giant Woospeckers, Rheas, Flamingoes and Guanaco. We loved the plants, particularly the alpines on the Tumbado hike and the Nothofagus betuloides. Everyone we met was friendly. The other members of our group were great fun and we all got on well.

The expected and unexpected things we experienced on Day 4 from Los Perros to Grey Glacier via the John Gardner Pass. The mountains, glaciers, wildlife, and the gift of favorable weather to enjoy it all.

Walking in the beagle channel in my bare feet

Patagonia was a great place to walk. Lots to see and do. Open landscapes, spectacular mountain ranges and glaciers. We met some interesting people. Some of which were on a similar journey to us, some were more 'local'. Everyone seemed friendly and interested in our lives too! We completed the 'W' trek quite comfortably. We enjoyed the cosy accommodation and comradery of other trekkers. Everyone had their own agenda and were happy to share their experiences.

Highlights were the continuous views of the mountains, glaciers and lakes. Kayaking at Glacier Grey was our magical moment of the trip. We had a great group and our guides were fantastic. Very knowledgeable and engaging.

The most memorable moment was being with my husband, siblings, and parents in a beautiful place without distractions.

There's not just one memorable moment. Every part of our journey had wonderful and unexpected experiences. I usually don't care much for big cities but I found Buenos Aires to be a beautiful and interesting city. The Lake District was as beautiful as I expected. Hiking around El Chalten was easy because most of the hikes start right there in town. The cruise around the Magellan Straight was relaxing after several days of intense activity with car rentals and several flights inside Argentina and lots of hiking; we were able to disembark in Cape Horn which was fabulous. Torres del Paine was the best part of the trip!

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.

Highlight was our stay at Eolo Hotel in El Calafate and our gorgeous hikes in El Chalten to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre.

No most memorable. The people were as fabulous as the Aysen Region, and C.A. It was all memorable.

There were so many memorable moments that it’s hard to limit it to one. But I would say that the trek to the French valley and the trek to the towers were two of my favorites. Hiking alongside the many lakes was amazing, because of the beautiful colors, along with the waterfalls to the other side.

Stargazing after Horsebackriding in cerro castillo

Awasi was a great resort and the very knowledgeable guides made it a wonderful experiences.

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.

El Chalten/Mt Fitzroy

Trip was fantastic, everything organized well.. guides ,drivers, staff all were wonderful. Friendly and helpful. Only surprise was how difficult it was to get Argentinian pesos.

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.

Most memorable was walking over the John Gardner pass in 100km an hour winds on the O circuit and seeing Grey Glacier

Hiking in and around Torres del Paine

Watching two pumas feed on a recently killed guanaco.