January Reviews

Lying in the sun on a large flat rock overlooking Lake Nordenskjold and watching condors circling overhead.

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.

Whilst there were clearly great highlights (“Big Ice” and the French Valley being our favorites) and everything was well organized in terms of transfers /pretrip logistics we have to admit that we were fairly disappointed in the overall experience provided and would like to share some areas for significant improvement in our Patagonia trip. Our general feeling is that we paid a very high premium for Swoop to organise this trip (in comparison to the costs we saw on the ground and what fellow travellers were paying for the same activities) and as such would struggle to recommend the company to our friends. 1. We specifically asked before the trip the trekking logistics and what we would need to carry (as from previous experience we knew that the enjoyment of trekking can vary greatly with additional weight), and were advised that all camping equipment and lunch during the El Chalten would be provided each day, and that therefore we would only need to carry our personal belongings / clothing. It was therefore a surprise to arrive at the office on day 1 and be passed and asked to carry a (heavy) sleeping bag and lunch for all 3 days, which we did not have space for considering we had brought appropriate bags sized to carry only our own things as advised. This meant that we had to hang the sleeping bags off our rucksacks which was extremely uncomfortable, and that lunch was a) squashed and therefore partly ruined throughout the 3 days, and b) nowhere near enough in quantity to keep us energised throughout the days considering the level of energy we were using trekking and the cold weather (a tiny roll and small empanada per day with a few snacks), leaving us hungry every afternoon. We saw many other groups trekking who were having hot soup / drinks prepared and lunches carried by their guides that were clearly more plentiful and of a much higher quality. As well as this, the dinner on day 1 at the refugio that we were given was a bowl of polenta with a dollop of tomato sauce on top, so again not substantial as well as extremely unappetising (considering we were asked what we wanted, requested something with meat, but were provided this whilst the staff ate a meat platter next to us). The second night camp and food were much better but the first night was a disappointment given we thought we had booked a premium operator. 2. At the time of booking we were told we could choose the Estancia day trip. We asked about this a few weeks before the trip and were told “we have already booked you on the Estancia Cristina trip” and so we trusted your judgement given that you already knew we were adventurous and liked trekking. However the trip selected involved a 1 hour coach journey, 3 hour boat, 1 hour 4x4, some time for lunch, a museum tour and then 3 hours back on the boat / bus. Given that we had to wake up at 6:30am to do this trip this was not a pleasant experience and we would never have chosen this if we’d known the itinerary of the day, which we didn’t even find out until on when on the boat. Here we heard that there were two other options for the trip that included trekking which we clearly would have preferred (our option was full of older travellers and families who were unable to walk distances), but were advised that it was too late to switch at this point. Other guests we spoke to had a similar perspective that it was a very long day of travel for not very much. 3. Ecocamp is in a wonderful location and the food and accommodation is fantastic. However we had 3 significant issues: a. One of the major reasons for selecting this option were the different activities that we could do each day. On the first day we selected the “Towers trek” only to find out that we were in a group of around 20 relatively slow walkers which was extremely frustrating for us. After a lot of tedious and tense back and forth with the guides, we eventually persuaded them to let us go ahead if we signed a waiver (the experience however left us with a sour feeling considering the staff appeared to be annoyed). Seeing us do this, a couple of other guests also joined us on this saying they also wouldn’t have been able to cope with the slow speed. The second day was a Sunday and even the guides themselves admitted that the choice of tours was poor so we spent the day at the camp (again, with other guests who agreed). On the third day we did the French Valley trek but were disappointed to learn that the guided section did not go all the way to the French Valley, but only to the Italian campsite and hence not to the French lookout. So again we asked to sign the waiver (which again took a lot of time and convincing) so we could go ahead and see the French Valley itself. It was amazing but when we returned to the boat we were asked by the guides not to talk about our experience with the other guests (as they knew they had all missed the best part). On the 4th day the tours repeated themselves from Day 1 so we booked ourselves on our own horse riding experience. So overall we didn’t use any of the guided excursion throughout our entire 4 day stay at EcoCamp. b. There was a frustrating atmosphere amongst the guides of “rushing” everybody to be on time. We fully agree it is good to be punctual but felt we were constantly being “chased” by the guides to be on time with say 3-4 reminders during breakfast (despite never actually turning up late!) of when we needed to leave which does not make breakfast a very pleasant experience. Similarly for example on the French Valley hike described above, the guides were far too conservative with the time it would take to do things which meant either guests missing out or lots of standing around waiting for boats / buses. We personally also didn’t head to the final viewpoint specifically because of this, despite other walkers having been able to make it. c. Other guests were on “Adventure” packages which involved kayaking / horse riding whilst we were on a “Classic” package that we were not aware of until we arrived (aware of the activities, not aware of the different options and the name). In fairness to Swoop none of the other guests knew the names of the packages or that other options were available so I think this is the fault of EcoCamp but we would have like the option to do other things (we ended up walking down to the visitor centre to book our own horse riding and paying an additional $90 each) d. At dinner one of the guides said to us “this is quite an expensive hotel but not so expensive” which unfortunately for us summed up the attitude of the guides and the general way the hotel is run. They are correct it is not as expensive as some of the luxury hotels in the area but that is not a good benchmark. It is a very expensive hotel by any measure and the standard of the service and general desire to adapt to the needs of different types of guests just was not there. We were with other younger people who felt the same, that the EcoCamp is well catered for older visitors on the “classic” package or people doing the W Trek but not for younger people on the classic package. Overall for the EcoCamp experience which was a significant part of the cost of the trip we were left disappointed and we would like to request a part refund for our stay, given we were not given the option to select our package, did not do any of the guided excursions and had to pay additional fees for the horseriding. We would also like to request compensation for the Cristina Estancia tour considering the quality of the experience and trip which we hadn’t chosen ourselves. Please let me know if you have any questions and we look forward to your response.

It's impossible to pick a highlight because we enjoyed so much of what we saw and did, for many different reasons - the landscapes, encounters with wildlife, chatting with people, our activities, the weather, the food. We were surprised by the quality of the huts we stayed in (more like basic hotels really) and the coaches we travelled on (so smart and comfortable). Also, the weather was far better than we expected! We really feel like we made the most of our time in Patagonia, which was important as unfortunately it could be some time before we can go back.

I am a penguin liver so for me the highlights were our visits to the penguin colonies at San Lorenzo and Punta Tombo. I also really enjoyed my ice hike on Perito Moreno Glacier and the Laguna de Los Tres hike. The views from Laguna de Los Tres was the most beautiful landscape I have ever seen. For me, the most magical moment was sitting on the beach at San Lorenzo penguin colony with no one else around for at least an hour. The peace and quiet really helped us feel at one with nature. We sat and watched the penguins. A baby chick came up and rested his head in my husband’s lap. Sea lions were swimming along the shore and the penguins all ran up and surrounded us as they fled the shore. It was fantastic!!!!

I don’t have a most memorable moment. Everyday, has a rememberable moment.

The 4-huts hike outside Bariloche - every time we got to the top of a ridge or peak and had amazing 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. It was breathtaking!!

The entire experience at Torres del Paine EcoCamp. Everyone there believes in the power of nature and sustainability and human connection. It was truly a magical place.

Cresting the John Gardner Pass and looking out over the incredible expanse of the Gray Glacier.

The hikes at El Chalten and the hikes/views of Torres Del Paine National park were spectacular, as was the day spent seeing the Morena Glacier. The town of El Chalten is an experience all it's own! We also really enjoyed El Calafate and Puerto Natales. Even the drive from El Calafate to Puerto Natales was very beautiful and memorable. I can not pick one most memorable moment.

It is difficult to single out one moment among so many memorable moments from the trip, but I would say a moment that stands out was when the group really bonded the second evening at Los Cuernos Refugia. I recall handing my traveling companion a cerveza Austral as we waited on benches for our bunk assignments. He was taking in the scenery and acknowledging my offer of cerveza and said: "I'm just happy, can't put my finger on it, but just happy". That seemed to summarize the group feeling as all stood together talking and talking in the momoment. I caught a glimpse of our guide Felipe giving us a knowing smile. He and I had trailed the group to Los Cuernos in the last 40 minutes of the hike, stopping to converse on the nature of synclines as we gazed across a pale turquoise-colored glacial lake at a particularly fine example. His passion for the resource and knowledge of details seemed to inhabit his every fiber. It was a prelude to many other such moments during the trek and articulated quite nicely by my companion at Los Cuernos as we all took in the day.

BBQ'd lamb lunch at Helsingfor's Estancia! Landscape was nice, wildlife was OK. All the people (travelers) we met along the way were cordial and all staff members of every accommodation were engaging and helpful. We have been telling our family and friends what a great job SWOOP did putting our trip together. No surprises which is a good thing! The most magical moment was finishing the whole series of hikes we planned.

Landscapes and hiking were the highlights, very happy with all the people in my Swoop Group.

Wow, only one? Probably reaching the top of the climb to peak over and see the Base of the Towers and the glacial lake after hiking for 4.5 hours from Ecocamp. We’d had good weather all morning and I was eager to reach the top before the weather shifted. Alas, it did not and we were rewarded with a long lunch, lots of photos and quiet time to enjoy the view before heading down.

I cannot pick just one. When you finally reach the base of the Fitz Roy in Chalten and the Towers in Torres Del Paine one is struck with overwhelming emotion. Though cliche, no photo could possible display such beauty. There is a sense of real accomplishment. The time spent traveling the Strait of Magellan to Francisco Coloane III Island gives one time to reflect on just how remote your time spent seeing wildlife will be. Then there they are--the Whales. So amazing.

Highlight: its hard to pin point what my highlight was because everyday was absolutely incredible. But if i had to pick our day and night (we got stuck in the park!) was amazing. The scenery, the people and the whole experience is something I will always remember! The Landscapes were unreal and beautiful. I felt like I was in a dream. the views were not to be believed. We saw foxes, birds and thankful I never saw the infamous Puma. We loved each and every person we met - the tour guides, drivers, people on the trips and tours and the random people we met along the way. I have already started telling people it was the most amazing trip Ive been on!! we had one huge surprise. we missed the boat back to the entrance of the park so we ended up sleeping in a tent in a refugio that night. it only made our trip more memorable! the most magical moment was watching the sunset in the park the night we slept there.

There were so many outstanding moments, it is impossible to select one! Some that stand out are - the sight of the entire Fitzroy and Cerro Torres ranges on a clear day, seen from the Mirador de los Condores, the Perito Moreno glacier, our first sight of the famous Los Cuernos, seeing some condors gliding past us at close range, on two occasions.

The most memorable moments were being in Torres del Paine on a guided trip. The scenery was magnificent and the guide, Lucille from Chile Nativo tours, was incredible. We hiked for 5 days, staying in the fun and funky refugios. The whole trip was beyond my expectations! Thank you for helping us plan a perfect Patagonia exploration!

Hiking Torres Del Paine Horns trail, in the rain and wind, strategizing on how to cross rushing streams and ultimately finishing the 20 klm hike. We felt like we had the full Patagonia experience. We ended up having a private guide, Eduardo, due to the inclement weather, and he was fantastic.

Hiking with our guide, Cata, in the French Valley but also the Lazo-Weber Trail