December Reviews

My group all agreed that we had 2 "best days" on this trip 1. The hike from Central Camping to Cuernos Refugio. We didn't expect anything from this day, but the hike was absolutely stunning! The green-blue hue of the lake, the condors overhead, and the easy trail all made for a great day outdoors. The icing on the cake was the Christmas Eve festivities at the refugio. The staff went above an beyond to create a warm, celebratory atmosphere and a holiday to remember. 2. Our overnight kayaking trip definitely under promised and over delivered. We had excellent weather and watched the clouds lift and reveal the volcano views and counted dolphins, sealions, and birds on our 15km paddle. We expected to camp on a farm, but we stayed in a private refugio overlooking the fjord. After sensing that we weren't up for the 2 hour hike our guide, Felipe, offered a 15 minute hike to a river to drink a cold beer which was just the thing - and then he set up a delicious charcuterie board for us. The night ended with a homecooked meal, cards, and a hot shower.

The sheer beauty, , enchantment and strength of the natural world of Patagonia was unexpected and spectacular. From the different colored lakes to the calving of the glaciers, all was extraordinary but none was more memorable than the other.

There are too many to count. The second I saw the park it was so amazingly beautiful. And as I walked through the park, I liked seeing how the landscape changed. The ice hike was an incredible experience.

The highlight of the trip was day two. A moderate hike next to the most beautifully blue lake I have ever seen. I have been all over the world and Patagonia is by far the most beautiful. A group of nine strangers quickly became lifetime friends. Amazing humans plus amazing landscapes makes for an unforgettable trip. Camillo and Josefa (Pepa) were the best guides anyone could ask for. Extremely friendly, knowledgable and informative. I learned that a fifth season exists, it's a combination of all the other seasons at their very peaks, it's called Patagonia. And it's an experience of a lifetime.

Unfortunately, what I will never forget is being violently ill all night over New Years' Eve in the bathroom of a refugio, likely due to either food poisoning or a bacterial infection from the water. But on a more positive note, constantly being wowed by natural wonders I had never seen before, from the glacier to the wildflowers, was the most impressive and memorable part.

This was the trip of a lifetime. We were amazed by the beauty and magnificence of the glaciers and the mountains. The wildlife we saw was incredible, giant woodpeckers, huemuls, caracaras, condors, guanacos, and rheas. We were fortunate to be part of a very interesting and fun group. We all got along beautifully and intend to continue to stay in touch. We hiked in sun, rain, snow and strong winds at times that made the trip magical. Our guide was engaged, caring, knowledgeable, funny and took great care of all of us.

Making new friends and hanging out with them at the paine refugio

My most memorable moments are the glacier calving. It was fantastic and awe inspiring to witness. The sound created during this event is almost unbelievable.

Climbing to the "base of the towers".

Reaching peak of Torres Del Paine. Battling 100kmph winds. Sense of achievement upon completion.

Reaching the base of the Towers

The hike in the Huemules Reserve to Puesto Cagliero, and especially the path between Lagos Verde and Azul, was a spectacular experience that we all enjoyed. Beautiful weather and scenery, a good pace and difficulty level, and the added treat of a cozy "cafe" in the middle of the wilderness with views of the glacier.

There were many. I think I enjoyed my 2 days seeing Torre Del Paine with Ann the most. The weather was perfect and we connected on a personal level having many interests in common. She was very knowledgeable and easy to understand.

Staying in explora in el Chaltén and going on the Laguna de Los tres hike

Walking over the John Gardner pass and looking down at the glaciers and the southern ice field.

There were too many memorable moments to list. However, I will say that being able to see the pristine nature of the valleys and the rivers was inspiring and troubling. It was troubling when we thought about how much was at risk in terms of losing it like so many other wilderness areas. We felt very lucky to have been able to see the untouched beauty of nature there. I would also say that our stay at Cathy's island was quite enjoyable. A very nice way to end our trip and another beautiful location that is unspoiled. Of course, the fact that we were able to do this as a family made the trip inspirational and we are very thankful to Cathy for accommodating the novice nature of our riding abilities in such a safe manner. The support for the rides was fantastic and were the horses.

Standing with our small group at Laguna Amarga Ranch as a pregnant puma walked very close to us! Being able to observe pumas as they played, chewed on guanacho bones, "eeked" to call their cubs and teach them to hunt.

Completing the W trek and staying at EcoCamp Patagonia.

Seeing something like 10 glaciers on a perfect weather afternoon as the ship took an extra and unexpected spin into a fjord. And when a double rainbow had all the guests AND crew running outside for photos.

Penguins