Exploring Santiago & Full Patagonia - Fantastic way to end 2023!
Patagonia
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Dec 26 - Jan 5, 2024
The planning and the coordination of the entire trip was excellent and without any issues. This is my first time using KimKim and it won't be my last! For the Full Patagonia Trip, I decided to go with a travel planner and agency because it requires a lot of logistics and coordination with agents and other companies in Chile and Argentina. Lorena, our travel expert, did a SUPERIOR job with the itinerary (11 days). During the planning phases of the trip (which began a year in advance), Lorena listened to my requests, concerns, and my adventurous soul, and put together a stellar trip and experience. The final itinerary containing everything from drivers' names, tour companies, phone numbers, descriptions, meetings points was detailed and remarkable. I traveled with my best friend and we have returned with many great memories!!! THANK YOU!!!
In reference to the language, I speak Spanish; therefore, it was not difficult to communicate with people. However, many people speak English in Chile and Argentina. It will be helpful though to learn some basic Spanish words if you only speak English.
As soon as we arrived to Santiago, Chile, our driver, Alejandro (TURISMO MILODON) was waiting for us. He drove us to Hotel Ladera and we checked-in in the morning because we decided to pay for the previous night to have a secure early check-in. This is something I always do when arriving early morning to a hotel. Soledad "Sol" "Sole" was our Santiago City Tour that afternoon. Soledad and Alejandro (driver) provided a comfortable environment and gave us great information about Santiago. We walked around the city and visited many of the landmarks. Although I have visited Santiago in 2010, it was great to have those memories back. Soledad is a great guide tour--she is full of information. We have many conversations related to history, politics, religion, and the Chilean genealogy (DNA testing, etc.). Great job Soledad!!! Abrazos!!!
Visiting San Jose Volcano and Andes Mountains with Ando Andes was great. Thank you to Andres, Matias, and Laura. It was Laura's first day doing the trekking with Andres and she dis a GREAT JOB!!! I hope you get the job. Meeting other travelers from other parts of the World was a highlight as well. It was a small group and everyone was very friendly. Thank you for the surprise---- Andres and company organized a "picnic." There was wine, juice, water, olives, crackers, cheese, cookies... all was included! THANK YOU GUYS!!! ABRAZOS!
After Santiago, we began our Patagonia adventure. We took an early morning flight (5:45am) to Puerto Natales. Patagonia Planet was the transport in Puerto Natales. I can't remember the driver's name but he was providing historical information about the town--- very kind of him! Hotel Costaustralis --- AMAZING! The view from the room was to the bay and the mountains. The staff and the food (breakfast and dinner) was very good!!! There was a restaurant in Puerto Natales called EL BARCO (highly recommended)--great ASADOS AND FISH!!! The handcrafted beer (brewed on the premises) was very refreshing.
The hike to Torres del Paine National Park by W Circuit was out of this world. The team of guides: Ramiro, Seba, and Hector was gentle, friendly, and very professional. Once again, a small group and they were checking on everyone's safety because it is a very demanding hike and trekking (4 hours going up and 4 hours coming down). Once you get to the Base of Torres del Paine... you realized that it was worth it!!!
The transport from Puerto Natales to El Calafate, Argentina by Turismo Zaahj (Big comfortable A/C bus) was EXCELLENT. Funny and friendly drivers (there are 2 because they take turns), and the customer service provided at the El Calafate Station was superb. Ana at the front desk--THANK YOU FOR TAKING CARE OF MY ISSUE. I lost my passport and wallet on the bus. Kimkim and Ana from Turismo Zaahj located it and returned it to me. SO GRATEFUL FOR ALL YOUR ASSISTANCE!!! We had a driver, Joaquin, who went far and beyond chasing the bus when I told him about the passport and wallet. AGAIN--PLENTY OF GRATITUDE.
Perito Moreno Glacier Mini Trekking was an incredible experience. Thank you to all the staff at the base of the Glacier and for the shot of whiskey at the end of the path. What a lovely surprise!!! This experience is worth it!!! Once again, thank you to Lorena for accommodating my priorities for this trip. It worked perfectly! And the weather was just ideal. This activity was special because it was done on the 31st of December (last day of 2023). What a way to end the year!!!
There are plenty of bars and restaurants in El Calafate and you cannot go wrong with variety and quality of the food and the service.
Lastly, Ushuaia--- Tierra del Fuego and the End of the World. Lorena scheduled great activities. The trekking and canoeing in Tierra del Fuego National Park was so peaceful and meditative. We learned to appreciate this planet more and more!!! Thank you to Luis (driver), Juan and Carlos. The home cook meal at the end was a real surprise.... with wine and great company. Small group of friendly people. The beef stew with vegetables was so good!!! Great coffee too! Lorena thought about all these details. Isla de los Fuegos transport was very professional. Ushuaia is a lovely town. The Beagle Channel and Penguins tour was EXCELLENT. I was able to be close to the Penguins. We visited Glacier Martial and that was done independently---- another hike and trekking but we got to the base of the Glacier. Terrific experience!
Overall, this adventure has been a very rewarding one. We were able to do many physical activities that, despite our excellent body fitness, it also requires a different mind set. Letting go of insecurities, anxieties, and fears was part of the lesson. Recognizing the importance of mother Earth and how to preserve it for future generations was also an important aspect of the trip. This was fun, mystical, educational, meditative, mysterious, challenging--- austral and worth it!!!
Thank you LORENA for giving us this unforgettable adventure!!! We will be back!!!
Hotel Reviews
Great Hotel. Love the infinity pool! The room was spacious and very modern. Great customer service. Thank you.
Lovely place. Cabin-like rooms with a great garden to hang out when very sunny. Alan and Leo at the front desk---thank you for all your assistance and customer care. The breakfast was served on-time and very good.
Up in a hill with views of the entire port and the Glacier Le Martial. Modern, spacious, great rooms... huge comfortable double beds and pillows. Restaurant was great. Good breakfast and pizza! Friendly and professional staff. We were able to check-in immediately with no issues. Checking-out was very early in the morning and very fast.
Great location! Friendly staff and great restaurant/food.
Activity Reviews
Soledad was a great tour guide. Alejandro (driver) was also great with his historical comments.
BEAUTIFUL LAND
The most challenging adventure. Meeting people on the way and emerging yourself in nature.
Emerging yourself in nature and thousands of years old rocks.
Once again, it is all about recognizing the beauty around us and preserving nature and saving mother Earth. Lovely and friendly Penguins---who knew!!! LOL
The highlight of the trip. Great coordination with the ferry and the guides waiting for us at the base of the Glacier. A great team is awaiting for us to show us how to walk on ice!!! Unbelievable experience provided by Hielo y Aventura.
Wow... thanks, Luis! Your detailed review makes me want to travel to Patagonia right now!!
I know this trip meant a lot to you, and it is fantastic to learn that it exceeded expectations. Patagonia is beautiful, both the people and the nature, and you were able to experience lots of it. I have passed along your kind words to all the providers, and I will be waiting to help you plan your next adventure in South America.
All the best,
Lorena