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active 14 hours ago

Erin Wiley

Put simply, travel makes people happy and I want to be a part of that. If I am not traveling myself then I want to surround myself with people who are.

Originally from Michigan, I grew up camping and adventuring along the shores of the Great Lakes from a young age. My love affair with South America started in 2006 when I took my first international trip to Peru. Since, I have been back and forth between my home in Michigan and South America, having spent considerable time both working and traveling across the continent. I am currently based in Puerto Natales, Chile where I am lucky enough to have Torres del Paine National Park as my backyard.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"We specialize in trips in and around Torres del Paine National Park as well as Los Glaciares National park in Argentina.

I can help you organize anything from the standard ´W´ Hike to more exclusive and off-trail hikes in some of the parks hidden valleys. Would you fancy a 3-day camping and kayaking expedition? I can do that too!

Adventure, adventure, adventure! "

How did you get involved in travel?

"Around 2008 I began traveling to Peru each summer, organizing trips for a University of Michigan based sustainable development project. This initiative brought me back each summer and from there I discovered the world of backpacking. After numerous trips and years spent in South America it became clear that I wanted to root myself here, and what better place than Patagonia. With over 10 years experience in the hospitality industry and a grand passion for travel and the outdoors I decided that a career in the adventure travel industry was the way to go, and here I am!"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"I spent 4 days in a hammock on a boat floating (very slowly...) down the Amazon River."

Erin is part of the following groups: Argentina Travel Agents, Patagonia Travel Agents, Chile Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Luxury itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Erin

Overall, KimKim did a fantastic job
Patagonia | Feb 10 - Feb 17, 2024

Walter
Walter S.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Mar 08, 2024
Overall, KimKim did a fantastic job helping us to plan our trip and supporting us on the ground during our excursion. We needed a somewhat atypical itinerary in the Torres del Paine park, and KimKim quickly understood our needs and customized the travel and lodging arrangements to fit them. Their communication was excellent during that process and in the intervening weeks before our trip started, including providing a very detailed written itinerary, maps, and vouchers for all... Read more

Overall, KimKim did a fantastic job helping us to plan our trip and supporting us on the ground during our excursion.

We needed a somewhat atypical itinerary in the Torres del Paine park, and KimKim quickly understood our needs and customized the travel and lodging arrangements to fit them. Their communication was excellent during that process and in the intervening weeks before our trip started, including providing a very detailed written itinerary, maps, and vouchers for all transportation and lodging. Once we were in-country, KimKim was very responsive to questions we had, including via WhatsApp while we were in the park itself. All arrangements were as KimKim had described, and exceeded our expectations.

Aside from a small scheduling glitch regarding one bus ride (which turned out to have no negative consequences), our complex 7-day trip proceeded extremely smoothly and we had a great time. I would recommend KimKim to anyone planning a trip in Torres del Paine.

Local specialist: Erin Wiley

Our Patagonia trip organized by KimKim (Erin ...
Patagonia | Feb 13 - Feb 24, 2024

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Loralee T.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Mar 04, 2024
Our Patagonia trip organized by KimKim (Erin and Nara) was wonderful . All our connections and transfers were spot on. It was absolutely peace of mind knowing all the details behind the scene were taken care of from lunches to excursions. All of the hiking was spectacular and we would highly recommend all the areas and trips we did. We hiked the W trek, Perito Moreno Glacier, Via Ferrata to a glacier and finally to the spectacular Fitz Roy range. Truly a trip of a lifetime and KimKim’s... Read more

Our Patagonia trip organized by KimKim (Erin and Nara) was wonderful . All our connections and transfers were spot on. It was absolutely peace of mind knowing all the details behind the scene were taken care of from lunches to excursions. All of the hiking was spectacular and we would highly recommend all the areas and trips we did. We hiked the W trek, Perito Moreno Glacier, Via Ferrata to a glacier and finally to the spectacular Fitz Roy range. Truly a trip of a lifetime and KimKim’s Erin and Nara made all the details come together and were so helpful when we added an excursion or needed assistance along the way. I highly highly recommend them.

Local specialist: Erin Wiley

What a great trip! The itinerary provided by ...
Patagonia | Feb 13 - Feb 24, 2024

Ellen
Ellen R.
Manhattan, KS | Reviewed on Feb 27, 2024
What a great trip! The itinerary provided by both Erin and Nara was spectacular! Everything was laid out for us and all of our questions answered in a timely manner. The activities, lodging, and logistics were well planned and very accommodating. Our group even made a last minute change at the briefing and we were able to experience a truly unique and adventurous hike from one of Erin’s suggestions ( via ferrata and private glacier hike!). We did take longer than the suggested time frames... Read more

What a great trip! The itinerary provided by both Erin and Nara was spectacular! Everything was laid out for us and all of our questions answered in a timely manner. The activities, lodging, and logistics were well planned and very accommodating. Our group even made a last minute change at the briefing and we were able to experience a truly unique and adventurous hike from one of Erin’s suggestions ( via ferrata and private glacier hike!). We did take longer than the suggested time frames for hikes but that wasn’t a big deal. Overall, a great experience and I recommend Dittmar agency without reservation!

Local specialist: Erin Wiley

Very good experience in Patagonia
Patagonia | Feb 19 - Feb 24, 2024

M
Mathilde P.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Feb 26, 2024
Erin did a great job iterating the itinerary to lower the overall cost to fit my budget.
We did enjoy most the day at the estancia La Peninsula, which was not the most attractive option at first on the paper. However, the location is fantastic, the landscape breathtaking, the personnel was excellent, the food tasty and the drinks options very diverse. Particular mention to Alejandro, the guide and Donald Mac Leod, the captain / horse rider / sheep sheerer.
It was very pleasant to have a...
Read more

Erin did a great job iterating the itinerary to lower the overall cost to fit my budget.
We did enjoy most the day at the estancia La Peninsula, which was not the most attractive option at first on the paper. However, the location is fantastic, the landscape breathtaking, the personnel was excellent, the food tasty and the drinks options very diverse. Particular mention to Alejandro, the guide and Donald Mac Leod, the captain / horse rider / sheep sheerer.
It was very pleasant to have a private tour for the Torres del Paine. Camila and Juan, the driver, were very attentive to us, answering all the questions from the kids. I obviously liked the detail with a cake on my birthday. Also having a drink at my leisure in front of the cuernas de las Torres was spectacular.
We liked the dolphins afternoon a lot. The dolphins were jumping everywhere and the snack after the tour was very welcome in the dining room with chimney. Also, Benjamin, let us drive the zodiac at the end. It was a hit with my boy!
On the less positive note, I still believe it was very confusing to write in the itinerary that the Pinguins tour at the isla Magdalena departs at 7:00 from Punta Arena. In fact it departed even earlier than 6:30am from Solo Expedition. Fortunately, Solo expedition could book us for the 10:00am tour and we managed to change our bus ticket also, so the inconvenience was very reduced, as we did not have additional cost and only arrived in Puerto Natales 2hr later than plan.
I think it helps a lot that I speak very well Spanish as I could handle all sort of situation to reprogram and to book taxi, talk to hotel staff etc...
It was also very easy with the bus to / from Punta Arenas / Puerto Natales.
Overall was very good vacation.
Thanks for the suggestions and the planning.

Activity Reviews
Dolphin Watching on the Magellan Strait
Dolphin Watching on the Magellan Strait
Punta Arenas
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the Isla Magdalena Penguin Colony
Visit the Isla Magdalena Penguin Colony
Punta Arenas
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Torres del Paine Full Day Private Tour
Torres del Paine Full Day Private Tour
Patagonia

The overall rating is not excellent because the weather did not allow to see the full landscape. However, the guide and driver did a very good job accompanying us.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to a Patagonian Estancia
Day Trip to a Patagonian Estancia
Patagonia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Erin Wiley
Erin
Erin Wiley
Local specialist in Puerto Natales, Chile | Replied on Mar 12, 2024

Mathilde,

I am so glad that you enjoyed your vacation to Patagonia with your kids and that you had a fantastic birthday in Torres del Paine. I am also very glad that Solo Expediciones was able to accommodate you on a later departure. While the 6:30 presentation time was indicated on your itinerary, I can see how the tiered timing set up may cause confusion and will be sure to bring that up with kimkim, they are great with making improvements based on traveler feedback.

Thank you for everything and I am really glad that we were able to make this trip happen for you!

All the best,
Erin

Patagonia January 2024
Patagonia | Jan 8 - Feb 8, 2024

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Lavier G.
Australia | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2024

We have recently come back from a Trip to Patagonia (both Chile and Argentina) which Erin organised for 4 of us prior to a cruise to Antartica.
Erin suggested a very good itinerary to accomodate this, which we subsequently modified considerably based on timing, cost etc. All enquires were answered promptly and with Erin's suggestions we had an excellent itinerary.

The trip itself was excellent. All operators turned up on time as per the schedule . Guides Camila and Mateus were execellent.
I would definately recommend Erin in planing any trip to Patagonia

Local specialist: Erin Wiley
Erin
Erin Wiley
Local specialist in Puerto Natales, Chile | Replied on Feb 22, 2024

Hi Lavier,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. I'm really happy to hear that you all had a memorable trip! I agree that both Mateus and Camila are wonderful guides, and have sent that feedback along to them and their bosses. I loved planning this trip with you all, you all were so present in the planning process and booked well in advance which makes for a really smooth trip and process on our end. Wishing you all the best and thanks again for everything!

Erin

Erin organised our tour to Patagonia and Puer...
Patagonia | Jan 8 - Feb 8, 2024

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Wendy S.
Australia | Reviewed on Feb 14, 2024

Erin organised our tour to Patagonia and Puerto Varas in January this year.
She was very helpful with extensive local knowledge.
I made so many changes and asked so many questions that I must have made her crazy but she was very patient and coordinated things really well.
Everything went very smoothly during the tour. All of the guides and transfers went well.
The accommodation was very good.
I would definitely recommend and Erin and KimKim travel to organise your tour of South America.

Local specialist: Erin Wiley
Erin
Erin Wiley
Local specialist in Puerto Natales, Chile | Replied on Feb 22, 2024

Thank you Wendy! You are a fantastic planner yourself and I'm really thankful for the experience to have planned a trip with you and Lavier. It was so fun to mold the trip around your own research and it makes me really happy to hear that the trip met all of your expectations. With every year that passes I enjoy more the challenge of putting together trips that folks dream up, this was one of those! You all are great and thank you for trusting us to be your support. Salud from Patagonia!

Fabulous Sabbatical in Patagonia!
Patagonia | Jan 9 - Jan 24, 2024

Anne
Anne K.
San Antonio, TX | Reviewed on Feb 10, 2024
This was a sabbatical that we planned one year in advance. We love South America but had never been to Patagonia. We decided to spend a couple weeks there and spend a few days in Buenos Aires as we made our way home. It was AMAZING! Planning the trip with Erin was a lot of fun, and Nara was also very helpful. The originally proposed itinerary was great, but we made a few tweaks to make it even better. We told Erin we like to be active during the day (hiking, biking, etc.), stay in really... Read more

This was a sabbatical that we planned one year in advance. We love South America but had never been to Patagonia. We decided to spend a couple weeks there and spend a few days in Buenos Aires as we made our way home. It was AMAZING!

Planning the trip with Erin was a lot of fun, and Nara was also very helpful. The originally proposed itinerary was great, but we made a few tweaks to make it even better. We told Erin we like to be active during the day (hiking, biking, etc.), stay in really nice hotels, and drink great wine. We did all of those things and more!

During our trip, we stayed in six different cities: Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine, El Calafate, El Chalten, and Buenos Aires. Our transfers were very reliable. We appreciated kimkim's responsiveness when we had flight delays to ensure our driver was notified.

Punta Arenas - We liked Hotel Boutique La Yegua Loca. It was quaint, and the staff members were friendly and helpful. The highlight was traveling by boat to Isla Magdalena to visit the penguin colony.

Puerto Natales - The Singular Patagonia was one of the nicest hotels we have ever stayed in. It was truly incredible. We loved our room and view, as well as the hotel bar and restaurant. The only hiccup we experienced was some confusion over logistics to get to the departure point for the boat tour excursion to visit the park and glaciers. There was not a pick-up, and we had to walk to the dock, which was 15 minutes away. Having to walk wasn't a problem, but we were a little late--just glad they didn't leave without us!

Torres del Paine - We thought it was a great idea to drive up the western side of Torres del Paine since we would eventually be staying and hiking on the eastern side. Our driver and guide were terrific. We stopped numerous places (waterfall, views, etc.), took photos, and learned about geology and wildlife. The Hotel Las Torres was fine. Our room was small but comfortable. The bar and restaurant were okay. Access to the trails was the selling point. The hike to Las Torres Lookout was easily self-guided but challenging; the views are weather-dependent, and seeing the glacier lake was worth the effort.

El Calafate - The Kau Yatun Hotel & Estancia was nice. They had an assortment of tasty food for breakfast, and we enjoyed cocktails and dinner of guanaco in their restaurant. The hotel has bicycles to borrow, which is helpful, as it is a pretty far walk to the main drag in town. Taxis were also available. Kimkim warned us that obtaining pesos was necessary but challenging; therefore, we sought that out immediately, but it was not easy. Banks closed early afternoon; the money exchange office ran out of pesos. We ended up having to go to a restaurant "back office" for an off-market change of money. It was interesting to learn that the exchange rate for American large bills ($20 and larger) was more favorable than that for small bills. We got a kick out of the Yeti Ice Bar (cheesy but fun). The boat trip to the glacier was lovely. Unfortunately, due to the proximity of icebergs, we were unable to dock and go to the balcony overlooking Perito Moreno Glacier.

El Chalten - It was fun to stop in Leona on the way to El Chalten. We enjoyed stretching our legs and learning about the historic spot. We appreciated the support we received from kimkim when we asked to do different guided hikes (one of us was still recovering from ankle surgery); one of us went to Laguna de los Tres and the other to Laguna Capri--both were great experiences. Both hikes could have been self-guided, but we liked our guides. One benefit was being dropped off at the north end of the Laguna de los Tres trail, which cut down on back-tracking. Mount Fitz Roy and the Fitz Roy Range are spectacular. On our last day, we hiked up to Mirador de los Condores, which offered fabulous views. Destino Sur Hotel was great, and we loved the town. We took advantage of the hotel's bikes so we could ride around town; there are no Ubers. We enjoyed beer and nosh at La Cerveceria and cocktails and wine at La Vineria. A local folkloric group performed a few tunes for us while we were dining at both Oveja Negra and Fuegia, which was a special treat. We had a blast riding mountain bikes 23 miles from Lago del Desierto to El Chalten. It was gravel the whole way with a few hills and a lot of tailwind and gusts. We stopped often because it was just so beautiful.

Buenos Aires - We were a little disappointed when we arrived a the Duque Hotel Boutique & Spa in the Soho neighborhood. Our room was quite small, and there wasn't anything special about it; however, we received exceptional service from the staff. They helped us plan our free days in Buenos Aires with an estancia excursion for the full "gaucho experience" with a brief nose-to-tail horseback ride, asado, and folk music, as well as a boat trip to the Tigre district. Due to a strike, our flight home was delayed until 3A. It was very kind of the staff to allow us to shower in the spa after we had checked out so that we would be more comfortable traveling home. We really enjoyed riding around Buenos Aires on bikes with a guide and ending with charcuterie and a wine-tasting. We were disappointed in the sub-par dinner at Viejo Almacen but absolutely loved every minute of the tango show afterward. There were plenty of good restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. We especially liked Nicky Harrison--fantastic sushi in the front and a step back in time at the speakeasy tucked behind the restaurant.

Local specialist: Erin Wiley
Erin
Erin Wiley
Local specialist in Puerto Natales, Chile | Replied on Feb 22, 2024

WOW, Anne thank you for taking the time to send over such a detailed review. It folks like you that help keep us up to date and good at what we do, we are really appreciative for that. Thanks to you for planning in advance we were able to put together a trip with all of these wonderful locations. Thank you again for everything, planning with you was very easygoing and natural. Wishing you the best and glad that we could be part of your experience :)

The activities and sites we chose based on yo...
Patagonia | Jan 20 - Jan 30, 2024

P
Pavla P.
Czechia | Reviewed on Feb 06, 2024
The activities and sites we chose based on your recommendations were the right fit for us - we really enjoyed all the excursions. All the local service providers / guides were just great, helpful, very nice people, friendly and easy to chat with and happy to share information on various local topics - be it Maria at Puerto Varas for the trip to Osorno volcano, Chloe for the kayaking, the Aqua Fresca team at Punta Arenas or Nara and Andres in Puerto Natales. Last but not least, Antonia with... Read more

The activities and sites we chose based on your recommendations were the right fit for us - we really enjoyed all the excursions. All the local service providers / guides were just great, helpful, very nice people, friendly and easy to chat with and happy to share information on various local topics - be it Maria at Puerto Varas for the trip to Osorno volcano, Chloe for the kayaking, the Aqua Fresca team at Punta Arenas or Nara and Andres in Puerto Natales. Last but not least, Antonia with the team from the Estancia were also amazing (and the lunch prepared there was way beyond our expectations - speaking for myself, I have never had better lamb asado!
Only the drivers taking us from/to the airports seemed not to be always quite informed that those transfers were already paid for, but we managed to explain and got this solved rather quickly.
The selection of hotels was just right as we wanted (we particularly loved the hotel Vendaval in Puerto Natales) and the overall organisation was perfect.
Indeed, our overall positive impressions from our trip were enhanced by the exceptionally good weather.
Thank you all!!!

Local specialist: Erin Wiley
Erin
Erin Wiley
Local specialist in Puerto Natales, Chile | Replied on Feb 22, 2024
Thank you Pavla! Sounds like the weather was very much in your favor for this trip, which is not so typical for Patagonia. We loved having you all, our partners and guides really enjoyed the company of your group and thanks for the kind words, I've passed your positive feedback along to each of them involved. I can say with 100% certainty that the lamb barbecue at Estancia La Peninsula is the best in all of Patagonia hahah, no I can't be that certain but it's the best I have ever had and it... Read more

Thank you Pavla! Sounds like the weather was very much in your favor for this trip, which is not so typical for Patagonia. We loved having you all, our partners and guides really enjoyed the company of your group and thanks for the kind words, I've passed your positive feedback along to each of them involved. I can say with 100% certainty that the lamb barbecue at Estancia La Peninsula is the best in all of Patagonia hahah, no I can't be that certain but it's the best I have ever had and it makes me happy to hear someone else say the same. Thank you all for trusting us and wishing you all the best!

Top notch itinerary for friends reunion
Patagonia | Jan 20 - Jan 30, 2024

Michaela
Michaela S.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Feb 01, 2024
Erin did a top notch job for us - 4 high school friends coming from 3 continents to Chile, celebrating our big birthdays together. All 4 of us were able to co-create the itinerary in the chat which was great. Erin's responsiveness and advice on where/what/how was just what we needed to get the perfect itinerary. Our questions on all the details and options or alternatives were quickly answered and resolved (especially getting us into the refugios and off the waiting lists and out of the... Read more

Erin did a top notch job for us - 4 high school friends coming from 3 continents to Chile, celebrating our big birthdays together. All 4 of us were able to co-create the itinerary in the chat which was great. Erin's responsiveness and advice on where/what/how was just what we needed to get the perfect itinerary. Our questions on all the details and options or alternatives were quickly answered and resolved (especially getting us into the refugios and off the waiting lists and out of the tents! All the tickets, vouchers were right on point, easy to understand and worked like magic. We just got back and everything was perfect and executed just as designed. Nara was excellent answering last minute questions. The excursions and providers were all great, just as described. If you want to do Patagonia or Chile, highly recommend Erin, Nara and Laura.

Hotel Reviews
Solace Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas

Simple, practical, great breakfast and really good location - one block away from the center - grocery store one block as well - nothing negative to point out - staff very friendly and accommodating (even late check out).

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Hotel Vendaval
Puerto Natales

Our favorite - mostly b/c of the minimalistic design, modern look and just general vibe - the roof top was amazing. Small rooms but who cares if you are there to sleep or rest on the bed.... highly recommend. Location perfect right around the corner from the square and restaurants/shops.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Refugio Torre Central
Parque Nacional Torres del Paine Pedro Montt

We were all surprised - maybe our expectations were low? Efficient, well organized, great services considering it is in the middle of nowhere, literally. Very clean overall, fun atmosphere and comfortable beds + blanket/sleeping bag. Location can't be beaten given the hikes start right there - and the closeness to the visitor center for departure is a huge plus. Surprising food too - nothing shabby. Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Alma Sur
Punta Arenas

As with the other hotels, perfect for our need. Close to the center and bus station, very good restaurant inside is a big plus if you are exhausted, attentive staff. Small rooms but again, totally fine for our night and shower. Would recommend anytime.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Big Sur
Puerto Natales

Very new so clean, miminalistic - very attentive staff who called cabs for us. Close to the water yet still close enough to the center with some nice restaurants and services (massages) on the street.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Erin Wiley
Erin
Erin Wiley
Local specialist in Puerto Natales, Chile | Replied on Feb 22, 2024

Thank you Michaela for such a great review, and for taking the time to provide feedback on all of the hotels, this is so helpful to both us and future travelers. I really loved planning this trip, what a fun adventure for a group of high school friends. I might have loved even more hearing about how much you all enjoyed it, I am so joyed to hear that it was right in line with your expectations. You all were spoken very highly of by our guides and partners, thanks for the great energy and come back any time!

Phenomenal Patagonia Trip
Patagonia | Dec 26 - Jan 8, 2024

John
John E.
Eunice, NM | Reviewed on Jan 15, 2024

Really phenomenal trip. Patagonia is beautiful and the tour was so well organized. The Strait of Magellan, Torres del Paine, Estancia La Peninsula, and Argentinian Patagonia were filled with memorable moments and sights. I would highly recommend this trip and booking with Erin.

Local specialist: Erin Wiley
Erin
Erin Wiley
Local specialist in Puerto Natales, Chile | Replied on Jan 16, 2024

Very little do I get to plan trips for the same person. John visited us some years back for a winter trip and decided to come back again during the summer season and to get to know Patagonia even more. Thank you for your trust, we really appreciate it and even more than that your kind disposition. Wishing you and Kirsten the best!