Spectacular journey!
Patagonia | Feb 18 - Mar 3, 2024

ANDREW
ANDREW G.
Hong Kong SAR China | Reviewed on Mar 04, 2024

I’ve been all over the world, but I found Patagonia to have its own special and unique beauty that sets it apart from other destinations (New Zealand, Norway, Iceland, Alaska, etc.) Highlight for me was setting foot on Cape Horn after being welcomed by a stunning sunrise and spectacular double rainbow before boarding our Zodiacs. The Australis cruise was phenomenal in every way, especially the crew’s service ethic and organization. Transfers and tours departed right on time. Quality of the guides was mixed, but overall satisfactory. Other personal highlights were the lamb at Jau Restaurant in Natales and my stay at Singular Patagonia— most unique place I’ve ever hung my hat with an exceptional staff. Grand finale was Pepito Moreno— best day of all! The Chilhoe Island tour was the only one I did not care for— too much driving, too little time out of the bus. Also unreasonably long- pick up 8am return to hotel 9pm. Overall, I’m very pleased with my journey and Lorena’s great work in making it happen. Also enjoyed meeting and getting to know Juan on the transfer from Natales to Arenas.

Hotel Reviews
The Singular Patagonia
Puerto Natales

Most unique property I’ve ever stayed at. Lots of history, excellent cuisine and a super exceptional staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Omar, Ivan, Daniel, Kelly, Angelo, christian
Cleanliness & Comfort
Radisson Hotel Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas

My stay was replete with issues… no towels for 2 days, had to call and request, reception let phone ring off hook. TV volume did not work, 4 different people tried to fix but couldn’t. Electric outlets in room didn’t work. When I reported these problems, the staff at reception were a bit rude to me. They need more customer service training— very mediocre — except for Jose Alfredo— who was kind and ultimately changed my room. I will say the location was very good, as was breakfast selection.

Authenticity & Character
Location
On lakefront
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Australis Cruise Ship
Santiago
Authenticity & Character
Staff
We all received personal escorts to our cabins upon check in. The staff was fun, upbeat and very well organized. The excursion briefings were thorough and excellent. Felt very safe getting on and off Zodiacs because of the way the crew prepped and assisted us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nightly turndown service was a great unexpected touch! Loved the giant picture windows in the cabins!
Activity Reviews
Day Trip to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Day Trip to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Patagonia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Excursion to Chiloé Island: Castro & Dalcahue
Excursion to Chiloé Island: Castro & Dalcahue
Puerto Varas

Tour was way too long— -13 hours! Pick up 8am drop off 9pm. I found the stops underwhelming and there was too much driving involved.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full-Day Tour of Torres del Paine National Park & Surroundings
Full-Day Tour of Torres del Paine National Park & Surroundings
Chile
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ana was the best guide on the whole two week trip
Transport
Boat Tour to Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
Boat Tour to Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
Chile
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover Tierra del Fuego National Park
Discover Tierra del Fuego National Park
Ushuaia

I found the scenery to be underwhelming here compared to the rest of Patagonia. The End of World train ride was a joke— total waste of time, would not recommend.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jose the guide was very mediocre
Transport
Perito Moreno Glacier Tour
Perito Moreno Glacier Tour
Patagonia

Best scenery of the entire trip!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Replied on Mar 04, 2024

Dear Andrew,
Your detailed feedback about the trip to Chile and Argentina is greatly appreciated. The Fjords Cruise you took is a hidden gem in Patagonia and seeing a double rainbow is the icing on the cake! I am glad you experienced the Singular Hotel, which is top-rated in our country. I will share your comments with our providers and I cannot wait to eat at Jau Restaurant at the end of this month!
I hope you will return one day to explore the Atacama Desert, the Chilean Wine Country (Vik Winery), and the magical Easter Island.
Wishing you the best,
Lorena