Northern/ Southern Patagonia
Chile
|
Nov 8 - Nov 22, 2022
Amazing trip organized by Lorena. This was my fifth time down to Chile but first on an organized trip.
First, we got up high in the Andes with knowledgeable and friendly guide Sebastien…and even snuck in a hot springs visit! Then down south to rio tranquilo. 4x4 truck was the perfect rental as some of the washboards/ potholes were pretty rough on route 7. Great stay and food at “el mirador de guadal” ( cabins are highly recommended) with the chance to get up on exploradores glacier with Felipe. Marble caves were underwhelming but it was good to be out in a kayak and guide Rodrigo was great and let us go exploring.
Then down to puerto natales and into Torres del Paine national park. Great trekking. Trails well marked and easy to navigate. ( Park rangers were on strike, but didn’t affect the trip) Modified W trek with a bit of reverse O. Got onto glaciers, lakes, snow at John Garner pass. A bit of wind and some showers but great hiking weather. All self guided. Stayed at the Refugios. Just bring some snack and clothes and you’re set!
A day of rock climbing on great conglomerate near lake Sofia with fantastic guide Chalo from Boulder Natales to finish it off.
Then a bus to punto arenas and a chance to see penguins before flying back.
All connections/ flights and transfers went very smoothly. The only hiccup was the park ranger strike but really didn’t affect us and Lorena was able to alter the trip when one excursion had to be canceled.
High recommendation for Lorena and her team in Santiago. Sure you pay a bit extra but all we really had to do was show up! Thanks again!
Hotel Reviews
Amazing location and wonderful hosts. Cozy warm cabins. Great food.
Hotel was clean. Nothing outstanding but good place to stay.
Activity Reviews
Typical city tour. Worth learning a bit about Santiago. Guide friendly and well spoken but perspective somewhat jaded from his background. Enjoyable.
Sebastien gave a great trip and accommodated special request. Moved at our pace and gave good background. Fantastic day that made me want to explore more! Found easy access to ski 6100m peaks!
Guide Felipe was knowledgeable and made the day fantastic. Good instruction. Funny.
Rodrigo was great as a guide but the marble caves were a bit blah. Neat area but more enjoyed the kayaking and exploring beyond the caves.
Self guided hikes. Fantastic park. Great scenery. Will be back.
Chalo was fantastic. Catered a wonderful day on the rock. Met some locals and worked up 5 or 6 routes. Highly recommended.
Thanks, Barton. I am glad you enjoyed this new visit to Chile. Love your adventurous spirit, it was my pleasure to plan and coordinate all your activities in our country, and hope we'll see you again soon.
Take care and keep traveling!
Lorena