Enjoyable trip
Chile | Jan 4 - Jan 17, 2023

Gregory
Gregory R.
Australia | Reviewed on Jan 18, 2023

Nicely spaced trip. Plenty of “ spare “ time. Suggestions were practical & although hard work - fitness wise, worked.

Most things ….. within the teams control, worked well.

Hotel Reviews
Hosteria Pehoe

Oldie but a goodie. Could be SO much better with good grounds people, a tidy up and some renovations. Menu basic but OK.

Authenticity & Character
Oldest in the NP. A bit tired but adequate.
Location
Views are incredible.
Staff
Lovely, young enthusiastic staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean. Bedding to die for. Just older & “ tired” rooms & grounds.
Hotel Las Torres Patagonia
Torres del Paine

Excellent location wise. Views OK. Meals above average quality & presentation. Expensive but so much better than daily transitioning in & out of the park if not serious hiking.

Authenticity & Character
Estancia feeling. Loved the daily horses release and round up.
Location
Right on the track to the towers base, W & O.
Staff
Tried hard - many new, inexperienced staff - lots of mistakes made and service forgets.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bedding divine. Big rooms. Views expansive but not stunning. Bath was great after a hike - but had to request a plug.
Hotel Lago Grey
Torres del Paine

View. Room. Bedding. Food. Bar & relax area.

Authenticity & Character
Fits well in the environment.
Location
View is stunning. Very windy most days I think.
Staff
Very attentive.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable hotel.
Hotel Carpa Manzano
Punta Arenas

Small-ish, but comfortable rooms. Bit dated & tended to be noisy. Probably better offering in town. Walk in & out is borderline.

Authenticity & Character
Nice enough rooms. Dated.
Location
A little distant from downtown.
Staff
Attentive.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Was adequate.
Weskar Lodge
Puerto Natales

Nice view. A little distant from town in tough weather. Probably better offerings downtown and mire distractions. Restaurant meals hit & miss and no variety presented each day.

Authenticity & Character
Authentic use of wood. Cosy rooms & sit down area.
Location
Great views. Just that little dar from anything.
Staff
Tried. English & understanding requests etc, was difficult.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lovely bedding. Comfortable smallish room. Lits of woid. Nice.
Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal
Santiago

Excellent location at airport ( if that is what you want ). Nice rooms. Good bedding. Interesting enough food. Could do with a Daily Change / Soecial.

Authenticity & Character
Airport hotel.
Location
If that is what you want - between Domestic & International.
Staff
Hit & miss. Service not #1 priority. Wait, wait, wait for actual attention. Slow service but seemingly “ a thing “ in Chile - in their own good time !
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great beds & linen.
Activity Reviews
Kayaking in the Magellan Strait
Kayaking in the Magellan Strait
Chile

Not that “ exciting “ an activity really to be really honest. Lot of preparation & time taken ( pick up / drop off / gear up for kayaking / transfer to water edge / instruction / kayaking & then reverse ). Minimal wild life, birdlife etc …… limited English & no really “ spotting “ or information.

Quality of Experience
Not that interesting.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Limited English or “ interpretation “ .
Transport
All good.
Tour to Torres del Paine National Park with Overnight
Tour to Torres del Paine National Park with Overnight
Chile

Great way of getting to the NP rather than a private transfer or large bus. Very early start as it was a one-way for us , on a return same day tour. Enjoyed Milodon Cave and information. Stops for vistas & photographs. Tour guide was very informative.

Quality of Experience
Milodon Cave visit & explanation boards. Vistas.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide on departure said we would have “ quiet time “- so all could catch up on rest …… till after Puerto Natales. Then proceeded to TALK ALL THE WAY to the driver & back and forth. No rest for anyone. Driver spent more tome looking at the guide whilst in conversation - than concentrating on the road. Very un-nerving ! A good driver ….. BUT ! Guide had excellent knowledge and was firth coming if asked..
Transport
Nice new vehicle. Close quarters. We had a seat between us because we PAID for it with luggage cost.
From Pehoé to Las Torres
From Pehoé to Las Torres
Torres del Paine

José - nice nan - knowledgeable, good English. Recommended.

From Las Torres to Lago Grey
From Las Torres to Lago Grey
Torres del Paine

Same ….. José.

Horseback Riding in Patagonia
Horseback Riding in Patagonia
Puerto Natales

Thoroughly enjoyed. Nice horses. Well groomed & cared for. Just wish I was riding fit ! Very sore body the next day. My wife who is a novice enjoyed too.

Quality of Experience
Vistas.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Could have done with a rear guide / rider to manage “ slower “ horses / riders. Insufficient supervision in my opinion.
Transport
Great ….. arranged well there & back.
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Replied on Jan 18, 2023

Hi Greg and Annie! Thanks for this review, it was my pleasure working with you to plan a trip to this amazing place in the world... offering both value and taking care of the logistics so you could fully enjoy it. I appreciate your trust in me and hope you keep many nice memories from this adventure.
Best always,
Lorena