7 independent reviews for Small group adventure vacation to Patagonia
Reviews for Small group adventure vacation to Patagonia
Edward Fritz review 31 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing first hand the raw unspoiled beauty of the Patagonia region. Each country has a distinct array of natural wonders to satisfy every type of adventurer2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
While traveling in Argentina bring CASH! The official exchange rate is approximately 170 pesos to the US dollar. However, given their extremely high inflation rate, there is a street rate of approximately 280 to 300 pesos, demanding on the denomination of your US currency. The large the denomination the better the rate This is all perfectly legal as you can exchange your dollars at grocery stories or some touris shops.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Without a doubt.. From the excellent local guides, to the waitstaff at the various lodges, restaurants, shops and the like. US travelers are very generous tippers and most appreciated by those we encounter,4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An added bonus was being on hand to watch and participate in Argentina’s victory at the World Cup and the celebrations that followedVal Bray review 9 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking up to the glaciers in the National Parks and watching the condors fly by. The climbs were hard but worth the effort2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take plenty of dollars in cash for use in Argentina and clothes for all seasons. There is of necessity a lot of traveling so be prepared for that, although we nearly always did an activity as well every day. Vacation was very fast paced and busy with lots of early mornings so we had 3 nights at the end to relax at iguazú falls which I would recommend.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
There were a lot of flight but unavoidable if you want to experience so much. Did occasionally travel in local buses. Used local guides in all the reserves and always ate in local restaurants that our tour guide recommended4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A really great vacation with an excellent tour guideJulia Kelly review 18 Dec 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So many, difficult to single out just one. However, if pressed, it would probably be the Perito Moreno Glacier in the Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It's an action-packed schedule, on the go nearly all the time. Be prepared for plenty of early morning starts, and some long bus journeys between destinations. All necessary and worthwhile, though. Bring a bathroom plug as they don't seem to go in for them in Latin America.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not directly, but would like to think it supported the local economy and employed local staff.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A trip full of contrasts, astonishing sights, amazing landscapes, impossible to compare with anything I had seen before.Ali Pendle review 27 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Reaching the summit of Villarica Volcano to spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, lakes, and the Andes, peppered with snowy topped volcanos and then peering down into the smoking crater to see lava bubbling beneath us!!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take note of the small print informing you that the domestic internal flights have a lower luggage weight restriction. Definitely need clothes for all seasons.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To some extent. Obviously with the large distances involved in travel in Patagonia it is hard to say that we reduced environmental impact with so many flights and journeys. However, we did use public transport where possible and use local restaurants and facilities. I was impressed with the National Park’s attitude to environmental issues. Taking all your waste with you, including organic waste, tissue, etc. Minimal impact on the terrain and wildlife.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, really enjoyed ourselves. With any vacation, there are things that could be changed. For us, we would have preferred less time in the capitals at the beginning at end of the trip. We were there very much for the nature and the wildness of Patagonia so having 3 nights at the end of the trip in Buenos Aires was a day too long. We would have preferred to have this day in the Lake District which we rather rushed through. Also, we would have preferred one night less in Santiago and this day spent in the National Parks. Overall though we had a fantastic experience and would thoroughly recommended this trip.Bob Handley review 13 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walks in the national parks near Fitzroy and Torres Del Paine.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Not cheap but worth it.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To some extent.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great trip to see a few highlights of 2 very large countries.Ruth Edwards review 2 Jan 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Torres del Paine national park and climbing to the base of the granite peaks - something I'd dreamed about doing for years. Battling the Patagonian winds to stand on the beach photographing icebergs. Clinging on for life as we raced down the rapids white water rafting in the Lake District. Watching sunset from the viewing platform of Santiago's tallest building. Celebrating my birthday in El Chalten with my new tour friends. Losing count of the number of penguins, whilst cruising the Beagle Channel. Enjoying coffee at the indoor fruit market in San Telmo, Buenos Aires and drinking cocktails the same evening on a rooftop bar.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It truly is 'four weathers' in one day so pack layers and make sure you have a bandana to keep your hair from flying around in the wind. Large denomination dollar notes ensure a better rate of exchange in Argentina. Break your hiking boots in before you go as it's not so much fun doing it on vacation!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The tour used plenty of local guides and drivers, who all benefited from the business and the tips we left. They also offered us lots of knowledge and insight into living in Chile and Argentina. We used a number of public bus services. The tour company included a small charge as part of the trip to offset carbon emissions from long haul flying.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, an expensive trip, but it covered a lot of ground (mix of internal fights and bus rides) and offered plenty of opportunity to explore. A number of guided hikes and tours were included in the price. I particularly liked that it was mostly either 2 or 3 night stays, so it didn't mean constantly unpacking and packing. A great tour leader, who managed to combine the essential elements of being very organised whilst remaining relaxed and patient!Elizabeth Caldwell review 21 Dec 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I enjoyed every part of the trip. The hikes in both Chile and Argentina were great but my favourite has to have been the walk to the base of the Towers. I went to see the scenery and was not disappointed. The trip on the Beagle Channel was also a high point. The quality of the leader and guides was very good. I learnt a lot and could have learnt more if I had wanted.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Ensure they have the correct clothes for the area. They need to fully understand what the weather can be like, the difficulty of some of the hikes and just how remote it is. If they do not like scenery, hiking and wildlife this is not the vacation for them.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Using local buses would lessen impact. I was very impressed with the quality of the buses. It should be emphasised that these buses are more comfortable than private transport would be. I liked the fact that we stayed in local hotels and hostels.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The leader of the group was very well organised and had the patience of a saint. He got to know each of us and worked hard to ensure we had the vacation we expected. The mixture of city, small towns and national parks was good for the group as a whole. I would have liked more time in the national parks but fully realise that would not be for everyone. The accommodation was always clean and in a central place that was convenient.Holiday Reviews
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