Classic Patagonia Treks

Traveler Reviews

• A

  Vivian Wong

  June 29th, 2011
  5.0
  Fantastic journey. Excellent active itinerary for hiking junkies. Challenging terrains at times but well worth the...
  Fantastic journey. Excellent active itinerary for hiking junkies. Challenging terrains at times but well worth the effort. Favorite part of the hike was to be able to see Fitzroy in full without cloud on our last hike of the trip. Our group thought our tour leader planned the weather out this way. The entire region is beautiful in rain or sunshine. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the highpoint on our day hike at Paseo del Viento was memorable. The 360 degree view of the Continental Icefield is indescribable beautiful. We were lucky having the opportunity to hike this part of the world with favorable weather. The next morning the pass was closed due to heavy snowfall. The super-cold river crossing was another memorable moment, putting our group's personal characters to test. Some individual members were cursing and/or laughing all the way through the crossing.   What did you think of your group leader? Impressive leadership skills. Our tour leader Laura was attentive and knowledgeable. She took care of everyone needs without fail. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Bring closed-toe shoes or warm socks. The river crossing could be numbing cold. Quick-dry towels come in handy after crossing. Is there anything else you would like to add? Glacier trek was another fun thing not to be missed. It's easier than expected. Our group wished we could spend more time walking up and down glacier blocks.  Unpredictable weather pattern courtesy of Mother Nature and small pleasant surprises from our hiking leaders were memorable. The nice warm fire and glasses of local wines were welcoming additions at the end of our strenuous hikes. It's worth doing it all over again.Show more
  Traveled in May 2011
• A

  Piers Newland

  April 1st, 2008
  5.0
  A fantastic destination. Beautiful. You are in for a treat. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?...
  A fantastic destination. Beautiful. You are in for a treat. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Crossing the Paso del Viento and seeing part of the southern ice sheet for the first time, stretching out into the distance.  We all had open-mouthed smiles as its vastness sank in.  Dawn at Lago Toro, standing alone as the sky assumed a perfect azure and golden clouds were stirred by mountain winds.  You forget just how wonderful the colour of the sky is until you get moments like that.  Mount Fitzroy glowing in the predawn with Venus and Mercury bright above the mountains opposite.  The vast open patagonian steppe with huge horizons and dazzling skies.  Walking on glaciers, ice climbing, canoeing, tyrolean traveres, horseriding.  Good company.  What did you think of your group leader? Christian was firstclass.  He was very knowledgeable on just about everything and keen to learn more.  He was highly trained and experienced in mountain leadership as well as making everything run smoothly on a day to day basis.  Christian had a very quiet and gentle sense of humour and made sure we all (6 of us) were well looked after.  Our other guides, assistants and cooks were also very good.  Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This is a brilliant expedition.  Expect lots of walking, even our rest day involved a 7 hour walk (at our request and one of the group made an ascent of the challenging Cerro Huemul with Christian) but it's at a steady pace.  The terrain is largely easy, by UK mountain standards, but there were some exposed sections of scree, a few spots of scrambling and some long ups and downs.  Expect all weathers (we were lucky with only one half day of rain and one half day of drizzle that fell as snow once we were on the tops).  Make sure your hat will stay put in a gale.  Bring wrap around sunglasses.  Don't forget extra memory for camera and battery charger.  A polarizing filter for your camera helps bring out the rich colour of the sky (and everything else).  A good travel towel and thick thermarest make you feel pampered.  Be prepared for a few days living out of a smallish drysack - that capacity includes your sleeping bag and your sleeping mat as well as everything else you'll want for a few days.  You'll have your day sack too.  I took a large Camelbac bag to keep me hydrated (plus 0.5l bottle) but everyone else managed with just bottles which are easier to fill from streams but more difficult to access on the hoof.  The water was lovely.  The food is generally fantastic if you are a carnivore and even as a veggie I was very well catered for by the Fitzroy team - the meat eaters often looked with envy at my plate.  Be prepared for basic camp facilities at some sites.  At others, be prepared for a pleasant surprise. Show more
  Traveled in March 2008
• A

  Geoffrey Wilkinson

  January 23rd, 2008
  5.0
  The Patagonian landscape is breathtaking: the endless steppes, the brutal majesty of the mountains, the latent power...
  The Patagonian landscape is breathtaking: the endless steppes, the brutal majesty of the mountains, the latent power of the groaning glaciers and the proximity and variety of the flora and fauna all make this a trip to savour. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Trekking to Paine base camp and the Ferrier lookout in Torres del Paine National Park.Kyaking on the Rio de las Vueltas from the Fitzroy Adventure Centre.Crossing the Rio Fitzroy and the Rio Tunel via Tyrolean traverse.The spectacular ice scenery, particularly: the moans ans groans of Pareto Marino, trekking on the Viedma Glacier and the views of the ice field from Paso del Viento. What did you think of your group leader? The leader was exceptional: not only eminently qualified (being an ex-park ranger), but also clearly passionate about Patagonia and the protection of its wilderness - as well as being a thoughtful and sensitive leader. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Note that the sign for the Argentinian Peso is the same for that of the US Dollar ($).  As both can be used - especially in Buenos Aires - be careful that you are not duped into paying in dollars for items marked in pesos. Don't expect too much from the bus tour of Buenos Aires.  You get to see some "street tango", but it's pretty much posing for the tourists. Is there anything else you would like to add? The local expedition team deserve a special mention. Their organisation, facilities and especially their expedition staff were exceptional. Their adventure centre by the Rio de las Vueltas in the Fitzroy National Park is something to behold... you'll just have to see it to believe it. If you've never experienced a Tyrolean traverse before - don't lose any sleep about it: have faith in the team and just enjoy it!Show more
  Traveled in December 2007
• A

  Andrew Hunt

  January 8th, 2008
  5.0
  Huge glaciers, massive rock pinnacles, spectacular landscapes, interesting clouds and friendly locals make it a great...
  Huge glaciers, massive rock pinnacles, spectacular landscapes, interesting clouds and friendly locals make it a great holiday. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? - Seeing the Moreno Glacier with huge chunks of ice falling off its front into the lake.- Trekking on the Viedme Glacier and seeing the amazing colours and shapes.- The view of Fitzroy and Cerro Torre (from anywhere at anytime of day) - The quality of the lodge at Fitzroy Adventure Camp was a total surprise. Great accommodation and classic food. We didn't want to leave. What did you think of your group leader? Adrian had been a Park Ranger for 25 years before becoming a Guide and so was full of ancedotes and information about the trek and parks. Very professional and helpful. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? There are quite long periods on the bus travelling between El Calafate, Fitzroy and Paine, so take a couple of books to pass the time. Is there anything else you would like to add? The trip notes say that Patagonia is a 'difficult place for vegetarians'. I found that it was quite easy to get a vegetarian option in restaurants. Vegetarian meals on the trek was also not a problem.Show more
  Traveled in December 2007
• A

  Andy Dann

  January 2nd, 2013
  5.0
  excellent, thoroughly recommended Do you have any advice for potential travellers? far more civilised and less...
  excellent, thoroughly recommended Do you have any advice for potential travellers? far more civilised and less strenuous than other trips of the same grade, although we did have some quite long days on the circuit. the walking often is an out and back trip rather than a point to point, but dont let that put you off as this is dictated by the terrain more than anything. the scenery is spectacular and well worth seeing.eating out is as expensive as europe but the steaks are to die for!!! Is there anything else you would like to add? book this trip - you wont regret it! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? looking across the patagonian ice cap from the passo de viente What did you think of your group leader? tomas was very friendly, knowledgable and proud of his country. I really felt that I was amongst friends when staying at the adventure camp, and we enjoyed a special night of folk dancing and music especially arranged for us, and even learnt to dance in the traditional way!Show more
  Traveled in December 2012
• A

  Vivian Wong

  June 29th, 2011
  5.0
  Fantastic journey. Excellent active itinerary for hiking junkies. Challenging terrains at times but well worth the...
  Fantastic journey. Excellent active itinerary for hiking junkies. Challenging terrains at times but well worth the effort. Favorite part of the hike was to be able to see Fitzroy in full without cloud on our last hike of the trip. Our group thought our tour leader planned the weather out this way. The entire region is beautiful in rain or sunshine. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the highpoint on our day hike at Paseo del Viento was memorable. The 360 degree view of the Continental Icefield is indescribable beautiful. We were lucky having the opportunity to hike this part of the world with favorable weather. The next morning the pass was closed due to heavy snowfall. The super-cold river crossing was another memorable moment, putting our group's personal characters to test. Some individual members were cursing and/or laughing all the way through the crossing. What did you think of your group leader? Impressive leadership skills. Our tour leader Laura was attentive and knowledgeable. She took care of everyone needs without fail. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Bring closed-toe shoes or warm socks. The river crossing could be numbing cold. Quick-dry towels come in handy after crossing. Is there anything else you would like to add? Glacier trek was another fun thing not to be missed. It's easier than expected. Our group wished we could spend more time walking up and down glacier blocks. Unpredictable weather pattern courtesy of Mother Nature and small pleasant surprises from our hiking leaders were memorable. The nice warm fire and glasses of local wines were welcoming additions at the end of our strenuous hikes. It's worth doing it all over again.Show more
  Traveled in May 2011
• A

  John Croker

  December 30th, 2009
  5.0
  An exhilarating holiday. The at times hostile environment made a hugely enjoyable challenge. The rewards were of...
  An exhilarating holiday. The at times hostile environment made a hugely enjoyable challenge. The rewards were of fantastic views and scenes. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Fitzroy at dawn/ viedma glacier/paso viento/ Magellanic woodpeckers What did you think of your group leader? Absolutely brilliant Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take lots of layers Is there anything else you would like to add? what a tripShow more
  Traveled in November 2009
• A

  Piers Newland

  April 1st, 2008
  5.0
  A fantastic destination. Beautiful. You are in for a treat. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?...
  A fantastic destination. Beautiful. You are in for a treat. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Crossing the Paso del Viento and seeing part of the southern ice sheet for the first time, stretching out into the distance. We all had open-mouthed smiles as its vastness sank in. Dawn at Lago Toro, standing alone as the sky assumed a perfect azure and golden clouds were stirred by mountain winds. You forget just how wonderful the colour of the sky is until you get moments like that. Mount Fitzroy glowing in the predawn with Venus and Mercury bright above the mountains opposite. The vast open patagonian steppe with huge horizons and dazzling skies. Walking on glaciers, ice climbing, canoeing, tyrolean traveres, horseriding. Good company. What did you think of your group leader? Christian was firstclass. He was very knowledgeable on just about everything and keen to learn more. He was highly trained and experienced in mountain leadership as well as making everything run smoothly on a day to day basis. Christian had a very quiet and gentle sense of humour and made sure we all (6 of us) were well looked after. Our other guides, assistants and cooks were also very good. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This is a brilliant expedition. Expect lots of walking, even our rest day involved a 7 hour walk (at our request and one of the group made an ascent of the challenging Cerro Huemul with Christian) but it's at a steady pace. The terrain is largely easy, by UK mountain standards, but there were some exposed sections of scree, a few spots of scrambling and some long ups and downs. Expect all weathers (we were lucky with only one half day of rain and one half day of drizzle that fell as snow once we were on the tops). Make sure your hat will stay put in a gale. Bring wrap around sunglasses. Don't forget extra memory for camera and battery charger. A polarizing filter for your camera helps bring out the rich colour of the sky (and everything else). A good travel towel and thick thermarest make you feel pampered. Be prepared for a few days living out of a smallish drysack - that capacity includes your sleeping bag and your sleeping mat as well as everything else you'll want for a few days. You'll have your day sack too. I took a large Camelbac bag to keep me hydrated (plus 0.5l bottle) but everyone else managed with just bottles which are easier to fill from streams but more difficult to access on the hoof. The water was lovely. The food is generally fantastic if you are a carnivore and even as a veggie I was very well catered for by the Fitzroy team - the meat eaters often looked with envy at my plate. Be prepared for basic camp facilities at some sites. At others, be prepared for a pleasant surprise. Show more
  Traveled in March 2008
• A

  Geoffrey Wilkinson

  January 23rd, 2008
  5.0
  The Patagonian landscape is breathtaking: the endless steppes, the brutal majesty of the mountains, the latent power...
  The Patagonian landscape is breathtaking: the endless steppes, the brutal majesty of the mountains, the latent power of the groaning glaciers and the proximity and variety of the flora and fauna all make this a trip to savour. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Trekking to Paine base camp and the Ferrier lookout in Torres del Paine National Park.Kyaking on the Rio de las Vueltas from the Fitzroy Adventure Centre.Crossing the Rio Fitzroy and the Rio Tunel via Tyrolean traverse.The spectacular ice scenery, particularly: the moans ans groans of Pareto Marino, trekking on the Viedma Glacier and the views of the ice field from Paso del Viento. What did you think of your group leader? The leader was exceptional: not only eminently qualified (being an ex-park ranger), but also clearly passionate about Patagonia and the protection of its wilderness - as well as being a thoughtful and sensitive leader. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Note that the sign for the Argentinian Peso is the same for that of the US Dollar ($). As both can be used - especially in Buenos Aires - be careful that you are not duped into paying in dollars for items marked in pesos.Show more
  Traveled in December 2007
• A

  Andrew Hunt

  January 8th, 2008
  5.0
  Huge glaciers, massive rock pinnacles, spectacular landscapes, interesting clouds and friendly locals make it a great...
  Huge glaciers, massive rock pinnacles, spectacular landscapes, interesting clouds and friendly locals make it a great holiday. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? - Seeing the Moreno Glacier with huge chunks of ice falling off its front into the lake.- Trekking on the Viedme Glacier and seeing the amazing colours and shapes.- The view of Fitzroy and Cerro Torre (from anywhere at anytime of day) - The quality of the lodge at Fitzroy Adventure Camp was a total surprise. Great accommodation and classic food. We didn't want to leave. What did you think of your group leader? Adrian had been a Park Ranger for 25 years before becoming a Guide and so was full of ancedotes and information about the trek and parks. Very professional and helpful. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? There are quite long periods on the bus travelling between El Calafate, Fitzroy and Paine, so take a couple of books to pass the time. Is there anything else you would like to add? The trip notes say that Patagonia is a 'difficult place for vegetarians'. I found that it was quite easy to get a vegetarian option in restaurants. Vegetarian meals on the trek was also not a problem.Show more
  Traveled in December 2007