Punta Arenas

In Punta Arenas everything was fine. My trip to Magdalena Island by boat to see penguins was cancelled due to high winds and I substituted a Condor excursion for that day. It was okay but I had already seen a number of Condors just going to the ranch for the pumas and park. Of course, the excursion was to a rookery, so we say a lot more.

Whales

The best part of the trip to Punta Arenas was the boat trip along the Magellan Strait. I saw a lot of humpback whales, seals, sea lions and penguins. It was a 15-hour day, well worth it.

Santiago

In Santiago, the guide Felipe was okay, knowledgeable but sometimes I got the feeling he was more interested in making sure we did go over four hours. At the same time, he was not really rushing me with his comments and left it up to me as to how much time we spent at the various stops.

Hopefully he will not get into trouble because he was quite concerned and helpful with me getting around as my back really started giving me trouble. I should have booked an all-day trip. As it was, I got a brief introduction into Santiago.

Again, all in all a great trip.

Thanks again for all your help. I am planning at some point to visit South America again and will call on you.

Logistics

All the logistics were really flawless (all airport pickups and drop-offs for instance without issue), transport tickets, park entry etc. This really allowed us to focus on enjoying the trip without worrying about anything we might be missing or forgetting.

Your packing list and directions for the W Trek were super helpful as well. Minor caveats:

We definitely overpacked as a result, but that’s on us and better safe than sorry

The estimated times for the hikes are definitely on the rather ambitious side. We definitely consider us to be in reasonable shape and even with limited number of breaks we ended up taking longer than outlined in the hike descriptions

Our Hotels

Hotels were all wonderful, thank you for the suggestion on Hyatt Mendoza (where we spent a great New Years’ Eve) and the Mio Buenos Aires and Palcos Apalta are definitely two options we can also recommend going forward

Your help for all W trek logistics was absolutely crucial – having spoken with many other hikers we realised how tricky that can be and you made it so smooth and easy for us. All the refugios were really brilliant, though Paine Grande has the least “charm” of them, so if we had to do it again, we would ideally do 5 days and do nights in Chileno > Cuernos > Francés > Grey. Useful knowledge for when/if we do the O one day :).

Overall, the itinerary was very well balanced, and you helped us think through where to best spend the time and so all in all we felt like we made the best use of time available to us in Argentina and Chile

What could have been better?

We’re definitely talking about smaller issues here, but a few things that came to mind were:

The wine tours overall were good and logistics were smooth, though more aimed at the “average” tourist and in our case knowing a lot about wine and having a related business, it would have been nice in hindsight to tailor our wine itinerary further and/or having an intro chat with a local expert to discuss what we want and they can then tailor the package to our needs.

Nonetheless all of the winery visits were really good with the unexpected exception of “Susana Balbo” which was overcrowded and the tour was held by one poor guy (who did his very best) for 30+ people in 3 languages at the same time

In terms of the wine tour logistics we liked the Chilean model better with only one driver – in Mendoza we always had a driver (all lovely) and a separate guide which felt a bit redundant, especially since we candidly felt that although she was really kind, she wasn’t a wine specialist in any way. We don’t know how agencies operate and why two people are needed, though, so only an observation.

Incredible Trip

For now, wishing you a Happy New Year and we’re looking forward to staying in touch for organising some wine trips via Vinjoyment and ExperienceChile in the future.

All the best and kind regards from London,
Lorena & Jean-Philippe

At check-out at Antumalal, we paid for one direction on the shuttle. My recollection was that this was expected due to the late change on the shuttles when the flights changed, but I wanted to mention this in case you’d paid for both directions ahead of time.

All of the hotels were good choices.

LOI was a good choice for a half day in BA after the overnight flight and convenient for the flight from AEP

Likewise, Alma Sur in Punta Arenas was good for the transit leg after the W — nice room, good restaurant, convenient to the airport

Posada Los Alamos in El Calafate was fine for the two nights we were there, but there was a real mismatch between the overall facility/staffing and the room. The grounds, staffing and amenities suggest a resort type vibe.

In addition, the room was large and clean but fit and finish didn’t match that expectation. By no means was it a bad room, but it was a bit worn. It suited our purposes well, but if we’d had high expectations and were staying longer, we might have been disappointed.

Chalten Suites was a really good choice for us — the management was attentive without hovering and the view of town and the mountains was nice — it was chilly and damp part of our time there, so having a comfortable room was a plus.

Obviously, Antumalal was great. For some reason, it was also low occupancy while we were there, so we almost had it to ourselves!

Transfers

We only had one issue with transfers –everything else went very smoothly

Coming off the catamaran following the W, the driver wasn’t present at the Rio Pingo parking lot. We thought perhaps he was at the Hotel Lago Gray, about 1/2 km away. He wasn’t there either, so I had the front desk call Patagon. They thought the pick up was later (~2:30) and gave me the make and license plate of the vehicle.

I went back to Rio Pingo and found the vehicle (which was reassuring!) but couldn’t find the driver — apparently, he was in the restaurant and not expecting me there yet. Anyway, we did finally meet up and get down to Punta Arenas. Not the end of the world, but I would suggest that for the future, the pick-up point at Rio Pingo be made a bit more explicit. This was the only time I felt uncertain about whether we were in the right spot. (FWIW, signage for the catamaran on both ends was rather sparse which may have contributed to this sense)

Welcome Kit

It would be worth mentioning to anyone getting a Welcome kit at TDP that it’s about 2-2.5 L between the towel, bottle and bag liner. We had fairly full packs and wanted to get started to Chileno quickly, so we looked like peddlers with stuff hanging off the packs until we repacked the first night. Kind of humorous, but we should have saved some space — I knew we got the kit, just hadn’t thought about the volume.

We did bring the micro spikes, but that was overkill. Earlier in the season when Base Torres was really icy, they’d have been useful, but by now, everything is melted out and the ground is warm enough that I can’t imagine needing them until well into the fall.

I’m glad we did the private shuttle to TDP, and stayed at Chileno the first night, rather than having a night at Puerto Natales after the bus ride. It allowed us to get to Base Torres early the next day before the crowds and cut the climbing on that day in half.

Pucon

Knowing what I do now, I’d probably have opted for a rental car from Temuco to Pucon. The navigation is easy and the car would have allowed some extra flexibility. For a three day stay, I believe the rental might also have been less expensive than the shuttles. We did fine with taxis and walking, so I don’t count this as a regret, merely something I’d do differently on a next trip.

I think that’s all. Again, a hugely successful trip; thanks for everything. If there’s anything about the experience, you’d like more feedback on, let me know. Otherwise, best wishes for Christmas and the New Year!

best regards —

Marvin

Hotels

The hotels selected were gorgeous- from Altiplanico to Hotel Lago Grey to Bidasoa, we had an exceptional experience and felt very at home no matter where we stayed. Also, we found the service wonderful at every location, and Experience Chile has clearly done the research into the best places to stay, and it paid off to have them book everything for our group.

W Trek

For the W trek, this was perfectly planned. We had absolutely no hiccups and the trek went off without a hitch. As a group of five, it was imperative to use a trip planner like Experience Chile to make sure all of our refugio reservations, meal requirements, and catamaran and bus tickets were booked perfectly. This trek takes a lot of logistical planning, and it was a huge weight off our shoulders to have Experience Chile figure it all out for us.

We had an extra two days in Chile due to a flight change and Experience Chile booked us a lovely itinerary which included a vineyard and ocean-side stay on the coast. For us, this was the perfect way to end our three-week adventure, and we appreciated the ease at which the itinerary change was made.

No Issues

It’s obvious Experience Chile has done this before! This was our first time traveling as a family outside of the country and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We faced no issues at any point in the trip, and we can’t wait to book another trip to South America with Experience Chile!

And last but not least, it was great to meet you in person in Santiago.

Thanks for making the effort to come say hello.

Great Advice

The Experience Chile team provided great advice on fine tuning our itinerary to minimize Covid disruptions and planned a trip which included hut to hut trekking the O circuit in Torres del Paine fort eight days, a five-day cruise on the Ventus Australis through the Magellan channel and out to Cape Horn and a stay in the Chilean Lake district.

This was a complex and long itinerary but every transfer and reservation was seamless and the accommodation top of the line and marvelous. When my wife Edna hurt her leg the second to last day on the O circuit, Charles arranged for transportation and nearby lodging where she could hang out while I completed the circuit. Then, when our cruise was late returning to Punta Arenas, Charles and team arranged for a hotel and changed our flights. Patagonia itself is other worldly and a must to see if you are a world traveler.

We had very high expectations and they were exceeded by Charles, Experience Chile and Patagonia.

When we travel to Chile in the future we will certainly use Experience Chile and I give them my highest recommendation.

James D. Marks M.D., Ph.D.

Chief of Performance Excellence, ZSFG

Professor of Anesthesia, UCSF

Our air tickets have been smooth except for the pilot strike which caused a two hour delay in our flight to El Calafate.

We both loved Iguacu, especially the boat ride. There are no words to describe how truly awesome Perito Moreno is and we had perfect weather today. The guide on the Always Glaciers bus was excellent.

Also, the Argentinians are just as friendly and helpful as I remember them from our last trip.

Thanks again!
Eva

Park Plaza

As expected, we liked it, and it was familiar and friendly. Our bags did not make it onto our flight and they were helpful and rang Joanna as soon as they came which was appreciated. They arrived 1 day late – thanks Iberia!  We had anticipated this so had all our trekking kit with us just in case!

The trekking was just terrific. We were blessed with glorious weather almost all the time and had just one wet morning which at least meant we got to use all the waterproof kit we were lugging around. What fabulous scenery, truly memorable and a great family experience.

We spoke to one Australian trio who had elected not to use you (fools!) and their logistic travails made me understand how effective your operation is. Congratulations to you – it’s appreciated.

Altiplanico

Fantastic hotel and lovely staff. Expensive but fantastic Christmas Eve dinner. A nice celebration. Heated bathroom floors a delight especially on our return. Baggage all put in our rooms and laundry brought to us on return. This place is really tuned in to its punters.

Catamaran

Worked well though we only worked out just in time that we had to pay at the desk that looked like a bar before a massive queue to pay formed as it neared the dock.

Refugio Grey

We really enjoyed this place. The bar was nice if crowded, good food and comfortable beds. Lights and charging sockets in all rooms. Perfect.

Bigfoot

Curiously they did not have our kayaking booking but it was too windy anyway. So they said forget that and come ice hiking instead. They only took the incremental money from us and said they’d sort the rest out – nice touch. The ice hiking was wonderful and was a highlight. Took 5 hours so we did not leave until 4pm for our next stop so it was a long, but well worthwhile, day.

Refugio Paine Grande

Though large we liked this very much and though we only arrived there at almost 8pm everything was perfectly organised. We had our own room which was very nice and comfortable with everything we needed.

Domos Frances

This was a lovely quirky place. The dome was comfortable with a reading light by each bed which was very nice. However, the eating area was small and very hot but very pleasant. We had expected liners for the sleeping bags but these were not available even to hire. Would suggest that you highlight this to all guests as the bags are clearly not cleaned or even aired daily.

Refugio Chileno

We had the best dinner here, though breakfast was mean. It is a rather crammed operation with 2 sittings of breakfast and dinner leaving you relegated to your room for too much time. The liner for sleeping bag comment applies again. They do need to think customer a little more and provide reading lights as all other places seemed to have managed it – and also have something of a lounge area if they insist on having multiple meal sittings which is obviously a nice cash machine for them.

In addition, they also tried to impose silence and promptly made lots of noise themselves. A challenging location in which to operate, I know, but we felt a mite exploited.

We ended up hiring towels every night, though we had expected some Refugios  to provide. If we had understood this we would have brought our own which would have been easier as well.

All transfers so far have been absolutely on the button with drivers introducing themselves and shaking hands. That’s really engaging and nice practice.

Back Home

Now finishing this off back home.

We had an easy transfer from the south and on to Santa Cruz. Also, we really liked the hotel, lovely, interesting place, and that museum was just fantastic. Thank you for mentioning that – we would never have found it without your prompt even though it is so nearby. The wine tour and lunch at Lapostolle must be one of life’s best lunches ever. What a location, lovely people, interesting tour and fantastic wines. On New Years Eve we had room service which was quite fun as we got to see the spectacular fireworks and then fell into bed after a full days eating and drinking.

Zapallar

Transfer to Zapallar took just 4 hours which was a nice bonus and our driver gave a guided tour as we went of the interesting things.  And the Isla Seca hotel – what a place. We just loved it and spent lots of time by the pool and walking down to the beach and the restaurants there.  In addition, we were well looked after though did not get to check into our room until about 6 which seemed strange, but a very nice ocean view room in the main hotel for us and a decent triple room for the girls in the extension.

Trip back to the airport was smooth and easy with a running commentary (!) and our BA flight, the inaugural Santiago to London flight, was great and we were all upgraded to premium economy and then Jill and I were moved to business as our screens did not work.   All the family like BA!  Very sad to leave Joanna at the airport but she is enjoying Chile and hope her next 6 months go smoothly.

All in all one of the best holidays we have ever had, if not the best, so thank you for putting together such an enjoyable itinerary for us.

With best wishes for the new year.

Joe

The only issue we had, which was no fault of yours, was that the kayaking at Grey Glacier was cancelled due to high winds that day making the kayaking unsafe. Big Foot adventures staff stamped the voucher as cancelled. I will scan and forward that voucher to you so that you can use it to get a refund as the Big Foot folks recommended.

Thank you.

Dean Royal

Now we have since continued our journey north through South America, enjoying the variety of sights and challenges that this continent has to offer.

You should be aware that we have already recommended you to friends considering a trip to Patagonia. If there is anyway we can endorse/promote your business we would be happy to help.

Thank you again and all the best for the future.

Kind Regards,

Tom

Winery

the winery was lovely.  on the evening, we met a young couple with whom we did everything on the following day – breakfast, wine tour, lunch and riding.  travel time to the vineyard was around 50 mins. from the holiday inn, in a beautiful, lush valley. accommodation was antiquey, dinner great if a little pretentious, presided over by an ex. cruise line waiter, james, who took his job of explaining the food and wines very seriously.  the winery was a bit automatic, robot style explanation from the guide.

It’s a lot to take in but the particularity of Matetic is that they produce chemical free wine and do a lot of hocus locus with their soil and compost.  they use various roots, seeds and other bio ingredients such as bergamot that they put into llama skulls or such and bury in the ground – don’t ask but it seems to produce a most potable wine at the end of the process.

Atacama

the tierra was very good indeed, the staff most helpful and friendly, the food very good but we found a common inadequacy in s. america which was that they attempt to produce something “thai” to “Curry” and it turns out to be tasteless.  our little houselet was charming with both indoor and outdoor showers and a view towards Licancabur – the most iconic volcano of the region.  although the pool was operational it was too small to really swim in and all the spa facilities available though we did not use them.  we did almost every excursion we could.

In Summary

I thought your organisation of our trip was magnificent.  there always was a taxi, if not with english speaking driver, at each hotel and airport etc. be aware that i once gave your name to a tour operator in the US and i gave it to her again the other day and i will not hesitate to recommend you fully to anyone we know of who is coming to your part of the world.

keep well and greetings to lorena.

Judy

Maybe you know how to reach them?

If they found my E-reader, maybe someone can take it back to Puerto Natales and we’ll head back there to pick it up. Other options would be to pick it up at El Calafate, Punta Arenas or Ushuaia.

Hope you can help us out!

Best regards,
Jephta Peijs

Pucon

I understand why you had suggested another night in Pucon; the Antumalal hotel was delightful, and we barely scratched the surface of the things to do in Pucon. But we also thoroughly enjoyed our time in Puerto Varas. I only wish we could have stayed longer in the Lakes District.

The Cruise

Stella Australis cruise was certainly a highlight of the trip. One we would not have missed (even though it caused us to shorten our time in Pucon). And the stay at the Awasi and Torres del Paine was just amazing! The weather could have been a bit more cooperative – but if one is stuck inside on a rainy evening, it is certainly the place you would want to be “stuck.” We did have clear weather long enough to see the majestic views, get in a couple hikes and some great birdwatching.

Minor Inconveniences

There were 2 minor inconveniences that I wanted to mention, just for your future reference.

First, we disembarked the Stella Australis at about 8:30 am. Our flight from Ushuaia to El Calafate wasn’t until 4pm. We discovered that the ship does not have any facilities, or arrangements with others, for storing luggage. The ship suggested the tourist office, which sent us to a nearby hotel, who sent us to private facility that was closed, etc.

Luckily, the manager at the Canal Beagle Hotel took pity on us and some other passengers and allowed us to store our bags for several hours at his hotel. I recognize that this is not something you could have prevented, and I will be sending my comments directly to the cruise line, but just wanted to mention so you can prepare others. Considering that this is likely a common problem it could be simply rectified by the Australis company.

Glacier Hike

The second item involved the glacier hike excursion in El Calafate. First, let me say that we thoroughly enjoyed this excursion and would highly recommend it to others. The only problem was in the information we were given.

When we checked into the hotel, we were provided a confirmation packet that outlined what we should wear, and stated that the excursion did not include the park entrance fees and any food. (This same information was also reflected in the voucher you provided.)

What was not made clear in the information given was that food needed to be brought in – there was no place to purchase anything to eat. Considering that most people seemed to have brought food, perhaps we misunderstood, but I think this should have been more clearly stated in the information packet.

As I stated these were merely inconveniences – we made up for our lack of lunch with a superb dinner that night at Buenos Cruces restaurant in El Calafate! Please feel free to use us as a reference any time.

Thank you again and have a very Happy New Year!

Julia Gordon