Mary

United States Of America

Customer
Rating

6

Customer Rating On return from their adventure we ask customers: “On a scale of 0-10, with 10 being the highest, how likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend or colleague?”

Mary's Trip Date:

14th Jan - 2nd Feb 2024

What was your most memorable moment?

So hard to pick just one-- probably either the Base of the Towers or the Lago de los Tres hikes-- these were super intense and strenuous, but the views at the top were stunning, and the feeling at the end knowing I accomplished something big was great.

Which of the following best describes your adventure?

Great holiday

On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend or colleague?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

6 out of 10

On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Patagonian Peaks and Plains?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

9 out of 10

Tell us about Tierra del Fuego

Fantastic tour with mini walks all through the park-- felt like I got some exercise, saw a lot, all in just half a day. Only downside is I would have liked more!! Would've loved a longer / more intense hike here.

Tell us about Torres del Paine

First day was incredible, Carlos was so encouraging and lovely as we went on the strenuous hike to Base of the Towers. I went in with zero context on where I was hiking or what I would see, and on this hike you see it ALL. Yes the end of the hike is the view point, but it is so gorgeous and you get so many different scenes as you pass through, from valleys to forest to mountain to the final glacial lake. The second day was definitely slower, which was a good recovery. Really solid walk in the middle of the day-- only wish my group had been a bit fast so we could make it all the way to the waterfall, but my group was all 70+ :(

Tell us about Chilean Lakes

Would've wanted another day to hit the Villarica volcano! Loved the hot springs, but so wish I could have had both the intense hike and the relaxing day. Might recommend that people hike the day before when getting in so they are ready to relax in the hot springs. The rafting was meh, definitely could have gone without it.

Tell us about the Excursions

Loved the vineyard and wine tasting; Valparaiso was much bigger of a city that expected but still glad I went to see all of the art and culture. Chiloe island was such a cultural immersion, loved everything from the square, the beaches, to the pit bake dinner (which was incredible and SO unique). Only would've wanted to walk a bit more at the beaches / along the coast :)

Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Patagonia?

Check the age range of your group to make sure you'll be with people interested in the same level of hiking as you; pack literally everything in terms of layers, and take them all with you in your day pack (I'd be in the hot sun in a tank top hiking one minute and the next looking at a glacier, freezing cold and in rain pants / rain jacket the next); have cash on hand for the smaller towns (El Chalten namely); say yes to everything, it's all amazing

Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?

Made me more appreciative of nature

Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?

Please please let people know age ranges for their group, particularly if they are going to be the outlier by 50 years. Really put a damper on my experience having to go slow or not get to do some of the hikes because my group (70+) couldn't keep up. Also, send us our actual e-tickets beforehand-- now that everything is electronic, there's really no reason the trip leader needs to manage all of that for us (unless someone wants them to), but I'd much rather be able to pick my own see and see my flight information directly that way (and add in my frequently flier miles).

How prepared and excited for Patagonia did you feel?

VERY excited, pretty prepared-- wish I had more visibility into the domestic flights (see above), but overall had packed everything I needed.

Would you consider another trip to Patagonia with Swoop?

Yes

Would you be interested in travelling to Antarctica with Swoop?

Yes

Would you be interested in travelling to the Arctic with Swoop?

Yes

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