Fascinating trip to South America Overnight flight to Buenos Aires business class with KLM. All six of us were up for cycle trip around city centre that day - we stayed in Own Recoleta and met the group[16] the next day for a walking trip! Great group all equipped and ready for walking. Early morning flight to El Calafate and the Torres had a 15 kg weight restriction so left luggage at Own Recoleta. Hotel at El Calafate was very comfortable with lovely staff. First day was a gentle walk around the Perrito Moreno Glacier- we had bright sunshine and did the boat trip so we got close to the edge. We left another bag at El Calafate Hotel an early start by bus to the Torres to do the W Trek. Stay in Refugios commenced- three over the week and six of us shared rooms with bunk beds. Showers were variable - some cold- some very busy. At start we were each given a gift of note book pen and Travel towel!Great walking quite an effort at times but we completed it all. We had two guides for Torres plus Pepe our own tour guide which gave flexibility if some of the group needed to do less. Return by catamaran and bus back to El Calafate. There was time here to get washing done - very cheap at hotel - there was a day off - we walked around bird reserve and El Calafate. Travelled by bus to El Chalten. Unfortunately it was raining on first day so trip to Mount Fitzroy was changed to a less challenging walk. Again group had two guides plus Pepe. Hotel in El Chalten had seen better days - water leaked into lounge.Weather improved the next day so successful walking up to another look out and glacier. Flight back to Buenos Aires meant we had another afternoon and evening there. Staying again in Own Recoleta which we appreciated more the second time around. We arranged to do the Iguazu Falls at end. A great hotel with a lovely pool and would fully recommend doing the boat trip at the falls - good to have the refreshing shower! Temperature went up to 30degrees.
A showcase of the attractions of the region This is a compilation and coordination of different tour operators in each city. It was coordinated expertly, we had no issues with the different people coming to meet us at each location for hotel or airport transfers or for each excursion. The reps were always on time. However, there are some issues to note. Firstly, you have to book the domestic flights yourself and inform the tour rep who will coordinate your transfer time. Due to this fact, there is a lot of time spent preparing for flights or at airports for the entire tour, but it is unavoidable. With a bit of planning, you are still able to do some things on flight days. Secondly, the type of excursions are mostly low physical excursions. We were happy to add the optional glacier mini trek which was very good. All other excursions were mostly riding on a bus that takes you from place to place, on a boat or watching a show. So if you intend to hike a bit, or be more physically challenged; this is not for you. Overall, you see a wide variety of attractions. The hotel in Buenos Aires was older and need some updating, but the location is very good. The ones in Ushuaia and El Calafate were good.
A memorable family vacation! Our trip with was wonderful!All the plans went smoothly, the guides were great, and we had very good weather. We cannot believe how quickly three weeks went by. Patagonia was beautiful! Thank you so much for all your help with planning a truly memorable family vacation. All the best!
