Punta Arenas Tours in April 2026

We have traveled and hiked all over the world. Originally we were disappointed we couldn't go on the trip to Patagonia in Argentina and Chile. We were asked if we would do the Condor instead since COVID kept us from crossing the border between Argentina and Chile. We were not disappointed! In fact this was an even better trip than the original! We were the first group in 2 years since COVID started to go with the tour operator to Patagonia. We had the unusual blessing of having great weather every day of the 2 weeks in lower and upper Patagonia. We hiked with Alvaro Jaime who was an exceptional guide, funny, encouraging and loves his native Patagonia. Our guide on the W in Torres de Paines was Christian. At every turn there was a nice surprise. We drank directly from the streams, saw puma and cub, heard and saw the avalanches in the French Valley, turned the corner and saw the magnificent Torres de Paines with the glacial blue lake in front and the glacial waterfalls in back with a bright blue sky reflecting off the granite towers. Wow! We fought the wind, saw the beautiful towers of the Cuernos or horns. The lakes filled with swirling rainbows and another with large icebergs were spectacular. At the end of the W trek, we went kayaking among those same icebergs and the last day went to the Gray Glacier to see it up close. The first week was full of new adventures and sights. The second week was spent among the volcanoes in Porto Mont. We hiked Osorno, the second most perfect volcano in the world after Mount Fuji. That was such a surprise for me to see all the volcanic beauty. Richard from KoKayaks was our guide in this temperate forest region, much different from souther Patagonia. We kayaked a fjord, ate lunch on an isolated peninsula where the 75 year old owner walks one hour to the closest road, biked around the second largest lake in Chile, white water rafted in Class 3-4 rapids, rested in an old German lodge and ate great seafood, beef and lamb. The vegetarian options were equally tasty. The whole trip was wonderful so if you have only one option this year - the Condor trip- don't worry. You won't be disappointed.

We were a little anxious about getting through all of the requirements that Chile had for getting into the country and were worried that we may not make it through the "mini-quarantine" in order to start the trip on time. Fortunately, everything worked out and we couldn't have been happier even with the initial hoops to jump through. Patagonia is simply a beautiful and magnificent place. The W-trek in the Torres del Paine park was incredible, from the climb up to the namesake towers on the first day through the walk up to glacier on the last day in the park. In between we were able to see and hear avalanches in the mountains and listen to young puma cries in the low lands. We were blessed with great weather the entire week, which we were told is very rare, and had clear views of the mountains every day. Many of the nuances would have been missed were it not for our excellent guides Alvaro and Christian. They were a wealth of information on the history of the people and land in southern Patagonia as well as the geology and plant and wildlife in the park. It was great hiking with them and they made sure that everyone got the most out of the trek. Alvaro continued with us to the more northern lake district around Puerto Varas. There the pace was a little more leisurely. The area was so different with volcanos surrounded by beautiful forests, lakes and fjords. We had three nights in the beautiful Petrohue Lodge on the Todos los Santos lake and from there hiked up the base of the Osorno Volcano and kayaked with additional guiding from Richard and Franz. Finally, we were very appreciative of all the help we had from Alvaro and Richard to ensure that the group had all of the required COVID testing on time for departure from Chile and in assisting at the airport as travel requirements were constantly changing.

Visiting southern Patagonia had always been a lifelong dream. Alvaro and Cristian helped me get so much more out of the W-trek than I could ever get from following a guidebook. Their warmth - and humor - put me at ease right away. When appropriate, I could go at my own pace - which is something that I need on occasion. With them handling everything, all I had to do was enjoy the hike. The W-trek alone would have made this among the best trips - if not the best - I've ever taken. But it wasn't over. I have to admit, I originally short-sold northern Patagonia. I loved the lakes district. As I said in the title, I feel that my eyes have been opened to an unexpected gem. I am so glad that I took Chilean Condor. After the hike up the Orsono volcano with Franz, I knew that I was truly on the best trip I've ever been on. The biking and kayaking were the icing on the cake. Speaking of which... I enjoyed my 'bakery tour' through Puerto Varas. (Don't worry, I'm pretty sure I burned off enough calories on the W-trek.) On top of that, the dining - well everywhere - but particularly in the lakes district - was excellent. I knew Chile was known for its wines, but the beer I had in the lakes district was outstanding. I'm so glad that I went to northern Patagonia. ALL of this, while Covid and its attendant chaos raged around us. I feel I was shielded from what must have been a huge hassle. Finally, I want to single out something minor, but I think is indicative: On the way to lunch after our bike trip, I and a few members of the group needed a bathroom break. We could have 'soldiered on', but accommodating us kept everyone comfortable. Gestures like this are appreciated. In conclusion, I want to thank Cristian, Richard and most of all Alvaro. This trip wouldn't have been what I wanted - and needed - without you. I hope to make it back to Chile and look forward to traveling with the tour operator in the future.

Outstanding scenery and natural beauty, but the trip was somewhat marred by lack of planning and clarity on changes to the advertised schedule, along with over reliance on tents when the trip notes say refuge or camping, as opposed to just camping. Single supplement should also be retitled partial single supplement.