Maria Szlafsztein

After completing the trip, I don't think Bookmundi added any value. They were non responsive when we had an issue. Basically, Bookmundi gave us several tour operator options, one of which was this local travel specialist. While the local travel specialist said that she had traveled throughout Chilean Patagonia, neither she nor the agency actually booked our travel. The entire trip was subcontracted to Gran Patagonia, an operator in Coyhaique, Chile. The local travel specialist gave us their 24 hour contact that we could reach. We had to contact them as soon as we landed because the travel voucher said to contact Gran Patagonia for our car at the airport. Gran Patagonia has no presence at the airport and after about 45 minutes they told us to go to the Mitta counter. Mitta was involved with one group at the counter for an hour. When it was our turn, they indicated that they only had one car left and it was a pretty badly beat up very small Subaru. But off we went. The vouchers from Gran Patagonia were bereft of any information or guidance. They simply had the name of the hotel and frequently the name was at least partially incorrect. When we mapped a section from Caleta Gonzalo to Feteleufu that required a 5 hour drive and we were supposed to arrive for rafting at nine thirty in the morning, we contacted the agency and the person told us that we would have to start dealing with Gran Patagonia because they could not solve our problem. Luckily the raft company had availability in the afternoon. While Gran Patagonia knew the good lodges, they were not helpful with problems or issues which I think is the most important part of what an agent does. For example, during a hike on a steep, wet trail, I fell and strained my knee. Our next lodge was in Caleta Tortel, a town with no roads and hundreds of stairs to get down to the bay and back up to the lodge. I immediately contacted the agent and requested changing the second night to the next lodge as well as a third night on our return trip. She promised to do so. I contacted here twice more and she finally said that she would keep trying to contact the next lodge. When we arrived at the next lodge in Villa O'Higgins, the owner said that they had never been contacted, but that they had had availability. And then when I contacted the agency about the third night at Tortel, which I had requested be changed 5 days in advance, they told me it was not possible. This was hard to believe in that they have significant leverage with the lodges as they send them so much business. I could enumerate other issues, but this is a sample. Here is my summary of the trip. Bookmundi added no value. The local travel specialist also added no value because they subcontracted everything and could solve no problems. Gran Patagonia provided an itinerary with minimal information and vouchers that were worse and was not supportive when issues arose. That being said, we loved Chilean Patagonia. The people we met were fantastic. Having spent a month, there are things we would do differently of course. I would not recommend any of these operators however.

We have been well received by the driver and guide since first touch down in Chile. Journey was running smoothly according to the plan. we love all the places of interests , esp skiing resort. One of the kids was sick , the 24 hrs emergency contact reassured us and guide us for the medical attention. Small problem with Mobility pass, they arranged for us the PCR test in time and reduced our anxiety. very appreciated about the support.

Maria at Say Haque has gone above and beyond to help us not only put together the initial itinerary but to also rearrange the itinerary due to COVID related postponement. She has kept us in the loop all the way which helped us make the right decisions about our trip. I will recommend their services to friends and family.