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.
Chile never ceased to amaze. It's a destination that promises unforgettable memories and an appreciation for the country's unique blend of history and natural beauty. Hope to come back and meet more of this beautiful country soon!
Spectacular and worth the distances travelled Fantastic scenery, massive distances to travel in between though, but worth it for Fitzroy, Moreno, Torres del Paine etc.
The excellent rating is in part due to the luck we had with weather, even down as far south as Ushuaia.
There were only two proper trekking days though, maybe some options to do more would have been good, and an extra day if Chile for the Grey Glacier would have justified the miles in a minibus.