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.
Springtime in Patagonia November 2022 This was one of the best trips that I have ever done and I loved every minute of it. There are long bus journeys in between the main events but they are well managed and the views out of the windows on those journeys were very much part of the whole experience. The accommodation was comfortable - not luxurious but perfectly adequate. Two weeks went by in a flash. There were some early morning starts but each day was a delightful new experience. Highly recommended but not for those who just want to sightsee without actively participating. But perhaps those people won't travel with Exodus anyway. Thank you Exodus for another great holiday.
A Memorable and Hugely Enjoyable Experience If you enjoy your scenery,and a good variation in your cycling ( mix of road and off-road ) then this trip is for you. It is quite challenging in parts,but is well within the abilities of a reasonably fit and competent cyclist ( I am 67 years old but reasonably fit,and I managed without much difficulty,although generally at back end of a very fit group of good cyclists ! ). We were exceptionally fortunate with the weather-dry,sunny,warm-unusual in an area noted for rainfall.
Maria BarcielaTravel Expert in Argentina and Chile
Oxana ProtchenkoTravel Expert in Argentina and Chile
Maria SzlafszteinTravel Expert in Argentina and Chile
