Andean Trails: South America Tours Specialist

J. Parks, USA, Terra Luna, Aysen Chile 2026

Visiting the Marble Caves has been on my bucket list for some time.  With our planned trip to SA ending in Santiago this was the chance I had been waiting for. I started researching how to get to the Marble Caves and stumbled across Andeans Trails and Terra Luna by chance. The more research I did the more this seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. (a shuttle to and from the airport, lodging, food, and other outdoor activities besides the Cave Tour) Plus it had good reviews and seemed reputable. I contacted Andean Trails and Kathy (you) responded immediately, and our conversation continued until we had everything booked and in place. I was extremely pleased at how promptly every question or concern I had was addressed!   I was a little nervous about flying to such a remote area where I did not know the language very well.  A few days before we arrived our guide Andres sent me a msg that had such a welcoming tone all my fears were erased.

From the minute we landed in Balmaceda until we returned home the trip was magical!!! Part of it was like taking me back to my childhood.  A long gravel road I walked often to my grandma’s log cabin in the woods with a wood stove. And so much of the vegetation was the same!  I found out Puerto Gaudal is close to the 45th parallel S, and I live on the 45^th parallel N!  I was like deja vu!  (Except for the Andes, GC Lake and Northern Icefield.)

I knew there were other outdoor activities available but I didn’t do any serious research on them, my mind was on getting to the Caves.  That lead to a wow moment around every corner! My love of glaciers was rewarded in the trip to Leones Glacier with lunch on the moraine.  The horseback ride on Erradica taught me new glacial terms! The time spent in Patagonia NP was very moving, esp Doug Tompkins grave.  The hike to the Confluence and the waterfall was awesome. The fossil bed hike was challenging but Andres took his time with us and was so encouraging.  Well worth the effort to get there!

To sum this up:  Andean Trails very nicely made my dream to see the Marble Caves come true. They were easy to work with, replied promptly and did everything they could to make sure the trip went smoothly.

Terra Luna –  A hidden gem in the heart of Patagonia!  the lodging - wonderful, the scenery - breathtaking,  the activities – invigorating , food – delicious, staff – top notch (every single one), Phillipe – so welcoming,  Andres – (guide) top notch!

The only critique would be    Terra Luna needs to clean the hot tub.  It is a beautiful tub, beautiful view and the water was hot but the boards were a little slimy.   Overall the place was awesome and I give them 99.9 rating.

JoAnn