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Lars and Susie Smith, Patagonia, Feb 2024 After an initial chat on the phone, Tom received our general brief for a month-long trip to Patagonia, to include a few specific places and activities with an emphasis on trekking. His first comprehensive draft arrived soon after. Subsequently, it was a joy to work with Tom as he swiftly and effectively amended the plan to reflect our evolving appreciation of where we were heading. Nothing seemed too much trouble, repeat questions included. The result was a relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable introduction to South America. The itinerary was thorough and well briefed, the travel arrangements practical. All the necessary paperwork and ticketing clear and correct. There was never a hitch, doubt or wasted day. The in-country agents were also on the ball and supportive on the occasion we made a minor change at short notice. No drama, no problem. We recommend Andean Trails, and Tom, without reservation and aim to use their services again. We heard about Andean Trails from family & by reading travel books. (On spotting a puma on the Paine W trek) The puma was around the Central hotel area on our way up to the Torres, initially seen as two green eyes in the dark at about 30m. We waited at the hotel until half light, tried again only to face it coming around the corner here. We finally continued 15 minutes later passing it lying in the grass about 20m off the path. Seen by others up to an hour later. One of a pair apparently. Kind of (not) cuddly! >> Patagonia Holidays and Tours

Lars and Susie Smith
» Guided Torres del Paine W

We had the trip of a lifetime.  I hear that expression all the time but never really thought it real to say until now. It was fantastic!   Highlight of the holiday was the view of the Three peaks and the lake in perfect weather conditions. It was also the ice hiking which was totally thrilling and lots of fun.   Our guide, Danny, was simply awesome. Great sense of humor, very knowledgeable, good company, calm.  We felt lucky to have him with us.   The Refugios and the one night in the tent were very clean and the beds comfortable. The tents were great and sleeping bags and mats were provided -  despite no-one being able to sleep due to the noise of the wind (crazy!) Some Refugios were better than others but all were very comfortable with enough amenities   Food was adequate/fine. Don’t think I’ll be having mashed potatoes any time soon but absolutely nothing to complain about. The first Refugio we stayed in was the best (sorry, name eludes me)   The route was good and everything went to plan (bar the boat which no-one could have foreseen) Only emergency internet at that specific Refugio though so possibly a good idea not to try and leave from here as plans difficult to change.   Not sure about the local community benefitting but certainly in P Natales I felt we helped by shopping, eating and drinking there!  Surely just having visitors in the area helps the economy and educates people how to behave in a Natural Park?   We chose this place as we wanted to see if it was as beautiful as we had been told. And YES it was!   We chose Andean Trails as the itinerary could be flexible to our time schedule and the amount of time we wanted to spend walking. (Which was great)   Overall an absolutely fantastic trip which will be very difficult to top so if you have any other ideas for next year, please let us know!    

M Bradie, USA, 2018
» 7-day Paine W Trek: EcoCamp Patagonia