Larry and Gillian’s Patagonia Adventure
Larry and Gillian are on a 4 week adventure through Patagonia.
Currently they are just half way through and enjoying the small Argentinean frontier town of El Chalten, and walks to the magnificent granite spires of Fitzroy and Cerro Torre.
They have sent some fabulous photos and some comments on their highlights so far.
Larry writes: “Thanks for doing great job with itinerary..ace trip.
The trip has been full of highlights. Another glorious day here and we are off to Fitzroy base tomorrow via El Pilar A to B route. El Chalten was a shock culturally after our time at Villa O Higgins and in Aysen but it is surprising how quickly one adapts to beer and funky music etc.!
In terms of 5 highlights for me.. let’s say
- Understanding Carretera Austral route.. history re Pinochet. Actually time in Santiago though short was good and meeting up with a friend’s sister at Prince of Wales club ..a great introduction to pisco sours!
- Aysen and the Terra Luna, meeting Phillipe who runs the place and going to his hideaway camping spot. The two guides we shared were great. I think some people might find it unpredictable the way it is run as changes inevitably have to be made, so helps to be adaptable. People there lovely and helpful. The night camping out was great and Nathaniel the guide gave us two very full days so we squeezed in a challenging walk to Lago Fiore to see amazing seracs plus Lago Cachorro walk. Rib trip and getting ashore by glacier Leone fabulous. Another guy at camp, Haitian Bertino was brilliant.. interesting dinner conversation. Also zip wire exit was unexpected but exciting for us … Jet boat was totally amazing..rapids on River and then wind was very high on main lake with lot of surf and big waves so exciting trip back and skill full piloting.
- Stuff before and after that was also great, Nico a good guide and funny. Side trip to waterfalls Puerto Tranquilo was excellent as was bar there!
Crossing from Villa O’Higgins with the overnight camp at a local homestead/farm, seeing local life and having a night there was fun and seeing Fitzroy for first time at Lago Desierto…. dramatic.
- O Higgins glacier .. impressive on boat.
- Walk up to Cerro Castillo Laguna. Guide Nico good laugh, easy to be with. Stuff before and after TL great. Side trip to waterfalls Puerto Tranquilo was excellent as was bar there! Indigenous people and hand paintings there fascinating.
No disappointments..! Great trip, we are both happy with your Itinerary.
Cheers Larry”
Gillian adds: “Hi Kathy. So many highlights in just 2 weeks. Terra Luna beautiful setting going into the wilderness for 2 days no tourists nobody other than our guide and Bertoni a guy from Haiti great walking and view of glacier nobody else there.”
Gillian has a dog allergy so is delighted to report “Dogs in Patagonia not allowed in cafes restaurants etc. They live outside in kennels ????”
