Andean Trails Review: Patagonia Highlights

Andean Trails Review: Patagonia Highlights Trekking Tour

The brief: A once-in-a-lifetime trip for a honeymoon, exploring Patagonia.

The solution: Three national parks in two weeks on our Patagonia Highlights trip.

Tyler and Khalid approached Andean Trails in September 2024, looking for the perfect honeymoon after their June 2025 wedding.

Patagonia was at the top of the list for a mix of hiking and wildlife. Luckily, our Patagonia Highlights small group trip ticked all the boxes. It covers:

• The main trekking trails in Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
• Chile’s iconic Paine W in the Torres del Paine National Park
• Perito Moreno Glacier visit
• Visiting an authentic and historic Estancia in Tierra del Fuego
• Sailing Beagle Channel, spotting penguins, sea lions, and more.

How did it go?

What Tyler and Khalid thought about the Patagonia Highlights Trip

Tyler and Khalid sent back a superb field report, with dozens of wonderful photographs that captured the essence of the trip. Tyler said: “We had the time of our lives! Thank you so much.

“In terms of photos, we took literally thousands. Highlight: It is so difficult to choose; we loved absolutely everything on our itinerary.

“However, if we had to pick favourites, it would be the mini-trekking on Perito Moreno glacier and visiting Penguin Island (near Ushuaia).

“No lows! We loved every single second.”

Visiting Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina

All stories begin somewhere. Patagonia Highlights starts in El Calafate, Argentina, a small town in the south. It serves as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and the ever-calving Perito Moreno Glacier.

The happy couple loved their first taste of Patagonia. Tyler said: “Los Glaciares National Park had to be our favourite park, every corner you turn, you are met with beautiful views. Each hike provides very different scenes, too.

“We loved the Loma Pliegue de Tumbado hike, difficult, but we were rewarded with the most stunning views. It was also exciting to visit Laguna Torre, coming up over the hill, being absolutely battered by Patagonian wind and sand, to then get sight of the icebergs floating in the water and washing ashore—unbelievable.”

Camping in Los Glaciares National Park

We understand that not everyone wants to camp in the wilds of Patagonia. However, the Poincenot Campsite, just east of Laguna de Los Tres, offers a unique experience.

Tyler explained: “A bit random, but another part we loved was being in the ‘private’ area of Poincenot camp because we had the beautiful stream and view of Fitz Roy all to ourselves as a group.

“The toilet cubicles (given they were a hole in the ground) were kept very clean and comfortable. The girls who managed the camp did a great job and were able to make brilliant meals for us.

“The mountains and landscape of Patagonia are just breathtaking—something we will never forget.”

A Good Guide Makes the Tour

Patagonia’s landscapes mould its people, making our local guides as important as the impressive surroundings.

Tyler and Khalid’s ratings? “5/5”, they said.

“Gaston was amazing, so friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. He ensured the logistics were seamless, and it was great knowing that he had everything in hand. Valentin, the driver, was also great. He ensured we stopped off at the side of the road with lots of wildlife to spot. Both made everything so easy for us, from managing check-ins and sorting out the park passes to crossing the borders.

“Our mountain guides were also brilliant; it is such a benefit having guides who know the land so well. They shared lots of knowledge with us. David was a highlight—he showed us fossils up at the top of Loma Pliegue de Tumbado.

“Also, on the way down on that hike, he took us off-trail a little to try to find a pink flower. After some walking, out of the vast space we were covering, he found one singular pink flower. We were blown away by this. He is the David Attenborough of Patagonia.”

Catering for Vegetarians in Patagonia

After Argentina, which included an ice hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier, the group crossed the border into Chile. The Lake Pehoe campsite was their base for exploring Torres del Paine National Park.

A mix of day walks revealed the park’s highlights: The Towers, the French Valley, and Grey Glacier.

In Chile, our adventurers also appreciated how our local teams kept spirits up through the most ancient forms of care: cooking and a good night’s sleep.

“The campsite at Lake Pehoe did the best food by far; they served up some of the best vegetarian food I ate the whole trip. We enjoyed having beers at the bar after our hikes.

“The tent and grounds were nice. Paine Grande camp had the best tent, very clean and comfortable on the wooden pallets. In terms of the hotels, they were all clean and comfortable.”

Stargazing and Earrings On a Remote Estancia

With the hiking done, the Patagonia Highlights tour moved once more. This time, through the sparsely populated Tierra del Fuego and across the Magellan Straits, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

The pioneer spirit was reinforced with an overnight at a remote Estancia, famed for retaining its authenticity and warm hospitality despite the harsh environment.

Tyler explained: “Staying at the Estancia was super. It came at a great point during the itinerary because the group all knew each other very well by then.

“We enjoyed beautiful food and wine. One hiccup—they weren’t aware that I was a vegetarian. Nonetheless, the family whipped up some vegetarian pasta for me at the last minute, which was delicious.

“Later, we all agreed to get up in the middle of the night to go stargazing. It was such an amazing experience. The staff there were so friendly, I left one of my earrings behind by accident, and they very kindly brought it to Ushuaia for me.”

Planning a Trip to Patagonia

Andean Trails prides itself on helping people realise their travel dreams. Did we pass the test?

“We could not fault the trip, everything went to plan, and we enjoyed every moment,” said Tyler.

“All of the organisation before the trip was great too. Tom—we cannot thank you enough for planning this for us, and for answering all of our hundreds of questions. Nothing ever felt like a silly question, and all of the information you ever provided us was useful and easy to understand.

“There was lots of support pre-trip, and we used all of the guidance that we were sent, e.g., the kit lists, country information, etc. We also really appreciate the flexibility offered to us before we went on our trip, when we thought we might have had to rearrange. We would 110% recommend Andean Trails to others.”

Why Choose Andean Trails?

We know that trusting someone to fulfil a travel dream requires honesty, the ability to listen, and the willingness to put every traveller at the centre of every element.

Tyler explained: “We chose Patagonia specifically because we love being out in nature, and wanted to see a different part of the world (bucket list holiday)! I remember seeing it on TV many years ago and thought to myself… if there is one place I visit in my lifetime, it has to be Patagonia! I am so glad that I have had the opportunity.

“Even though we did all of the organisation via video call and email for ease, it was reassuring to know we could also pop into the office if we needed to, and that the business is local.

“And next time—we’d stay even longer.

“Thank you!!!”

Tyler & Khalid, Edinburgh.

Been inspired? Contact us and start planning your own Patagonia adventure with Andean Trails.