Isla Patagonia Travel Forum

Hello,

We're trying to gather information to plan out a trek through Patagonia and would love any recommendations on trekking guides or companies in that area. I found a few interesting ones just searching the internet but would love any personal recommendations from folks who had good experiences with one. Also would love to chat about your first-hand experience on this trek.

What's the best time of year to be there? Is Oct/Nov a good time or would it be better in Jan/Feb?

Any insight, advice, pics or stories to share would be great!

Thanks for your help,

G_G

the area of patagonia is huge. you can organize a general tour of the whole region or use local agencies or guides along the way. i know lots of agencies and guides that i can recommend but it depends where. october/november is far less touristy which is nice. january has good flowers which are mostly gone by february but it is generally warmer then, although the weather in patagonia is entirely unpredictable.
i would be glad to answer more of your questions if you make them more specific. i worked as a guide all around the region so i know certain places very well.

Hey there, thanks for your response!

Yes, I'm just familiarizing myself with the area now and I see there is so much to cover! It would be nice to be there when it's less touristy but also when we're most likely to have good visibility during the trek. I summited Kilimanjaro last Oct and got really lucky with the weather then.

So you worked as a guide in Patagonia (and a 'Bay Area' guy now?) Excellent!!! Sounds like you can answer all of my questions!

In some of the research I've been doing, there was a route that would take you through the "Highlights" of Patagonia. That sounded pretty interesting. Perhaps start in Chile (Puerto Natales), work our way through Torres del Paine, then head through Argentina (Laguna de los Tres, Perito Moreno,Fitz Roy)....those areas look pretty incredible.

On most of these guided treks, do folks usually camp or do overnight stays in dormitories and huts?

The group of us looking to go on this trip are a mixed bunch ranging from (what I affectionately call) "Hobby Hikers" to more experienced trekkers---So some moderate hiking levels would be good. But definitely want to see some spectacular scenery. Any route that would take us to see the Fjords, glaciers, mountain lakes,majestic sunsets .....and penguins!! (Can we see penguins??!!) What would you suggest?

Thanks so much for your help!

G_G

ah yes,
and here are some photos of the calafate/chalten area
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=35789&l=44f88&id=695160413

STUNNING! Gorgeous!

Really enjoyed the pics, Gabriel! (and was that you doing the Karate Kid kick??!) ;-)

Wow, those pics just sealed the deal for me. I must get there!!

Blown away by the photologue....and many thanks for your email! What a wealth of info! It's like you were tossed out of the heavens by the "Trekking gods" and fell right into our laps with exactly what we're looking for.

VT is a great for stuff like that!

I'll be discussing your feedback with the rest of the crew and hopefully we can meet up with you soon to discuss the plans!

Thanks a bunch for sharing the pics!

G_G

p.s. Any pics of the penguins???? ;-)))