Great Itinerary and Great Experience in Patagonia
Chile | Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2025

D
Dave C.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Reviewed on Jan 29, 2025

I thought the itinerary that Lorena worked with on turned out to be fantastic! A great mix of normal touring and experienced based activities! Specifically our guides for Torres De Paine, Ramiro - W Circuit Patagonia and our Torres Overview Tour Guide - Jose Gonzalez were outstanding. In addition I wanted to give a shout out to Valentina our local KimKIM Operations leader in Chile did a great job. The Magdelena Island / Penguin Colony and the Lago Grey Glacier are don't miss events.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Ilaia
Punta Arenas

We were only there for a quick overnight ~8 hours. The hotel was fairly comfortable, and the staff was friendly. Probably not the best location or option if you are going to stay more than a couple of nights

Authenticity & Character
Location
Outside of town, not centrally located
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Vendaval
Puerto Natales

If you are looking for a higher end accommodation, this may not be your place. It is centrally located in Puerto Natales, but the rooms were small and you won't be able to control room temperature from individual rooms. The room didn't come with a TV (which was ok, but not great), and no refrigerator...which was an issue because my wife has medications that required that. If you go upstairs to the hotel bar be prepared at checkout to have to pay in Chilean Pesos...since they wouldn't allow credit cards to finalize the bill...just a couple of small amenities that could have been better.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Lago Grey
Torres del Paine

Lago Grey was outstanding! Yes, it is remote within the National Park....but that was made it terrific. The on-site restaurant was fantastic, staff were very supportive and customer focused, and the rooms were big with knock out views of Lago Grey. The room did have a TV, but no refrigerator, but the staff were super accommodating to helping us get medications properly stored. I can't say enough great things about this property...a definite must go!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Torres del Paine National Park Private Tour
Torres del Paine National Park Private Tour
Puerto Natales

This overview type tour was fantastic. Jose Gonzalez was one of the best tour guides we have ever experienced anywhere. This tour gives a great taste of many aspects of Torres Del Paine National Park...which was a great way to see a lot of things in half a day! The provided lunch at the Lago Grey cafeteria was very good and needed !! Nicely done to Jose!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jose's knowledge and presentation style made this a great tour
Transport
Penguin Colony on Magdalena Island
Penguin Colony on Magdalena Island
Chile

Worth the effort to go to the island and view the penguins and other birds in their natural environment. A great tour for the Punta Arenas time of our itinerary

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat Trip to Glacier Grey
Boat Trip to Glacier Grey
Chile

One of our highlights..especially since we stayed right at the Hotel Lago Grey! The boat trip was fantastic and the views of the glacier were awe inspiring!! This is a can't miss excursion if you are anywhere near Lago Grey.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Base Torres Hike
Base Torres Hike
Chile

Spectacular...but be forewarned, this hike is a difficult trek (not close to moderate) and not for the faint of heart. Views were spectacular and the guides were fantastic. 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) with elevation changes and variable trail conditions and weather conditions made this an experience of a lifetime, but also challenging!

Quality of Experience
Food
The provided lunch bag was not nearly enough nutrition to support this type of hike...bring energy bars and other food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Replied on Feb 01, 2025

Dear Dave and Rosana, I loved reading your kind review. Thanks for the sweet words and the details on the hotels and tours. I shared your compliments with Jose and Valentina, they were happy to hear them!
After several years of planning this adventurous trip it finally became true. Please come and visit us again, there’s so much more to see and do in South America and I’d love to plan another great experience for you.
I wish you both an amazing rest of the year.
All the best,
Lorena