From the first contact in Ushuaia, Argentina, to the drop-off in Punta Arenas some nine days later we were safely guided through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and provided some of the finest in service we had ever had.
The world is beautiful (Matthew Janes)My first trip to Patagonia was in 2004, when I visited some friends at their estancia in Chile. We flew over the Andes and saw some of the remotest settlements in Patagonia and I got a chance to grasp the immensity, and the undeveloped nature of South America as well as the sheer beauty and dramatic rugged scenery.
So, when invited a second time, two years later, I decided to make the trip of a lifetime. I contacted Adventure Life and bundled a trip around Cape Horn with a hiking trek through Torres del Paine, Chile's largest National Park.
As the trip began to take shape, it became clear that it would be fourteen days of memorable experiences highlighting the wonders of the Southern part of South America.
We landed in Santiago and met a friend and explored some of Santiago for the day. There my son was introduced to Chilean hospitality and we day tripped to the Mount of Santiago and then boarded our flight to Buenos Aires.
In Buenos Aires we walked the downtown district, and then took great pleasure in watching the Tango and other Argentine artists perform. Buenos Aires has a beat all its own and what a perfect introduction to a country for my then twelve year old son!!
From Buenos Aires we flew to Ushuaia, the southernmost city on the continent. A shipping port and jump off point for Antarctica, Ushuaia is a hillside town that was a remote outpost built in the late 18th Century by the Spanish as a part of their shipping route through the Magellan Straits. Later that day we boarded the Via Australis, especially designed and constructed for the route to Cape Horn and through the Beagle Channel.
My son and I breathed a sigh of relief after having traveled three days, finally aboard our small ship in comfort.
Soon we were watching a Tango show in the ship's lounge as the crew readied the ship for departure, and the lights of Ushuaia faded into the distance, the propellers of the Australis churned up the cold water of the Magellan Straits and we turned to, knowing that in the morning we would be anchored off of Cape Horn.
Franny was knowledgeable with just the right touch. Highly recommend.
Bob
1 week ago
There was no detail left unconsidered in our South American itinerary. Our vague dream was turned into an unforgettable experience and lifelong memories. Our team of planners, guides, hosts, and excursion leaders were amazing and we were so honored to have been able to share their countries with them for a time. We would absolutely work again with Adventure Life-indeed, this was our third trip with them at the helm!
Jamie Park
4 weeks ago
The trip was planned well. They worked through local travel planners in the two countries we visited. The trip planner was fairly knowledgeable, but she could have been better. The hotels selected were good. There were a few things I think they could have planned better related tot he transportation between the various locations we visited, but it was a great trip overall.
MR
4 months ago
Mary Curry found right trip for my budget and the best date that I liked. She made
that reservation when other company's agent could not do it.
Thank you so much!
Theresa AN
5 months ago
Clara has been a great help and is very knowledgeable. Getting excited already about our trip
