We’re still buzzing from the whole trip

Buenos Aires

We were warmly welcomed by your local guide, Carmen. The market in San Telmo was definitely worth a visit and the bike trip was a great success; there were just the four of us and we had a brilliant guide who steered us safely through the city and provided lots of information.

El Calafate

Hosteria Alta Vista is in a stunning location; we were the only guests, so we received their undivided attention. The trip of the sheep shearing shed led by Tamara was very interesting. She drove us up in the jeep so we could walk back down at our leisure. The nature and scenery were magnificent! The next day we went to Perito Moreno – well worth a visit and not at all busy! Very windy! We would have liked to stay a bit longer at this place to go for a walk. We had a lovely meal and a few drinks.

Puerto Natales

A five-hour drive through vast countryside. The car was fine, but driving for long periods on unpaved roads is very tiring. Crossing the border into Chile always took an hour; it was a bit of a nuisance if there was a busload of people ahead of you. The Indigo Hotel was a pleasant surprise, both in terms of its location and its décor; beautiful and unique. Torres del Paine National Park was absolutely fantastic! It was a shame we had to drive such a long way back again. It really is better to stay overnight here in the park... A long day’s walk in this park would also be lovely, but there wasn’t time for that.

Ushuaia

Tierra del Fuego National Park was absolutely beautiful. A lovely canoe trip, a great guide, a lovely lunch in the tent, and a lovely walk.

M/V Ushuaia – Antarctica

Antarctica was an overwhelming experience. It’s impossible to put into words. So beautiful, with those stunning landscapes, islands, the sea, the wildlife and the light. We were lucky with the weather and were able to go ashore twice every day amongst the gentoo and chinstrap penguins, seals, sea lions, birds and interesting remnants of the former whaling industry and scientific stations. The expedition team were very enthusiastic and competent. The ship’s staff and crew were extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The meals were excellent, though Argentine wine was missing. Unfortunately – though fortunately – it was still available to buy. One downside was the bed in our cabin, which was somehow loose in its frame and would swing from left to right with a loud thud as the ship moved. The mattress itself was fine. Fortunately, both crossings of the Drake Passage were relatively calm. We were very pleased and surprised by the comprehensive film the expedition team had made about this voyage. It included information about the ship’s crew and the expedition team, a checklist of which animals we saw on which days, details of the lectures, a logbook of the voyage with all the daily programmes, maps and photographs. On the last evening on board, we watched it all together and everyone was given a copy of this DVD.

Buenos Aires

Back in Buenos Aires, Katrine’s cookery workshop was really lively and delicious. The stories told by ‘gastrosoof’ Alejandro Frango were particularly entertaining and interesting. The tango and dinner show the following evening was brilliant; a treat for the eyes and ears, and delicious too!

It was a truly wonderful trip!

Koos van Leusden, Elly Celie, Jakko Kop & Willy Diepstraten