Argentina, Chile Vacation Review: Santiago, Patagonia, Buenos Aires, Torres del Paine, 12-Day Tour

This trip to Patagonia was on my wife's bucket list and she did it with a friend. I discovered our travel agency via Zicasso. From the beginning, the experience with our tour operator was welcoming and positive. I worked with our travel team to plan and fine-tune the trip to meet my wife's expectations.

While my wife is strong, independent, and invincible, I am strong, independent, and overly protective. Our travel agent was excellent with suggestions and made me comfortable about safety concerns. She turned us over to her colleague after the trip was confirmed. She made sure everything happened as it was supposed to and kept in continuous communication with my wife on the ground and me at home. It was like having personal friends helping with the planning and execution of the trip.

The trip started in Buenos Aires, went down to the Argentine side of Patagonia, then over to the Chilean side, before finishing in Santiago, Chile. All in-country transportation and local guides were arranged by our travel agency.

While the hotels were all good to very good, the highlight of the trip was the hotel in the Torres del Paine area. During the trip, my wife (76, looks 55) and her friend (51) did long hikes of eight to 10 hours a day, covering up to 13 miles, much of it uphill. Their private guides were competent, friendly, and helpful (and all women), focusing on them having a great and safe experience.

Our tour operator used a travel app designed specifically for travel companies that provided all trip information, including documentation, itineraries, and restaurant and sightseeing recommendations. Most importantly, it provided the ability to email, text, or call. Any questions submitted were answered quickly and schedule changes were sent in advance. At home, 6,500 miles away, I was able to track the trip and communicate with the travel team and my wife.