Customer Reviews

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  Denis

  · February 19th, 2020
  Our visit to Patagonia was simply amazing. Our...
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  Trafalgar commented on this review

  Thank you for sharing feedback about your time on the Wonders of Patagonia guided holiday, as this first-hand insight is very important to us here at Trafalgar. It's great to receive your high praise for our Travel Director Veronica, we are very proud... Show more
  Trip date: February 2020
• KT

  Kristin

  · January 20th, 2017
  Trafalgar tour November 19 - December 1 Patagonian grand adventure with Buenos Aires. I recently returned from a trip to Patagonia. This trip was years in the planning due partly to the price $5000.00 without airfare and partly to the destination. I was extremely disappointed with several aspects of this trip. Our guide for the Santiago and Patagonia portion of the trip was Ingrid Holland. Our guide in Buenos Aires was Fernanda. Ingrid was not a very attentive guide. She did not prepare us for the days adventures. Only until asked, she supplied a note at the desk with breakfast and suitcase times. While touring she could have been more informative as to culture, nature or just general information. When asked questions personally, she would answer the question but only to the person asking. A good guide picks up the microphone and tell everyone else the question and the answer. Also at the end of the day she could have done a better job at explaining what to expect for the the day. We had two hotel changes without any explanation. The first hotel changed, the group was never informed, we just showed up at a different hotel which was not listed in the itinerary. In Punta Arenas we were suppose to stay at the hotel Dreams Del Estrecho but ended up at hotel Cabo De Horns. Then our guide said she didn't even have a room and the gate1travel guide was nice enough to offered up hers. We also found out that the bus driver had to sleep on the bus. I cannot believe a professional company could not provide appropriate boarding for their employees. The hotel we stayed in was a definite downgrade. The beds were horrible! The second hotel change was in Torres del Paine national park. The hotel scheduled was the Rio Serrano, we ended up at the Lago Grey Hosteria, another downgrade. This night dinner with wine was suppose to be included. Dinner was served but your drinks were not included. This was brought to the attention of Ingrid who said she would inform the office. Changing hotels without being informed is very unprofessional. I had forwarded the itinerary to family and if an emergency took place we were not where we listed. Natural disasters, deaths and other unforeseen events occur. That's is why the itinerary is not sent out until two weeks before departure. Now one of the most beautiful days could have had a tragic end. The day at Torres del Paine national park, we were never informed of three optional hikes until getting off the bus to take pictures. A local guide was brought on to offer up his expertise. The local guide was limited in his English. The last hike of the day we were told it was a 30 minute hike to a glacier and 30 minutes back. I'm in decent shape and it took me 2 and 1/2 hours. I had no water because the guide said it was not necessary. All who participated in this hike would then hike back to Lago Grey Hosteria. After some of the group began to struggle, 12 were sent ahead with no guide to make it back to the hotel alone. The remaining group had to help the others who were struggling. Several members attempted to tell the guide that medical attention was needed for two members, his response was "they fine". Once the rest of the group made to the hotel, two were taken to the Red Cross medical facility. The Red Cross was not sufficiently staffed and the two had to wait to Calafate to receive medical attention. Now I'm just going to list my other various issues with the trip all hotel room views were BAD, alley or roofs. rooms were dusty and often at end and back of the hotel. When asked for a room change in Puerto Natales, the staff stated that trafalgar does not pay for the nice rooms Flights included, we were never informed by Ingrid that they were not non stop. Punta Arenas, never went to the Otway sound. We were told there were no penguins but they were there, confirmed by other hikers Punta Arenas, went to a cheesy museum but drove by a cemetery that is voted one of the most beautiful. The ability to vote when certain itinerary changes occur, not have the guide make decision for everyone. Suitcase chaos. Made sure your handle is raised to insure it makes the bus. There are so many other ways that are more efficient and effective. No water provided, one hotel was remote and we had to force Ingrid to drop everyone off at a grocery, she wanted us to walk 20minutes back on a dirt road carrying the water. Boat ride I'm Puerto Natales, beautiful, but they painted the boat red that morning and it was still wet. Many on the tour had bright red paint on pants, jackets and shoes. Two busses had giant cracks across the entire windshield The bus broke down for 2hrs, the driver then attempted to fix the brakes himself. Ingrid waived a passing car to go get help. The driver fix the breaks himself after finding level ground - very reassuring when going down hills. Some highlights -Wine tour in Santiago- beautiful and local guide was unbelievable (wished she was our guide the whole trip) -The guide at Los Glaciers National Park (Francisco) fantastic!! Unbelievable sight, my favorite sight of the entire trip -Dinner theater in Puerto Natales was a historical reenactment of original population, very enjoyable and well put together. -Boat ride in the Beagle Channel The Buenos Aires extension was handled by a guide named Fernanda. She was absolutely on top of everything. She booked a tango show for us and a ranch day excursion. Both were enjoyable what you expect on a tour. During the city tour she was informative and helpful. At the end of the day she explained what to expect the next day and very professional. Another issue was not mine but four other group members purchased an extension on the front of their trip to Easter island. The airfare was never purchased and they ended up staying in Santiago for five days before the trip started due to this error. Not a good way to start a trip Overall, I was able to see the beautiful scenery and national parks that many travel to Patagonia to see. It would have been a more enjoyable experience if the guide provided did an excellent job. I discovered that Trafalgar subcontracted this tour out to South American tours. Ingrid was independent contractor not a Trafalgar employee. I booked my trip through Costco. Both Trafalgar and Costco should reconsider sending anyone on the trip. Almost all of the other travelers I talked to were as disappointed as I was with the trip. Many were first time travelers with Trafalgar and stated that they would also never take one of their tours again. One couple stated it was their 7th Trafalgar tour, the most expensive one and also the most disappointing. This was my first and will be my last tour with Trafalgar. Reviewed by Kristin Tracey
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  Trip date: November 2016