Feedback on The Patagonia Trail, Argentina
The Patagonia Trail, Argentina
In December 2019, we (Kate and Laura) were honoured to guide The Patagonia Trail along with our Argentinean guide, Jakob, and his amazing team of gauchos. With us came a select group of beautiful globetrotters, among them Kate Gordon. This incredible Aussie woman is a mother, wife and horse breeder, to name just a few of her talents! Leaving all of this behind for 12 days, she took a leap of faith and came with us to the ends of the world, where the mountains kiss the sky and diamond-clear glacier waters trickle into turquoise lakes. Here’s what she had to say after returning home.
Were you happy with the globetrotting ride that was recommended to you or chosen by you?
Extemely!! Exceeded my expectations!
Were there any stand-out experiences (good or bad) with the accommodation and meals that you would like to mention?
The food and accommodation was 5 star, even better than I expected!
Were you happy with the horses that you rode?
I rode two fantastic horses. I felt that they were very well suited to the description I gave of the type of horse I like to ride. Domino was so full of energy and confidence and was very soft with plenty of feel, not to mention easy on the eye 😉 I never had to kick him on and he was always ready for more which I love. I was lucky enough to also ride Avispa through the Pass of Tears. She was amazing in the mountains, like a cat springing from rock to rock, so surefooted and confident about her job. As a horse breeder myself, I was so impressed with the quality and condition of all the horses. Jakob has done an amazing job breeding and training such a great team of horses, I understand how hard this can be! I doubt anyone would be disappointed with his horses.
Did you have a favourite day or experience while on your Globetrotting holiday?
Definitely the Pass of Tears and the lookout on they way to Philippe’s. It was so exhilarating and really got my heart pumping, as well being so peaceful and serene. I actually don’t think there was a bad ride!
In respect to your guides, were you happy with their level of service, knowledge of the environment and hospitality?
The guides were all great and worked well as a team, someone was always there to take care of you. Daisy was a star, so caring and wonderful to talk to with a lot of local knowledge. She made me feel like a friend visiting rather than a paying guest. Nothing was ever a problem. There was a lovely calm atmosphere between the gauchos, who quietly went about looking after us all. And particular care was given when someone needed it without it seeming to be a problem.
In terms of value-for-money, how would you rate this particular ride?
10 out of 10! Sounds funny for a fairly expensive ride, but now I have done it, I feel it is actually great value – you get so much with everything included. There was so much that I didn’t expect to be part of the package. The best money I have spent!
Are there any other services or inclusions you would like to see added to this itinerary?
I can’t think of anything that hasn’t already been included!
We would LOVE a testimonial about your globetrotting experience to share on our social media channels.
This was the most amazing experience in so many ways. In my email to Kate asking about this trip, I said, ‘I want to be challenged emotionally, physically and mentally.’ If I was to leave my husband, kids, business, etc to fly to the other side of the world, it had to be worth it. Well, worth it was! I could never have imagined one trip could give me so much. Words fail to describe the magic that this remote final frontier contains. There is something extraordinary powerful about removing yourself from this crazy modern world where we are all juggling so many balls and going somewhere no one can contact you, riding to places where very few have been. The horses were nothing short of amazing and our hosts Jakob and Daisy were the perfect team. The whole experience from start to finish was life altering. To ride a horse to the edge of the earth where the mountains meet the sky is something I will never forget. Climbing 2,000 meters above sea level under the watchful eye of a gliding condor with a wingspan of over 3 metres is extremely humbling. This is a journey I won’t forget. The only negative is that it is highly addictive – my new life goal is to trek the most remote parts of the globe on horseback.
W-O-W. It was our absolute privilege to ride alongside Kate on the life-affirming Patagonia Trail and we are SO thankful for her evocative and heartfelt words.