Reflections Of A BP Traveler: A Memorable Luxury Journey Through Patagonia

From the jagged peaks of Torres del Paine to the immense glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park, we take a closer look at the breathtaking landscapes, exclusive accommodations, and unforgettable experiences that defined this once-in-a-lifetime family vacation.

How Did You First Hear About Blue Parallel?

Our good friends had traveled to Patagonia with Blue Parallel and claimed it was “the only way” to visit the region. So, when it was time to plan our trip, we decided to follow their advice and travel with Blue Parallel. Having now returned from our Patagonia adventure, we couldn’t agree more.

How Was Working With Blue Parallel Different From Traveling With Other Luxury Travel Companies?

We’ve used another luxury travel company for dozens of trips over the years and have always had great experiences with them. That said, we decided to work with Blue Parallel for our journey to Patagonia because we wanted something truly tailored to our family, and Blue Parallel appeared to be experts in this region.

One particularly special aspect of our experience with Blue Parallel was that all our guides and drivers genuinely took an interest in us and our passions, which enhanced the level of personalization throughout the trip.

How Did You Find Your Pre-Trip Experience With Your Personal Travel Expert?

Our Blue Parallel travel expert understood our needs and preferences, and was phenomenally responsive every step of the way.

We went into the planning process with very little knowledge of Patagonia, where we wanted to go, the activities on offer, or the best accommodations.

Blue Parallel not only educated us with detailed, insightful information, but also crafted an itinerary that was far more tailored and thoughtful than anything we could have put together on our own. It made all the difference.

Did You Feel Supported By The Blue Parallel Team During Your Trip?

Absolutely. Even the small things, which might seem simple on paper, would have caused stress and confusion had we been on our own.

One example of this is our transfer in Santiago. When we landed, we had to transfer from one terminal to another to catch our international flight. There was no clear signage, and it would have been difficult to navigate. However, Blue Parallel arranged for someone to greet us and walk us through the process.

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It’s easy to underestimate the importance of those little, hands-on moments, yet they made the experience feel seamless and truly luxurious. We felt incredibly well taken care of the entire time. It was fantastic.

Can You Share Your “Wow Moments” From Your Blue Parallel Trips?

Our vacation to Patagonia was a phenomenal experience, filled with many “wow moments.” If I had to pick a few stand-out moments, they would include:

Sunset Into Sunrise In Torres del Paine

On our last evening in Torres del Paine, the sunset lit up the sky with the most extraordinary colors. It was so breathtaking that even the hotel staff stopped what they were doing to admire it and capture the moment.

Overnight, it snowed, and we woke up to a completely transformed landscape. Fresh snow dusted the mountains, and a spectacular sunrise crested over the peaks. It was surreal.

Unforgettable Photography Encounters

One of our guides in Torres del Paine was a photographer who had spent years capturing the region through this lens. He recognized our shared passion and interest in photography and brought his gear along on one of our hikes. The day turned into an impromptu, unforgettable photography tour.

Along the trail, our guide heard the faint call of a pygmy owl. Without him, we would have missed it. Thanks to his trained ear and deep knowledge of the area, he found the owl, and we were able to gather quietly and respectfully to witness this magical little creature in its natural habitat for an experience that felt incredibly rare and special.

Even more remarkable, our guide mimicked its call, and the owl responded. The quality of the guides really set this trip apart.

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Perfect Hiking Conditions In El Chaltén

We had a particularly spectacular day of hiking in El Chaltén where everything came together for us: perfectly clear skies, Fitz Roy fully visible and unobstructed by clouds, crisp air, and the autumn colors turning before our eyes. The view from the hike overlooking the lake was unforgettable.

In a place where the weather and landscapes can shift dramatically from one moment to the next, we felt incredibly lucky to witness Patagonia at its most vibrant and clear.

Do You Have Any Favorite Accommodations In Patagonia?

We really enjoyed all of the accommodations Blue Parallel selected for us, particularly the Explora in El Chaltén. If I could, I would take the Explora with me everywhere I travel.

The hotel offered a really nice combination of refinement and comfort, and you could tell all of the staff were so happy to be there, which made a huge impact on our experience. They were dedicated, genuinely interested in us, and keen on sharing knowledge about the region.

How Valuable Was The Team’s Insider Knowledge And Experience?

We couldn’t have visited Patagonia without Blue Parallel. We wouldn’t have known how to handle all of the different moving parts, or what to book. And the little things that felt like nothing, such as crossing the border from Argentina to Chile, would have been far more difficult without the expertise of a team that does this all the time.

DOWNLOAD OUR BESPOKE PATAGONIA JOURNEY PDF

Does Blue Parallel Design Itineraries Suited To You?

Yes, our itinerary was tailor-made to our family. I think most people want to see glaciers when they visit Patagonia, but we have been fortunate to experience those in other parts of the world. We were a lot more interested in Patagonia’s hiking trails and opportunities for photography.

Blue Parallel designed an itinerary with all of this in mind, despite our preferences not necessarily being the usual. They listened and created a plan that aligned with what we love.

What Was Your Favorite Activity, And Why?

We hiked every day from the moment we woke up, which was exactly what we were hoping for, but one standout was the hike to the base of the three towers in Torres del Paine. It’s a day we’ll never forget.

​​The weather put on a full Patagonian show: sunshine, rain, snow, hail, and 50mph winds — all in one hike. At the base, as we scrambled up the final stretch, we were rewarded with dramatic views and that incredible feeling of having earned it. We enjoyed a thermos of Lady Grey tea, which was the perfect touch in that wild, beautiful setting. The sheer variety of elements and emotions made it unforgettable.

Is There Anything You Would Have Done Differently?

If we had the time, we would have extended our trip. But that now gives us a reason to return!

This journey was our introduction to Patagonia, and it gave us a better sense of what to expect, as well as the activities and places we connected with the most. Next time, we’ll be able to explore even deeper and broaden our experience of this incredible region.

What Do You Think Makes Blue Parallel Special?

Blue Parallel is a fantastic tour company with specialized knowledge, and is not trying to be everything for everyone. It’s my impression that the team only focuses on the regions and countries where they have true expertise. Blue Parallel has clearly spent time on the ground, building relationships and refining every detail, and it’s that depth of knowledge that makes a noticeable difference to the tours they put together.

DOWNLOAD OUR BESPOKE PATAGONIA JOURNEY PDF