No, the biologist/guide was with us the entire trip.

What a fantastic place Torres del Paine is, and how wonderful to have gone with Natl Geo! indeed a wonderful birthday present to yourself!

elberko, Hola. We just returned from a wonderful week in Uruguay, so I am just catching up with Fodor's posts.

I enjoyed your TR very much. It was a pleasure to meet you in Recoleta, and to enjoy an evening together.

Your post about the Geographic, Patagonia trip is enticing: I am generally not eager for organized trips, but over time, and with your excellent description, I have convinced DH to give it serious consideration for next year.

So, Gracias.

Hola, MarnieWDC!

I'm happy to hear that my report has persuaded you to consider it. It really was a perfect taste of beautiful Patagonia.

In retrospect, being disconnected from electronics and cell phones for most of the trip made it all the better--ignoring the outside world and appreciating what's right in front of you is good for the soul.

Amen !

Just 1 day in Ushuaia, I think is a bit too rushed (I stayed 4 nights and enjoyed every minute).

But if I had only one day, I'd skip the beagle channel tour (it's expensive and really boring). I'd prefer walk up the Glaciar Martial (which it's free and awesome).