Testimonials

“I had the pleasure of doing part of the Pacific Coast Gardens day tour from Santiago with Nicolás. Booking a tour with Coigüe Expeditions was very easy, and Nicolás was very responsive to my questions as the day approched. Due to the change of weather conditons, Nicolás suggested a modified version of the Pacific Coast Gardens tour instead of the one we had planned. He picked me up at my hotel and we embarket on the drive to Cachuagua. Nicolás is a fountainb of knowladge about Chile, and he pointed out important information along an incredible stone trail on the Pacific coast. The day was foggy, but it gave the view a magical, ethereal feel. The trail is stunning, with many breathtaking views. We were able to see different types of native plants and animals, including a peek at a Chingungo (small marine mammal). The best part was that we had the trail all to ourselves. Even that we arrived at playa Las Cujas, we were the only people there, making me feel that we just discoverd a boautiful, secret beach. The perfect spot for a quick picnic lunch! The trail culminated at Cachagua beach, with the "icing on the cake" being the chance to see Humbodt Penguins across the water at the Natural Monument of Cachagua Island. We then drove up the coast to Zapallar did a short walk to the Santuario de la Naturaleza Cerro de la Cruz. The flora and fauna there were simply spectacular. I marveed at the magestic flowers of the many Chaguales, the flocks of seabirds flying over the rough water, and took in the incredible views of the Pacific Coast. We also had a great view of the nearby Playa Zapallar. We headed back to Santiago, all the while engagin in fiendly conversation about Cjile and life in general. Overall, it truly was an amazing experience! Nicolás is an excllent guide and I would higly recommend any tours with him.”

Carlos MTexas, USA

“Fabulous way to spend half a day. Snow, spectacular scenery and a cliff top picnic. Amazing way to get a sense of the majesty of the Andes. Nicolas was a wonderful guide, knowledgeable and accommodating. Would highly recommend this trip.”

Mark HBrisbane, AUS

“My brother and I had a great day with Nicolas hiking the mountains. He was very knowledgeable about the plants and local area. We enjoyed the beautiful mountains and animals. We luckily had perfect weather after a week of rain and Nicolas was able to get us in for a tour. Nicolas covered transportation and food for a seamless experience. It was a memorable experience that I would recommend!”

Thomas VuChicago USA

“It was a wonderful day - every detail taken care of - transport and wonderful food and very easy to organise. It was great to get out of the city and enjoy the peaceful, beautiful mountains and see the condors around us. We climbed above the clouds and had wonderful views even on a cloudy day. Nicolas taught us a lot about the plants and local area. We didn't see anyone else the whole day.”

SamanthaNew Zealand

“I had a beautiful day walking up the mountain to get to the El Manzano caves. The route we took is not open to the public, so the first half has no chance of running into other hikers, though possibly a farmer looking for stray cattle! The views were incredible on the way up the mountain, and there was plenty of food packed to keep us energized for the hike to the top. We were lucky not to see anyone else on our walk, and the sounds of silence were amazing. We saw Condor cross above us while we were having lunch from inside one of the caves. This was a truly magical experience and I would highly recommend anyone to take this tour! Thank you very much Nicholas!”

Emma CSydney, AUS

“What a beautiful day! Our guide, Nicolás, took us through breathtaking green-blue Andean mountains - past clear, babbling streams and a wetland area full of life - stopping at Monos de Agua River for a delicious lunch. We reached the glacier shortly after lunch - it was just as spectacular as we imagined. Nicolás was a wealth of knowledge about the local geology, flora and fauna - it's easy to share his love of the mountains. The walk was soothing and peaceful - the perfect adventure for two busy touring actors. I highly, highly recommend this expedition!”

Sophia RUSA

“The day started with a 7.30AM pickup by Nicholas one of the owners of Coigue Expeditions. We drove for an hour and a half to La Campana National Park. Upon arrival we checked in with the park rangers who informed us the park opens from 9:00AM to 17:30AM. The climb was 7 km long, and the altitude difference between the Granizo entrance and the La Campana summit was approximately 1,400 meters. The two last kilometers, and particularly the last one are pretty rocky and steep, and you'll need hiking shoes and light feet. The hike up should take approximately 4 hours but we did it in 3. Throught the climb, Nicolas was encouraging throughout, reminding me the climb was at my pace. The summit offers an idillyc scenery at 1880 meters! You can see both the snowy peaks of the Andes and the valley below. The hike down was two and a half hours and it requires a degree of precision. Doing the climb with a guide was the best choice. While the path is clearly marked it was a great opportunity to learn about the history, wildlife and history of the place. Highly recommnded as a challenging and truly memorable experience.”

Alain P

“Nicolas was an exceptional guide, fun, knowledgeable, adding in personal touches that made the day really special. We all enjoyed ourselves and arrived back in Santiago trying to work out what we could do next!”

Gregory DUK

“Enjoyed my private hiking tour of Cerro Provincia with Nicolás. Nicolás was a knowledgeable guide and shared a lot of interesting information about the trees plants and animals in the area. The hike was enjoyable and challenging but also very rewarding, a nice hike near Santiago.”

Michael DWashington, USA

“Wonderful trip to the Andes from Santiago, Great sights, mountains, views, condors, etc. and nice wine and snacks taking in the views. Nicholas was a terrific tour guide, right on time for pickup and right on time for airport drop off. Highly recommend. Great final day in Chile. Could not have asked for a better experience!!!”

Erick PLondon, UK

“This hike was amazing!!! I knew I had a full day lay over in Santiago since my flight was at 11.30 PM. Therefore, some days before, I contacted Coigüe expeditions to help me make the best out of the day I had. They were super responsive and provided me with all information I needed to prepare for the hike. Nicolas came to pick me up exactly as scheduled with water and food for the day, and drove me the the heart of the Andes, close to the border with Argentina. He is a very nice and knowledgeable guide, and really passionate about hiking and the mountains of his country.
The hike is not hard, as you will be walking in a valley at more or less the same altitude. However, you will be hiking between 2500-2900 meters/or 8200-9500 feet, so, if you are not already used to that, be prepared to find yourself catching up with your breath every now and then. The place is really beautiful. The valley is really green and hosts a lot of Andean birds. The glacier is really impressive.
I would definitely recommend Nicolas and Coigüe Expeditions to everybody who loves outdoor activities, sports and adventure, and to whoever wants to be completely surrounded by the fantastic nature of Chile.”

Matteo S.UK

“This is a must do excursion when visiting Chile. Our tour guide Nicholas arrived to our hotel on time for the schedule. His car is clean and he made sure that our water is always replenished. The views in each of our 3 stops are breathtaking. We learned so much about Andes mountains and Chilean culture. Highest point we reached was 3000 meters above sea level. The tour concluded with an unforgettable wine and cheese snack overlooking the views from Andes mountain before head back to our hotel. Every item on our nicely dressed picnic table tastes so good. That includes the red wine. Thank you for this memorable experience.”

Max ACalifornia, USA

“An incredible experience, a wonderful place that although we could not reach the glacier due to weather conditions, Nicolas from Coigue Expeditions made sure that we had a great time, taking care of our safety, a magnificent guide, I will definitely look for him when I have the opportunity to return. Punctual, formal and exceeded my expectations.”

Alberto DMEX

“Incredible experience in the middle of the Andes. All the trails featured landscapes of extraordinary beauty. Throughout the circuit we traveled alone with my guide Nicolás. He was very attentive to me and with the best willingness to transmit his knowledge of the place, its flora and fauna. They were days of a lot of walking, however, the different rivers, hot springs and lagoons appeared at the precise moments to enjoy and replenish energy. I totally recommend doing the circuit with Coigue Expeditions. The best trekking I have done in Chile. Total disconnection!!!!”

Patricio NSantiago, CL

“Outstanding! Nicolas was a wonderful guide -- prepared, knowledgeable, experienced --and a consummate host. We had a great time and are happy for the experience.”

Tim KUSA

“Our tour guide Camilla was terrific. She was very knowledgeable and was able to tell us about the Andes , the plants , trees and animals. The highlight was when she took us to see the condors in flight , the most memorable experience.”

Mike HDenver, USA

“We went on a private walk to the Morado Laguna, but it was so much more than just a walk, enjoyable though that was, with spectacular scenery. Nicholas went over and above to make sure this was a special experience. My husband is into alpine plants, and Nicholas was able to show him all the examples en route. We were able to appreciate the walk so much more than if we'd gone on our own, and it was a treat to have someone drive us the two hours each way. He even gave us extra advice afterwards on where to go when we are in the Chilean Lake District. We felt we'd made a friend. Would highly recommend.”

Annabel LUK

“During my visit to Santiago I wanted to get out and experience some of the beautiful nature of Chile, so I booked a 1 day hike with Coigue Expeditions. Nicolas was my guide and he picked me up in the morning at my hotel. Both the drive to mountains and the hike itself were excellent. Nicolas is a very knowledgeable guide and knows all the details of the landscape, the flora and fauna. He is very engaged with the ecosystem and makes sure that nature is respected. He is very well prepared and takes excellent care of his clients, making sure you have a great time. The price was very reasonable and well worth it. I had a great day, took beautiful pictures and made great new memories.”

Jane H.Melbourne, AUS

“Nicolas was an amazing guide! Extremely knowledgeable about the hike and flora and fauna. I previously wanted to do other hikes but due to weather conditions and closings it was not possible. Nicolas suggested this hike and I wasn't disappointed. Thank you Nicolas it was great spending the day hiking with you!”

MarciUSA

“I went on this tour with Nicolas as my guide and it was an awesome day of snow shoeing! He was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the mountains and seemed to know exactly how to let me go at my own pace without letting me slack off too much. It was a massive day of stunning views, amazing natural colours, laughter and knowledge sharing. Also, 11 hours was (somehow) the perfect estimation for duration - I was back in my hotel at 6 24pm after leaving at 7 29am.”

kimberlinUSA

“My friend and I hatched a scheme to meet in Santiago for a long weekend (I live in Boston, he lives in London) and we both LOVE to hike. We needed an adventure that we could arrange remotely and that did not require our bringing a bunch of gear. Nicolas and the team at Coigue DELIVERED! We had an absolutely wonderful overnight hike to the Paloma Glacier, complete with terrific meals, multiple condor sightings, incredible star gazing, and every detail taken care of for us - from pre-trip emails explaining what we needed to bring, to prompt pick up at our hotel, to informative, genuine and engaging conversation during the hike itself - 20 miles in two days! I cannot say enough about the entire experience - I would book another adventure with Coigue in a heartbeat (and plan to if I return to Chile any time soon). It's all about the experience (the mountains themselves haven't changed much in 100 million years or so) and Coigue knows how to do it right...”

Mark ABoston, USA

“We organised this hike for two of us. Nicolas communicated with us by email, recommended the hike and made all necessary arrangements. He met us at our hotel on time and drove us to the base of the Yerba Loca river and into the Park where we met the horsemen who transported all our kit (tents, sleeping bags, food etc which Nicolas had organised) to the top of the mountain. The hike was wonderful, and we were blessed with amazing weather. We camped out at 3000m under amazing stars after a hearty meal cooked by Nicolas. Very cold but we were well protected in our sleeping bags. The next morning after a lovely hot breakfast we climbed another 600m to the glacier and then made our way back down meeting the horses at the bottom. Amazing mountain views, wonderful 30km hike, condors, glaciers, waterfall, good food, lots of local information and details from Nicolas. What is not to like. A huge success. Highly recommended (and not that hard a hike - 2 50 somethings were knackered at the end but still alive!).”

John P.London, UK

“There is no better way to enjoy nature than with an excellent guide to an amazing location. Nicolas not only takes you to a breathtaking hanging glacier, he passionately shares all of his knowledge about the flora fauna on the way. You feel like you are not only being guided but educated and pampered. This is what I call first class service,
two thumbs up!!!!”

Alex THouston, USA

“My girlfriend and I were looking for a challenging and affordable hike during our holiday in Chile and Argentina. After some research this one best fitted our requirements. Nick was very helpful right from the start over email - answering our questions and helping us plan; on the hike he was organised, knowledgeable, and great company. He takes the safety and comfort of his clients very seriously: he provided both leg gaitors for the days of slogging through pumice and GPS tracker/alarm, as well as fresh, clean, tents, sleeping bags, and mats.
Having pack horses take all the heavy items from camp to camp made a big difference. The views are stunning and the expanse of the landscape quite humbling, as are the sudden riches of wildflowers that follow the sparse streams down the mountains. We went as quite inexperienced hikers and the hike was just within our capabilities. The days are about 8-10 hours / up 20km long. Some of the trail feels very exposed - especially as you snake along a very thin path on what feels like a very steep mountainside.Overall though I can't recommend the hike enough. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a wonderful part of the world. Would also suggest you follow our lead and recover in the vineyards of Mendoza ;)”

Felix BrownAustralia

“I was struggling to find a company that would like a solo hiker and then Nicolas at Coigüe said they would be happy to. I saw breathtaking views, a condor flying overhead and wildflowers. Nicolas is very knowledgeable about this hike and ensured I knew where to cross the river safely and where I needed to step on the glacier to ensure I didn't slip. He is very passionate about hiking and outdoor activities and made this hike a stress-free and enjoyable one. This hike is the highlight of my entire trip! I give Coigüe and Nicolas a 10/10.”

Michele RUSA

“My 47 year old husband and I did the 13.5 mile roundtrip trek in April 2018. We had an outstanding time on this full day trip. Our amazing guide was Diego, who is extremely patient, knowledgable, and considerate. We were in awe of the natural beauty of the park, and we learned so much about the protected, unique wet areas found in this area. Having lunch on the glacier was just one of the highlights, as was crossing the river on foot, and at the end of the day (as the sun was setting) we saw condors flying above us! We had lovely weather for our visit and we were able to get so many amazing photographs of this beautiful area of the country.

I was so happy to not be in a tourist trap and surrounded by crowds. This is a little off the beaten track, but still a pleasant 2 hour drive or so from Santiago. If hiking, nature, and fresh air are what you seek then do consider this trip. I’m so glad that we opted for this smaller, more personalized adventure rather than a bigger tourist bus trip.

Coigue made this very convenient with anything you could need: round trip transportation, snacks, food, water, equipment, etc.

Somethings to consider if you do this hike: Don’t forget your sunglasses and hat. The sun can be intense! We wore multiple layers and we ended up shedding some when it got warm and added them back on when it got cooler. Do know that this trek takes you alongside streams and there are some spots where my fear of heights kicked in. Diego patiently allowed me to find my way, loaned me some hiking poles, and I ended up being OK. Also, you will trek up to elevations of 3200 meters. My husband and I were in OK shape,as we walk a good amount, but altitude still makes the heart pump harder than we were accustomed to. All in all, this day didn’t leave us sore or regretting a thing. I would definitely do it again. I would also feel very confident in doing any other Coigue tours.”

Katherine ANew York, USA

“This is one of the most incredible things I have ever done. Nicolas was extremely helpful and professional, many times helping me stay motivated and cen going the extra mile carrying some of my weight. It was a fantastic experience. Highly recommended. I will write a full blog entry at some point. Thank you, Coigue Expeditions! It was a pleasure”

Leo FBuenos Aires, ARG

“We were looking for a full day active adventure before leaving Santiago to spend a week hiking on Easter Island. Prior to leaving home we searched several options and were intrigued by the Coigue Expeditions website and reviews. We emailed and expressed interest in the Darwin's route and Pacific Coast Gardens, Juncal and Morado hikes, and said that we wanted to spend the day hiking, but weren't acclimated or in shape for a long climb. Gabriel responded promptly and suggested that Darwin's route best fit our objective. We were picked up at our hotel by guide Nicolas and driver promptly at 7:30 AM, made the 1.5 hour drive north to the park and started our hike. The first part is an uphill hike through the Chilean palm forest on the coastal side of the mountain. Since it was morning the coastal fog was still present and lifted as we reached the highest point on the hike and had our lunch. The downhill portion was entirely different as the forest on the inland side is Santiago Oak. Along the way we saw the giant hummingbird. We got back to our hotel about 6:30 PM. It was a perfect day. We were entirely satisfied and so arranged with Nicolas to do the Pacific Coast Gardens hike upon our return from Easter Island.”

David P.California, USA

“I booked this tour solo so went alone with one of the Coigue guids (Sebastian). I booked it via email and they replied quickly and correctly. Furthermore, they made sure I was well prepared (brought sun glasses, hiking boots and so on). The guide spoke perfect English. He was not very talkative but nice and friendly and the owner also called during the trekking to check whether everything was okay. The trekking was very nice. If your fit it is not too difficult, if you are not fit, it might be tough.. It was a fantastic sunny day, clear blue skies, while the mountain was still partly covered with snow. I loved the silence up in the mountains. The views were amazing, as well as the condors I spotted”

Cindy VR.Chicago, USA

“Nice guide – They gave us the best care and attention before the trekking day. Mauro always wrote me back very quickly to my emails. Mauro informed us the possibility of bad weather in advance and offered to change the date or the destination. On the way to our destination, a tree fell down and we couldn't go further. Nicolas, the guide, came up with another trail, took us there without any hesitation. We ended up doing Pacific Coast Garden Walk, and it was fantastic. For the whole time, we felt that they are doing their best to make sure we have great time. The Coast Garden Walk was a very easy walk, but the view was fantastic. The coast, trees, rocks, birds, sea lions... It's not challenging at all, but you can still be surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful nature. Thank you very much Nicolas and Mauro. We hope to come back.”

MizuhoTokio, Japan