Reservations Supervisor Update on Chilean Patagonia: 10 Questions with Bryan Tutte
Bryan Tutte, one of our Reservations Supervisors, recently visited Chilean Patagonia. We caught up with Bryan to chat about his travels and give you insight on Patagonia as well as tips on how to sell a trip to Patagonia to your clients.
1. Where did you travel?
I travelled to the Patagonia region of Chile. I went to both Torres del Paine National Park and on a Patagonia fjord cruise with Australis ending in Argentina.
2. What is the number one thing agents should know about Patagonia?
Patagonia is an outdoor lover’s paradise. With so many different activities for all ranges of age and fitness levels, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
3. What is the biggest misconception about Patagonia?
That you must be a hardcore outdoor adventure enthusiast to enjoy Patagonia. While I was in Torres del Paine staying at the Hotel Los Torres and on the Ventus Australis expedition ship, there was a wide range of travellers in terms of age from 20s to 70s as well as varying fitness levels. Nobody was left out and everyone was able to enjoy the natural beauty of the land.
4. What was your favourite accommodation?
Travelling aboard the Ventus Australis expedition ship. Now calling it an expedition ship can lead to a certain picture in your head. While we were on an expedition while doing our two excursions per day, once we were back on the ship it was quite a luxurious experience. The services were all top notch, the cabins were all quite spacious with decent size bathrooms, the food was amazing, and the excursions were suitable for almost everyone.
5. What new things did you learn about Patagonia?
I learned that Patagonia is a really big area (lol). Make sure that you give yourself enough time to really explore it properly. I would recommend a minimum 3-night package in Torres del Paine, but personally feel like 4 nights is the best in order to have the best experience.
6. What was your favourite local experience?
Spotting a puma in the wild while hiking in Torres del Paine.
7. What was your favourite individual destination or landmark?
I loved Cabo de Hornos or Cape Horn or the bottom of the world. This is such an iconic landmark, which is the closest point to Antarctica and an area where many sailors have lost their lives navigating around the bottom of South America.
8. What were your favourite local dishes or drinks?
That is a tough one and probably a good argument starter, but my personal favourite was Argentinian empanadas, although we did have an amazing traditional BBQ lamb dinner with the baqueanos (Chilean cowboys).
9. What would be the perfect complement as an extension to this trip?
Before heading south, I would recommend adding on our 3-day Santiago city stopover. After finishing the trip in Argentina, also make sure to spend some time in Buenos Aires, which is one of the most beautiful cities in South America. The 3-day Buenos Aires Highlights is a great way to explore the city.
10. What is your top tip for agents who want to sell a trip to Patagonia?
Make sure to qualify your clients properly. The more information we have the better we will be able to provide your clients with a tailor-made travel experience that will keep them coming back to you again and again. This is true for trips to Patagonia as well other parts of the world. The more we know, the better.
