Laura M asked:

I would like to go trekking in Patagonia (Chile and Argentina) next year. I’ve never gone on an official tour (other than a few outings that lasted a few hours or half a day), but I enjoy traveling on my own. However, I question the safety of embarking on a jaunt like this by myself. I’m very fit and comfortable with hiking and camping but I don’t have any back-packing experience. So I’m thinking maybe a guided tour would be the right idea this time around.

Has anyone done any of the Patagonia adventure tours offered by REI? They’re ridiculously expensive, but I know it’s a good company and they have an excellent reputation.

Any feedback, suggestions, and particularly info from someone who’s taken one of the tours is much appreciated! My biggest hang-up is definitely the price. I usually travel on-the-cheap.

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