Having been on a McDA holiday to Argentina many of our guests were kind enough to write some lovely testimonials, below are some of our favourites:
“Argentina is a fly fisher’s dream! From the golden dorado of the Ibera Marsh in the north, to the beautiful rivers and towns of the central, to the huge rainbow trout and sea run brown trout of southern Patagonia – it just doesn’t get any better. All this and the very friendly Argentine people have me already trying to plan my next trip.” Mo Tidemanis“My 18 year old son set me the challenge of crossing the Andes with him by foot and horse so I called MacDermott’s Argentina. This was the beginning of a once in a lifetime experience. We set off on 2nd Jan 2015 from Talca in Chile to get our passports stamped and officially leave Chile to arrive officially in Las Loicas, Argentina, 9 days later. In that time we crossed the Andes – the first 3 days on foot, the last 5 days on horseback. MacDermott’s delivered something very special for us – following small paths used only rarely even by the locals, we had incredible weather, stunning scenery in wild remote mountains, the right mixture of tough walking and relaxing riding. Seeing delicate flamingos in the wild remote mountain lakes was not something I expected, though being watched by condors circling overhead was. From the 3,000m pass where we crossed into Argentina, we eventually came to more fertile valleys where the gauchos brought their goats, cattle and horses for summer grazing. The trip that Hugh designed for us and the team that Hugh put together to look after us were great, and a testament to the fact that Hugh has a deep understanding of Argentina and how to give the visitor a great experience. If you are looking to do something unique and off the beaten track, I could not recommend MacDermott’s Argentina more highly.” Mark Ansell
“Hugh MacDermott set up and managed a demanding historical ride I did in March 2014. It entailed crossing the Argentine/ Chile border twice and four sets of different horses/mules and gauchos. It was complex and demanding expedition and despite some bad weather Hugh MacDermott ran a good show showing leadership and expertise. He is an accomplished horseman and had a very good relationship with the myriad of gauchos on whom we depended. Hugh is great fun and runs a good set up. I recommend him to anyone wanting something special.” Sir General Evelyn Webb-Carter“We so loved our riding adventure with you in the Sierras, it could not have been bettered in any way, thanks to all concerned! La Constancia is a magical estancia, the horses/mules were amazingly surefooted and the hydrotherapy waterfall was fantastic. It is sad to be back in gloomy cold England but thanks again for a wonderful trip, and lets start planning for 2014 soon!” Davina, Jeremy & Panda Instone“A great holiday to Argentina. I wanted something different. Clear my brain and be in another environment to mark my time in between jobs and arrived refreshed back home. I briefed you shortly and you got it immediately. It was the best time I have ever spend going abroad. Since I have arrived back home I’m a local Danish hero due to your photos and everyone thinks the trip was the coolest.” Mads Ryder “Hugh MacDermott left no stone unturned when it came to our comfort and overall experience. His expertise, resourcefulness and solid connections provided for us an amazing journey unlike anything we could experience on a commercial holiday to Argentina.” William T. Phipps & Mandy Speers “Having won the Royal Geographical Society/BBC Radio 4 ‘Journey of a Lifetime’ competition, I needed a guide who could help me unravel the notoriously unapproachable cowboys of Argentina – the gauchos. Not only would he be taking a woman into their macho, tough world but he also had to provide live translations for my interviews, lug a ton of recording equipment and hardest of all, accommodate a female vegetarian Hindu who was afraid of horses, didn’t speak Spanish and kept losing the microphone. That person was Hugh MacDermott. Since the success of my trip rested on his expertise, I was apprehensive when I stepped off the plane in Buenos Aires. However, the moment we met, I knew I was in safe hands. For three intense weeks we travelled, laughed, danced, rode and got drunk together. This charismatic, charming, Irishman with his crisp English accent and self-effacing manner conjured up an itinerary that took me from traditional, working estancias, where life hadn’t changed for centuries. To dramatic gaucho rodeos, noisy local parades and song filled peñas. Along the way we rode in some of the most remote and breathtaking parts of Argentina. Best of all, his effortless wit and endless anecdotes provided the perfect company to while away long distance bus journeys and dark evenings on the estancias. Hugh took very good care of me throughout the trip but his attentiveness and assistance were invaluable. His knowledge of the terrain was second to non and his gentleness and understanding when I fell off a horse soothed me out of my tears. I can’t recommend ‘MacDermott’s Argentina’ highly enough, particularly if you are an adventurous, free-spirited traveller, seeking something unique. Throw away those Lonely Planet guides and experience the quirky, off-the-beaten-track haunts only Hugh knows. His love for Argentina is infectious and like me, you too will be going home heavy hearted for leaving Hugh and ‘MacDermott’s Argentina’ behind.” Jaz Jhali “Hugh’s professionalism, charm and hard work gave us an unforgettable honeymoon in Argentina. His personal research in seeking out the perfect hotels for us was plainly evident with none failing to impress.” Tamara & James Stubbs“Lying in a thermal spring at midnight, under some of the clearest stars in the world, after a lamb asado and a day in the saddle mustering cattle in spectacular scenery, is a truly unbeatable and highly recommended experience.” Davina & Jeremy Instone “It really couldn’t have been a better holiday to Argentina. Thank you for all your hard work organizing it, it was such fun.” Juliet Jarvis“Your knowledge and experience of Argentina and your contacts in the country are quite exceptional. We so much enjoyed traveling with you.” Antony Johnson“I traveled through South America for four months and your trip was the highlight by far. Hugh’s relaxed commentary was both informative and entertaining, and clearly showed his deep knowledge and understanding of the incredible places we visited. A truly great guy and an unforgettable journey.” Felix Von Nida
“We had such a wonderful time on the round up at Estancia Norquin El Morado. It truly was the experience of a lifetime for us and it was great to be able to join in the action rather than just be tourist observers. The most memorable part of the whole experience was to be encouraged to participate as much as we wanted and to be so openly welcomed by everyone. I still miss Santiago’s empanadas and the Fernet and Coke we had to wash the dust away at the end of the ride! We also have a long lasting respect for the Criollo horses who looked after us so well.” Parke Bradley “Thanks for the fantastic road trip. Both Salta and the Northwest were stunning… holidays with MacDermott’s Argentina are not to be missed!” Vicky McDougall
“Our holiday to Argentina with you is definitely on top of the list for most fun holiday.” Rob & Alex Appleby
