Chasing the unexpected: Danniells' overlanding adventure in Chile

Danniell Saunders, our Marketing Director, is known as the team's nomad. When he announced that he was embarking on an overlanding adventure in Chile, we couldn't resist the opportunity to conduct a quick interview with him. Read on to discover what inspired his journey, the lessons he learned, and why it was a trip of a lifetime.

Before delving into the details of your journey, could you please explain what overlanding is, and have you had previous experiences with it?

Overlanding involves self-reliant travel, typically by off-road vehicles, to explore remote and often challenging terrains. I have ventured on overland trips in the past, but those were limited to Africa, Australia, and Canada. This was my first overlanding experience in South America.

In just three words, could you describe your overlanding experience in Chile?

"Expect the Unexpected."

Have you been to Chile before, and if not, what motivated you to visit this time?

This was my first visit to Chile. I had a taste of Argentina a few years ago at an Adventure Travel Conference, and when the opportunity to explore Chile arose during another conference invitation, I eagerly seized it.

You embarked on a Patagonia adventure tour in Chile. What sparked your interest in this specific overland adventure?

I had the privilege of attending another Adventure Travel Conference in Chile, and while in the country, I couldn't resist the opportunity to explore. It was the perfect chance to experience the stunning Patagonian landscapes.

Your tour covered the Region of Magallanes and the Chilean Antarctic. Could you share whether it met your expectations or differed from what you initially anticipated?

It's a bit challenging to compare, given my limited experience in Argentina. However, what truly surprised me was the Chileans' wit and sophisticated sense of humor, as well as the sheer natural beauty of the region. It's a place that should undoubtedly be on everyone's bucket list.

This tour was hosted by the Adventure Travel Trade Association. How does one secure an invitation to such events?

To attend these events, you need to work within the travel industry, whether as a supplier, tourist board representative, or journalist. Additionally, you must be a member of ATTA, and then you can apply for an invitation. If you're fortunate, the hosting country will extend an invitation.

The event had a theme of "reconnect, reactivate, and regenerate." Considering your experience, do you believe the event was a success, and if so, how did it achieve its goals?

Certainly! As my first post-COVID event, it allowed me to reconnect with people I hadn't seen in years and meet new individuals. In my opinion, the ATTA is an outstanding organization that organizes events showcasing the possibilities in adventure travel.

One of the aims of the tour/event was to push the industry towards solutions that create a more sustainable future of travel. How was this accomplished, and how do you plan to implement what you've learned into Encounters Travel and Oasis Overland?

It's not a complex concept, but these events emphasize the importance of sustainability. We are in the process of establishing a "directorship" within our company, with one person responsible for driving our sustainability efforts. We aim to implement ideas from the conference, such as eliminating single-use plastics on our trips, one country at a time.

How did you prepare for this adventure, and do you feel you adequately prepared for it?

Fortunately, I didn't need extensive physical preparation as I'm in decent shape. However, I had to conduct extensive research on what I'd require for camping, hiking, and kayaking in such an extreme environment. I didn't experience any significant discomfort during the trip, so I believe I prepared adequately.

Did this trip live up to your expectations, and if so, how did it exceed them?

It certainly exceeded my expectations. The highlights were the hospitality and humor of the Chileans, along with the breathtaking, wild landscapes.

During the tour, one of the aims was to learn about the customs and ancient tribes of the area. What surprised you the most, and why?

This may reveal the extent of my research, but it was my second time in Patagonia, and this time I learned the origin of its name. The Patagonians were the region's first indigenous people, and when the Spanish arrived, they were initially thought to be giants.

From kayaking to trekking, puma tracking, and more, what was your favorite part of the trip, and why?

Kayaking was my favorite part of the trip. Spending two full days on the open ocean, surrounded by animals and stunning scenery, was a truly memorable experience. Even reminiscing about the dolphins, seals, foxes, and the many different birds still brings me a sense of calm and relaxation.

Did you pack differently for this overland trip compared to previous ones?

Yes, packing for an overland trip with temperatures as low as -10°C presented a unique challenge. Balancing weight and space was crucial, as we had to carry all our gear. I experimented with multiple packing configurations to get it right.

How did you prepare yourself for this trip, and would you say being fit and open-minded are essential?

I believe that the more effort you invest in a trip, the more you'll gain from it. While being physically fit is an advantage, it's not always a necessity. The key is not to let the physical challenges deter you; research and alternative options can often address uncertainties.

Any advice for fellow adventurers interested in a similar trip?

Just go for it. I promise it will be an amazing adventure!

If you're interested in embarking on an overland adventure, explore the trips we offer at Encounters Travel and Oasis Overland.