Calfan and I just got back from our Nat Geo Hiking trip to Patagonia. It was my second experience with Nat Geo (the first was the Coast to Coast) and Calfan's third (she also went on a hiking trip to Ireland with her husband last year). Once again we had a fabulous experience. Nat Geo really does a great job. We stayed in the nicest places available, *all* meals were included, we had a nice small bus for transportation with plenty of room to spread out, and the group was 15 with two guides and a driver who also served as additional logistics help--so basically 3 to 15. We put our bags out in the morning, they were instantly taken, and literally a few minutes after we arrived they'd be knocking on our door to put them in our room. The quality of the guides was exceptional, and I'd put them right up there with any guide we've ever had on ABD. We also had plenty of extra "surprises," although Nat Geo doesn't make a big deal out of them. Alcohol is technically not included on the trip, but almost every night we had toasting drinks and/or wine. As we were celebrating our 50th birthdays, they had a beautiful cake for us the last night. We also had a stop or two where they picked up treats for us on the road, and we even had our transfer between the two airports after our trip was over unexpectedly arranged and paid for. If you are considering one of Nat Geo's Adventures (active trips), I wouldn't hesitate. I'm sure Calfan will have more to add and things I've forgotten.