Greetings Daniel,
My son, and friend, traveled from the US to Patagonia this time last year to climb Fitz Roy. He stayed in El Chalten then hiked to the mountains. Weather was not so good and he did not make the summit. Some smaller peaks were attained though. He arrived by bus from Buenos Aires, but departed via air from El Calafate. He really liked the area and said all the people were very friendly.
I am building a 7 too. Since there is a small difference between the cruise of the 180 hp and 200 hp vans offerings, I choose the 180 hp. It is $10k less, 50 pound lighter. I have the sam james cowl and building a custom plenum to (hopefully) lower the drag and yield the same cruise as the 200 hp. Take off roll and climb will be less though.
I went to Oregon for transition training. I flew in Mike Seager's 7. It really goes, and the second day I learned it is a O-320! After that, I think I will be quite happy with my selection.
Others will tell you their story, but that is mine.
Welcome to VAF!!