Where is Patagonia? Is it a country or a city somewhere in South America? If you don’t know where Patagonia is, don’t worry. Acanela has studied and planned the perfect trip to this mountainous region for you. In fact, Patagonia is neither a country nor a city but it’s a huge region covering both Chile and Argentina in the southern part of South America. Due to this large coverage, you might be a bit confused about where to visit. To be honest, it’s hard to say where the single best place to visit is because each spot has its unique features, and all the natural beauty is just spectacular. Below is a list of places you don’t want to miss while making a trip there.
Argentina area
Bariloche
Bordered with Nahuel Huapi Lake, located on the relative north part of Patagonia, Bariloche is a perfect point to start your adventure in Patagonia. If you are an outdoor activity lover, Bariloche is an earthly paradise for you. First of all, Bariloche is known as one of the best ski resorts in the world. Also, hiking and sightseeing are spectacular here. On the top of Cerro Campanario viewpoint, no earthly worry or stress can be remembered. The ever-stretching sky, mirror-like lakes, and lush mountains are woven together to be a beautiful tapestry. It will take you some time or hunger in the stomach to leave for town. However, the beauty in the city museum may comfort your loss of that breathtaking view. If the museum does not help, you should try some Mamuschka chocolate and fill your heart with its sweetness.
El Chaltén
Are the hikes in Bariloche not enough for you? El Chalten, the trekking capital of Argentina, is waiting for you. There are both basic and advanced hikes in El Chalten, so you can enjoy yourself even if you are not a hiker. Another must-see natural beauty in El Chalten is Viedma glacier. This glacier is not as significant as Perito Moreno Glacier in size but taking a boat onto Lago Viedma lake can be a relaxing thing to do after so many hikes. However, if appreciating the beauty of glacier is not what you want, you can go ice climbing on the Viedma glacier and imagine yourself being in the movie “Ice Age.” El Chalten is indeed a fun place to visit. There are not only numberless beautiful scenes, but rafting in the De las Vueltas River Canyon and riding horses are all accessible entertainment in El Chalten.
Perito Moreno Glacier (El Calafate)
The nearest village, El Calafate, to the incomparable Perito Moeno glacier is just a few hours from El Chalten by bus. Perito Moreno Glacier is the third largest freshwater reserve on earth. Although global warming keeps heating up our planet, Perito Moreno is resiliently growing. Additionally, you can even hike on it. You cannot claim you have been to Patagonia without visiting this legendary glacier.
Chile
After hearing all these about Patagonia Argentina, you are probably have started packing for the trip. However, you may counsel with Acanela to plan in detail because there are much more fun places which are not mentioned above you will want to visit. However, let us move onto Patagonia Chile.
Futaleufú
Bordered Argentina, Futaleufu sits on the intersection of the Río Espolón and the Río Futaleufú river. Futaleufu is famous for its white water. With the numbers of rafting sites there, you can probably make a week trip of rafting, kayaking, and paddle boarding. The sites are known for its clarity of the water, scenes along the river, and quantity of its speed. Although water sports can be the most fun things to do there, you can also go hiking or Horse riding, if you are not a fan of water sports.
Puerto Rio Tranquilo
Aside from glacier, General Carrera Lake (the largest lake in Chile), and the tranquil village, Puerto Rio Tranquilo stands out among all the other resorts by its marble caves. You can find better glacier in El Calafate, prettier lakes in Bariloche, but no marble cave is so accessible as it is in Puerto Rio. The cave is also known as Capilla de Marmol (marble chapel). The nickname describes the uniqueness of this site. It may not be majestic like those mountains or glaciers in Bariloch or El Calafate but the reverence of the naturally formed “church” will recharge and get you ready for the rest of your trip.
Torres del Paine
Torres del Paine national park is worth spending a few days exploring. French Valley Hike is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. Also, Ice hike at Refugio Grey will reveal to you the beauty of glacier from a closer point of view. Instead of speed rafting, you can take your time, paddling safely around giant iceberg at Grey Lake. The only sound breaking the air might be the sound of your laughs and paddling. You can totally enjoy the nature without interruption of the world. Also, you can bike or ride a horse through Torres del Paine national park, if you want to take your time and keep your legs from being sore. Spend some time exploring the national park and leave no regret for your Patagonia trip.
Do you have a better idea about Patagonia now? Are you excited to step onto the mysterious land? Before you set out, prepare some hiking equipment, swimming suits and plan your best Patagonia experience with Acanela.
Post written by Jack Chiu