South America is home to many diverse Hispanic countries, each one with its own unique culture and sense of nationality. Among these fun South American countries is Argentina, home of the tango, dulce de leche, and the world’s best beef. Read about Patagonia below and the trip that’s calling your name to observe a special solar eclipse in December 2020!

Patagonia

Patagonia is located in southern Argentina and depending on the locals you ask, they may tell you that it encompasses a bit of southern Chile as well. The Andes mountain range runs along the Chile-Argentina border down in the southern part of the region. In the very south of these two countries, you can see penguins! There are over one million penguins in Southern Patagonia— they outnumber the people there! However, these penguins may not be the ones you’re thinking of! Magellanic penguins are the species of South America and they thrive in warm climates as opposed to snowy regions. Bring your camera to snap a picture of them with their cute pink faces!

Start your adventure in Patagonia with a trip to Glaciers National Park near the Chilean border. Half of this stunning park is covered in an ice field--the largest ice field after Antarctica! There are icefalls, birdwatching, and jagged glacier peaks available for exploring. The Perito Moreno glacier is a must-see while inside of the park, the ice walls are 80 meters (262 feet). These gigantic ice masses have been forming for thousands of years and are the ultimate icy destination.

Torres del Paine is another gorgeous national park of Argentina featuring snow-capped mountains, a teal lake, and bright blue icebergs. There is the Los Cuernos trail which is an exciting 10 mile hike exploring the Nordenskjold lake and towering mountains. Continue onward to the French Valley and admire close-up glaciers and natural wonders.

About the Eclipse

Patagonia is every hiker’s dream destination with plenty to do and see. Travelers come from all over the world to enjoy being immersed in nature in this ecologically diverse region. December is the perfect time to visit Patagonia because summer in Argentina is from December to February. There will be less crowds, and the weather will be perfect to hike and witness the solar eclipse! Be sure to escape a cold Christmas and head down to sunny South America. 

A solar eclipse is an astronomical occurrence where the sun, moon, and earth are completely aligned. The moon will be positioned in front of the sun thus blocking any sunlight for a short amount of time and casting a shadow over the earth. A total solar eclipse is a unique event that doesn’t happen very often. There’s no better place to witness such a rare, exciting moment in time! 

On December 14th, 2020, the total solar eclipse will be visible in Patagonia, Argentina beginning at 11:54 am and ending at 2:39 pm. The maximum eclipse (when the moon is closest to the center of the sun) will be at 1:15 pm. Make sure to bring glasses to protect your eyes from the UV rays of the sun, some good company and a hot mate (local herbal tea) to sip.

The Huerquehue National Park is the perfect place to be when the eclipse is happening. This park located in Chile at the foothills of the Andes, it is quiet and peaceful. There’s nothing better than eating lunch on a picnic bench surrounded by trees and mountains during the eclipse. This Chilean national park contains twenty lagoons, waterfalls, and mountain ranges.

Tinquilco Lake is within the calm forest of the park and gives travellers a majestic view of the Villarrica Volcano in the background. Villarrica Volcano has an open crater and lava pool for anyone brave enough to hike to it. If you’re not feeling up to the task, there are also helicopter tours above the volcano so that travelers are able to see the inside of it. The last time it erupted was in 2015, but the volcano is being constantly monitored to ensure that the indigenous people in the surrounding villages are safe.

Patagonia will be right in the path of the solar eclipse. Travel to South America to be outdoors and learn about a distinct culture all while witnessing a rare eclipse. Bring some friends or family and have a memorable journey. 

Acanela Expeditions offers a Patagonia Safari to connect with nature and explore unique fauna and flora that the historic backcountry has to offer. There is a special eclipse departure in December of 2020 that is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Make sure to sign up, spots are filling fast!

Post written by Annelin Stephens