Visit Patagonia in the south of Chile and Argentina. Top 3 destinations include Bariloche, Torres del Paine, and El Calafate.
Patagonia is an absolutely beautiful part of the world, gorgeous in fact. From glaciers to lakes to forests, it is one of those parts of the world that remains pristine and is always a pleasure to visit. During the southern hemisphere’s summer months, namely December, January, and February, the chill of the southern latitude eases up, making Patagonia, whether on territory in Chile or Argentina, an ideal place to visit for trekking and myriad other outdoor adventures. Of course, there are many Patagonia travel destinations, but here are the top 3, chosen for their diversity and iconic sites and sights.
Bariloche is the largest city in Argentina’s Patagonia. A tour to Bariloche is possible at any time of year for different types of travelers. In the winter months of July through September, the Cerro Catedral ski resort attracts thousands of skiers and has facilities for all skill levels. When the snow thaws, Bariloche and the surrounding region, including San Martin de los Andes, offers hundreds of kilometers of trails for trekking, hiking, and biking, and in the summer, this area, known as the Lakes District also attracts practitioners of water sports as well as lazy beachgoers. Bariloche itself, situated on the shores Lake Nahuel Huapi, is a lively city with excellent restaurants, superb accommodations, and is also reputed for its chocolate production.
Torres del Paine National Park is a top Chile travel destination and one of the true gems of Patagonia. Here, travelers will find a stunning landscape of mountains, forests, glaciers, fjords, as well as the storied towns of Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales, the latter of which is the gateway to the dramatic landscape. The Paine massif is a major draw for trekkers of all abilities, while the countless lakes and glaciers such as the Grey Glacier also amaze travelers year after year. From Puerto Natales, travelers have the option of using the town as a base for day trips or venturing deeper into the wilderness for firsthand encounters with pristine nature.
El Calafate and El Chalten are the base towns for travel through Argentine Patagonia, including top destinations such as the Glaciares National Park, Lago Argentino, Perito Moreno Glacier, and Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. The entire region is filled with rivers, glaciers, and lakes and can be explored via boat, on land, or by a combination of the two. Perito Moreno tours provide the option of trekking on the glacier or sailing to the face of the glacier, either of which is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Meanwhile, the area around El Chalten is an amazing area for trekking, either independently or with an organized trek.
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