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.jpg "Torres del Paine")
If, as they say, God created the world in seven days, when he started designing Patagonia he must have had a lot of stuff left over. It is truly staggering what this region of South America has to offer.
From lush farmland, which undulates like five star Cotswold countryside, to active volcanoes, turquoise lakes the size of small seas, rapids, subtropical rainforests, archipelagos, and the largest ice fields outside of the poles, this is a place that can make New Zealand feel a little under dressed.
With so much on offer it’s nearly impossible to decide what our top recommendations are, but we’re going to have a stab at it anyway.
So, in descending order, here are our Top 5 picks for things to do in Patagonia, we think, maybe....
5. Rafting in Futaleufu
The town of Futaleufu itself leaves little to be desired, a bunch of tin shacks and pale houses, offering nothing except views that you could happily have found camping; but the nearby rapids offer a rafting and kayaking experience that is second to none.
Its wild and pristine waters have become a Mecca to thrill seeking aquanauts from around the globe and as word gets out the numbers of wet-suit toting travellers continues to rise. Although it may still be a destination more for those in-the-know, you don’t need to be an expert to run the river as there are plenty of experienced rafting guides available who are able to safely navigate you down through the awe-inspiring gullies of the river Fu and it’s world class white-water.
4. Skiing in Bariloche
Nestled between Lago Nahuel Huapi and the peaks of Cerros Catedral and exuding that wonderful blend of European and South American qualities that typifies Argentina, is Bariloche, the country’s adventure capital and it is not to be missed.
Whereas in the spring and summer gorgeous hikes and mountain bike trails abound, the best time to visit here is in the winter. Between May and September the snow provides a magical charm to the region and excellent snow coverage for the slopes above the nearby Villa Catedral, offering some of the best and cheapest skiing on the continent. After a day exploring the runs, a short bus ride gets you back into town, where you can replenish those lost calories with some mouth watering food (the steaks are awesome!) and meet up with the affable and indefatigable locals over a glass top-notch wine in any one of the town’s bustling bars. If that’s not heaven, I don’t know what is.
3. Cycling the Carretera Austral
The Carretera Austral, or Southern road, kicks off in the fishing town of Puerto Montt and winds its way beneath the slopes of the Andes and along the Pacific for 1000km before finally coming to a stop at the tiny and inauspicious village of Villa O’Higgins.
Constantly snaking through the greenest, wildest and narrowest part of Chile it is a road that needs to be experienced to be believed. Although a 4x4 would happily do the job, and probably keep you drier, by far the most rewarding way to experience every inch of this amazing journey is by pedal power. Gliding past Ice-age glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, bottle-green fjords and swathes of rainforest, this ribbon of uninterrupted splendour may well be the finest cycle journey in the world.
Tip: Many Ferry services along the route only operate from December to February. At the end of the ride it’s possible to cross to El Chalten (see beneath), but this needs to be organized. Information about this is available through the website below. Also due on going eruptions near Chaiten in the North, some areas may be restricted.
2.Trekking in Parque National Los Glaciares
Perhaps the single most impressive tract of wilderness in Argentina, and dolling out superlatives like breadcrumbs, Parque National Los Glaciares is unforgettable. Simply littered with spectacular glacial phenomena and with the legendary diorite cliffs of Mt Fitz Roy as its centrepiece, it provides some of the most outstanding and accessible trekking in all of Patagonia.
Using the rapidly growing but pretty village of El Chalten as your base you can effortlessly explore the region beneath the Mount Fitz Roy range through a number of world-class one-day treks. Although the weather can be dicey, and you’ll need to come prepared, when the sun does shine it’s a trekker’s paradise that dishes up some unparalleled hiking that will leave you spellbound and yearning to stay and discover more.
1.The Torres del Paine Circuit
Trekking in the shadow of Mt Fitz Roy may offer some of the world’s best one-day hikes, but the ultimate big circuit is around the Torres del Paine, or the Towers of Paine. Centred round its impressive granite tusks, the park is iconic. What makes it so special, though, and gives it our number one spot, is it’s not just about the mountains.
It’s a UNESCO biosphere, serving up regular glimpses of rare and magnificent wildlife such as Andean Condors, Lamas, Guanacos, flamingos and if you’re exceptionally lucky, even pumas in their natural habitat. Add to these ingredients thundering rivers, azure lakes and icebergs, verdant forests, lush pastures and iridescent blue glaciers and you have a destination that is possibly without equal. If this wasn’t enough to persuade you, the infrastructure is impeccable.
If you wish to you can do the entire hike without tents or sleeping bags by making use of the top-class refuges along the way, all providing hot meals and showers (although it does require a bit of a push on the Southern side). It’s important to make sure you book well ahead of time or you could be in for a cold and uncomfortable night!
Tip: The trek will take you 6-10 days depending on speed, route and weather. Although a guide’s not needed as paths are clearly marked, Hurricane force winds and lashing rain can torpedo down in literally seconds so be prepared.
Useful Links
Want to know more about trekking in Patagonia ?
www.interpatagonia.com/catedral
www.villaohiggins.com/crossing
www.losglaciares.com
www.torresdelpaine.com
www.earthriver.com
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