Why Patagonia is Worth a Trip
The big dream of freedom: In Patagonia, you feel tiny - not only because of the dramatic landscape, but also because this huge natural scenery is hardly populated. A visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier is an impressive journey into the eternal ice.
December 18, 2023
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Thirty kilometers long and five kilometers wide, the Perito Moreno Glacier is breathtaking. You can experience the gigantic masses of ice up close, a piece is constantly calving, crashing into the sea with deafening thunder! You don't even have to take a boat trip, you can see the beauty of the eternal ice up close on the viewing platforms. It's easy to get there by bus, and there are boardwalks on site so you can observe the spectacle from as many perspectives as possible. Even visitors to the Arctic and Antarctica affirm this: Perito Moreno is one of the most beautiful glaciers you can see in the world.
© luciano bacchi fotografia. lucianobacchi@yahoo.com.ar
Patagonia is a land of longing - the southern tip, which is shared by Argentina and Chile, stands for pure adventure. If you are looking for solitude and endless expanses, this is the place for you: There are around two inhabitants per square kilometer. While the Chilean part is characterized by the humid, cool climate of the western Andes and the Valdivian rainforest, the Argentinian part is very dry. Depending on your fitness level, the range of hiking and trekking tours on offer is tailor-made; from the W-Trek, which leads through the highlights of the Torres del Paine National Park, to challenging tours that reach as far as the base camp of the imposing Mount Fitz Roy. Many hikes last several days, almost like in the Alps, from hut to hut. Even active volcanoes such as Villarrica can be reached via guided tours to the edge of the crater, but crystal-clear lakes such as Lago Llanquihue with views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes are also fascinating.
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Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world and ships to Antarctica depart from here, so it's surprisingly busy. If you have enough time: There are always last-minute offers for trips to Antarctica, which are then a lot cheaper. Excursions to Tierra del Fuego National Park are a must; the small Antarctic Museum is also a nice place to visit, providing insights into early expeditions and the flora and fauna of this extreme landscape.
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Cowboy feeling
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Patagonia is ideal for discovering your inner cowboy. If you are looking for nature and solitude, it's best to get on a horse - Argentinian gauchos offer safaris up to the foothills of the Andes. Overnight stays are offered to experience in tents or huts, with barbecues around the campfire in the evening. And then there are first-hand adventure stories to listen to.
Where to Stay
Andbeyond Vira Vira
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The finest farm-to-table cuisine is served in the spacious villas in the Chilean Lake District. In summer and winter alike, unforgettable activities await on the lodge's 22 hectares.
andbeyond Vira Vira
Parcela 19 - 22a, Quetroleufu, Pucón, Araucanía, Chile
Tel.: +56 45 237 4000
Web: andbeyond.com
Price: on request
Awasi Patagonia
© luciano bacchi fotografia. lucianobacchi@yahoo.com.ar
With views of the peaks of the Torres del Paine, pure luxury adventures await far away from civilization - the excursions are individually tailored to the wishes of the guests.
Awasi Patagonia
Estancia Tercera Barranca, Torres del Paine, Chile
Tel.+56 2 2233 9641
Web: awasipatagonia.com
Price: on request
Tierra Patagonia
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In the Chilean part of Patagonia, the Tierra offers an excellent spa. As an adventure hotel, it also offers an extensive catalog of excursions for young and old.
Tierra Patagonia
Torres de Paine, Chile
Tel: +562 6469 0518
Web: tierrapatagonia.com
Price: Doubles all-inclusive for three nights from $ 6450
Explora El Chaltén
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This is a luxurious lodge with rooms and suites in the Los Huemules Conservation Reserve. The ingredients for the dishes come exclusively from local farmers.
Explora El Chaltén
Q28M+46, El Chalten, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Tel: +56 2 23952800
Web: explora.com
Price: Suite all-inclusive for five nights from $ 8,280
Where to Eat
Casa Juez
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Hip bar in Neuquén with a relaxed atmosphere and cool cocktails.
Casa Juez
Rivadavia 171, Neuquén, Argentina
Tel.: +54 299 542-0562
Web: instagram.com/casa.juez
Kaupé
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Fine dining with a view of the sea - local fish specialties are served, and the ideal wine accompaniment is also provided.
Kaupé
Pres. Julio Argentino Roca 470, V9410 Ushuaia, Argentina
Tel.+54 2901 58-5854
Web: kaupe.meitre.com
Giratorio Restaurante
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The restaurant rotates so that it offers a 360-degree view over Santiago de Chile; you can complete a full circuit in two hours. It's tasty, regional cuisine with an international influence.
Giratoria Restaurante
Nueva Providencia 2250, Piso 16, SCL
Tel: +562 223 21827
Web: giratorio.cl
