Why Patagonia?

As a self proclaimed adventurer, Patagonia is one of my favorite destinations in the world. The landscape, full of sharp mountain peaks,  massive glaciers and colorful lakes, constantly takes my breath away. 

GARRETT KORN TRAVEL CONSULTANT

Patagonia is a windswept, sparsely populated tract of wilderness shared by Argentina and Chile — it is an outdoorsman’s (or -woman’s) dream

The area encompasses rugged steppes, expanding glaciers, Andean peaks, and some of the most stunning lake country on the planet.

The adventure starts at Bariloche, an Argentine ski resort whose Alpine-style chateaus offer a perfect base for exploring the lakes and wooded trails of Nahuel Huapi National Park, hiking the flanks of Mount Tronador. From there, a leisurely boat trip takes you over sapphire-colored lakes into Chile, against a backdrop of snowy volcanoes and virgin forest. Venturing further south, the high point of the region looms into view at Torres del Paine, whose triple peaks were chosen for the cover of National Geographic as one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Here are some of the near-infinite travel possibilities you’ll find in this land of extremes:

•  Argentina’s electric-blue Perito Moreno glacier groans and cracks under its own expanding weight. Stand watching long enough, and you’ll likely witness huge splinters of ice break off and fall crashing into the sea. Then, don crampons for a trek across the glacier itself.
•  Hiking the trails from the remote outpost town of El Chalten through ancient lenga forests to the legendary basecamps of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
•  Southern Patagonia’s estancias have preserved their original settlers’ sheep-farming ways for centuries. Today, homestays allow you to experience their gaucho lifestyle first hand.
•  The wild Valdes Peninsula teems with rare species: killer whales, sea lions, sea elephants, and Magellan penguins are the stars of this marine odyssey.
•  Chile’s Austral Highway is a prime route for adventure travelers, whether by bicycle or 4X4. It unspools through almost 800 miles of gorgeous scenery, including fjords, lofty peaks, and waterfalls.
•  From the German-influenced town of Puerto Varas on the shores of Lake Llanquihue you can explore the wonders of Chile’s Lake District: hike the temperate rainforests of Alerce Andino National Park, sea kayak Reloncavi Fjord, join a trekking expedition through the Cochamo Valley.
•  Experience the unique culture of Chiloe Island.

In Patagonia a lifetime of adventures are at hand, and foot: hiking, overnight trekking, sea kayaking, fly fishing, horseback riding, river rafting and mountain biking.