Matthew Stein
Matthew Stein
Planning the Perfect Trip to Patagonia
Perito Moreno Glacier
Patagonia is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true and a unique destination for the luxury traveler. Patagonia stretches across Argentina and Chile; I’ll focus on Argentina because I’ve already been there. I can’t wait to get back and see the Chilean side as well.
While you may think of Patagonia as rugged, the sites are breathtaking and the resorts are some of the most luxurious you will ever see. A journey across Patagonia is an inspirational and unique experience even for the world traveler. It’s also a great place to visit during New York winters because it’s summer in Argentina!
Bariloche - The Start of Patagonia
The northernmost section of Patagonia is Bariloche. During your journey, you may think you’re in Switzerland because there are many similarities, from the mountains and lakes to some of the best chocolate in the world.
What to do in Bariloche
Winter sports include skiing, mountain biking, snow polo, paragliding, and snowboarding. In the summer, you’ll find unparalleled fishing, rafting, trekking, and horse riding.
You’ll likely work up an appetite exploring Nahuel Huapi National Park, Seven Lakes Road, and the Blue Lagoon (Calvu.) There are plenty of great restaurants in the region, but if you have a sweet tooth, head for Mitre Avenue in downtown Bariloche. People in Argentina call it The Avenue of Chocolate Dreams.
My favorite was Rapa Nui, but you can’t go wrong at any of the chocolatiers in the area. Torres Chocolates was another great stop. It’s more intimate and personalized than many shops in the area. You can also learn about how they make chocolate by hand!
Where to Stay
There are several luxury hotels and resorts to choose from in Bariloche. I chose Llao Llao Resort because of its historical reputation and extraordinary views. The restaurants are wonderful. Restaurante Argentino will likely encourage you to try their lamb; take their advice!
Bariloche offers a glimpse of what to expect as you head deeper into the Patagonia region. About 1,000 miles south is arguably the province of Santa Cruz; I consider it the most beautiful location in the world. It’s also where you’ll want a travel expert because the majestic scenes stretch across the vast wilderness.
Spectacular Santa Cruz
Los Glaciares National Park covers almost three million square acres of land in the province. Towards the north is the town of El Chalten, which shares a border with Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.
Magnificent Mont Fitz Roy
Mont Fitz Roy is the centerpiece of this part of the park. The peak is more than 11,000 feet high and can be seen from miles away. You can run out of storage on your phone taking photos while hiking or climbing around the magnificent mountain. Plus, the lakes and streams that flow from the mountain are unique shades of blue.
Perito Moreno Glacier
Further south in the park is the town of El Calafate. This is where you’ll find the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier. It’s such a fantastic sight; I got chills the first time I saw it. The 97 square mile chunk of ice glimmers blue because of the sun’s reflection.
You can take a short boat ride to the base of the ruptured glacier. You can also do some glacier trekking and be amazed at its cracks and crevices up close. Some of the world’s purest drinking water is on the glacier.
Personalized Service
Exploring this part of the world can be exhausting, challenging (physically and mentally), and stressful. My personalized service exclusive for you eliminates headaches and worry. Every trip is personalized and custom-built for you! Do what you want, when you want, and how you want.
The End of the World
Finally, let’s head to Ushuaia. It’s affectionately called the “End of the World.” Ushuaia is in the province of Tierra del Fuego. It claims to be the world's southernmost city, sitting at 54°48’ S.
If you make the journey to the so-called “End of the World,” you’ll likely want to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park. It’s where you’ll find Tren del Fin del Mundo, which translates to Train to the End of the World. It’s a unique way to experience this park and a chance to relax if you’ve been trekking across Patagonia.
Beagle Channel is another great option in the area. It links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and is renowned for its biodiversity. The channel can also lead you to Martillo Island. Penguin colonies grow across the island because its climate is perfect for them.
Arakur Ushuaia Resort and Spa is the place you’ll want to stay. The hotel’s location inside Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve provides extraordinary views with oversized windows. I recommend the hotel’s wine collection and charcuterie plate.
Contact Me
When you're ready to plan your Patagonia adventure please email [email protected].
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