Argentina

Patagonia

Patagonia is a vast area of land in the South of Argentina and Chile, with dramatic landscapes of snowy top mountains, huge glaciers, and gusty rivers. It is scarcely populated but characterized by unique flora and fauna. Travelling in Patagonia is nothing like anywhere you've ever travelled. The long distances, small villages and breathtaking landscape make it an exceptional experience. Any type of adventure tourism can be done in Patagonia, including but not limited to hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, white water rafting and horseback riding.

What to Do?

• If you are coming from either the Chilean or Argentinean lake district, it is recommended to start with the Carretera Austral (the Southern Highway). If you are in Chile – take the ferry from Puerto Montt to Chaiten. If you are in Argentina, cross the border at the Futelefu crossing, and go to Chaiten. The Carretera Austral is a long, mostly paved road that takes you through views of mountains, fjords and islands. It's rough and sometimes dangerous. Whatever means of transportation you choose (public transportation, renting a car, hitchhiking, bicycling) – go slow and be careful. Bring plenty of cash (as there are no ATMs), and if you depend on public transportation or hitchhiking – plan on waiting. A lot. There are hikes and treks in National Parks along the way. Decide how much time you want to dedicate to them as you go. But even if you wheeze through it, going through the Carretera should take you about a week. At the end of the road (gorgeous Lago General Carrera), cross the border to Argentina again, to Los Antiguos.
• Your next stop is El Calafate, the starting point for visiting Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, which holds the impressive Glacier Perito Moreno, one of the largest in the world. Wooden walkways take you quite close to it, and the vivid blue waters with floating icebergs along with the roars of ice breaking are spectacular. El Calafate itself is neither very nice or cheap, so plan to stay only a night or two, which is enough to go see the glacier.
• From El Calafate, take a bus to an even smaller town called El Chalten, which is the base for trekking in the spectacular Mount Fitz Roy. If you like to hike, do not miss this. The Fitz Roy is so close to the town itself, you don't even have to carry a tent, you can just walk back to El Chalten (it would be a full day of walking though). The hike is not very demanding (except for its last part), and the views will make your heart stop. Any other word is redundant, just go. Get all the information about the treks from the Club Andino (Argentina's park rangers) in the town. El Chalten is really small, in the summer book accommodation in advance!!
• Cross to Chile again, to Puerto Natales. The base for exploring the national park of Torres del Paine – considered to be one of the most beautiful treks in the world. The trek passes through a dramatic mountain region with spectacular beauty, famous for it's huge granite towers (The Torres del Paine), blue lakes, and never-ending glaciers. You can hire guides and mules in Puerto Natales or just rent the equipment and go alone. The more popular trek is a 4-day trek called "The W", whereas for the more experienced hikers there is the full 7-day trek called "The Paine Circuit". The CONAF (Chile's park rangers) office in the entrance will give you information and maps. There are some refugios in the park but they are expensive and full a long time in advance. You will probably sleep in a tent in the camps (5-10 USD per night). There is an entrance fee of around 15 USD.
• From there you can make another stop at Chilean town Punta Arenas, which has a Penguin Colony, or you can skip that and go directly to Tierra del Fuego.

Facilities:

The cities / major tourist towns (Coyhaique in the Carretera Austral, El Calafate, Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas) have all the facilities including banks, money exchange, tourist offices etc. The smaller villages, especially in the Carretera Austral do not have any of that, so bring enough cash and anything else you might need.

Where to Stay?

• In the Carretera Austral: There aren't really any youth hostel, so you'll probably staying in Hospedajes (a name for a small mom-and-pop hostel). There are plenty of them so don't worry, you'll find them.
• In El Calafate: Plenty of youth hostels in the town. One of them is Albergue Buenos Aires.
• El Chalten: Book in advance! There are very few hostels and they fill quickly in the summer. And you don't want to be stuck without lodging in this windy town. The two main hostels are Albergue Patagonia and Rancho Grande Hostel. Both are Hostel International affiliated. Both charge around 13 USD for a bed in a dormitory.
• Puerto Natales: Plenty of lodging in this town. A recommended, clean and nice hostel is Josmar 2.

Special Tips:

• We recommend travelling both in Chilean and Argentinean Patagonia, crossing through them multiple times. In fact, some times it's a must, since there are some parts of each that are either inaccessible by foot / car / public transportation. We have listed here the highlights of each, from north to south, in a path that makes sense. However, since Patagonia is so large and you can end up not seeing other tourists for a couple of days, it is advised to travel with a guidebook or some sort of map (you can get one in gas stations)
• It is cold. Very cold. Especially at night. And it rains. Even in summer. A good fleece jacket, a good sleeping bag, and a rain coat are a must. If you are going to trek a lot good hiking socks and waterproof shoes are recommended (Take a pair of flip-flops with you for when you are relaxing in your tent / refugio at night. Your feet will appreciate it). Bring a deck of cards for treks also. There is not much to do at night. :)
• Distances are loooooooooong. Bring a good book and don't forget your iPod charger. As for books, you will be able to exchange them with other travelers either independently or at a book exchange in a hostel, so don't bring a book you are too attached too (otherwise it would just be dead weight for you to carry home once you've finished it).