Patagonia, Chile
chile overview | atacama desert | santiago | valle nevado | easter island
One of the most isolated and desolate areas in the world, it is also one of the most beautiful. High mountain peaks reach down to lakes and fiords and arid plains.
The changeable weather around the region can see one leave the Atlantic Ocean on the Argentinean side in arid yet cold weather to wild snow storms and ice on the pacific side.
The limit of both Patagonia is marked by Tierra del Fuego, a series of mountain ranges bordered by untouched forests perfect for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. It can be reached on the Argentinean side from the city os Ushuaia and from the Chilean side at Puntas Arenas.
The most beautiful and most rugged areas in Patagonia is the Torres del Paine National Park. Glacial capped mountains sweep down to mountain plains and lakes coloured by the glacial melts set the scene of an area that is simple awe inspiring. Almost contsantly cold it's weather is permanently unstable and can change in minutes.
What to do:
There are many activities to enjoy in Patagonia. In summer you can choose from hiking to horse riding, nature watching to fishing. In the winter time the best activity is skiing with many areas free from the crowds of the Northern ski fields.
When to travel:
Most travelers visit Patagonia in the Southern Hemisphere summer (December through to March), it is when the area is at its warmest and there is an abundance of wildlife.
For those who really want to see the extremes of Patagonia the months either side of winter time are the best. The sunny yet cold days are met with freezing night temperatures and snow. It is also when the mountains appear that bit more mysterious and enchanting.