Patagonia
Patagonia, the region at the bottom of South America that stretches across Chile and Argentina, is a bucket-list destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The landscapes are stunning - craggy snow-topped mountains, deep blue fjords, gorgeous glaciers and tremendous icebergs. It is a land of extreme beauty and feels like the end of the earth.
I love to photograph beautiful scenery, but I wouldn’t say I’m an outdoor enthusiast. What got me to Patagonia are the few amazing hotels that are scattered throughout the region. They are each situated in a location with drop-dead views and they allow guests to enjoy 5-star comforts (delicious cuisine, beautiful rooms, great spas) in the seeming middle of nowhere.
What excited my kids about traveling to Patagonia are the animal sightings. Guanacos (cousins of the llama), condors, Andean foxes, penguins and flamingos are common to see. The puma is notoriously elusive, but we spent hours looking for them with an experienced tracker and were rewarded with 4 sightings at very close range.
My husband came for the hiking and was not disappointed. His highlight was a 7-mile hike to the base of the Three Towers, the symbol of Torres del Paine National Park. Other highlights of the trip included horseback riding, mountain biking, sheep shearing and taking a boat trip on a glacial lake to see icebergs.
Part of what makes Patagonia feel so remote is that it is not easy to get to. Several flights and a long drive are required, although a new airport has opened near Torres del Paine in Chile, which should make traveling there easier. Given the distance, a 10-12 day trip is recommended, visiting both the Chilean and Argentinean sides of the region. Our winter is the best time to visit since the seasons are reversed, but even in the summer, Patagonia has unpredicatable weather and temperatures can vary by 30-40 degrees everyday.
