Patagonia, Argentina

Patagonia is an extreme and wildly diverse corner of the planet in South America's lower third encompassing mountains, lakes, deserts, rainforests, glaciers and fjords. The weather is equally diverse, unpredictable and abrupt. Technically, Patagonia covers the lands of Argentina and Chile. While not completely clear, the name has roots in language used to describe the extra large footprints associated with the native people who occupied the region for centuries. Patagonia represents naked beauty at its finest offering a wide range of experiences depending on your interest, time and ability to endure the elements.

 

I had never travaled this far south so it made sense to proceed along a well established route via the Internationally famous Highway 40. My first leg terminated at the picturesque village of San Martin de los Andes along the western borders of Argentina. A quaint mountain town, San Martin is reminiscent of what you typically find in Colorado including plenty of chalet style architecture reflecting the heavy Northern European immigration during the early decades of the 20th century.

 

San Martin is conveniently walkable and accessible to miles of hiking trails meandering in and around deep forests, open meadows and crystal clear lakes. And for those who require a ninety day visa renewal to maintain legal status in Argentina, San Martin offers daily bus service to Pucon, Chile where you find more of the same plus the added attraction of one of the most beautiful volcanos on the continent.

 

By months end, the attractive elements of Patagonia drew me further south to the regions largest city, Carlos de Bariloche. Bariloche is nestled along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapili and features a fairly robust urban core. However, most of the newer residential areas, resorts, restaurants and associated businesses reside along the many miles of lakeshore to the west. I rented a log cabin about two miles outside of town and spent a month exploring the world famours landscapes of Argentinas most celebrated asset.

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Patagonia is special. 

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