El Calafate, El Chalten & Southern Patagonia

True wilderness is seldom as magnificent as the landscapes of El Calafate and El Chalten in southern Patagonia. The picturesque mix of vibrant blue waters, jagged peaks and colourful flora are what make this area of the world so unforgettable, and indeed inspire many to return again and again. Split between Argentina and Chile, this vast area is home to the elusive puma, offers world class fly fishing and boasts multiple glaciers, all whilst maintaining a strong cultural heritage. Visitors to this region will be left speechless by the overwhelming beauty of Los Glaciers National Park, awed by the iceberg calving glaciers and captivated by the hospitality of the people who live here. Although the weather can be extreme, luxury eco lodges, rustic estancias and spa hotels provide a welcoming base from which to explore this trekker’s paradise. On the Argentinian side, tourists flock to El Calafate, a small and quaint town which is the base for exploring the mighty Perito Moreno glacier. This giant wall of white and blue peaks regularly creaks and groans as it deposits enormous chunks of ice into the waters below. Nearby, El Chalten offers hiking trails of varying difficulty around Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitzroy. The verdant colours of the scenery and the frequent sightings of Andean condors make this biodiverse habitat a pleasure to explore. A welcoming sight after a full day of exploration is the many cosy pubs and restaurants selling hearty meals and full bodied red wines. Both of these small towns are an essential destination for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors, and with more and more luxurious lodges appearing, Patagonia is a great addition to any luxury holiday in Argentina.