When you think of Patagonia—the wild, remote region shared by Chile and Argentina—you may picture the dramatic peaks of the Andes Mountains. And you do get that on a trip to Patagonia, along with a whole lot more. A trek through Patagonia is so much more than a “hiking trip;” the landscapes, wildlife, and people you encounter here are truly unique.
Here are three astounding features of a Patagonian expedition that may surprise you—and inspire you to add Patagonia to your bucket list a.s.a.p.
1. You’re entering cowboy country.
While many associate Patagonia with the llama-esque guanaco that graze across the valleys, gauchos are the real icons of this region. Gauchos are nomadic ranchers who share many similarities with the rugged American cowboy—they know how to navigate seemingly inhospitable terrain with their incredible equestrian skills and intimate knowledge of the land. Today, gauchos make great guides for intrepid travelers to Patagonia, leading them through mountain switchbacks while sharing about Gaucho customs passed down through generations and their unique way of life.
2. It’s not just mountains—it’s icebergs and glaciers, too.
Patagonia stretches across a vast area that extends way down south, so, depending on where you venture, you’ll encounter an incredible array of icy landscapes. While Torres del Paine National Park in Chile may be the more popular spot, Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park is worth adding to your itinerary. At what feels like the very edge of the world, you’ll encounter otherworldly glacial lakes, including the largest, Lake Argentino. Here, three massive glaciers meet—you can watch as titanic chunks of icebergs break off and crash into the milky blue waters below.
3. It’s a birder’s paradise.
At times, you’ll feel like you’re on safari on your guided Patagonia excursion, due to all of the incredible wildlife you’re bound to encounter. The region is home to an especially unique array of birds. Of course, there’s the mighty Andean condor, with its unbelievable 11-foot wingspan—you’re most likely to find them soaring high above Patagonia’s grassy plains. But you can also find four different species of penguins (in Patagonia, the penguins outnumber the people!), as well as flocks of flamingos that congregate around the lagoons on the Argentinian side of the region and at the very southern tip of Chile. In short, don’t forget to bring your binoculars for some truly special bird watching!
Ready to embark on your own guided adventure through Patagonia? We would love to plan it for you—connect with Heirloom Journeys on a complimentary consultation call to get started.
