A Guide to Visiting Patagonia
16 May, 2022In the southern part of South America is an area that spans 260,000 square miles in Chile and Argentina known as Patagonia. The region is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Wild animals roam free. The Andes mountains stretch into the sky in a dramatic fashion. There are glaciers in one region, a desert in another, and vast plains throughout.
Humans have lived in Patagonia for more than 10,000 years. It’s also home to the 8th Wonder of the World. And each year, hundreds of thousands of people visit the region. If you want to become one of those visitors, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Packing for Your Trip
Like any trip, you are going to need to pack essentials like sleep aid gummies to help you get rest on the plane and when you are sleeping in unfamiliar places. According to experts, here are some of the other items ever Patagonia visitor wants to pack before setting out on their trip, especially if they plan to hike a lot:
- Electric adapter plug
- A water bottle that holds at least 50 ounces of water
- Bug spray
- Personal medical kit
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Day pack that includes a hat, water, snacks, rain jacket, and camera
- Comfortable walking boots, preferably waterproof
- Walking clothes
- Towel and other toiletries
- Thermal underwear
International travelers should also have copies of all of their travel documents on them. Tickets, passports, vaccine cards, and the like. Always keep the original documents separate from the copies.
Torres del Paine National Park
As mentioned, Patagonia stretches across areas of Argentina and Chile and each country has its own unique places to visit. One of the most popular destinations is Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park.
The national park is home to glaciers, lakes, mountains and rivers. The Cordillera del Paine mountain group is the main attraction of the park. Visitors can identify the mountains by looking for their three jagged granite peaks.
Torres del Paine National Park is part of a vast network of areas that the Chilean government has protected from development. More than a quarter of a million people visit the park every year. It’s been called the 8th Wonder of the World and is also part of the End of the World Route (because Chile is the southernmost country in the world).
Bariloche
San Carlos de Bariloche is location in Rio Negro, Argentina. It’s a beautiful village in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. It’s a popular destination for skiing and boasts incredible waterfalls in the surrounding area. Visitors can also stop by the Francisco Moreno Museum of Patagonia to learn more about the history of Patagonia.
Leave It Untouched
As always, when visiting protected areas, make sure the landscape is left untouched. Everything that is taken into the parks needs to be removed from them. Do not leave trash in the park because it can damage the ecosystems. Also, don’t remove anything from the parks. It’s very important to leave everything as you found it so the parks will remain pristine for generations to come.
Are There Luxury Hotels in Patagonia?
For visitors who want to experience Patagonia but not necessarily backpack through it, there are luxury hotels in parts of Chile and Argentina. The best way to find one of these hotels is to speak to a travel agent. They can help visitors get a good deal and find lodging that fits their particular needs.
No matter where you decide to visit in Patagonia, you will have an incredible time. Just remember to follow the advice of local experts when you visit the national parks and remove all of your garbage. A trip to Patagonia is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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