Patagonia Holidays 2012

Patagonia is an intriguing region in southern Argentina, bordered by Chile, the Atlanta, and the Pampas (plains). Here you'll find delicious foods, motorcycle tours, and wide open spaces where you can explore vast swaths of nature. Patagonia can be divided up into five regions; Chubut, Neuquen, Rio Negro, Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego.

Cities are few and far between in Patagonia, but there are places to see if you enjoy nightlife and sightseeing. In San Carlos de Bariloche, you can hike through Nahuel Huapi National Park with a guide and full gear rental; Cerro Catedral is also located nearby where you can enjoy the finest skiing in South America. When in San Carlos, make sure you buy some chocolate!

Puerto Madryn has some of the best whale watching in the area, and sometimes you can even catch mating and birthings! Since it's a windy region, you can find a lot of kite and wind surfing, along with ocean fishing (bow fishing in some places); you can also go diving in the easy currentless waters of the Gulf Nuevo and horseriding along the beach. When you're along the beach, be sure to look for the numerous seafood restaurants who feature different catches of the day with locally sourced foods.

El Calafate rests on Lago Argenitna along the route to Ushuaia to Tierra del Fuego. If you have time you should see the Perito Moreno Glacier, where you can hear the constant crackling of the glacier; many ranch homes double as bed and breakfasts where you can relax and enjoy great meals. When eating out, make sure you try the Patagonic Lamb, a delicious barbaqued lamb that is as refreshing as it is filling. If you're thirsty, try a Pomelo soda or a glass of Argentinian wine.

Ushuaia is one of the most popular travel hubs, especially since it's the last stop before Tierra del Fuego. When here, take a catamaran trip though the Beagle channel and enjoy the wildlife that it has to offer; the more adventurous can rent a kayak and try and brave the channel. The jewel of the area here is of course, Tierra del Fuego National Park. If you don't have gear of your own, you can take some of the two hour free hikes offered through the park; if you want to try some of the more difficult treks, visit the Club Andino to hire a guide and rent some gear. Some of the treks can take anywhere from two to four days.