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For many travelers, the word "Patagonia" conjures up images of a wild, last frontier. The rugged Andes Mountains, the transparent lakes and rivers, and the wide open spaces all call to the adventurer inside us all.
Bariloche, Argentina is often called the "Gateway to Patagonia" since it is the largest city in the area, with an international airport just 20 minutes from downtown. The Lake District includes Villa La Angostura, San Martin de los Andes, Junin de los Andes, El Bolson, Esquel, and many pristine lakes, rivers, and streams. Just across the border in Chile, you'll find Villarica, Pucon, Temuco, Puerto Montt, Chiloe, and a number of volcanoes that look like they were taken right out of a Hollywood movie. Within two hours of Bariloche, you'll be able to visit four national parks (including those in Chile), a number of rivers suitable for kayaking, rafting, fishing, or just lounging on banks for a peaceful picnic.  Many travelers also use Bariloche as a transit point for destinations even further south. Calafate, the Cave of the Hands, and Los Antiguos can all be reached by the famous Route 40. On the coast are Peninsula Valdes - well-known for its impressive number of right whales - and the beaches of Las Grutas. Further south is Rio Gallegos, home of current president Nestor Kirchner, and the straights of Magellan separating mainland Argentina with Tierra del Fuego. Ushuaia is deemed the southernmost city in the world, and is definitely the end of the road (if traveling by land). Trips to Antarctica can be found that leave from here. |
