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Senior travel consultant Sophie tells us about her incredible trip to Argentina.

What country did you visit?

Argentina.

How did you get there?

I flew with British Airways direct from Heathrow to Buenos Aires.

Where did you go?

After a few nights in Buenos Aires, I flew to the Lake District of Argentina and stayed in Bariloche. Next I flew south to Patagonia and the land of the glaciers – El Calafate. From there I travelled a few hours overland to one of the best walking areas in Argentina called El Chaltén.

Have you been before?

I used to live in Chile and would often cross the border into Argentina and have been back a number of times since then. Bariloche and El Chaltén were two destinations I’d never been to before so it was exciting to finally visit them.

If so…any notable differences?

I think the most notable difference was the currency – it fluctuated by about 10 pesos in the 2 weeks we were there.

Which was your favourite…

Place:  Bariloche – I was so lucky with the weather and had some lovely sunny Autumnal days which made the Lake District all the more beautiful.
 
Hotel:  Eolo – wow, what a place! The setting is stunning and you can appreciate the remoteness of Patagonia whilst enjoying a gourmet lunch and looking out across the Patagonian Steppe. Another place which caught my eye was Estancia La Estela, which is situated en route to El Chaltén from El Calafate. The estancia oozes Patagonian charm and is perfect for getting off-the-beaten-track and self-drive.
 
 

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Excursion: I thoroughly enjoyed the Southern Glacier Pioneers excursion from El Calafate. This trip visits the famous Perito Moreno glacier on boat from the south and provides an alternative perspective. 

What was your most memorable moment?

The trekking in El Chaltén was unforgettable. I went in April and knew the weather could be varied and on the second day woke up to torrential rain and howling winds. The guide advised not to do the trek we had planned but rather wait until later in the day. We set off after lunch and the rain wasn’t quite so bad, but the higher we climbed on the trek the more snow there was. A few hours later we were hiking in glorious sunshine with stunning views towards Fitzroy Mountain.

 

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What tips do you have for travellers wanting to visit the same destination?

Weather in Patagonia is always mixed but I would recommend visiting in their summer (November – March) for the best chances of blue skies and sunshine.

Is there anything indispensable to pack or prepare for?

For trekking in Patagonia, pack layers of clothes. As I mentioned, one of the treks I went on started with rain, wind and snow and ended with sunshine.

Sum up your trip in a sentence?

Culture in Buenos Aires, emerald lakes in Bariloche, fantastic trekking in Patagonia, and amazing food and wine throughout!

Provide an expert comment:

When many people think about Patagonia and Torres del Paine in Chile, trekking is what comes to mind for most. El Chaltén on the Argentine side is an excellent alternative as it’s considerably more economical.

 

Want to follow in Sophie's footsteps? Journey Latin America offer a range of exciting holiday options in Argentina, including Active Argentina: Walking in Patagonia  and Value Argentina: Explore Patagonia. Speak to one of our experts today on 02037330208 to tailor-make your next journey.

 

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  • Alex
    Alex Walker - Travel Expert

    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

  • Finn Clennett
    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

  • Charlotte
    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

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