The photo above has hung in our master bedroom for 17 years. Chris and I bought it at “Arts, Beats, and Eats,” during a summer fair we attended in Detroit, Michigan. This photo is how Patagonia made it to our bucket list!
As a travel advisor with very little travel in 2020, I’ve put “Hope on the 2021 Calendar” with a trip to Patagonia. I’ve had the itinerary planned for a while, so this is the year we’ve decided to go. Usually, a trip like this needs at least 12 months to prepare and book all the logistics. With all the changes with airlines, resorts, and tour operators post the pandemic; you need to be on top of all the new protocols and changes.
Patagonia attracts travelers of all types, wildlife explorers, adventure seekers, and wellness culinary gastronomists. What attracts us all is the region’s four World Heritage Sites in Argentina, four World Biosphere Reserves in Chile, and many national parks. The wilderness is steeped in a history that reads like many sea-fairing legends.
If your a wildlife explorer, Patagonia should be at the top of your Bucket-List destinations. You will see marine wildlife on both the Pacific and Atlantic coast, including whales, penguins, and sea lions. It has vast grasslands, imposing rock faces, drifting glaciers, and serene lakes. Los Glaciares National Park, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site on Patagonia’s Argentinian side, is renowned for its stunning glaciers. Of course, it also has beautiful lakes, mountains, and forests. The glaciers constitute the most considerable continental ice extension after Antarctica. Perito Moreno, which is close to the town of Calafate, is arguably the most famous of the park’s glaciers, and it’s truly a must-see.
Are you the adventure seeker in your travel tribe? If so, Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve on Patagonia’s Chilean side, a must-see. It’s known for the looming massifs of its namesake mountain and stunning lakes, gorgeous flowers, montane forests, and abundant wildlife. The mountain is one of our planet’s premier rock-climbing destinations, with W Trek as one of the world’s great hikes. The park includes the majority (90%) of the Southern Patagonia ice field in Los Glaciares. Patagonia attracts adventure seekers simply because its located in the most southerly bit of the American continent.
Patagonia also offers both Chilean and Argentian cuisine in a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere for wellness and culinary lovers. There is an emerging world of delicious Chilean gastronomy not just in Santiago’s famous city but also in their wine region of Atacama. You can stay at a spa resort and relax the day after arriving in Chile. And the very next day, visit Santiago’s iconic food and seafood markets with a cooking class to prepare your Chilean feast. Of course, tours of the food markets and cooking classes are with the help of one of Chile’s most respected chefs. While in the northern Chilean wine country, you can enjoy the native stew of northern Chile Patasca. Its name comes from the kernels of white corn that “pop” open when stewed long enough. Besides corn, this dish usually includes potatoes, onions, pork, and beef, Yumm-O!
If any of this piques your interest, drop me a line. I have updated my well-planned itinerary for Chile and the Patagonia region with a unique “Come With Us” tour this year! Click here to email and let me know you are interested in receiving the details!