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“Wow” is what I kept repeating to myself while climbing up the steep slope of Volcán Villarrica. Fully decked in head-to-foot snow gear, I trekked alongside the day’s 200 hikers to the lava-spurting crater. And from base to summit — wow.
The short answer: more minimally.
At first, I didn’t understand the Patagonian tagline “four seasons in a day.” But then we hiked Dientes de Navarino. Within 24 hours, we experienced rain, blue skies, wind, hail and more sunshine. What gives, Patagonia?
Transportation to the end of the Americas isn’t cheap. One trip — a combined 45 minutes by bus and 20 by boat — cost us more than US $100 each. But there’s one journey that shouldn’t be missed: the ferry from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams, a tiny port town on Isla Navarino, just north of Antarctica.
We almost didn’t make it to Torres del Paine. But after some last-minute reservations, we secured our campsites for the famed 4-day W Circuit.
We strode quickly to the bus station. We were 15 minutes from the terminal, and the bus to Perito Moreno left in 15 minutes. Glancing at the time, we broke into a run.
Under the iconic Mount Fitz Roy rests El Chaltén: a vibrantly painted village known worldwide as Argentina’s capital of trekking. It offers good food, great trails and natural surroundings unlike any other.
The Huemul Circuit requires extra gear and a permit from the ranger station. Discover the ins and outs of preparation, as well as our own journey.
When you look at Uruguay on a map, it barely registers between giants Argentina and Brazil. But this small country packs a cultural punch — from ramshackle seaside towns to sprawling centuries-old vineyards. “Cada parte es única,” a shopkeeper in Carmelo told me. After an 11-day road trip around Uruguay, I had to agree: Each area is unique.
From red rocks to red wine, Cafayate is brimming with bold color and flavor. Just over 100 miles south of Salta, the town has a rich wine culture, nearby hiking trails and festive plazas. But it’s the journey there that really wows. The best advice I heard before going? Don’t sleep through the drive.