Argentinian PatagoniaThe Andean range of Patagonia is the most stunning, with beautiful wind-sculpted granite peaks surrounded by glacial lakes of emerald green and deep azure, offering some of the best trekking possibilities in the world. The National Parks of Fitzroy and Los Glaciers are awe inspiring, with many walking trails of varying difficulty and homely log cabins or 'estancias' as they are known. The road ends at Ushuaia, the southern most town in the world. Situated on the island of Tierra del Fuego, it is a unique place with multi-coloured wooden houses. The beautiful Lapataia national park nearby gives superb views of the end of the world. Thereafter lie scattered islands inhabited only by colonies of sea lions and penguins. The national park of Torres del Paine in Chile can also be incorporated into a Patagonian itinerary. From Ushuia it is possible to cross by boat on the M/V Mare Australis to Punta Arenas in Chile on a 5D/4N cruise. For more information on both Torres del Paine and the M/V Mare Australis see: Chile - Patagonia. TO SEE AND DO IN PATAGONIABelow are some suggestions regarding what can be seen and done in Patagonia. Due to the size of the area and the fact that it can be combined with Chilean Patagonia, we would recommend talking to us to get a more comprehensive idea of a specific itinerary. Ushuaia and Tierra Del Fuego Lapataia National Park. Located 12km west of Ushuaia, this park has some spectacular scenery. This is where the Andes reach the sea, creating beautiful bays, lakes and lagoons of varying colours. Numerous walking trails of varying difficulty run through the park, giving you the chance to see foxes and beavers along with a wide range of bird life including condors, oystercatchers, geese and albatross. Cruising the Beagle Channel. Half day. This trip takes you through the Beagle channel to visit the islands of Los Pajaros, Lobos and Bird. These islands lie on the border with Chile and are home to colonies of cormorants and sea gulls, though they also share the rocky outcrops with large numbers of sea lions and seals. Martial Glacier. Full day. The Martial Glacier sits in the Martial valley that overlooks Ushuaia. The full day walk from town leads you through pine forest to the very foot of the glacier, giving superb panoramic views of the end of the world. For the less energetic you can drive most of the way and get a ski lift to the top.Perito Moreno GlacierThis is one of the most impressive glaciers in the world and can be visited on a full day excursion from Calafate town. This 30,000 year old glacier stretches 4km across the front of lake Argentina, and at water level is a surreal dark blue. The silence is broken only by the thundering of huge blocks of ice breaking away from the main body and floating down the iceberg channel. Options around the glacier include a boat ride across the lake and a 2-hour mini-trek across the glacier. Upsala and Onelli GlaciersAnother superb full day excursion from Calafate. You board your catamaran at Puerto Bandera, where the southern arms of the lake meet, as do the waters from the 7 surrounding glaciers, from here you cruise across the northern section of Lago Argentina, among blue icebergs and the surrounding mountains, up to the Upsalla glacier. Continuing on to Onelli bay, you then have a short walk to view the two dominating glaciers. Fitzroy National ParkFrom the town of El Chalten, your base in the region, you have the opportunity to walk through some of the most interesting geological formations in the region. Rivalling Torres del Paine for beauty, this national park contains jagged peaks, towering granite spires, rolling hills, snow capped summits and flora and fauna along with crystal clear lakes.
| 
