There is also the chance to visit lesser known regions of the Andes, such as Salta and the north west of Argentina, whilst Bariloche is also a very popular place for walking with trails of various lengths.
Bariloche is situated on the foothills of the Andes and on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi making it one of the most picturesque places in Argentina. The nearby national park of Nahuel Huapi is the oldest in the country and has some of the most diverse biospheres in the area as well an abundance of wildlife.
Quite possibly the most stunning part of Argentina, if not the continent. The town of El Calafate itself is nothing special, but the surrounding areas have the most majestic glaciers in the world which you can sail around and walk on. These are lifetime experiences.
The town of El Chalten is the gateway to the Fitzroy national park which has some of the best walking possibilities in the world. The town contains homely log cabins or ‘estancias’ as they are known and is less visited than Torres del Paine national park in Chile which can also be incorporated into a Patagonian itinerary.
Mendoza lies in the foothills of the Andes and its gentle slopes are covered in vineyards. This is where some of Argentina’s best wines are produced and although the town, with its 5 plazas is worth a short visit it is staying in one of the surrounding vineyards that allows for a taste of the real country.
The northwest is a relatively unknown region of Argentina and Salta is the centre from which to explore this spectacularly varied region. The multi-coloured valleys and canyons of Calchaques twist and turn down to Cafayate from where you can visit the ancient pre-Inca ruins of Quilmes, or walk through narrow canyons to hidden waterfalls, or, sample wine from the many vineyards in the area.
At the far south of Argentina and where the road ends, is Ushuaia, the southern most town of its size in the world. Situated on the island of Tierra del Fuego it is a unique place containing multi-coloured wooden houses with a backdrop of snow-capped Andean peaks.
Manor Cottage, Papermill Lane, South Moreton, Oxfordshire, OX11 9AH
