Wanna go to Patagonia, where should I travel?

Question

They say it is an amazing place, what's the best time of the year to go and which side? Chilean or Argentine?

What should I know about it?

Thanks

Scott

Answer 1

Both sides are beautiful and both sides deserve a visit in winter and summer.

If you like ski go in winter. Here: http://www.interpatagonia.com/ski/index_... you have an index of the main resorts

If you don't like winter go in January but make reservations before October because the place gets completely full. Even when it is summer, in the nights it can get quite cold, so take a Jacket.

Main places to visit:

Argentine side:

- San Martin de los Andes

- Bariloche

- El Bolson

- Esquel

- El Calafate

Chilean side:

- Pucón

- Puerto Montt

- Futaleufú / Chaitén

- Osorno

- Torres del Paine (!!)

The region is huge so take as many days as possible to visit it. Been there like 3 times already mostly in the Argentine side but Chilean side is also unbelievable.

It usually gets very crowded so book your hotels/hostels at least 3 months before going if you on January. The exchange rate is awesome but I've seen many locals take advantage of the foreigners so be careful and use a calculator if needed.

Try to learn the basics of Spanish such as "donde esta mi cerveza?" (where's my beer) and stuff. People is more used to receiving foreigners in Patagonia so they're more sympathetic with you. They see your effort trying to speak Spanish as a humble gesture so use it at will.

The whole place is worth more than one visit.

Oh, and I forgot: there's a Welsh heritage town called Gaiman in Chubut province; you can go if you wish. They say they speak Welsh as well as Spanish.