Patagonia
Where
and What exactly is Patagonia?
Patagonia
encompasses the southern extreme of the South
American continent and comprises one million square
kilometers. It consists of one third of the land mass of both
Argentina and Chile yet contains only 5% of each
county’s
population. It is huge!! Geographically diversified due to its tremendous expanse, it
harbors a multitude of habitats.
The Patagonia of both Argentina
and Chile exhibit great differences in terrain; from glacial Andean peaks, ancient forests,
pristine trout waters, and vast pampa steppe to oceanic
shores with abundant avian and marine life.
The coast of Chile is wild and wet and a temperate rain
forest with hidden fjords
 and hot springs.
It can be compared
in beauty to the coast of Alaska.
The
greater part of the Argentine Patagonia is a broad semi-arid plateau full of varied wildlife. Only
where the two countries meet at the rise of the Andes do they
reflect any geographic similarities.
Here along the spine of the Andes are the majestic peaks
and volcanoes with picturesque lakes at their bases, and crystal
clear rivers that are home to the trout that have made Patagonia
such a famous fly fishing destination.
Patagonia
has held the fascination of, geologists, biologists,
archeologists, mountaineers, sailors, naturalists, explorers and
adventurers ever since it was
first explored. Numerous scientific expeditions financed by
universities and museums continue to unravel the wonders of this
remote area. It remains very much as W.H. Hudson, the explorer and
writer, first described it, “solitary wilderness, resting far
off in its primitive and desolate peace, untouched by man, remote
from civilization”.
It
is as if one steps back in time upon arriving in Patagonia. This
incredible region offers any type of outdoor activity imaginable.
An extensive system of Nacional Parks has been established and
much of the land has been protected.
The fly fishing on seldom fished
or often private waters on
large estancias (ranches) can
be outstanding. The hiking and climbing, birding
and horseback riding opportunities are unlimited and
available in all types of terrain from high mountain and open
steppe, to seashore. It is
a land of such diversity and indescribable natural beauty that it
should be visited and experienced at least once in one’s
lifetime.
A visit
to Chile and Argentina is a delightful cultural experience as well
as an outdoor adventure. These
are not third world countries as some of the other South American
counties. The peoples of
both Argentina and Chile are a mixture of indigenous peoples as
well as descendants of immigrants from Great Britain and the
European countries of Spain,
Germany and Italy. They are friendly, kind, family oriented people, and visitors are
well received.
The language
of both countries is Spanish. There
is little crime but for the usual petty crime of big cities, and one
can travel without worry. These countries are both big and long and
their different provinces and regions (states to us) vary
tremendously geographically. Their
residents exhibit the variety of life styles and customs warranted
by location from being extremely cosmopolitan in the cities to
having livelihoods of
farmers, fishermen, weavers,
wine growers, cattle ranchers, sheepherders,
and even cowboys
(gauchos and guasos) found
in the vast expanses of country. There is a plethora of culture to
be experienced as one steps back in time.
Getting to Patagonia is not difficult and there are small and
delightful towns to visit between any sojourns into the “wilds.”
The stopping off points in Argentina and Chile to begin a
Patagonian adventure are the capital cities of Buenos Aires and
Santiago. Both cities have
their own highlights and are a fun visit in themselves.
An
international flight from the States is no more than nine hours
(overnight flight is best) and there is less than a two hour time
change, so the trip is painless.
We recommend that you overnight in the appropriate capital
for your destination and then a flight of two hours from either
capital will take you into the southern region of Patagonia.
The prime time to visit
Patagonia is during our winter months of November to April as it
is in the Southern Hemisphere and that is their Spring and Summer.
Patagonia now has a growing
reputation as a well established and favorite “winter
destination” for outdoor enthusiasts and particularly fly
fishermen. A fishing trip can
be combined with a variety of other activities from bird watching,
horseback riding and hiking.
Many
of the well know lodges book up quickly and it is advisable to start
planning for your Patagonia trip well in advance of your travels. Remember, Guided Connections can arrange trips to the most famous
areas as well as the most unique backcountry hideaways of Patagonia.
For information and/or help in planning your trip to Patagonia
feel free to contact Guided Connections.
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