Dear reader:
What follows is the shortest possible summary of the information you will require about the three main destinations when planning your visit to this remote land regarded as one of the last UNCONTAMINATED SPOTS LEFT ON THE PLANET!
It is a geographic region comprising the southern parts of Argentina and Chile. The lower part of the Argentinian section comprises three provinces and covers some 489.056 Km2 (305 660 Sq. miles). Small numbers of tourists from all over the world have been visiting the area for the last 40 years and therefore it is reasonably prepared for the trade. It is said to be the last UNSPOILED part of the world.
The profile begins on the east shores over the Atlantic ocean and climbs towards the west reaching about 3000 m (Mt. Fitz Roy) along the Andean Range. The eastern side is quite dry (+ 100 mm of rain p.a. in some areas) while the west can get some +1500 mm
It is fairly easy from North America, Europe, Oceania, etc. as many airlines touch Buenos Aires. A number of daily domestic flights join the capital with Patagonia.
When visiting Argentinian Patagonia, the usual way is to start by landing in Buenos Aires. Once there you can either spend a couple of days touring the city or fly down south.
Once again you have two options. You can either fly straight to Trelew and then south or go down to Ushuaia and then travel up north (see map)
In general, the ideal season is -with local variations- from August to March.
Main airport: TRELEW.
1. Valdes Peninsula. Whales from July to Dec.// Elephant seals from Oct. to Mar.// Sea lions, the year round.
2. Punta Tombo. Biggest mainland penguin rookery in S. America. (Some 700 000 birds). From Sept. to Mar.
Main airport: RIO GALLEGOS.
The Province is famous for its unique glaciers near Argentino lake. Ice trekking is common. Hiking up Mt. Fitz Roy is also quite popular.
(Fireland): USUAHIA (main airport) is the southernmost town on Earth. Tours to Beagle Channel or to Antarctica are the usual thing to do.
Other species to be seen: Lama guanicoe; Rhea americana; fox; skunk; armadillo and some 80 species of birds, including condor, the biggest bird in the world.
