I have decided that life is too short and to try and live in the moment and be more spontaneous. To this effect, I am trying to be adventurous in my life choices and to explore the World more in my travel plans. I love travelling but I rarely go outside of my comfort zone, preferring Europe and the US to anywhere more exotic. There is so much of the World I have yet to explore before I die.
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This is going to change...For a while now I have wanted to visit Argentina and specifically Patagonia. What piqued my interest in this country is a TV programme I saw about Patagonia and it's link to Wales. Did you know that in 1865 a group of settlers emigrated to Patagonia from Wales in an attempt to set up a Welsh speaking colony - a new Welsh 'promised land'? The first Welsh settlers lived in caves in the cliff.
Today over 5000 people speak Welsh in a colony called Chubut in Patagonia. It would be fantastic to visit and learn about the Welsh settlers and meet my ancestors. It would also be interesting to explore this diverse natural wonderland that is Argentina and perhaps even take a hike in the mountains of Patagonia.
If I visit a country I haven't been to before I always think a guided tour is a great way to explore. Luxury South America Tours operator Surtrek has an Intense Argentina tour that sounds perfect if you like walking and want some adventure in your life. The tour is a shared tour but it can be personalised if you request a private tour, so I could possibly meet my Welsh ancestors one day....
Some of the highlights are below.
Intense Argentina Tour Highlights
Buenos Aires
The tour starts in the capital of Argentina, known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, exciting nightlife and its passionate people. Explore the city, snack on coffee and medialuna (an Argentinian croissant) in Cafe Tortoni, known for its bohemian atmosphere, and pay homage to Evita in the presidential palace Casa Rosada. Don't forget to catch a display of the tango too.
Llao Llao Mountain
After a short flight to Patagonia, you will have a half day exploring and hiking to the top of Llao Llao which is an easy trek, taking in stunning views as you walk through a beautiful forest. How can you not fall in love with Patagonia with this amazing scenery?
Glaciers And Serrano River
This journey by boat along the Glaciers and Serrano River is a circuit that joins two national parks: Bernardo O’Higgins and Torres del Paine. After having walked to the Serrano Glacier, you take a boat connection and sail up the Serrano River arriving at Torres del Paine. The views are breathtaking to behold and so serene.
This national park on the Argentine part of the island of Tierra del Fuego is in the ecoregion of Patagonic Forest and Altos Andes. It is known for it's amazing and dramatic scenery - forests, waterfalls, glaciers and mountains are all here. As you trek through the area you discover how two different ecosystems live in harmony - the maritime coast and the Patagonia forest.
Escondido and Fagnano Lake
* This is a sponsored post but all words and opinions are my own
Intense Argentina Tour Highlights
Buenos Aires
Llao Llao Mountain
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After a short flight to Patagonia, you will have a half day exploring and hiking to the top of Llao Llao which is an easy trek, taking in stunning views as you walk through a beautiful forest. How can you not fall in love with Patagonia with this amazing scenery?
Glaciers And Serrano River
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Tierra Del Fuego National Park
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Escondido and Fagnano Lake
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To hike from Escondido and Fagnano Lakes Panoramic Point would be a dream. Crossing the stunning valleys of Tierra del Fuego, crossing glacial valleys and peat bogs. Arriving at the Garibaldi Pass which is 420 mts above sea level, the real adventure will start, and a hike you will never forget.
Trekking along the adjacent valley of the Garibaldi Pass, passing beaver dams, and the beautiful flora and fauna, the trek will be worth it when you get to the top - a very special view of the Fagnano and Escondido Lakes, surrounded by this landscape. Continuing the tour you will stop at an idyllic place for lunch, whilst on the way back you will go down a narrow path that will allow you to watch the beavers’ work.
As you can see from this trip, from luxury South American tour operator Surtrek, it gives you a taste of the natural beauty that is Argentina and Patagonia, on an adventurous and eventful 19-day tour. It presumes a level of fitness but sounds achievable for those that like walking, and WOW, what an adventure it would be. Something to remember forever.
