Patagonia

Patagonia in Argentina		1From glaciers to sea life and more...
is a geographic region that spreads over a vast area throughout Argentina and Chile, and is to be found in Neuquen, Rio Negro, Chubut, Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego. Such vast territory, technically beginning to the south of the 'Colorado river' in Argentina, encompasses an enormous variety of landscapes and animal life. Patagonia occupies one third of the Country, it has some of the highest hemisphere peaks, forest ancient trees, several of the world's most noteworthy glaciers, and fossil-rich coastal cliffs explored by Charles Darwin.		At the top of the triangle-shaped region are Neuquen and Rio Negro, the former characterized by 'araucarias' that are protected by Federal laws due to the dificulty of its re-forestation, the latter easily identified by the 'mother of all argentine lakes' Nahuel Huapi and home of one of the most beautiful cities in the South: Bariloche. Both of these provinces offer trout rich lakes and lagoons that gather international fishermen in yearly ventures. They both have their own ski resorts and are known by their out-door activities, from rafting to skiing. This is just a simple overview of Patagonia.

To the south of Rio Negro, still part of Patagonia, there is Chubut, where whale watching takes place. It is home to the Valdes Peninsula, an area flooded with marine fauna and awesome beauty. Puerto Madryn, at 'Golfo Nuevo', is Argentina's scuba diving capital and the southern right whale can be found here at certain times of the year. (winter and fall months, that is, May through September). Santa Cruz, at the tip of the wedge, is the country's second largest and least-inhabited province, in addition to harboring some of nature's most imposing glaciers, a petrified forest 150 million years old, and numerous cave paintings more than 10,000 years old. Patagonia extends to about 2000 km (1200 miles) from Colorado river to Cabo the Hornos at the southernmost tip of the Continent. It covers over 1 million sq km (400,000 sq miles) both in Argentina and Chile, both countries disputing border issues, many times at the brink of a war. The Argentine part of Patagonia is the largest, covering more than 2/3 the total area, 800,000 sq km (310,000 sq miles) and can be divided in 3 definite areas: the coast, the plateau and the Andes. Seasons are well defined and considering its large latitude, the average temperature is mild. However, weather is icy to the south and warmer at the northern region.

Briefly, Rio Negro flows into an oasis of intensive agriculture, to the north. The Valley, is a narrow strip of fertile land that offers great opportunities to those interested in Agrotourism. Staples such as pears and apples are grown here as well as some other more sophisticated fruits. Then there is Las grutas, to the east, a recently popular beach resort, unpopulated, with sandy beaches and warm water. Traveling along Rio Negro, you arrive at Neuquen bordering the Andes. Beautiful Lakes and spectacular peaks surround the whole area, from Alumine Lake (well known for its adventure-type activities) to Los Glaciares National Park (south). Abundant opportunities for out-door enjoyment and things to do all year round make Neuquen a paradise for the vacationeer. Lanin National Park, San Martin de los Andes, Junin de los Andes, Nahuel Huapi National Park, Lake Puelo National Park, EL Bolson, Los Alerces National Park and Esquel (Chubut) are names not to be missed when visiting Neuquen and Rio Negro. Needless to say, "the old patagonian express", the train made famous by author Paul Theorux is a must for train lovers. Its narrow gauge railway (.75 meters, 2.48 feet) extends 400 km and the train, pulled by old fashioned steam engines requires 16 hours to cover them. Departs from El Bolson. Ask us for a schedule.

South of Rio Negro lies Chubut, home of an spectacular array of wild animal life. Sea lions at Punta Tombo, southern right whales, elephant seals, penguins, as well as nesting sites for thousands of birds, including pelicans and cormorans can all be seen here. Finally, still part of Patagonia, there is Santa Cruz. Home of Perito Moreno Glacier, covered in its high mesetas with some of the largest sheep ranches in Argentina. Sea Lion colonies as well as penguin colonies and white commerson's dolphins can also be found here. Please visit Santa Cruz page for detailed information on Glaciers, the hands cave and the petrified forest, all of which will undoubtedly fulfill the highest expectations as far as vacationing destinations go.

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