Patagonia and Southern Atlantic Coast of Argentina

Away from Ushuaia, Argentina which likes to bill itself as the End of the World., there are a growing number of estancias, or ranch/farms now catering to the hospitality of visitors to the area. On some you can participate in the day to day farm life, on others you can arrange hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, trekking and other activities. In addition, there's a basic selection in various comm…

Argentina's Patagonia stretches from the Andes bordering Chile to the Atlantic. The Andes region is mountainous, with great forests, glaciers and towering peaks. The center region is a vast plain, or steppe, while the Atlantic coast has cliffs, abundant wildlife and the inviting seaside communties, including the Welsh settled area.

The park comprises an area of 379,000 hectares centered around the volcano with an almost perfect cone. It is a favorite with climbers and wildlife viewers, and with those who like to fish in mountain lakes.

Puerto Madryn has become a popular destination for visitors to the wildlife on Peninsula Valdes as well as the sheltered beaches on Golfo Nuevo.

Named for a Welsh baron, Puerto Madryn is a popular seaside resort, the gateway to the prolific wildlife sanctuary on Península Valdés, the center of Argentina scuba activity, and a link to the active Welsh communities in the area.

"The cities of Puerto Madryn, Rawson and the little village of Puerto Pirámides, in the Valdes Peninsula (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), constitute the entrance to the extraordinary world of the Southern Whales and the Commerson's Dolphins."

The circle loop around Lake Nahuel Huapi in Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi in Argentine Patagonia offers stunning views of five mountain peaks, glaciers, wildlife, deep forests and rivers, plus spectacular lake Nahuel Huapi.

Explore this national park, lake and main town of San Carlos de Bariloche.

About 75 miles, or 130 km, south of Bariloche, the El Bolsón area is a welcome retreat for those finding Bariloche getting too commercial and crowded for their tastes.

Perito Moreno glacier in Argentine Patagonia has the distinction of being the only glacier in the world to be still growing. Moreno increases because falling snow accumulates faster than it melts. Over time, the snow compresses and gravity and the ice buildup behind the glacier force it down the mountain. The distinctive blue color comes from oxygen trapped in the snow, and the dirt and mud come from the ground and rocks the glacier gathers as it noses its way downward.

El Chaltén is the newest town in Argentina, but snuggled up against the Andes, it's already become known as the Hiking Capital of Argentina. From this base, visitors can trek, climb mountains, and explore lakes and glaciers in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares has 47 major glaciers, including Perito Moreno, the only one in the world still growing, two lakes and is a favored destination in any season.

This feature by guest author Marita Alisal spotlights Perito Moreno, the most famous glacier, and some of the sightseeing possibilities in the area.

Photos, links and information about Patagonia and the glaciers in Parque Nacional Los Glacieres

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares has 47 major glaciers, including Perito Moreno, the only one in the world still growing, two lakes and is a favored destination in any season.

Photos copyrighted to the photographers and displayed with the kind permission of Patagonia Argentina.

Maps of the area include Perito Moreno and Upsala glaciers.

Things to do and see, places to stay and eat, sports, entertainmentt, tourism, photos and more about Bariloche, a favored destination in Argentina.