What is the first thing that comes into your mind upon the word Patagonia? Is it windy, seaside landscapes with penguin rookeries along the beaches and the sight of leaping whales? Is it alpine-like slopes with lakes and lush forests beneath? Or gigantic endless ice fields that roar like thunder when they break down?

Patagonia is all this and so much more.

Situated in the southernmost extension of South America, along Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is a region comprising different biomes, sights and endless things to discover. Visually marvelous but equally breathtaking for its tranquil sounds of nature, perfume of pure air, cool breezes, flavors and culinary journeys, Patagonia is enjoyed with all five senses.

The “end of the world”, or the closest you will get to the South Pole unless you travel to Antarctica (which is a very tempting idea, by the way) is the city of Ushuaia, kissed by the Andes on one side and the Beagle Channel on the other. A bit further North on both sides of the Argentine and Chilean border, the great land of glaciers awaits, with majestic ice fields travelers can feast their eyes on, but also great for specialized hiking, in many cases. In El Calafate, the Perito Moreno glacier is the most notorious, and its 5-hour hike is a not-to-be-missed treat. Kayaking along the Upsala glacier is another magnificent experience.

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Moving over to the seaside in the Argentine coast, a festival celebrating marine life occurs yearly. The chilly coast of the province of Chubut is yearly home to many marine mammals, especially the Southern Right Whale, arriving near the coast to breed. The whale season is one of the attractions that have made this beautiful city of Puerto Madryn famous worldwide. From June to December, various populations of these species reach the shores. Visitors may watch them both on board the boats leaving from Puerto Pirámides and from some natural viewpoints and almost all the beaches bordering the city Due to the great deal of scuba divers from all round the World that choose this area, Puerto Madryn has projected countless artificial reefs in the last few years to be used in the traditional first-time diving experiences. Penguin rookeries are also common to spot, enabling visitors to learn more about these protected species.

The enjoyment of magnificent mountains does not end here. Much to the contrary, heading North there is a paradise of skyscraping mountains, deep-blue lakes, pure air and vast extensions of natural beauty with no one in sight. Spend a thrilling afternoon practicing white water rafting on untamed, clear rivers like the Manso and feast on wild trout afterwards for dinner. Bariloche, in the Province of Rio Negro, is one of the most breathtaking and complete destinations. Hiking in the Patagonia argentina weather can be challenging yet doable in Winter, however a must-do in summer and springtime. Sophisticated accommodations, plenty of options for the thrill-seekers and the tranquil-lovers alike are just some of the delights this city and surrounding areas have to offer. The drive between Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes, in Neuquén, meanders through seven lakes and breathtaking views, through areas where multiple ski resorts operate and are one of the best places to visit in Winter, while iconic hotels like the Llao Llao and Correntoso offer pampering experiences, golfing, hiking, exquisite international cuisine and tea time delights year-round in enclaves boasting with roses, lavenders, rosehip, and colorful wild native flowers such as amancay and mutisias.

Across the border, the Cathedral-like heights of Torres del Paine are one of Patagonia´s breathtaking wonders. The Torres del Paine are the distinctive three granite peaks of the Paine mountain range. They extend up to 8,200 ft. above sea level. The area also boasts valleys, rivers such as the Paine, lakes, and glaciers. Between Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas, there is an unforgettable journey awaiting, visiting the Chilean fjords, with its unrivaled views and glacier-infused waters boasting with marine life.

If you have a traveler's mind and heart, you have probably gone through many landscapes and the breeze of various different scents has been felt while reading this piece. Patagonia is unexpected and wild but also profoundly heartwarming, prepared and welcoming, with carefully curated experiences, lodging and adventures that await your discovery.

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