ARGENTINE PATAGONIA

The area known as “Patagonia” is comprised of Argentina and Ecuador and is located in the southern end of South America. Both sections have similarities, but are they both also known for their unique views and experiences. Wildlife, ancient forests, glaciers are the key attractions here.

1. WHALE-WATCH IN PUERTO MADRYN

Puerto Madryn offers some of the world's best whale-watchin. Its warm, more enclosed waters along the Golfo Nuevo, Golfo San José and the coastline near Caleta Valdés are prime breeding zones for southern right whales between June and mid-December.

2. OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN EL CHALéN

The surrounding mountains are prime hiking, rock climbing and horseback riding territory. There are also ice-climbing courses and ice treks available.

3. DINOSAUR DISCOVERY AT THE ROYAL TYRRELL MUSEUM OF PALAEONTOLOGY

Showcasing the most important fossil finds in Patagonia, this natural-history museum offers outstanding life-sized dinosaur exhibits and more than 1700 fossil remains of plant and marine life.

4. WALK WITH THE PRE-HISTORIC

The Dinosaur route in northwest Patagonia is a wonderful adventure. The biggest dinosaur skeletons ever to have walked the planet the palaeontologist is buried in this region's red-rock badlands.

5. PENGUIN-WATCH AT PUNTA TOMBO

A colony of more than half a million Magellanic penguins and many other birds, most notably king and rock cormorants, giant petrels and black oystercatchers can be found here.

6. ROCK ART IN CUEVA DE LAS MANOS (Cave with the Hands)

It was proclaimed a Unesco World Heritage site in 1999. Dating from about 7370 BC, these polychrome rock paintings cover recesses in the near-vertical walls with imprints of human hands, drawings of guanacos and, from a later period and abstract designs.

7. COATAL VILLAGE OF CAMARONES

Empty beaches are perfect for strolling and the sociable townsfolk are masters of the art of shooting the breeze. It is also the closest hub to the lesser-known Cabo Dos Bahías nature reserve.

8. GLACIER AT PARQUE NATIONAL LOS GLACIARES

Glaciar Perito Moreno is the stunning centrepiece of the southern sector of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.

9. WATERSPORTS

With interesting shipwrecks and sea life nearby, Madryn and the Península Valdés have become Argentina’s diving capitals. In high season you can windsurfing or kayaking at the Vernardion Club de Mar. South of Muelle Piedrabuena, Playa Tomás Curti is a popular windsurfing spot.

10. CERRO CATEDRAL SKI RESORT

This buzzing Andes resort in Argentina's Lake District boasts experienced instructors, spectacular vantage points and an array of outdoor trails. But downhill skiing isn't the only reason to visit Cerro Catedral: You can also test your stamina along the cross-country ski trails or tackle the powder by sled and snowmobile. If you visit between December and February, you'll find ample opportunities to hike and mountain bike in the summer season.

OTHER PLACES TO SEE

1. The Marble Caves
   
2. La Leona Petrified Forest
   
3. Isla de Los Pajaros
   
4. Isla Pinguinos
   
5. Museo Martimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia
   
6. The Town of Gaiman
   
7. Capilla Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion
   
8. Walichu Caves
   
9. Museo Primera Casa de Gainman
   
10. Castillito Van Dorsser
    
11. Parroquia Nuestra Senora De Lugan
    
12. Perito Moreno Glacier
    
13. El Calafate Historical Interpretation Centre
    
14. La Catarata
    
15. Cascada del Rio Agrio
    
16. Los Baqueanos
    
17. Parque Nahuelito
    
18. El Gorosito
    
19. San Martin Monument
    
20. Centro Civico
    
21. Laguna CapriTorres de Paine National Park
    
22. El Tronador
    
23. General Carrera Underground Lake
    
24. Lake Pehoe
    

If you decide to make a hiking trek on your own keep a good supply of warm, waterproof clothing, a first aid kit, and a satellite phone or other device that would allow you to be located using GPS coordinates.

The temperature has been known to reach into the 20’s celsuis during December and January, and most of the rainfall occurs between March and June.