El Calafate and El Chalten

 


We had the pleasure this week of seeing the magnificent cordillera and glaciers (mountain range) of Patagonia in the towns of El Calafate and El Chalten. Both were bustling with tourists but also good food and increadible nature. Aside from the daily lunch empanadas (always a favorite), we enjoyed sweet and savory waffles advertised to be perfect before -and after- a hike. Including dulce de leche they did not disappoint! We also had a traditional Argentinian parilla (grill) with tasty meats.




El Calafate is best known for the Perito Moreno glacier which we enjoyed in two fashions: kayaking in front, among the icebergs, and strapping on crampons to walk on top of. Both experiences were incredible and let us get up close and personal with the glacier. We could hear it creak and moan and occasionally got to see the splash of 400-500 year old ice fall into the lake below where the sun melted the face. The icebergs were also cool to see and especially thrilling when they flipped next to the kayak! We got to top off our adventures with a glass of whiskey chilled to perfection with clear glacial ice,a real treat (if you like whiskey...I preferred the bon bons myself)







El Chalten is a tiny mountain settlement and a paradise for hikers. At the base of mountain Fitz Roy, readers may recognize it as the location inspiring the Patagonia logo. We made sure to do a variety of breathtaking (in more than one way) treks and enjoyed the serenity of this special place.






Patagonia is filled with a huge variety of wildlife of which birds were the key species spotted in this region. From ducks to flamingos to the ibis nesting outside our hotel room we were lucky enough to spot a good number and put the binoculars to good use. While we won't miss the endless winds (there are even road signs warning about them!) we will miss the nature and beauty of this part of Argentinian Patagonia 

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