This region is plentiful of lakes, splendid landscapes, ski resorts and beautiful swiss-styled towns, such as San Martin de los Andes and San Carlos de Bariloche. Where the Andes meet Patagonia a great change comes over nature. The abundance of rain causes the snow on the mountain tops to melt creating forest with exotic plant species, numerous rivers and navigable lakes of singular beauty. This is one of the most beautiful regions in the whole country in both winter and summer. In San Martin de los Andes you can sail along the Lacar and Nonthue lakes and visit the Lanin National Park whose imposing volcano is one of the most important in South America. The ideal trip should start in San Martin de los Andes along a 200km road journey. Travel across the feet of great mountains and drive through the Lake District. Before arriving at San Carlos de Bariloche you will have the chance to explore the famous "Siete Lagos" (Seven lakes) area.
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LOS ALERCES NATIONAL PARK: After arriving at Esquel, in the province of Chubut, and saling on the lake Futalaufquen, the Arrayanes river and Menendez lake, discover a forest with 3 metres diameter larches, some of them over 60 metres tall and more than 3,000 years old.
THE TROCHITA: If you enjoy travelling on old steam trains you must take a ride on this railway, where the carriages are hauled by a veteran steam engine from Esquel to El Maiten, along a 75 cm narrow gauge railroad.
TREVELIN: A town surrounded by waterfalls where the main group of the descendants of the Welsh colonists who came to Patagonia in 1865 live at. They still maintain their language and traditions.
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An at least 4-day stay is recommended at the Lake District.
Amongst the many delights of this region is the varied and refined cuisine. Venison and wild boar, trout and salmon, smoked foods, pates and fondues share the table with Curanto, an old aboriginal dish which is cooked in the ground. Dont miss a dinner at Los Cesares restaurant, located at the famous Llao Llao hotel.
The layout of this wild and difficult terrain makes it one of the most unusual national parks in the World. It forms part of the Patagonian Continental Ice Field from which 13 glaciers descended on the Atlantic side to flow into the Viedma and Argentino lakes. The Perito Moreno glacier offers us an overwhelming sight each time its towers of ice break into multiple icebergs.
This park has been declared a part of the Natural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and consists of glaciers which are formed by the compacting of snow and ice which slowly slides down from the peaks of the Andes.
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EL CHALTEN: A small mountain village with basic services, considered to be the meca of trekking in all South America. From this base many excursions can be taken, either trekking or horse-back riding.
THE RIO PINTURAS GULLY: 163 kilometres south of the town of Perito Moreno you will find the "Cueva de las Manos" (Cave of Hands). Primitive cave paintings with motifs as hands and hunting scenes, over 9000 years old, cover the walls of this impressive gully.
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The best time to visit the area is summer. We recommend you to spend at least 3 days at El Calafate. It is usual to go overlanding to the Perito Moreno glacier, and it is an unforgettable experience sailing between the icebergs on the Argentino Lake. You can choose between other exciting experiences such us sailing on the lake at night or trekking over the Moreno Glacier. As a suggestion, you may taste salmon cooked in butter. The Argentinean asado (roast) is very different in Patagonian and the beef is replaced by lamb as here sheep predominate.
The End of the World / Welcome to the End of the World. This is the gateway to the Antartic, where the oceans meet and the winds blow furiously. Numerous islands, channels, icebergs, forests, lakes and a large variety of flora and fauna allow you to enjoy one of lifes truly unique experiences. This also is the southernmost city of the world.
This city is located at the end of a bay which opens onto the Beagle Channel. Many of its houses are built of wood, which gives it a picturesque appearance. Visit the World's End Museum and the historic prison.
Probably the two most important full-day excursions in Ushuaia are the visit to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, which is 20 km, and the one travelling through the Huskies Valley and the Escondido and Fagnano lakes.
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In this southern area of Argentina, summer is not so cold and days are very long (17 daylight hours). Plan to stay at least 4 days in this great city.
There are things which can only be done in certain places. For example, go dog-sledding at the Huskies Valley or go sailing on the Beagle channel.
As Tierra del Fuego is a special tax free zone, you will find shopping very convenient. Also don't miss the delicious "Patagonian lamb".
The Atlantic Patagonia / Alongside the Atlantic coast of Patagonia, but especially at the Valdes peninsula, there is one of the most important marine mammal reserve in the world. Each year hundreds of whales come to the calm waters of the Valdes peninsula to fulfil their life cycle. It is an unforgettable spectacle of leaping and blowing, whilst on the shore something like half million penguins, along with the colonies of the sea lions and elephant seals are privileged spectators to this veritable explosion of marine wildlife.
A few miles away, the small town of Gaiman, treasures the Welsh tradition. You will find brick buildings put up by the Welsh immigrants who colonised this province during the last century.
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THE NATURAL RESERVE OF PUNTA TOMBO: 120 km south there is a colony with one of the most varied colonies of seabirds and the largest concentration of Magellanic penguins on the continent.
Imagine yourself walking among more than half a million pinguins.
Reccommnendations: Comfortable clothes, hat, sunscreen end being willing to enjoy.
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We recommend you to stay for 3 days in Peninsula Valdes. Although the southern spring is the appropriate season for seeing the fauna in all its splendour, warm clothing is always necessary.
We recommend wearing warm clothing during your excursions.
At Gaiman tour, you will enjoy of a delicious tea, made of traditional Welsh patisserie.
