Five emerging Patagonia travel trends

The South American territory shared between neighbouring Argentina and Chile, is known for its diverse landscape. Driven by the region’s natural world, tourism in the area is a thriving segment of the economy. Whilst Argentine Patagonia can differ vastly from Chilean Patagonia, both economies thrive from travel trends and enthusiastic visitors.

Here are five emerging travel trends of the multi-faced destination.

Hiking in Torres del Paine National Park
One of South America’s most renowned national parks sits in the south of the Chilie Patagonia region. Within the dramatic land formations of the granite peaks, emerges the crystal blue waters of park lakes and waterworks. From beginner to intermediate to advanced hikers, the park is here to be explored on foot, by all.

The climate follows the dramatic pattern of the mountains here, as wind and rainfall can be unpredictable and colossal. The summer season from December to February, is the most popular time of year for visitors to take on the hikes and appreciate the vast landscapes here, though unwavering sunshine can never be guaranteed. The proximity of Patagonia to Antarctica is the reason this national park is also home to huge glaciers and the dramatic climate.

Some key attractions within Torres del Paine National Park include:

• The ‘W circuit’: Typically taking four to five hiking days, this eighty-kilometer route treks through many of the park’s most iconic regions.
• The wildlife: Distinct and unique, wildlife preservation efforts can be witnessed and appreciated here, through self or group-guided wildlife tours.
• Accommodation: On offer for a range of budgets, from traditional field camping to superior glamping within mountain ranges, the national park is most commonly visited on a multi-day basis.
• Horseback riding: Find your operator and view the landscape the traditional Patagonian way! Sit back and enjoy delving into horse life in Patagonia.

Group tours in Patagonia
The non-commonly known territory of Patagonia often requires local knowledge and expertise to ensure travellers are getting the most out of their stay. With tours to Patagonia, just this can be guaranteed!

Personalise your itinerary to enable you to see the region’s best bits, with your own eyes. Whether it’s the natural fjords of the Chilean area or the desert and glaciers in the Argentine location, experience all the seasons in one trip here! Connect with like-minded travellers and take on unforgettable activities like mountain biking the terrain, or swimming in the icy waters. With an expert guide by your side, you know you’re in safe hands and doing enough to leave no remains in the natural wonders. Group tours in Patagonia are an ideal way to see the most of the unique world beyond.

Wildlife watching in Patagonia
Majorly attracting nature enthusiasts and the world’s best photographers, wildlife watching in Patagonia provides once-in-a-lifetime experiences and witnessing. Here are some unique species you can expect to find, in Patagonia:

• Guanaco: A relative of the llama, this in-land species is abundant in Torres del Paine National Park.
• Puma: Dubbed as the lion of the mountains, this feline is the top predator in Patagonia. With sightings a raretiy, having a local guide will be your best shot at capturing them!
• Southern Right Whale: On the Argentine side of Patagonia, the Valdés Peninsular is one of the world’s best locations for seeing such a rare sealife mammal. Their breeding season is June to December, giving travellers the most premier chance of witnessing one from a boat tour.
• Chilean Flamingo: Patagonia is also a birdwatchers paradise, home to the black-necked swan, Chilean flamingo and Austral Prakeet. Each with its distinctive look, scan up to see the skyline too!

On land, sealife and skylife come in their masses in Patagonia. A natural paradise.

Enjoying Patagonia in luxury
For special occasion trips or just the desire for life’s little luxuries, bookings for luxury tours in Patagonia are becoming increasingly popular. These tailormade holidays in the most desolated parts of Argentine Patagonia are truly captivating the dreams of many. Maybe it’s a group escorted tour, connecting and swimming in the glistening waterfalls of the glacial regions, or a private desert exhibition for a once-in-a-lifetime trek.

Visit the Los Glaciares National Park and experience some of Earth’s clearest cold waters. Ride horses among the blanket of snow here, or challenge yourself with climbs up the glacial ranges. The park is also home to one of the only icebergs in the world that is expanding rather than retreating, Perito Moreno Glacier. Alongside, the one hundred and sixty metres long Lake Argentino is an icon of its kind – a not to miss out on spectacle during your visit. Embark on the phenomena within such a unique space, in a luxury tour personalised to your exact dreams and criteria.

Cruising in Patagonia
For the most authentic Navimad (cruise) within the countries, the Navimag ferry provides a four-day sail from Chile’s lake district, to Southern Patagonia. Four days surrounded by the spectacular marine life, including orca whales, southern right whales and even penguins. Enjoy the sublime scenery of the fjords amidst the clouds. Disembark the boat rested and recuperated, before the next leg of your adventure.

There are a range of tour companies operating various routes for cruising in Patagonia. Make sure to pack warm clothing and footwear effective for wet disembarkments on land. Itineraries for cruising trips here can range from as little as five days, to as large as thirty days if it’s through multiple South American countries.

Summary
Marvel at the unique location of Patagonia, crossing two countries and likely experiencing all four seasons in one trip. The Antarctic influences of glacial formation highlight the levels of cold to be expected, but the complete contrast to this is apparent in the desert regions. For the most adventurous explorers, Patagonia is sure to create memories to last a lifetime.

The article Five emerging Patagonia travel trends first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.