Trail-loving iBestTravel senior editor Melissa Yeager recently returned from a spectacular hiking trip in a lesser-visited park in Argentine Patagonia. She has a few ideas on why this should be on your radar to escape the crowds.
Shortly after a contributor took on the Chilean side of Patagonia, I visited the Argentine side. Lesser known and with fewer visitors, Parque Patagonia Argentina’s landscape is starkly different from its Chilean counterparts. At first glance from the road on Hwy 40 that takes visitors through Patagonia, you really can’t see what makes this area so special.
However, entering the Portal Cañadón Pinturas and hiking on the newly marked trails reveals the spectacular beauty of this area, where you can share the experience with very few others.
During my five-day visit to the park, I put dozens of miles on my hiking boots and captured exponentially more pictures of wildlife and nature on my iPhone and DSLR.
I usually start the day in Parque Patagonia Argentina…
With a hike. Patagonia is a dream for hikers, and Parque Patagonia Argentina features 10 new trails ranging from 2-18 km with sweeping views of both landscapes and wildlife.
My two favorite hikes involved descending and ascending the Cañadón Pinturas and admiring the rainbow-colored oxidation seen at Sendero Tierra de Colores.
In Parque Patagonia, Argentina I stayed…
In the park. With the nearest town some 60 kilometers away, the best place to stay is within the park itself. The La Posta de los Toldos Refugio’s rustic yet comfortable rooms and the charming common area, with hospitality as warm as its hearth, make it feel luxurious after a day of hiking. A heated observatory nearby allows for stargazing as the stone walls keep out the wind.
If you’d prefer to camp under the stars, I spent one night at the campsites, surrounded by walls to shield from the near-constant wind.
In Parque Patagonia Argentina, you must try…
Food and drink. The food and wine are as spectacular as the Patagonian scenery. Experiencing a traditional Asado, Argentina’s take on barbecue, is a must. Sample the chorizo and other slow-roasted meats while sipping local beer and wine, likely sourced from the nearby Mendoza wine region.
Don’t miss…
The archaeological wonders of the area. The colorful walls of Cueva de las Manos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, cannot be missed. Hike down to see handprints and rock paintings of wildlife that experts believe date back more than 9,000 years.
Additionally, guided hikes to Alero Charcamata, another impressive site, are available. Expert guides with agreements for tours can provide insight into the history of this spectacular area.
As a souvenir, you should bring back…
Photos and memories. Expect to see incredible wildlife, such as guanacos grazing, viscacha sunning themselves on cliffs, and possibly even a puma. Experienced local guides can enhance your knowledge of these unique species and the work being done to preserve wildlife in the park.
Remember to photograph responsibly and adhere to the principles of sustainability, ensuring that your adventure leaves no trace for those who follow.
The items I recommend bringing to Parque Patagonia Argentina are…
A nano-puff jacket and a hat. Locals describe the weather in Patagonia as “four seasons in one day,” and this is particularly true even during summer. At the top of the canyon, having a warm jacket zipped up is essential. Layering is crucial; by the bottom of the canyon, you may want to ditch some layers, only to retreat to them again at the summit due to the wind.
Finally, carrying a hat helps manage your hair, especially when staying at sustainably powered accommodations that offer modern conveniences.
