For adventurous couples, there is nothing quite like a Patagonia cruise. Patagonia is a vast and varied South American landscape that is waiting to be explored.
Spanning Chile and Argentina, this southernmost part of the continent boasts a truly unique environment with some of the world’s most breathtaking sights, including glaciers, deserts, mountain ranges and a vibrant ecosystem of truly majestic animals. The windswept terrain of Patagonia remains almost entirely untouched by man, though it inevitably leaves its mark on everyone that has the rare fortune to visit.
A honeymoon or anniversary trip to Patagonia is something that neither of you will ever forget.
What to do in Patagonia
Wildlife watching
Patagonia’s terrain varies considerably from one part to another. It boasts open oceans, deep forests, enclosed bays, steep mountains, barren deserts, rocky beaches, and more besides. With each habitat, there is a plethora of wildlife to be discovered.
Depending on where you go, and the time of year, Patagonia will afford you the opportunity to observe great whales, Magellanic penguins, Andean condors, pumas and elephant seals, to mention just some of the more popular species. Specialist cruise operators like Australis can help you plan your trip accordingly to give you the best chance of spotting your favourite animals.
Landscape
Virtually nowhere else on earth has such abundant wildlife, though there’s more to Patagonia than watching wild animals. The Patagonian landscape is like nothing else anywhere. Cape Horn National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a windswept island often referred to as the “end of the earth”. Wulaia Bay boasts a thriving forest and its panoramic views over the bay are like nothing you’ve ever seen before. If you and your partner are physically active, there are several hiking paths here to put you through your paces.
Pía Glacier and Garibaldi Glacier are, quite simply, stunning. The Agostini Sound offers a privileged view of the Darwin mountain range. The Condor Glacier itself may be an even more spectacular sight than the Andean condors swooping overhead, but you can decide that for yourself.
City living
Despite its untouched charm, Patagonia is relatively populous in certain parts. There are airports dotted here and there, and even some lively cities to remind you of home. The obvious choice for a city break here is Ushuaia, the capital city of Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. Ushuaia is a great hub for getting to and from Patagonia, and it’s worth exploring, too. You and your significant other will love the multitude of charming bars and restaurants, and cosy hotels are in no short supply.
Where to stay in Patagonia
The best way to experience Patagonia is to take a cruise expedition, like Australis’ Patagonian Explorer tour. One of the many benefits of this kind of tour is that you don’t need to fret about accommodation as you explore the Patagonian landscape – rest easy knowing that your home away from home is a world-class cruise liner.
When booking your own accommodation, such as immediately before or after your cruise, look at the many hotels in Ushuaia. The city is very tourist-friendly, and you will be welcomed with open arms.
How to get to Patagonia
You and your partner should make your way to Ushuaia first. As mentioned above, the city has a lot to offer in its own right, so, by all means, allow yourself a few days to explore it before hitting the open seas. You can fly into Ushuaia-Malvinas International Airport, or make your way there from other big cities in the vicinity such as Buenos Aires or Santiago in Chile.
No comments yet
There are no comments on this post yet.
Leave a comment