Winter Travel
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Chile and Argentina offer an enticing array of experiences for winter visitors between May and October. As the seasons shift in the southern hemisphere the vast geographical range from north to south presents countless opportunities for exploring. With the northern hemisphere school/university holidays taking place between June and August this can be especially convenient for families travelling with children and young adults and it should not be ruled out.
Summary
In northern Chile, the Atacama Desert boasts clear skies and mild temperatures providing ideal conditions for stargazing and exploring it’s otherworldly landscapes. Meanwhile, in Argentina’s northwest, the stunning Andean region around Salta and Jujuy offers travellers the chance to discover vibrant indigenous cultures, colonial architecture and imposing mountain vistas.
Many visitors think Patagonia is only accessible in the summer but with near empty trails, snow dusted peaks and a higher chance of windless days the area is highly appealing as a winter destination. The Torres del Paine National Park is open all year, with a few restrictions. Winter visitors can embark on unforgettable adventures such as hiking the popular W trail (with a guide) or snow shoeing through ancient forests. There is a higher chance of spotting elusive wildlife such as pumas in their snowy habitats in winter and of course for photographers, the soft winter light presents unlimited opportunities.
Similarly, in Argentine Patagonia, the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier is accessible all year. Further south, the town of Ushuaia serves as a gateway to the remote wilderness of Tierra del Fuego National Park where visitors can embark on exhilarating winter activities such as dog sledding, cross-country skiing and even snowmobiling through the pristine landscapes.
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Don microcrampons or snow shoes and explore Torres del Paine with our expert guides
Summary
Our local office in Puerto Natales is open all year and we have been offering winter travel in and around Torres del Paine for 20+ years. Contrary to what many visitors believe, southern Patagonia is an all-year destination and with some tweaks and adjustments to the summer schedule, we offer a good selection of winter itineraries.
For hardy adventurers we can arrange fully supported hiking under the care of our experienced, Park certified guides with nights under canvas and all weather gear provided. For W hikers, we offer a winter guided W Hike with nights in a mix of lodges and refugios and for those wanting to explore at a slower pace we offer a four night Snow Shoes Exploration with nights in comfy lodges, a choice of walks and a chance to visit some of area’s most magical winter sights. Note that hikers of the W are required by the Park administrators to hike only with a guide in winter.
Destinations
Our Recommendation
If you are keen to hop over the border to Argentina during your visit, we can coordinate and book bus arrangements and discuss tour options to the Moreno Glacier and/or el Chalten.
Spend a few days visiting the impressive Iguazu Falls and immerse yourself in the jungle
Summary
A visit to Iguazu National Park to explore the jungle and witness the magnitude of the falls should be on every visitor’s itinerary. With regular flights from Buenos Aires in Argentina, the Iguazu National Park protects 67,000 hectares of lush jungle, it was one of the first protected areas in America and it was declared a National Heritage by UNESCO in 1984. The falls are made up of 275 cascading waterways that thunder over the cliff edge with a drop of over 70 metres. On the periphery are an assortment of plants and wildlife such as orchids, begonias, various exotic birds and butterflies including some endemic species. You can also see coatis, monkeys and some turtles.
Destinations
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We can arrange guided tours on both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the falls with side trips to jungles and rivers and a choice of boat trips, including the famous Iguazu Soaking. You can sleep fall-side with the sound of thundering water lulling you to sleep or you can swap water with the sounds of the jungle and spend nights in a comfortable jungle lodge owned by the descendants of the pioneering families who have rewritten the history of this corner of the jungle.
Explore the ski runs of South America’s largest ski resort before dining on wild boar in a local restaurant
Summary
In Argentina’s northern Patagonia region Bariloche is a popular winter destination known for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities. Located in the Andes Mountains, Bariloche offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities at Cerro Catedral, one of South America’s largest ski resorts. Visitors can also enjoy snowshoeing, snowmobiling or simply taking in the stunning views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Additionally, the nearby town of Villa La Angostura provides a quieter alternative to Bariloche with charming alpine architecture and access to pristine forests and lakes, a great place to while away a few days exploring the artesanal cafes and boutiques.
Destinations
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Does this sound just right for your next holiday? Get in touch.