Traveling to Patagonia While Abroad in Buenos Aires

By: Liliana Micera

Studying abroad in Buenos Aires has been incredible, but once my classes ended I fled the city for the nature of Argentina’s south. I cannot recommend traveling to Patagonia enough! My travels began in Ushuaia, the closest city to Antarctica. Here you can see penguins, sip hot chocolate in its adorable city center, and see some beautiful views while hiking. I then flew to Calafate where the Perito Moreno glacier is located. You can walk around the glacier or even kayak in the waters surrounding it. Be sure to bring sunglasses as the ice can be blinding in the sun. This was truly a special experience.

From Calafate bus up to El Chalten, a hiking capital of the world. Meet the kindest people in this backpackers paradise; hike the Laguna de los Tres and see Fitz Roy through the clouds. This mountain makes up the Patagonia brand logo. There is an abundance of trails to take here and each are just a close walk away from your hostel in the center of town. This was one of my favorite destinations. 

Next we traveled up to Puerto Natales, crossing over into Chile to do the O-Trek of the Torres del Paine Park. Words cannot compare to this incredible 8 day trek and the beauty of the nature that surrounds you during it all. Now, I am sitting here in a hostel in Bariloche on the final leg of this tour of Argentina’s south. This country has so much to offer and I believe each individual can find their niche in one of its many paradises. Buenos Aires has given me so much this past semester including an incredible host family who has offered me a window into Argentine culture. The one piece I’ve been missing has been nature, now fulfilled by the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever seen. If Argentina is a place you're considering studying abroad in, please say yes. This country can be called paradise for so many different types of people. My experience has changed my life and I hope for so many others they get to experience the same!