Patagonia — The Patagonian Andes run through 1200 miles of both Chile and Argentina encompassing coastal wilderness, unending glaciers, temperate rainforests, volcanic cones, alpine lakes and diverse wildlife. Patagonia is made up of 3 primary areas: Torres Del Paine (“Towers of Paine") located in the southern tip of Chile; the Fitzroy Massif, located in Argentina; and the Lake District, which straddles the border of both Chile and Argentina.
The Torres del Paine National Park offers an outstanding trekking loop, winding through old growth beech forests and passing massive glaciers and towering granite peaks. Trekking here is at relatively low elevation, which makes this a fabulous big mountain trip without the dangers and annoyances of acclimatization. With it’s proximity to the legendary waters of Antarctic, your Torres del Paine Patagonia trip will also include exploration of remote islands teeming with sea life, penguins, seals and birds.
Further north, the Los Glaciares National Park contains the Fitzroy Massif, which boasts arguably the world’s most astounding granite peaks and the breathtaking Moreno Glacier. Los Glaciares offers great trekking, ice and rock climbing and also wildlife viewing.
The Lake District of Patagonia is the most diverse area of Patagonia when it comes to adventure. In this area you can find endless trekking routes, rock and mountain climbing, kayaking, rafting, horseback riding, windsurfing and more! This is a great place for adventure with friends or family. With Pacific Northwest style volcanic cones, geysers, natural hot springs and the endless series of lakes, refugios and villages, the Lake District offers something for everyone.
Patagonia is truly one of the world’s most amazing landscapes and should be on the “must do list” for any serious mountain lover!
Click here for Patagonia Adventure Schedule. |
Bolivia — Known as the “Tibet of the Americas,” Bolivia is the highest and most isolated of the Latin American countries. Straddling the majestic Andes Mountains and spilling into the Amazon basin, Bolivia’s geographical and climatic zones range from snowcapped Andean peaks to jungle savanna. Bolivia is also the most “Indian” country in South America, with 50% of the population having pure Amerindian blood. This contributes to a unique cultural experience which can be difficult to find in other South American countries. Bolivians are descendents of the Inca and Tiahuanaco Indians and many of them maintain traditional cultural values and belief systems. From the blue waters of Lake Titicaca to the high peaks of the Cordillera Real, history is present with the endless Inca ruins and ancient ceremonial sites such as Tiahuanaco. The Bolivian Andes offer great trekking and mountaineering, with trekking loops and endless peaks in the 5000 to 6000 meter range. For those looking for a trekking vacation with a cultural flair, Bolivia is perfect. And for climbers looking for that magical 20,000 ft. mark, you can’t beat Bolivia!
|
