Favorites

And then, I’m going to list some sensations from everyday life that make me feel so good, here in Patagonia. I think, and I hope, that you will be able to perceive or feel a little of these different moments during your trip.

What I particularly like:

• This feeling of freedom. Yes, here I “simply” feel free. First of all, because there is a lot of space available, and more things are allowed. The general atmosphere is more “fun”.
• Drink mate with friends. Sharing a mate is a moment that I really like. A special moment where time stops a little, the opportunity to talk about everything and nothing, to exchange, to laugh, to remember…
• Enjoy Argentinian meat! I’m not an avid carnivore, but I must admit that the meats here are succulent and we don’t joke with the portions!! “El Ojo de bife” is my favorite piece, I recommend it; also the “cordero”, a lamb grilled in the estancias, which is generally a real treat!
• Recharge my batteries and meditate. There are so many landscapes that offer this possibility. For example, being at the edge of a lake, surrounded by primary forests, facing a volcano or a mountain range, often alone or almost, and contemplating this beautiful, pure nature; it is the most beautiful therapy that exists to recharge your batteries, to approach a meditative state.
• Go on the road. Driving here is relaxing. Long straight lines, little traffic, feeling free while driving. A little background music, heading to a new destination, new surprises and encounters awaiting me!
• Talking about football. I wasn’t a football fanatic, but here I had no choice. Since this is the very important topic of discussion here, I like to listen and tease my friends about this topic. They always react quickly!
• Take advantage of public holidays. I believe Argentina is the only country in the world that has so many public holidays! Also almost all professions have their dedicated day. It’s incredible!

And, if I had to close my favorites, I would mention:

• A volcano among the approximately 2,000 volcanoes in Chile? This would be the Osorno Volcano, a perfect cone overlooking the Llanquihue and Todos los Santos lakes.
• A natural curiosity? The Marble Cathedrals in Chile (see the photo at the header of this page). Natural caves where everything is covered in marble. A unique phenomenon in the world accessible only by boat or kayak.
• A colorful place? The Quebrada de Humahuaca and particularly the Serranía de Hornocal in the Northwest Argentina.
• A southern beach? Punta Ninfas beach with its difficult access which ensures the privilege of being alone with elephant seals.
• Two lakes to pitch my tent and recharge my batteries? These would be Lake Epuyén and Lake Alumine with all its islands.
• A relaxing and picturesque village? That would be San Marcos Sierras in Argentina.
• A national park, among all the national parks in Argentina and Chile? It would without hesitation be the Perito Moreno National Park in Argentina. This park is the least visited of all, with a few hundred visitors per year. Impressive in its southern harshness, one can feel the solitude of the first pioneers and the exhilarating beauty of the great wild south. A marvel – which is worth it!
• A natural reserve? These would be the Ponds of Iberá “Esteros del Iberá”, where the fauna is of unequaled richness. And unlike many natural parks in the rest of the planet, the animals that the leaflets promise you, here, you will actually see them up close!
• An artist? It would be Victor Jara for the struggle he symbolizes and Pablo Neruda for the simplicity of these words and the strength of his poetry.
• Music, a song? It would be Naranjo en Flor and Mi Buenos Aires Querido which sum up all the nostalgia and skin-deep sensitivity of Argentines.