Argentinian and Chilean Patagonia II

Founded in 1536 by the Spaniard Pedro de Mendoza, for a century and a half Buenos Aires was cut off from the main routes of South America, only gaining importance in the 18th century. As the capital of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires saw a large influx of European immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. With its wide tree-lined avenues, impressive buildings, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Buenos Aires is considered one of the most beautiful cities in South America. The Argentine capital has a more European than South American atmosphere and is characterized by lively streets, luxurious boulevards, old-style cafes, and classy restaurants. Buenos Aires is rich in history, culture, and must-see attractions, starting with its colorful neighborhoods and the historic city center, which is the nerve center of the city's relationship with politics.

Ushuaia, the capital of the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and South Atlantic Islands, is the southernmost city in the world. It overlooks the Beagle Channel and is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and forests, offering a unique landscape. The word Ushuaia comes from the Yaghan language, the ancient indigenous people of the area, with the terms ush (bottom) and waia (bay), and has been translated as "Bay at the End of the World.".

El Calafate is one of the main tourist destinations in Patagonia: located south of Lake Argentino, it is a privileged gateway for those who intend to visit the Los Glaciares National Park, the second largest in Argentina and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981. The origins of El Calafate date back to the beginning of the last century when the city was built as a meeting point for timber traders. A great boost to its development, not only in terms of tourism, came in 1937 with the creation of the Perito Moreno National Park. From the town, you can reach the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most visited and photographed in the world, as well as Cerro Chaltén and Cerro Torre, perfect peaks for trekking enthusiasts or mountaineering lovers.

Puerto Natales is located 254 km north of Punta Arenas, a picturesque town on the shores of the Ultima Esperanza fjord, in a region of great beauty. In addition to being the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and the spectacular Balmaceda Glacier, Puerto Natales also allows for connections to Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, just across the border, with the town of Calafate as its Argentine counterpart and the Perito Moreno Glacier as its main attraction. Puerto Natales is also the terminal for ferries that navigate the channels between the islands of Patagonia all the way to Puerto Montt.