Thursday November 17th, 6:30 pm EST on Zoom
In the second of our two-part Passports: ‘Journey through South America’ on November 17th at 6:30 p.m. EST, we take you on a virtual expedition to Patagonia. Join our destination specialists Emily and Belén as they demystify this enchanting final frontier, share the various regions within Patagonia, the difference between the Argentinean and Chilean sides, recommended activities for the adventurer and luxury seeker, best time of year to travel – and all the reasons why this part of South America is a shared favorite destination of ours.
Patagonia encompasses a massive, sparsely-populated region at the bottom of South America. Famed for its glaciers and jagged mountain peaks, Patagonia sprawls across a 400,000-square-mile strip of Chile and Argentina. Home to remarkable attractions such as Los Glaciares National Park and the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier–one of the only glaciers in the world that is growing instead of shrinking by up to two meters a day. On the Chilean side, the beautiful windswept Patagonian Steppe (also known as the Patagonian Desert)inhabited by guanacos and condors, which spans from the eastern foothills of the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean, and from the Monte desert in the north to Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America. Torres Del Paine National Park, another must-see, has some of the planet’s most staggering rock formations, towering granite pillars, and ice fields. For the real adventurers, the Aysen region is the gem of Patagonia, with rugged road trips filled with off-the-beaten-path adventures, unparalleled hospitality along the Carretera Austral.
Are you in conversation with our South America Specialists?
Emily Cottingham’s thirst for adventure began at a young age while traveling with her family. With over 50 countries visited, she is a natural explorer. Emily took a yearlong expedition across the southern hemisphere, where she focused extensively on South America, making her our expert on the region. She can’t wait to help fellow travelers fall in love with South America.
“After a day of hiking in this untouched wonderland, I’m equally at ease sitting around the bar at Patagonia Camp sharing tales from the day, as I am enjoying a decadent meal at the Relais & Chateaux Awasi.”
Belén Tovar was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador. Her passion for travel was seeded by her mother—an enthusiastic traveler who showed her three children wonderful places in Ecuador and around South America. Belén has worked in the tourism industry since 17, when she joined a large Ecuadorian tour operator. She studied sustainable business and puts her vast experience, inquisitive nature, and passion into building South American experiences.
“Chilean Patagonia and Torres del Paine offers amazing trekking, astonishing views, unexpected adventures, and the option of relaxed pampering.”