Why We Love Patagonia

By GeoEx Staff | February 24, 2020

Patagonia has captivated the GeoEx team since our first crossing of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in 1989. Over the years, we’ve returned again and again to discover new places, learn about the latest activities, and expand and refine our itineraries by exploring alternate routes and viewing the latest accommodations. Our experts are always eager to put together extraordinary trips that showcase our most recent discoveries and passions.

Enchanted by Patagonia’s magnificence, one of our travel experts, was inspired to start living there part-time. Another one of our experts cultivated some much-needed perspective in Patagonia National Park, living off-the-grid for a month amongst breathtaking scenery, volunteering for Conservación Patagónica (now Tompkins Conservation)—a non-profit organization dedicated to creating and preserving national parks in Patagonia.

Why do we love Patagonia? The spectacular landscape, the exhilarating hiking, the superb guides, the ability to unplug and be surprised. We have as many reasons as we have Patagonia-lovers! Here’s a sampling of the GeoEx team’s reasons why:

“In Torres del Paine National Park, our guide understood our goals exactly and took us to a remote, beautiful area called Sierra Baguales, or ‘Wild Mountains,’ where we found fossils and discussed the geology of the region. There were no signs of modernity and we found ourselves feeling as if we could easily be doing this hike hundreds of years ago. After hiking all day, we found a puesto to relax and have a sundowner. These puesto shelters have been used by gauchos for hundreds of years when they need a place to rest, away from the harsh wind and weather of Patagonia. We felt deeply connected to Patagonia and its timelessness gave us renewed perspectives on our own lives.” —Laura Hoffacker 

“I love to hike and be disconnected, and Patagonia is a perfect destination for that. The natural beauty is unparalleled, and its hiking is world class. Plus, you can visit many times and never go on the same hike. This is partly why we created the route of parks itinerary. We are always staying on top of new hotels and routes, and sharing those with our travelers.” —Natalie Crow 

“We stayed at the absolutely charming Caleta Gonzalo, right at the edge of Reñihué Fjord, and could look out onto the water from our little cabin. Since the cabins are located at the southern entrance of Pumalín Park, we were just minutes away from spectacular hiking.” —Errin Mixon 

“Patagonia feels so wild and the crisp fresh air stimulates and fills you with excitement! The scenery is gorgeous and varied, from grassy hills to crystal clear rivers and lakes to dramatic glaciers and mountains jutting up to touch the sky (which on a clear night reveals more stars than I’ve ever seen in my life). Patagonia is a nature and mountain lover’s dream!” —Natalie Werve  

“Patagonia is just as magical as everyone says it is. People aren’t kidding when they say you experience four seasons in a day! When we hiked to Base Towers, it was foggy, then snowy, then the sun came out at the very top. I was lucky enough to travel with my dad and he still won’t stop talking about how he can’t wait to go back to explore more.” —Kim Keating 

“My GeoEx guide was exceptional! Not only did he know all the best places to soak in the unreal beauty of the area, he was fun, extremely knowledgeable, and just as excited to be there as I was!” —Alysa Pakkidis 

“Bruce Chatwin wrote, ‘Patagonia! She is a hard mistress. She casts her spell. An enchantress! She folds you in her arms and never lets go.’ I can attest to this as it happened to me! On a recent trip there, the days turned into weeks, then the weeks turned into months. As I sailed under the stars and lit fires every night in my mountain cabin, I realized that Patagonia had taken hold of me. Now I live in this enchanted place for part of each year and have blissfully become GeoEx’s eyes and ears on the ground.” —Jennine Cohen 

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Ready to plan your adventure to Patagonia? Give our travel specialists a call at 888-570-7108 or inquire online.