The Chubut Province in Argentine Patagonia offers a perfect escape from the stress of big city life. Explorers will encounter a diverse array of wildlife along scenic coastlines in Puerto Madryn, Peninsula Valdez, and Punta Tombo .

• elephant seals september to april
• Magellanic penguins september to april
• blue whales may to december
• killer whales november to april
• sea lion harems all year
• numerous birds, armadillos, foxes, guanacos, and Darwin's rheas all year

While cruise ships drop off flocks of tourists to the town's outdoor cafes for only a day of whale watching; plan on spending a few days in Puerto Madryn while exploring Chubut. Numerous educational opportunities are found in town.

• EcoCentro promotes education and conservation of the unique marine ecosystem of the area
• Museum of Oceanography and Natural Sciences offers informative exhibits
• Universidad de la Patagonia offers an excellent marine biology department
• Argentina's second largest shipping port means fresh fish
• A day tour from Puerto Madryn to Peninsula Valdez to see Penguins, Seal Lions, and Elephant Seals
• A day tour from Puerto Madryn to Punta Tombo to see as many as 500,000 Magellanic Penguins
• A day tour from Puerto Madryn to the Welsh settled town of Trelew to visit the largest land dinosaur in the history of earth in the fabulous Paleontology Museum

Important lessons to ponder after escaping to nature in Chubut:

• humans play a crucial role in maintaining balance in our oceans (read the wikipedia article on whales)
• alternative fuels such as wind power can be strategically used to provide renewable clean energy

Outdoor activities are numerous in the area:

• Diving
• Windsurfing & Kayaking
• Biking
• Being lazy on the beach

photos from Mike and Jeff's adventures in Chubut

Our latest photo gallery update features some highlight photos from Mike and Jeff's adventures in the Chubut Province of Argentina.

They journeyed to Puerto Madryn, Peninsula Valdez, and Punta Tombo in search of blue whales, Magellanic penguins, sea lion harems, elephant seals, and dinosaur fossils.

Enjoy it!

Bariloche is a summer (Dec-Feb) and winter (July-Sep) resort located in the Lakes District of Argentine Patagonia. It is a short flight from Buenos Aires.

Within Bariloche, Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi draws summer vacationers to trekking, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, rafting, parapenting and many other outdoor activities.

Crowds gather in the winter at Cerro Catedral for, not to mention the magnificent views of Lago Nahuel Huapi, some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Argentina.

You will eat well! Besides the obvious succulent steaks and tasty wines, downtown Bariloche is full of options for fresh Patagonian fish. And the late night scene is reminiscent of Buenos Aires as dancing past sunrise is the norm.

Photos from Bariloche

You are in the area, why not checkout?

• Villa Langostura
• El Bolson

El Calafate, located in Argentine Patagonia, is home to Parque Nacional los Glaciares. Here you'll be amazed at the amazing views and crackling sounds coming from Perito Moreno Glacier, the only accreting glacier in South America. Adventurous travelers should go for a glacier walk.

Back in town you'll dine well. Many options abound as weary trekkers from nearby Torres del Paine and El Chalten replenish their depleted energy on cordero (lamb), patagonian fish, steaks and pastas.

Daily flights service El Calafate and Buenos Aires.

Photos from El Calafate

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• Torres del Paine

Perhaps the best hiking in Patagonia can be found in the 181,000 hectare Torres del Paine National Park. Located in Chilean Patagonia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to guanicos, nañdus, condors, flamingos and many other animals.

Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate amazing views along well developed trails. Strategically placed refugios and campgrounds provide refuge after a long day of trekking the 4-5 day "w"circuit. Hikes can be relaxing. Often you won't see another person for hours. But be sure to bring wind and weather-resistant gear as the temperature can change in a hurry in Patagonia.

Not hiking, why not?:

• explore ice-caves
• rappel onto glacier grey and then strap on some gear for a glacier walk
• take single or multi-day kayaking trips
• go horseback riding
• climb (must be able to prove proficiency)
• get a massage

Daily buses take passengers from the national park to both Puerto Natales and El Calafate. Bring your passport as a border crossing from Argentina to Chile takes place during 4 hour busride. You may wanna pack a book as flat tires are not uncommon along bumpy patagonian roads.

Photos from Torres del Paine

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• El Calafate

La Hoya is a small ski/snowboard resort located in Argentine Patagonia. Its slopes are best for beginning skiers or those looking for a tranquilo scenic ski getaway.

For those seeking more challenging slopes, be sure to checkout nearby Bariloche. Here the runs are more challenging and the nightlife is a little more reminiscent of Buenos Aires.

Ski season at both La Hoya and Bariloche runs from June to October. But if snow comes earlier, flights from Buenos Aires to Bariloche will start to fill up in a hurry.

Warmer months bring the normal mountain activities of mountain biking, repelling, and hiking. Numerous lakes and rivers leave no shortage of kayaking, fly-fishing, and camping opportunities.

Photos from La Hoya