Travel South America Skiing Adventures

Walking and Trekking - Argentina, South America

Where to start in this country of such diverse environments? The choice is yours. Do you prefer hill walking or mountain climbing. Or does the steamy jungle appeal; or even the wide open territory of lowland Patagonia. Alternatively an enjoyable ramble along a path in one of the many National Parks, or around the Estancia you are staying in, may prove your favorite.

** Los Glaciares National Park ** Nahuel Huapi National Park ** Iguazu Bird Park **
** Iguazu National Park ** Tierra del Fuego National Park ** Iguazu Falls **

Wherever you choose to trek, it is worth considering a guide, and you can either join a group or hire a guide privately. Maps are not easily available except from the Government Mapping Office, so it is worth ensuring that you have asked us to provide you with a map that will be waiting for you when you reach Argentina. It is important to remember that many places have a local and national name and the locals may not recognise the national name on a map! If you want to join a guided trek, let us know where you would like to walk and we will advise you about dates and costs.

Not all areas have guides so if you plan to go it alone we will do our best to help with making any arrangements for pack animals, cooks, staying overnight, or equipment that you are unable to bring with you. However, most overnight stays on a trek will probably be under canvas. Although pack animals and cooks make life easier they are not always available in all areas.

Pack animals come with a stable lad (arriero) who will care for them, but you will be expected to pay his wages and feed him and provide a roof over his head for the night. Costs vary in different parts of the country but range from $30 to $60 a day, depending on whether you hire a donkey, mule, horse or llama. Llamas can only carry about 25kg but horses can carry up to 60kg.

Cooks will bring a stove and provide the food. All meals will be fairly simple and cooked in the local style. The real treat is that they will also wash-up! Costs are extremely variable, depending on the number of people in the group and where you plan to go.

It is important to understand that there is not a nationwide mountain rescue system in place, so trekking alone is not advisable, and when without a guide you must take basic medical supplies and have a plan worked out in case of accident.

If you need to buy equipment, remember that this will only be available in the main towns and cities, it is not like Britain where you will often find a shop in a local village selling walking and camping gear.
Plan ahead and be prepared and you will have a trek to remember.

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