Our Top 10

1. When you're standing before the impressive 30 x 4 kilometer Perito Moreno Glacier, witnessing massive chucks of ice breaking off, sending large rolling waves into the water in a boisterous roar - you feel humbled by nature and at the same time so lucky to be able to experience this. Not to mention the thrill of strapping on a pair of crampons for an optional and totally safe mini-trek on the glacier itself....

2. Los Glaciares National Park is home to two of the world's most notorious and desired rock spires among climbers all over the world - Mount Fitzroy (11,073'), a sheer-walled granite tower rising from glaciers at its base, and the nearby jagged Cerro Torre (10,280'). On your hikes in Los Glaciares National Park you'll see them both (weather permitting!) and they are a striking sight. Bring your binoculars. From your lunch site, you may be able to spot a climbing party on its way to the top.
 

3. When you think you've seen all possible colors of a glacier lake, think again. We are willing to bet that you'll find a shade or two of blue, green, or turquoise in Patagonia's bountiful lakes and lagoons that you have never seen in a lake before.

4. The Patagonia Ice Cap (a more than 10,000-square-mile "chunk" of ice) is the largest body of ice outside the Polar regions. All but one glacier in Patagonia (Cerro Tronador in Bariloche) has their origin in the Patagonian Ice Cap, and you will be able to take in the view of this seemingly endless ice field from several locations on your hikes in Patagonia.

5. You can't help but be awed at your first sight of the chain of mountains known as the "Paine Massif." Emerging suddenly from the vast Patagonian steppe, its dramatic granite spires and great aesthetic beauty makes the Paine Massif one of the most spectacular geographic wonders of the world. And, if you're fortunate enough to be on your way to do the classic trek around the massif, you can barely wait for the up-close views you know you'll get.

6. Talk about purity. With so many glaciers and snowcapped peaks, there is always fresh ice cold glacier water to refill your water bottle on the trail. And what's even better - if you like, you can safely drink the water directly from the rivers or streams! Oh, and it's also a lot more interesting to have "fresh-picked" glacier ice in your happy-hour drink!

7. Patagonia is a lot more than granite spires, glaciers, lakes and lagoons. The region's wildlife includes charming creatures such as the Magellanic penguin, guanaco, puma, Patagonian fox, flamingo, and the Andean condor. Some people may not find the Andean condor especially charming (with its feather and down less head), but you will be impressed when you see this bird - with the world's longest wingspan - glide gracefully through the air above you.

8. Where else can you experience all possible weather systems within one hour? From clear sunny skies, to light rain turning into snow, to stormy weather with winds so strong they might knock you off your feet? Some even claim this can happen in 15 minutes!

9. When you're hiking in Patagonia, don't forget to look down once in a while, too. The trails are not always the most even trails you've been on, and the array of wildflowers coloring the forests, steppes, and Andean desert in amazing bright colors is incredible. Our Patagonia trip leaders agree the best time for wildflowers is late November/early December, but no matter when you go, you will not be disappointed.

10. Patagonia is a remote wilderness area. Besides your fellow hikers, trekkers, and a few local horsemen there will often be times when you'll feel you have the entire world by yourself. And you will wonder why there are so few people in such a beautiful area. Patagonia must still be one of the world's best kept secrets.