Ever since we started traveling, it has always been just the two of us. Traveling as a couple is easy, but with a group that's never traveled together, have never met each other and are coming from different styles of traveling (and situations, more to come) was a whole different ball game. This was our first trip as a group and it was sure to be exciting. But what made it easy? Traveling with people who are flexible, laid back and share a common adventurous spirit...
The challenges of traveling with a group are many. Coordinating schedules, accounting for different budgets, agreeing to different trip activities are just some of the factors to consider. I was quite nervous of putting together the itinerary; four destinations in 10 days is a lot for many people. For us as a couple, spending one day in a city and moving on to another was no big deal. In the case of our group, I was worried it would be too chaotic and people would get irritated at the early departures and constant move. But we were lucky. Everyone was likeminded, was used to be on the go in our everyday lives and we were going to an awesome destination.
The first stop was none other than Buenos Aires. A European city in South America; it had great food, architecture, culture, music and history. What's not to like? Because we only had one and a half day in BA, we spent one day walking around on our own and another day with a private group tour to hit up the highlights.
Staying in the Palermo District, we were able to walk around and take in some sites such as the Plaza Italia, The Monument of Carta Magna, and nearby shopping and markets.
One underwhelming site that we visited was the Floralis Generica. A large metal sculpture of a flower, it was supposed to bloom in the morning and close at sunset. When we visited, it was permanently open due to technical issues. Also, you can't really get up too close to it.
One stop not to be missed is La Recoleta Cemetery. I don't know what it is about cemeteries. I have always been intrigued and fascinated about those that are laid in their final resting place. This particular cemetery has to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Albeit small, it is the final resting place of Eva Peron, Argentinian presidents and other famous Argentinians. The individual unique tombs and memorials pique the imagination on who is buried underneath and what their life must have been like.
A very fun find was a theater turned into a bookstore. How fun it must be to find a little balcony/corner and do a little reading with coffee in hand.
One to definitely not miss whilst in BA is the Caminito in La Boca neighborhood. It is famous for its brightly painted buildings, Argentine tango music and performances.
We spent our one and only night in BA watching an Argentine Tango show. Although I love the music and performances, the show was quite touristy and the food that was included was just ok. In hindsight, maybe a night out would have been better spent elsewhere.
The following day took us on a whirlwind 24 hour trip to visit Iguazu Falls. Located between the borders of Argentina and Brazil, it is a monstrous beauty. Think of Iguazu as a collection of waterfalls. One day at the falls was definitely not enough, but we made the best of it by walking along the paths of the falls. We did not visit the Brazilian side as it would require a Visa and more time.
To get the most experience out of the falls, we took a boat ride that gets you right under one of the many falls that crash down onto the Iguazu river.
As quickly as we arrived at the Falls, we left for Patagonia. Really, the main focus of our trip was to experience the famous Patagonia mountain range and the surrounding glaciers.
Do you recognize this mountain range? It is Mt. Fitzroy. The mountain range that inspired the Patagonia clothing label.
Our first stop was el Chalten. This mountain town is in the center of famous hikes and serves as a central hub for hikers and climbers who wish to explore the surrounding area, including the trail to get to the base of Mt. Fitzroy. It's a small town, so book your lodging early!
The first day at el Chalten brought a crazy windy day. We wanted to do two hikes in the area (we only had two full days). The first was to hike to the base of Mt. Fitzroy and the second was to see Cerro Torre and its glacier draining into a glacier lake. We opted to do Cerro Torre the first day and save a better weather day for the longer and most anticipated hike to Mt Fitzroy.
I can't even begin to describe how windy that day was. You can jump straight up and the wind will carry you at least a couple of feet. It was crazy! Check it out in the short video below.
The following day brought the most perfect hiking day. With blue skies laced with wispy clouds, crisp air and amazing views, it was a gorgeous day to embark on a 16 mile roundtrip hike to the base of Mt. Fitzroy.
The hike itself was beautiful every step of the way. The last stretch of the hike was steep, but you are rewarded with the bluest of blue glacier lakes.
And a closeup view of the peak of Mt. Fitzroy was breathtaking.
But snap your pictures quick, because the clouds quickly roll over the peak!
One of the best part about the hike and the trip in general was the fact that we hiked it with an awesome warrior preggo person. How boss is she carrying another human up the mountain?
After two days of hiking the Argentinian Patagonia (not nearly enough days!), we headed back to el Calafate to explore the glaciers, lakes and inlets of Patagonia. One of the most famous glaciers in the world, Perito Moreno Glacier is 3 miles wide and stands 240 ft tall at the terminus (front edge). Unlike most glaciers of the world, Perito Moreno Glacier is actually advancing rather than retreating.
You can't visit the glacier without doing a trekking tour. We booked with Hielo y Aventura, a full day (5 hours) trip on the glacier.
Trivia: Why are glaciers so blue?
Trivia: What is a waterfall in a glacier called?
In the Argentinian Patagonia, there are 47 major glaciers. Although the most famous is Perito Moreno Glacier, Upsala Glacier is actually bigger (over 6 miles wide at its edge) and you can kayak around icebergs that have fallen off the glacial face.
In all, it was an epic trip made all the more memorable because we were able to experience it with friends. So to Wila, Shane, Soon-you and Frank, thanks for the amazing memories!