Patagonia is the dream of every traveler who ventures into South America. Destination of the most daring explorers, from Magellan to Paul Theroux. A place that never ceases to inspire and feed desires for freedom and adventure in nature. One of those places that must be visited at least once in a lifetime.
For the photographer, who loves landscapes, it is truly a unique opportunity.
And there is no better time to visit than autumn, when the warm colors of lenga, nire and cohiue, from yellow to orange and deep red, ignite the landscape and merge with the cold colors of the Land of Glaciers, from the turquoise shades of Lake Argentino to the blue of Perito Moreno, Upsala and Spegazzini. Just some of the scenarios that make El Calafate an extraordinary and unique tourist destination in Argentina.
Listening to the sound of a rupture of the Perito Moreno and photographing the ice falling into the waters of the “Canal de los Témpanos” or walking on the surface of a glacier, are unmissable experiences on a trip to this part of Patagonia.
The same happens with the estancias, symbols of culture and tradition, protagonists of the history of these places since ancient times. These estancias offer the possibility, not only to get to know the figure of the Patagonian gaucho, but also to get close to the wild nature and explore their private reserves, perhaps during a horseback ride or a boat trip.
If you go north on Route 40, a scenic road that passes near the shores of Lake Viedma, and then take Route 23, you will reach El Chaltén, the capital of trekking.
After a few kilometers along Route 23, Mount Fitz Roy finally appears, with its high granite walls and patches of perpetual snow, towering imposingly in the surrounding landscape. A Mecca for mountaineers from all over the world: it reaches 3405 meters above sea level and was climbed for the first time in 1952 by the french Lionel Terray.
The panorama that opens to the eyes of the traveler is incredible. From any point of view or angle you look at it. The sensation is of being in front of something unreal, a fantastic scenery.
The possibilities are endless for the photographer: just think about the variety of Patagonian skies combined with the colors of autumn and the mountains of the Glacier National Park.
If you are lucky and the weather is good, the granite peaks at dawn turn to a bright red, a unique emotion. It is even more unique if experienced from one of the high plateau lagoons where the peaks are reflected.
The trails with different levels of difficulty that start from El Chaltén offer beautiful views, which constantly change according to the time of the year and the light, but in autumn they show their best version.
If you are not a fan of trekking or do not have the possibility or the physical preparation to undertake long trails, it is possible to find different points of view and interesting elements with which to compose the scene in the best moments of light even without moving much.
Relying on a local Professional Photographer, who knows the area well, is always the ideal choice when you only have a few days to make the most of your time. You will get good pictures and share a unique experience along the way.
It is also worth dedicating a few words to gastronomy, an important aspect, especially after a long hike. Between Calafate and Chaltén the offer is wide and of high quality, with options for all tastes and typical Patagonian specialties, from trout to lamb.
A destination that has a lot to offer. Not only a paradise for mountaineers but also for photographers. Beautiful in all seasons, but extraordinary in autumn.
