I have just returned from a fabulous trip in Patagonia flying into and out of Buenos Aires.
Time of year: October
Weather: Lucked out and only had one poorer weather day. Buenos Aires was warm and required light clothing, whereas everywhere else in Patagonia required layers due to the cold.
Patagonia is incredibly windy and the weather can change on a dime. Layers are essential.
Clothing: Baselayer, Fleeces, Helly Hansen lined wind jacked, hat (beanie), gloves, Patagonia light puff jacket that layered nicely under the Helly Hansen. Trekking pants and trekking socks. Neck gaiter.
Equipment: Camera, trekking poles, trekking boots, sneakers
Money: Used credit card almost exclusively. Took a few 100 USD bills to change to pesos for tips and small purchases. I didn’t encounter anywhere that didn’t take card. Note: ATM’s only allow a daily withdrawal of $65 USD and charge $30 for the privilege, so they are not recommended.
Phone: Used Airalo ESIM and this worked in many places, but it did not work well in Chile. There is simply a lack of cell service in some of the remote areas. People using Holafly and others had the same issue.
Excursions: Catamaran in the Beagle Channel to see the penguins
Glacier walk in El Calafate
Food: OMG, the portion sizes are out of this world. It’s the only trip where I have been very active and have grieved home having gained weight. They are very big in heavy breads, pastries, pizzas and steak.
Argentina is very expensive. It’s on par with, or even higher than London.
Countries visited: Three with memories and incredible photos to last a lifetime.
Detailed report to come.