Deciding on the Adventure
Woke up dead set on tackling Patagonia after scrolling through too many glacier pics online. Packed my beat-up hiking boots and a windbreaker that’s seen better days. Booked a flight to El Calafate using airline miles because cash is tight.
First Stop: Perito Moreno Glacier
Landed in El Calafate, grabbed a rental car that rattled like a tin can. Drove two hours through dusty roads to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Paid the entrance fee—ouch, my wallet—but forgot cash for the boat tour. Had to beg a German couple to spot me pesos.
Got real close to that cracking blue monster of ice. Heard thunderous BOOMS when chunks broke off. Tried taking epic selfies but the wind blew my hat into glacier water. RIP favorite cap.
Trekking in El Chaltén
Drove next morning to El Chaltén, knees still sore from glacier stairs. Claimed a bunk at the hostel, then hit Laguna de los Tres trail. Halfway up, realized I’d packed granola bars but no water bottle. Swallowed pride and drank stream water like a stray dog.
- Steep scramble near the top had me cursing
- Raw Patagonia wind slapped my face nonstop
- Finally saw Fitz Roy peak—looked photoshopped with all that jagged beauty
Downhill felt easier till it started hailing. Had to shelter under a rock with Brazilian backpackers sharing mate.
Boat Mishap in Ushuaia
Flew south to Ushuaia last-minute. Got seasick on the Beagle Channel cruise while everyone ooh-ed at penguins. Dropped my phone trying to photograph sea lions. Screen cracked bad. Pro tip: use wrist straps near ocean waves.
Lessons I’ll Remember
Patagonia ain’t Disneyland—weather changes faster than TikTok trends. Bring waterproof everything, extra snacks, and twice the cash you think you’ll need. And that glacier hat sacrifice? Totally worth it for the bragging rights back home.
