So you have never hiked a mountain before, and the only thing you hike are the stairs at your building? I was also like that a few years ago. Suddenly, I started doing this fantastic activity, and now I just plan my holidays around it.
How to decide where to go for a hiking trip alone as a woman? Switzerland might be a starting point, but how about the Patagonia region in Argentina? Safe, friendly, and...affordable! I had such a great experience, I knew I needed to share my itinerary for future female solo travelers!
Day 1
All international flights arrive in Buenos Aires. However, make sure you take a flight to Calafate, a beautifully cozy town in the heart of the Patagonia region, which allows for easy transfers. I highly recommend América del Sur Hostel. The views from their dining room are breathtaking both for sunrises and sunsets. The price is low, and the staff is incredibly friendly. Where to eat in Calafate? Isabel Restaurant (http://isabelcocinaaldisco.com/) is the most delicious place in town for vegetarians like me. You can get "comida al disco" with veggies and potatoes. For meat-eaters, the "cordero patagónico" (lamb from Patagonia) is highly recommended.
Day 2
Get up early and catch the sunrise. I highly encourage you to book your tours in advance at www.patagoniachic.com. They have incredible excursions, and their guides are passionate and in love with Patagonia. Definitely start with the Ice Trekking Tour to the Perito Moreno. I had never felt the ice on my feet in such a way!
Day 3
I booked the "solo hiking tour" with Patagonia Chic, and it was my favorite day. I learned a lot from the Patagonia region: its history, the stories of the explorers who discovered where the lakes and rivers come from, and more! We also got to drive the Argentinian Road 40, which goes all the way north to south. Hiking the Fitz Roy was a challenge: I only did the short route of 8 km total, but it is steep and windy. The views once you get to the lagoon are MAGICAL.
It is really an excellent activity for solo travelers.
Day 4
On this day, I also took a tour with Patagonia Chic to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.
What a day! Started the early morning at 6 and hopped on a 4x4 bus for 4 hours, crossed the Argentinian-Chilean border, and arrived at this "hello, I am out of this world national park". Winds of more than 80 km per hour were waiting for us already (it can get up to 140 km per hour, wow). But the view, the waterfalls, and mountains were well worth the drive. I still cannot believe such a place exists in this world. You cannot even see something similar in Switzerland!
Day 5
I decided to stay in Calafate and do some horseback riding. What a wonderful day, feeling like the old times, wishing I could go with my horse all the way back to Mexico. That would have been quite a trip!
Day 6
I stayed in Puerto Madryn, which is prettier than Trelew but not as charming as Calafate. Here you will be very close to the Valdés Península where you can see whales, sea lions, and all sorts of sea wildlife. I wish I could have stayed longer, but I only wanted to see the penguins since one can also see whales in Baja California in Mexico.
So, I took a tour organized by my Hostel (Hostel la Tosca) to Punta Tombo. In December, up to one million penguins can be seen. I was there in September, and I saw perhaps 2,000 penguins. It was MAGICAL! I cannot even imagine what it must be like to see one million!
Day 7
Back in Buenos Aires, I recommend exploring the Palermo neighborhood day and night time. Not to miss the San Telmo festival every Sunday: I must say I felt like in Paris! Apparently, it is a dangerous area, and there are more tourists than locals so just keep your eyes out. Another spot not to be missed is La Boca and the famous Caminito. According to Lonely Planet, it is super dangerous. Still, honestly, to someone from Mexico City, it felt like Coyoacán on a regular Saturday. Make sure to check the Librería El Ateneo. Probably the most beautiful bookstore I have ever seen!
Last but not least, my insider tips:
1. Obviously, if you want to meet new people, stay at a hostel!
My mom thinks I am crazy, but I like to stay in rooms of more than 40 people (mixed). Whenever I stay in only girl's rooms, they are super dirty. So I try to stay in mixed dorms.
2. Souvenirs
Definitely Mate if you like it with a mate cup.
Alfajores from Havana (white ones are better than chocolate ones)
Dulce de Leche
3. Shopping in BA
I loved the Argentinian store Humms. It is like Crocs, but they have the cutest bags and raincoats!
Check out nearby stores in the street of Honduras in the Palermo neighborhood.
4. Meet Argentinians!
After my trip, my whole perspective of the egoistic narcissist Argentinians changed. I am amazed how nice they can be, open and friendly (mostly in the south, porteños, or people from Buenos Aires, I am still not sure).
I am in love with this part of the world, and I can only hope more people find this place as impressive as I did!
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