One of the fascinating things about nature is how it cannot be contained by political borders. Patagonia is probably the perfect example of this. An expansive and virtually untouched land in southern South America, Patagonia rugged yet beautiful landscape that straddles across both Argentina and Chile. The vast spaces have a calming silence that has continuously enchanted the tourists that have been fortunate enough to see it.
Unlike other popular tourist destinations in other parts of the world where the ecosystem is fairly consistent, Patagonia is the epitome of contradictions. At some point, you may be in the midst of desolate desert covered with little more than thorn bushes, scrubs and other forms of low lying arid vegetation. Just as you start to get accustomed to this picture of Patagonia, your perception is jolted as you approach the shores of the southern Atlantic Ocean. The navy blue ocean waters, rocky coastline, rivers, lakes and one of the world’s largest ice fields outside Antarctica create a completely contrast.
The diverse and spectacular views alone would be enough reason to go to Patagonia. But there are not many destinations on the planet that have such a wide range of animal species. Foxes, ostriches, guanacos and armadillos are just some of the fauna you can see on land. The ocean waters, rivers and lakes around Patagonia host sea lions, sea elephants, dolphins, whales, orca, starfish and octopus.
And it does not stop there. Patagonia is a paradise for ornithologists. Seagulls, egrets, vultures, red knots, falcons, hawks, eagles, albatrosses, red plovers and skuas are just some of the numerous bird species.