ARGENTINA: THE LAST LAP

Last week we hit three sweet spots in Argentina….and this week we’ll look at a few more before we move on to Chile.

Speaking of sweet, let’s head to Bariloche, the chocolate capital of Argentina.  I’ve heard that the only thing more prevalent in shop windows there are gnomes.  Now, who would have guessed that?  Or, who would have guessed that Bariloche’s mountain landscape make it a haven for snow skiers?   Hiking and trout fishing are also popular pastimes.

Two hours south of Bariloche is El Bolson.  El Bolson is Argentina’s hippy headquarters.   It’s a down to earth organic-type city with lots of homemade jams, jellies, and folk music.  Three times a week an artist fair is held in the town square where local artisans sell handicrafts and organically produced food.

One more destination in the Argentine Patagonia is Puerto Madryn, where the big draw is whale watching, the Southern White Whale to be exact.  This exciting activity is best seen in September and October.  Head south to see penguin colonies in Punta Tombo Natural Protected Area.  Penguins?  More Argentinian surprises.

What a great vacation spot this would be.  And, no one would believe all these different destinations and venues are in     Argentina.  Let’s go!