Patagonia

Spanning Southern Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is a land of vast expanses and epic scenery, with huge distances to be covered. But within that it’s the sheer diversity of the region that captures people’s hearts.

‘Every time I go to Patagonia I feel free’, says Jacada Concierge Berni, chatting to me as she sips mate from her apartment in Buenos Aires.

Being based in Argentina is certainly an advantage when it comes to accessing the region, but it’s been two years since Berni was able to head way down south and she’s itching to go again.

We caught up over some of Berni’s favourite images that capture the magic of the incredible region.

The far-stretching wildernesses of Patagonia are home to some of the best views in the world. Trek through the epic landscapes and discover a whole new outlook

Magellanic penguins, named after the European explorer who first spotted them in the early 16th century. Now their colonies can be seen (and heard) all around the peninsula

The iconic Perito Moreno glacier in Argentina’s Glaciares National Park towers 240ft above the lake below. ‘Trekking on the surface of the glacier and hearing the ice move under your feet is one of the most amazing things I’ve done in my life.’ Periodically huge towers break away from the glacier and collapse thunderously into the icy water

After experiencing the majesty of some of the world’s most incredible wildernesses, returning to bright city lights can be surreal. Like emerging from a theatre in the middle of the day it takes a moment to readjust.

For many, it’s a feeling that they’ll keep chasing: Patagonia has a hold on those that get to know it. Nothing could make this clearer than the message I get from Berni two days after our chat: ‘You’ve inspired me,’ she says, ‘I’m going to El Chaltén next month.’

Berni’s Patagonia address book

Explora El Chaltén

I’m very excited about this addition to the Explora portfolio. El Chaltén is one of my favourite destinations for hiking and enjoying the drama of the Andes. This hotel offers the perfect base to come home to

Australis Expedition Cruises

Australis run fantastic expedition cruises from Punta Arenas, through the Strait of Magellan and around Cape Horn to Ushuaia. Navigation techniques (and onboard facilities) may have evolved since the first Europeans traversed this route in the early 16th century, but it’s not difficult to imagine the awe those explorers felt

Awasi Patagonia

All of the Awasi hotels are incredible in their own right but the Patagonia base is probably my favourite. Set in stunning Torres del Paine National Park, each ‘room’ is in fact a private cabin which comes complete with your own dedicated driver and guide for the duration of your stay