Happy holidays from Patagonia! It’s been a busy, lovely Patagonian spring. From the blustering waters off Cape Horn to the hot spring of Lanín National Park, many miles have been logged. Most recently, a group of nine adventurers joined us for a legendary journey up the infamous Ruta 40, from El Calafate to Bariloche. As each our guests realizes, every trip is completely unique – the options are astounding! There is so much to see and do in Argentina, and this is what brings our clients back year after year. Here, we offer a few ideas for first-timers, returnees, and those die-hard Patagoniaphiles. May they linger on your mind as you contemplate adventures ahead for 2009…

Lakeside Dining in Bariloche: It seems each season brings another fantastic lakeside bistro to the Bariloche area. This year, we’ve been enjoying leisurely summer evenings on the deck at Butterfly, Yuco and Cassis. Each has gourmet tasting menus, fabulous wine lists and some of the best sunsets this side of the Sahara.

Torrontés: Everybody knows Argentina’s got some incredible full bodied vino tintos in the iconoclastic grape, Malbec. White wine lovers, however, aren’t being left behind thanks to the resurgence of the Torrontés, an intensely aromatic, fresh and floral white perfect for a summer’s afternoon. It goes down particularly well on a deck (see above!).

Fishing: You saw us fly-fishing with Matt Lauer on NBC’s The Today Show, so you know just how beautiful the fishing holes are here. From right at our doorstep in Bariloche to the Rio Grande of Tierra del Fuego, a fishing trip with our partners means peace, nature, fine lodgings and the best guides in the business.

Crucero Australis: Been wondering how to see both sides of Patagonia on the same trip? This delightful expedition cruise links Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego with Punta Arenas, Chile. Sailing past remote glaciers and distant fjords (including a stop at Cape Horn, the end of the hemisphere), this is way more than your usual cruise.

El Chaltén hiking: Few places in the world appeal to the mountain lover more than El Chaltén, at the base of FitzRoy and Cerro Torre in Los Glaciares National Park. World-class trekking trails lead right from the front door of the lovely inn that welcomes our guests. Return in the evening for a warm shower and a delightful meal at a cozy local bistro.

Our Favourites: While we like to keep some things to ourselves, our clients know that we have a handful of hidden gems to share that keep them far from the usual tourist route. Time with PTC in Patagonia is time with friends. Here are some of our summertime favourites. Warning: these may bring back meaningful memories!
1.     Fly fishing on the Rio Limay
2.     Ice cream at Jauja in El Bolsón 
3.     The bife de lomo tenderloin at Naan
4.     Scotch on the rocks on the Perito Moreno Glacier
5.     Dinner at the cozy Ruca Mahuida in El Chaltén
6.     Mt. FitzRoy emerging from the clouds
7.     Asados with Gunter
8.     Malbec on the deck at Finca Adalgisa
9.     The view from the top of Cerro Campanario
10. When the water’s so inviting on the Rio Manso that you’re actually happy to flip the raft

What our clients are saying: This has been so much more than a tour – it’s been a personal introduction and immersion in Patagonian culture, scenery, flora and fauna. Max was outstanding. The trip simply would not be the memorable, special experience without his passion, experience and knowledge. P. Pitts