With summer offering up its last lingering days of sunshine and warmth, we've got some time to reflect on another wonderful season here in Patagonia , and to begin putting our thoughts towards what is ahead. The four seasons constantly inspire and provide never-ending adventures.

November started with our annual trekking expedition in Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine National Parks. Since then, we've been kayak-touring with fun-loving families, horseback riding at remote estancias, rafting the Manso River , crossing the Andes by boat, mountaineering at Mt. Tronador , taking in tango in Buenos Aires and visiting our favourite bodegas in Mendoza . What a life!

Intimate Estancias : This group of friends wanted to get off the beaten track and step back in time to experience the classic family-run estancia life of Argentina . Now that's the kind of request we love! We took them to a simple, rustic and utterly charming estancia north of Bariloche for horseback riding, star-gazing and an unforgettable lamb asado barbecue prepared by our friend Lalo. Definitely an extraordinary Lakes District weekend!

La Hoya and Cerro Bayo Secrets : Villa La Angostura's Cerro Bayo and Esquel's La Hoya ski resorts are known amongst die-hard local skiers as the most exciting and least visited ski areas in South America . Heaps of powder, endless untouched bowls and a quaint unpretentious villages at the base - this is adventure skiing at its best. Join us this summer!

BA Buzz : Hipsters, editors, style-mavens and trend setters just can't get enough of it - Buenos Aires is the 'It Spot' for trendy global tourists. Chic boutiques, great restaurants, stylish locals, passionate tango dancers and booming tourism industry, great prices - what's not to love? But it can be hard to navigate this mega-city. Where should I stay? Where should I eat? How do I get to Palermo Soho? When is the Teatro Colon opening and how do I get tickets to a River Plate-Boca Juniors game? What about tango? Trust us to point you in the right direction. Our local guides will take you deep behind the facades to discover this amazing city. Most of our trips either start or finish in BA; it's not the kind of place you want to just connect through. Come see what all the fuss is about!

Why Customize? There's just so much to see and do here in Patagonia , it's impossible for us to come up with one single itinerary that suits everyone. Athletes, shoppers, wine-lovers, horseback riders, skiers, families, couples, young and old - the face of our clientele is as diverse as the plains of Patagonia are vast. We approach each trip as a unique adventure, and we love the challenge and diversity of customizing itineraries. It allows us to get to really know our clients, who quickly feel much more like friends. Patagonia is a place where so many dreams become reality. Tell us what you want to do down here. If you're not sure, let's chat !

Check out Christie's article on some of the most interesting new hotels in Patagonia that was published in the Globe and Mail in February. Christie is also co-authoring the new Frommer's Argentina 1 st Edition guidebook, scheduled to hit stands in July. And please visit her new website www.patagonialiving.com.

Max will be giving a photo presentation on Nature and Adventure in Patagonia this April in Canmore as part of the Canmore Library Speakers Series. Contact us for more information.