A common passion: soccer
Needless to say, soccer is king in Maradona's country, as it is throughout South America. Adored by all Argentinians, the national soccer team has for decades been one of the best in the world, fielding exceptional talents such as today's prodigy Lionel Messi. Among the eternal South American rivals, Brazil is of course at the forefront, but the Chilean team is also one of the favorites in continental competitions. At the World Cup in Russia in summer 2018, the Argentinian team, despite being runners-up, lost out to France in the Round of 16. In 2022 in Qatar, they will be among the favourites. Chile, meanwhile, after two historic Copa America victories (2015, 2016), failed to qualify for the most recent World Cups in Russia and Qatar. The golden generation of La Roja attacking superstar Alexis Sánchez has come to a halt.
In the boots of the leftists!
The epitome of Patagonia, horseback riding is an excellent way to visit remote valleys and infinite spaces, to meet Chilean huasos or Argentine gauchos . The inhabitants of Patagonia, particularly in the Chilean region of Aysén, still use this animal for transport (the beast is then called sillero), or to carry goods(pilchero). Horses can be rented at almost any hostel in southern Chile. The best spots are near Valdivia, Puerto Varas, Cochamó, in the Puelo river valley, in Chiloé National Park, in the Futaleufú valley, on the west coast of General Carrera lake (Campos de Hielo Norte, superb walks in prospect), near Cochrane or around Torres del Paine.
In Argentina, most estancias also offer horseback riding excursions, so you'll be spoilt for choice. The best spots for a wild ride are near El Calafate and around Ushuaia.
Cycling through the great outdoors
An ecological and practical way to explore the Andes! Generally speaking, it's easy to rent mountain bikes in the most touristy parts of both countries. For experienced cyclists, here are a few stage ideas.
In southern Chile, don't hesitate to leave the Pan-American Highway. There's much less traffic on the secondary roads. Around Pucón, cycling is the perfect way to reach Lake Caburgua. Around Puerto Varas, cycle paths have recently been opened to the Osorno volcano, Petrohue waterfalls and Lake Todos los Santos. Quinchao Island, near Chiloé, is another dream site. The Carretera Austral is one of the world's most exhilarating roads. To the south, the Ruta del Milodón takes you from Puerto Natales to Lake Paine in Torres del Paine Park in just eight days.
In Argentina, the Ruta 40 is the main route for cyclists. From Junín de los Andes to El Calafate, the landscapes change and the sites of tourist interest are extremely numerous. However, it may be a good idea to take the private transport operated between Perito Moreno and El Chaltén in particular: long distances, almost no traffic, very few opportunities for accommodation or food... If you're going to tackle this legendary stretch of road, make sure you're properly equipped!
Ruta 3, on the other hand, runs along the Atlantic and is extremely demanding, with thousands of wind-swept kilometers. But that doesn't mean you can't meet some brave souls making the Alaska-Ushuaia trip!
Rafting and kayaking, the Chilean paradise
There are countless rivers flowing down from the Andean glaciers! The scenery here is fantastic. While Argentina offers some interesting descents, it's Chile in particular that is a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts. In Patagonia, the best season is between December and February.
In southern Chile, the most touristic spots (and therefore where most operators are located) are Pucón and Puerto Varas.
The following rivers are particularly noteworthy ríos Nuble (class III), Bío Bío (class V, excellent), Trancura Bajo (class III, very popular for rafting), Trancura Alto (class IV), Maichín (near Pucón, very pleasant), Fuy (class IV, then V and VI, 10 m high jumps), Futaleufú (classes IV and V, very famous, international competitions have been held here), Azul (class III), Espolón (classes II and III), Palena (class II, for longer excursions of around three days), Figueroa (classes III and IV), Cisnes (classes IV and V, crystal-clear waters), Baker (classes III to V, some parts very difficult). There are numerous operators everywhere, and some even offer sea kayaking excursions (around Hornopirén, for example).
In Argentina, the Bariloche region and Lake Mascardi are recommended for rafting aficionados.
As a reminder. Class I: easy, little current, small waves; Class II: novice, very weak rapids, a few small waves to shake up the little family, you can be bored stiff or just enjoy the banks as they roll by; Class III: intermediate, a little faster, moderate waves that can shake up from time to time, a few obstacles, but more fear than harm; Class IV: fast, irregular currents, with the presence of numerous stones that you'll need to avoid, and a slope that's sometimes quite steep; Class V: for experts, fast .... very fast and sometimes dangerous; Class VI: for madmen, very dangerous rivers, numerous obstacles, very serious risk of falling.
Fishing, sometimes sporty
Chile and Argentina are two countries renowned for their salmon and trout fishing, particularly in Patagonia. The richest rivers are those with fast currents and shallow waters. Don't forget that you need a fishing license to be able to indulge in your favorite activity.
In southern Chile, the recommended spots are around Pucón (ríos Liucura, Palguín), in the Seven Lakes region (north of the Lakes region, not far from Panguipulli), Lake Ranco, around Lake Llanquihue, in the ríos Cochamó, Puelo, Chepú, Futaleufú or Palena (little known), in the Coyhaique region, Lake General Carrera and Villa O'Higgins, just south of the Carretera Austral. Chilean Tierra del Fuego is also recommended, but transportation is not very practical.
You can fish for salmon at sea or in the estuaries. Particularly recommended sites are Bahía Ralún (Reloncaví estuary), or near the Carretera Austral, at the mouth of the Río Chamiza or in the Bay of Quillaipe. In the Aysén region and in Patagonia, sport fishing is practised according to the "catch and release" policy: catches are registered and immediately released(pesca con devolución in Spanish). Specimens weighing up to 7 or 8 kg can be caught (brown trout, rainbow trout...)!
In Argentina, the Bariloche region is one of the musts for sport fishing enthusiasts; in general, Argentine Patagonia abounds in lagoons and rivers that are a delight to anglers. Tierra del Fuego, especially near Tolhuin, south of Río Grande, is another interesting site.
Relaxation in the Chilean thermal baths
Chile is a country that boasts a number of spas, ranging from well-developed to almost completely untouched. A very pleasant pastime! It's always possible to stay on site, either camping or in a hotel (usually luxurious), or even in cabañas (a kind of bungalow).
Most of Chile's thermal baths are located in the south of the country (almost 30% of the total). The thermal baths of Tolhuaca are very pleasant; around Pucón and in the Lakes region, you'll be spoilt for choice (Huife, San Luis, Menetue, Palguín, etc.). The Liquiñe area, near Coñaripe, is recommended for nature lovers, who will find several rustic thermal baths. Baños Cahuelmó, in the Reloncaví estuary, can only be reached by boat, making it a pleasant excursion. The Puyuhuapi thermal baths, on the Carretera Austral, are perhaps the most comfortable structure of all. Last but not least, the Quitralco thermal baths are only accessible to the more fortunate who take an excursion to Laguna San Rafael.
Very popular ski spots
Andism, the specific term for mountaineering in the Andes, is the dream of many an adventurer. But the glaciers of the Cordillera also offer the possibility of putting on skis. In fact, the two countries are the ski hotspots of South America. The season runs from June to September, sometimes extending into October in the event of heavy snowfalls. The best-equipped resorts are as follows.
In central Chile, near Santiago, Portillo, La Parva, El Colorado/Farellones and Valle Nevado; the last three are linked to form a high-quality ski area. The Chapa Verde resort is less developed.
In southern Chile, the infrastructure is less extensive. However, lovers of off-piste skiing and snowboarding will find plenty to send their turns, at Antuco, Lonquimay (also good for cross-country skiing), Las Araucarias, Villarrica, Antillanca (some 100 km from Osorno), El Fraile (near Coyhaique) or Cerro Mirador (in the Magallanes National Reserve).
In Argentina, needless to say, Bariloche is THE winter sports resort of South America. But prices are high, and the slopes are very crowded. Why not check out Junín de los Andes or San Martín de los Andes, or Esquel? Finally, for the most austrial of sessions, head for Cerro Castor, near Ushuaia. One of a kind!
