Patagonia is a vast inland plateau covered in shrubs, lagoons and farms. In the western part, as the Andes mountains begin, there are several National Parks. This regions covers more than 4402000 square miles and actually expands into Chile as well. The border between Chile and Argentina is formed in Patagonia. The Argentina part of Patagonia covers about three quarters of the total area, and is sparsely populated. It’s windy all year, and the average temperature is mild, although parts of Patagonia have more harsh weather than other parts.

There’s a lake district next to Los Glaciares National Park, and rivers run through the region. You can visit such diverse elements as settlements founded in 18th century, caves used by these settlers, a sea lion colony in Northern Patagonia, and the giant port of San Antonio Este, from where all the fruit is exported. There are dude ranches like the gigantic Piedra del Aguila Hotel and Ranch, where guests can camping, horseback riding, sheep shearing and fishing.

There’s the Laguna blanca National Park which is popular with bird watchers because they get a chance to see the black-necked swan in flocks that contain thousands of birds. Flamingos also live here, as do peregrine falcons and eagles. In the Lake District get ready to see Indian reservations and the monkey puzzle tree, or the Araucaria Araucana, which is one of the oddest-looking trees on earth.

There’s also Lanin National Park where you can see the Lanin Volcano which borders Chile. You can also do some wonderful river and stream fishing here. Keep an eye out for numerous fishing lodges like the San Huberto Lodge which is right on the Malleo River. Hunters love this park too because they can hunt for wild boars and two types of deer. There are  lots of tourist info at the Tourist Office in San Martin de los Andes.

There are lots of hotels in the Lake District, and the town of Bariloche, especially, has hotels with lots of things for tourists to do. It’s in the middle of Nahuel Haupi National Park, and you can take day trips Mount Otto, or go skiing at Catedral Ski Center, or visit the Patagonia Museum which has wonderful collection of Indian Artifacts. Mount Tronador, at 11,728 feet, is a great day trip for hikers. Go horseback trekking from a dude ranch, where you can start out for a day trip or a weeklong adventure.