Photos usually perpetuate unique moments and experiences lived on a trip. Other times, though, photos are simply part of our want list for future travels.
El Calafate
A ccording to Google Sightsmap, Argentina boasts one of the ten most photographed destinations on Earth. Caminito shares this prestigious list with the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Ponte Dell´ Accademia in Venice, the Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, or the Guggenheim Museum in New York. This is a fact that reflects the influence of social media when it comes to positioning a destination worldwide.
Argentina is home to hundreds of exceptional postcard-like destinations. However, this time, our focus will be on Patagonia – a vast Argentine territory which, given its climate features, offers visitors a wide range of experiences: landscapes in four different “outfits” throughout the year. What with the seasons, the breathtaking sceneries and the blue of its lakes, how could anyone resist visiting it?
The Patagonia region comprises the provinces of Neuquén, Rio Negro, La Pampa, Chubut, Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego, as well as the Antarctic and the South Atlantic Islands.
After a tough selection process, in which several amazing destinations had to be left out of this top ranking list, we are glad to share with you the most Instagrammed places in Southern Argentina along with some recommendations on how to capture the best pictures while traveling.
Caminito – Buenos Aires
Laguna de los tres
Recommended time of the year: November thru March
Laguna de los Tres might as well be described as the jewel of one of the most challenging trekking tours in Chalten. This paradise-like spot features an over 8-hour hike (to and from), with the last kilometer being the toughest. However, once you reach the summit you are bound to forget for a second how exhausting the journey has been.
Framed by the turquoise waters of the lake shimmering in the sun and Mount Fitz Roy in the background this site becomes one dream postcard for thousands of travelers from Argentina and from the rest of the world.
And while you may think you have seen it all, a few meters away from there lies the natural viewpoint to Laguna Sucia, another extraordinary scenery to be perpetuated in a photo.
Laguna de los Tres – El Chaltén
Trevelin
Recommended time of the year: October
A charming town where visitors may go on recreational flights, engage in snow activities (in winter) and enjoy the wide range of attractions that make Trevelin such a special destination. However it is the month of October that creates the perfect picture place for visitors.
On Route 259, in the Nant y Fall Natural Protected Area zone, lies a vast field of tulips. The hues of these flowers and the snow-capped mountains in the background create a magical setting. This fascinating plantation opens its doors to visitors during the peak of the blooming season, which runs from October 1 to November 7
Trevelin
Lago Espejo
Recommended time of the year: Which is your favorite season?
This destination features a host of possibilities. Each season here changes the natural environment considerably: from the shades of ochre in the fall, or the snow-decorated mountains in winter, or the colors enhanced by the sun in summer, to the flowers adorning every corner in springtime.
Besides this natural wonder, visitors may have access to other fascinating nearby sceneries. The Route of the Seven Lakes is one clear example of the amazing destinations in this area. However, we have chosen Lago Espejo, where natural light is available for many hours a day- a phenomenon that creates an extraordinary environment as well as breathtaking sunsets. Not surprisingly, this is one of the favorite lakes both for locals and tourists. You will simply fall in love with the reflection of the mountains…
Laguna Espejo – Bariloche
Cabo Dos Bahías
Recommended time: September thru April
Who said that the best photos are those that lack companions? We do not only refer to fellow travelers, but also to the true protagonists in these postcards. 28 km away from Camarones (Chubut province) lies the home of a colony of penguins.
The close contact with nature along with the beauty of the setting make Cabo Dos Bahías a spectacular postcard spot in which to perpetuate one of the most representative species in Patagonia. The two available trails enable visitors to live a unique experience close to the wildlife and magnificence of the site.
It may interest you: Combined Package Tours between Chile and Argentina
Cabo Dos Bahias
Perito Moreno Glacier
Recommended time of the year: September thru April
The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most formidable attractions in both Patagonia and the continent. Not surprisingly, it was listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The National Park where it is based is adapted for travelers as well as for those adventurous visitors who dare capture the most extreme pictures.
The walkways with their balconies in this natural setting offer visitors stunning views of the gigantic glacier from different perspectives. Visitors may choose from 5 different-colored trails. We suggest you do the red or blue one first, as they go from one end to the other and feature fabulous viewpoints.
You may also go on a mini-trekking tour and /or a boat ride. Hiking on the glacier guarantees the most unbelievable shots from any angle you may choose. On the boat, from a completely different perspective, the views can be just as breathtaking.
Trekking – Glaciar Perito Moreno
Ushuaia
Recommended time of the year: From December thru March
Not every day do you get to visit the end of the world or come close to one of the icons of Patagonia. The emblematic lighthouse located on the Beagle Channel in Ushuaia is a witness to thousands of stories from the ocean. The city itself offers fascinating views as well as exquisite dishes like the traditional king crab.
Lago Esmeralda – Ushuaia
Cerro Goye
Recommended time of the year: July thru August
We can´t help but go back to Neuquén Province to mention one of the destinations on the list. This time the dream place is Cerro Goye, which is located very close to Colonia Suiza. From here visitors get a view of the lakes that is somehow different from the more traditional views in Bariloche, but just as powerful and magnificent.
If you wish to achieve a shot that portrays both the majesty of the snow-capped mountains and Lake Perito Moreno in its maximum splendor, then this is the place to visit.
Cerro Goye – Bariloche
Photo-taking tips
– Use the landscape as a natural frame
– Light is of course the best ally when it comes to taking the greatest shots. Both sunrise and sunset offer the most recommendable lighting.
– Visit these places very early in the morning. The fewer people in the area, the better photos you will get.
– Try using both vertical and horizontal formats when capturing landscapes.
– Be cautious. Do not risk your safety for a picture.
– Traveling solo? You may carry a tripod or ask someone else to take the photo for you. In the latter case, we suggest you indicate how you would like your photo to be shot (you may ask them to take several shots in different positions to ensure a good postcard).
– Whether it is before or after the photo session, make sure you use some of your time to enjoy the moment.
