TOP 5 CAMPING AREAS IN ARGENTINA
If you are planning a camping adventure in Argentina, you are in for quite a surprise. The place is perfect for outdoor activities, and pleasant enough to spend romantic evenings with your loved one, or an exciting night with your friends or family.
The best thing about camping is Argentina is that it is safe. The people there will treat you well, so much so, you may not want to go back home. If you want to camp in Argentina, but are not sure what destinations you should visit, then here are 5 of the absolute best for an experience unlike any other.
1. Peninsula Valdes, Puerto Madryn
Before you head towards Peninsula Valdes, it would be a good idea to stop at Puerto Madryn, for supplies and to rent a vehicle.
The campsite is located northeast of Puerto Madryn, a 100km to be more precise. Once you reach your destination, do not even bother setting up camp along the coast. Since the peninsula is flat, it is easier for rangers to spot you. To camp, you will need to head towards Punta Pardelas, located southwest of Puerto Piramides.
When the time comes to pitch your tent, make sure you do so away from the vertical mountain wall around the bay since the tides fluctuate often. Your best bet would be to stay close to grassy areas.
If you visit this campsite, there is no source of water for rinsing or washing, so you are on your own.
As for things to look out for here, you can check out Southern Right Whales as they mate and give birth, at the popular spot, Golfo Nuevo. You can also explore the various other viewpoints to catch a glimpse of elephant seals, sea lions, penguins, and orcas.
2. Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia
Tierra del Fuego is an archipelago which is also referred to as “The Land of Fire”. It is located on the absolute tip of the Americas.
To stock up on supplies and a vehicle rental, you will need to stop at Ushuaia, on the mainland of Isla Grande Tierra del Fuego.
By driving southeast through Tolhuin and the Andean foothills, you will come across Estancia Haberton. This old farm was established back in 1886, and it is here you will need to seek permission to camp on the ranching terrain.
When it comes to outdoor activities, they are plentiful here. You can indulge in activities like hiking, watching horses, beavers, and dolphins. Collect deadwood for the night to create a campfire, to roast meat for an amazing meal and conversation with your lover, friends or colleague.
Read more on Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.
3. Sierras Chicas, Córdoba
Sierras Chicas is located between La Cumbre and Jesus Maria. There are no paved roads here, as the locals prefer to have it that way, for off-road sports of course!
If you do choose to camp here, that too in time and with a bit of research, you can even witness the Dakar Rally.
Apart from the off-road sports, Sierras Chicas is known for attracting those that are spiritually inclined to do so. If you are up for an adventure, you can check out Cerro Uritorco, which is specifically known for UFO sightings.
As for camping, you will find plenty of campsites littered throughout Sierras Chicas, so make sure you visit this region in Central Argentina without fail.
4. Perito Moreno National Park, Santa Cruz
Not to be confused with Perito Moreno Glacier, the national park is located further north. If you wish to camp here, do keep in mind that it is not easily accessible. The closest city is El Calafate.
What is really interesting about Perito Moreno National Park is that it transitions between lush forests of Chile and the dry steppe. The park with its snow-capped mountains, sparkling rivers, and pristine lakes are home to different species of birds and is an extraordinary place to go hiking during the day. Make sure you pack functional and comfortable outfits for the trip.
Also, read more on Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the must-see destinations in the Patagonia region.
5. The Lake District, Bariloche
If the name doesn’t give it away, The Lake District has an abundance of mountains, volcanoes, lakes, and rivers. The area was divided into two by the boundary line drawn 200 years ago; where one part belongs to Argentina while the other belongs to Chile.
If you wish to go to easily accessible regions, then look no further than Lake Nahuel Huapi with towns like Bariloche. By making your way to the border, you will come across some of most unbelievable scenic spots, the kind where you can get all the peace and quiet you will ever want. Just make sure, you don’t pack too heavy.
TYPES OF CAMPSITES AVAILABLE IN ARGENTINA
Even though the aforementioned destinations are perfect for an adventurous camping trip, there are still many others that have something of their own to offer. Before you decide on checking them out as well, it is a good idea to see what types of campsites are available, and then determine which one will suit your needs and requirements.
Municipal
Municipal campsites are the cheapest and simplest campsites of them all. These are usually wide open spaces and parks. But not all of them are equipped with bathrooms.
Private
These campsites are private and are equipped with all the amenities that ensure campers have the time of their lives. Basically, it is no different from staying at a hotel. In fact, you even get Wi-Fi in such campsites.
Wild
For truly immersive, in-the-nature camping experience, this is the one you should look into. Think of it this way, you can set up camp next to a waterfall or at the foot/on top of a mountain while dealing with what nature has to throw your way.
No matter what destination you camp at in Argentina, remember to do your homework. Take the precautions to ensure you do not get in trouble and respect the people there for them to do the same in return. If this is your first time making such a trip, keep an eye on websites that have a bell tent for sale.
Guest Post by Jenny Harrison, who is a passionate technology and lifestyle blogger. She loves to get engaged with the readers who are seeking for home, lifestyle and tech-related information on the internet. She is a featured blogger at various high authority blogs and magazines in which she shared her research and experience with the vast online community. Currently, she is associated with White Duck Outdoors, an online camping tent shop that offers top quality canvas and bell tents and other outdoor camping gears. Follow her on twitter @MJennyHarrison for more updates.
