Stay at the Mansion Dandi Royal during your time in Buenos Aires and get immersed in the tango culture.  The Tango Festival is a public event that brings portenos (term for citizens of Buenos Aires) and international tango enthusiasts together  (term for citizens of Buenos Aires) for two weeks of celebration, concerts, tango shows, and lessons between Aug 13-31, 2010. Contact us for more details, and if you can’t make it next month, this is an annual event that we plan on celebrating each year.

Tango Festival in Buenos Aires - Image from Kallpa Tours

Trekking in Argentina's Fitz Roy Range

Sunset at EcoCamp in Torres del Paine

Missoula, in Montana’s Rockies — where I rest my head at the end of the day — is at about 3200 ft above sea level. When I hiked the Inca Trail, two of my travel companions came from the Florida coast; you just don’t get any closer to sea level than that. While we were definitely mindful of the high elevation, and certainly huffed and puffed our way along the trail and through its 9,000-14,000 foot passes, altitude sickness was not a problem for any of the trekkers in our group. But this is not always the case. Don’t worry, if the altitude makes you wary, there are great options out there.

If you’re looking for fantastic Andes trekking, but in a lower elevation, look towards Patagonia. The circuits are remote and captivating, and the landscape is legendary. Both the popular Fitz Roy Range in Argentina and the “W” Circuit in Torres del Paine are excellent options for low elevation, multi-day treks.

For the Fitz Roy Trek, the highest elevation on the most popular route is near De los Tres Lagoon – at about 1200m (3900 ft). This 4-day Patagonia tour through glaciated landscape averages 7 to 9 hours of hiking a day, cover anywhere between 11 to 15 miles each day. This hike also includes a trek across the Torre Glacier.

On the W circuit in Chile’s Torres del Paine, your highest elevation will be in French Valley at 1100m (3608ft). If you like, this portion of the trek can be replaced with another trail for a less taxing hike. The W circuit for the most part avoids the difficult and taxing routes except for the last section to the Torres. The W circuit is one of the most accommodation, fitting the needs of hikers who want to trek all day, or those looking for a more relaxed pace.

A few more notes on high elevation trekking:
The good news is that the majority of those who experience altitude sickness find it relatively mild and limiting — NOT debilitating. And symptoms usually decline as altitude acclimatization occurs. All in all, don’t be afraid, be smart. Coming prepared, and recognizing the signs are the best ways to combat altitude sickness. Here are some tips on avoiding altitude sickness.

Argentina views like this make the reciprocity fee well worth it!

This fee only applies to citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia. Each travelers has to pay the following amount:

United States: $131
Canada: $70
Australia: $100

This can be paid in U.S. Dollars, Argentine Pesos, travelers checks, or credit card. The payment of this fee is NOT for a visa, as travelers from the United States, Canada, and Australia do not need a visa if on vacation. You can see more information by going to the Argentine Ministry of Interior’s site.

For additional requirements for travel to Argentina visit the US Department of State’s website.

Traveler, Billy Zeballos, captures a great shot while trekking in Argentina

Great news from our affiliates in Argentina:

The announcement of charging a reciprocity fee to passengers was rejected. As a consequence of the pressure of the tourist sector, the decision to implement it has been “frozen.” – Kallpa

In other words, Argentina is not implementing the visa reciprocity fee at this point for US citizens. I’ll keep you posted of any changes. For additional requirements for travel to Argentina visit the US Department of State’s website.

Why I love Argentina: Argentina travel differs region-to-region, offering a diverse landscape of glaciers, fjords, inlets, lakes, forests, and desert. Northern Argentina showcases excellent trekking through rocky landforms and deep gorges, and the thunderous Iguazu Falls which cascades through lush subtropical rainforest. In southern Argentina, meet the awe-inspiring scenery of the end of the world, its colorful port towns, verdant fjords, and rugged, glacier-topped mountains. The celebrated city of Buenos Aires offers an European-flavor, fantastic local wines, and a livelihood captured in the iconic dance, the tango.

Frankly, I love it even more, now that the proposed visa reciprocity fee has been rejected…

Click for Renee's photo album of her trekking around Fitzroy and Torres del Paine

Read Holly's Journal about hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Two moms take on the Cordillera Blanca with help from their kids. Click to see their photo album

Trekkers in South America are daring and adventuresome – not to brag or anything. My group planned our hike to the famed Machu Picchu ruins for months. We marveled at the ruins as we massaged our tired legs. Then we flew back the United States without giving mystical Patagonia a second thought. We were right there! Why didn’t we continue our journey? Follow more than one path during your stay in South America, or you may end up with major regrets.

Torres del Paine, Chile: The W Circuit (4-5 days)

Torres del Paine is a dream world, largely uninhabited and completely untamed. This remarkable national park lies in the southern region of Patagonia. Trekkers at Torres del Paine soon realize that massive glaciers, jagged peaks, azure waters, pampas, and vibrant scenery will be in sight no matter where they stand. Nevertheless, these views come at a cost. The weather is harsh and capricious. Only those willing to withstand 50/mph winds and relentless rainfall will make it – and that’s not even considering the rough terrain underfoot. The main attractions: Tierra del Fuego, the Torres del Paine panorama, Cuernos del Paine, and the Lago Grey and Glacier.

Cerro Fitz Roy, Argentina: Fitz Roy Trek (4-5 Days)

Cerro Fitz Roy is located in Parque National Los Glaciares, which covers over 2,000sq. miles of terrain. This section of the Santa Cruz Province houses snowy mountains, over 40 gargantuan glaciers, icy blue waters, and the world-famous 6,000ft. Fitzroy Massif. Although Cerro Fitz Roy is part of Patagonia, like Torres del Paine, they are two very different destinations. Nearly half of Parque National Los Glaciares is covered in glaciers! These crackling giants are the main draw of Argentina’s Fitz Roy Trek. Most who visit this frosty wonderland will not even see the Fitz Roy or Cerro Torre Mountains, both of which are notorious for their cloudy surroundings.

Machu Picchu, Peru: The Inca Trail (3-4 days)

The slightly overcrowded Inca Trail is the most famous in South America, and all because of where it leads. Trekkers can immerse themselves in history by trekking through the Andean highlands to Machu Picchu. Ghosts of the Spanish conquistadores and Incan warriors add their own air of mystery along the way. Their spirits can be sensed at Sayacmarca (the inaccessible place) as well as the restored Phuyupatamarca (town above the clouds). Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, trekkers can explore ruins of ancient Incan empire, built upon a mountain ridge in the Urubamaba Valley. Travelers often choose horse-packing over backpacking to avoid exhaustion.

Cordillera Blanca, Peru: The Santa Cruz Trek (3-4 days)

Cordillera Blanca is the highest mountain range outside of Asia, the Santa Cruz Trek being its most popular. Trekkers here will see everything from wildflowers to snow-capped peaks. Restrooms and snack bars have been built along the well-maintained trail – one of many reasons this trail is best for beginners. The weather is less risky and unpredictable in this part of Peru. Cattle and other local animals steal food sometimes, but there are not banditos in the area, so the Santa Cruz Trek is also the safest. It will be challenging. You will get worn out. On the other hand, overlook this hike, and you will be missing out on the chance of a lifetime. Your choice!

Shannon Beineke