The Patagonian town of Coyhaique, is a good place to use as a base whilst traveling through Chile. It is small and friendly, with well organized excursions that run most days. There is also a wonderful 'historic' restaurant that serves local food in an interesting and warm environment.

This picture was taken whilst I was crossing the Buenos Aires lake from Argentina to Chile. It is a huge lake that is fed from the Chilean Andes, and the extensive glacial region that is contained within it. The Parque National Laguna San Rafael has glaciers, mountains and lakes on a dramatic scale.

The small Chilean town of Chile Chico on lago Buenos Aires, is another point from which to catch a boat. Whilst traveling through Patagonia, it is worthwhile to transfer from the Argentine to the Chilean side at this point. The Argentine side in this region is arid desert, the Chilean side lush and green. This is because the Chilean Andes catch the precipitation from the Pacific.