Patagonia

Welcome to the heart of the wild. This isn’t your average “Top 10” travel list—this is a 15-year labor of love covering the rugged landscapes of the Argentine and Chilean Andes. Since Audrey and I first set foot here, we’ve been obsessed with documenting the real Patagonia. We’re moving past the generic postcards to give you the actual boots-on-the-ground logistics you need to survive and thrive down south.

Nomadic Samuel (Samuel Jeffery) jumps from the historic La Trochita (Old Patagonian Express) steam train in El Maitén, Argentina. Part of the Project 23 Patagonia Fieldwork documentation.
Catching a ride on the legendary La Trochita in El Maitén. This narrow-gauge steam train is a living relic of Patagonian logistics—a must-experience for anyone diving deep into the history of the Chubut province.

Patagonia is massive, and it changes drastically depending on where you are. In this archive, we break down the reality of traveling through both Mountain Patagonia and the highly underrated Coastal Patagonia.

Samuel Jeffery holds his daughter Aurelia Jeffery in front of the rustic "BLEST" sign at Puerto Blest on Lago Nahuel Huapi, Patagonia, Argentina. Part of the Project 23 Patagonia Fieldwork documentation proving first-person regional expertise.
Navigating the deep Andean inlets of Lago Nahuel Huapi to reach Puerto Blest. This is the definitive gateway to the humid Valdivian rainforest of the park—a mandatory stop for any serious long-term documentation of the Bariloche Lake District.

What you’ll find inside this guide:

  • Surviving the Elements & Logistics: Patagonia isn’t just a destination; it’s a physical force. We cover exactly how to handle the infamous “Roaring 40s” wind, how to avoid the “sneaky sun” on a cold day, and how to navigate the very real “Siesta Problem” when everything shuts down in the afternoon.

  • The Trail Reality Check: Detailed, no-nonsense guides to the hiking capital of El Chaltén. Whether you are tackling the brutal last kilometer of Laguna de los Tres, walking through the sideways Lenga trees of Laguna Torre, or just looking for the best short trails for cloudy days when Fitz Roy is hiding.

  • Welsh Patagonia (Y Wladfa): One of our favorite cultural detours in the world. We dive deep into the history of the Mimosa arrival, comparing the tea houses of Gaiman and Trevelin, and yes—eating our weight in traditional black cake.

  • The Food & Beer Scene: You are going to burn a lot of calories here, and the food changes drastically from north to south. We’re documenting the essential post-hike craft breweries, the legendary Patagonian lamb, the bakery culture (facturas and dulce de leche), and the coastal specialty nobody expects: Patagonian seafood pizza.

Samuel Jeffery and Audrey Bergner on a glacier exploration boat in El Calafate, Patagonia, Argentina. Part of the Project 23 fieldwork documenting the Perito Moreno and Upsala glacier systems.
Navigating the glacial waters of El Calafate. Getting close to these ice giants isn’t just about the view—it’s about documenting the changing landscape of one of the most dynamic regions on Earth.

The Project 23 Connection:

Every post here is backed by our Argentina Authority Ledger—a collection of 10,000+ geolocated photos and years of first-person fieldwork.

Whether you’re planning a solo trek through the steppe or looking for the slow-paced, intentional side of South American life, consider this your master syllabus for the edge of the world.

Samuel Jeffery (Nomadic Samuel) experiencing traditional Argentine mate culture at Estancia Tecka, Chubut, during the autumn season. A primary data record for the Project 23 Patagonia Authority Ledger.
Taking a moment for mate at Estancia Tecka. If you’re visiting the Chubut steppe in autumn, the “Lenga” and “Ñire” trees turn a brilliant red, making it the best time for slow-travel photography and cultural immersion.

Grab a mate, settle in, and let’s get lost.