Argentine Patagonia

Darwin at the age of eight (photo Wikipedia)

"In calling up images of the past, I find the plains of Patagonia frequently pass across my eyes; yet these plains are pronounced by all to be wretched and useless. They can be described only by negative characters; without habitation, without water, without trees, without mountains, they support merely a few dwarf plants. Why, then, and the case is not peculiar to myself, have these arid wastes taken so firm a hold on my memory?" Charles Darwin: The Voyage of H.S.M. Beagle

Magellanic Penguins in Punta Tombo, Peninsula Valdés

Marine fauna in Patagonia

Until late November we will be able to enjoy the presence of the Right Whales which come to Península Valdés every year (in early June) in order to mate and nurse their babies. About sixty newly born whales will make their way back to the Southern Seas, along with their mothers, when the weather begins to get too hot. The deep waters of the Golfo Nuevo provide a priviledged place to give birth and nurse the baby whales - which have to be pushed to the surface as soon as they're born so that they begin to breathe.

Most penguin colonies in the peninsula and the continent live in permanent settlements, though some penguins come from the coast of Brazil before the summer starts. Both sea lions (or fur seals) and elephant seals stay throughout the year.

Ballena franca in Puerto Madryn

Romancing a fur seal

How about the train?

Retiro Station

A trip is made up of planned situations, inevitable surprises and pleasant discoveries. This is a section to share those little or big secrets that only the real experience of travelling allows you to unveil.To start, here's a bit of information that, though accessible to everyone, nobody seems to be aware of. In Argentina you can also travel by train and, despite what many locals will tell you, not only survive but actually enjoy it.
Travelling by train may take a little longer than going by bus but it's also much more comfortable and even cheaper. You can sit in the dining car, stretch your legs and sip your favourite drink while talking to a friend, to the author of the book you're reading or to yourself or just look out of the window and see the world pass by: a tree, a cow, your thoughts. A kind of meditation accessible to all.

See Fares and Timetable

Mar del Plata can be a good destination for your first trip (provided you avoid the summer crowds). It's a lovely city, only six hours away from BA. The best place to try a delicious chupín (fish stew) and watch the happiness of the fur seals as they sight the first fishing boats coming into port.

Happiness

In his quest for happiness, the French writerJules Renard, found these simple practices to be of value:
Eat well, sleep well, go wherever you wish, stay where it pleases you, never complain and, above all, avoid the main city monuments like the pest.