Patagonia is a territory shared by the countries of Chile and Argentina. The region of Patagonia encompasses the southern section of the Andes mountain range to the southwest towards the Pacific ocean (Chilean side) and from the east of the Andes to the valleys it follows south through Rio Colorado towards the Atlantic Ocean (Argentinean side). The magnificent region stretches around 260,000 square miles. The whole Patagonia has a population of about 2 million people. The Patagonian city of Ushuaia (Argentina) is the southernmost city in the world, and is a popular departure point for cruises and departures to Antarctica. Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina are the two most visited parks in Patagonia. The gargantuan Perito Moreno glacier in Los Glaciares National Park contains the third largest reserve of fresh water in the world,

Colorful Patagonia

Las Torres

Tierra del Fuego

Perito Moreno Glaciar

Perito Moreno

Emerald Lake

Andes

Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park

The colors of Patagonia

River & Bridge

Rock del Paine

Teal River

Lodge inside Torres del Paine

Glacier Perito Moreno

Glacier Perito Moreno

El Calafate

Lago Argentino

Lago Argentino

Flower from Patagonia

A bird

credit: Douglas Scortegagna

Torres del Paine is home to some of the world’s most classic trekking routes. The W Trek and the Paine Circuit are popular routes. It is a national park encompassing mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers in southern Chilean Patagonia. The Cordillera del Paine is the centerpiece of the park. It lies in a transition area between the Magellanic subpolar forests and the Patagonian Steppes. This mountainous region dates to at least twelve million years. Sedimentary rock and magma met and was thrust high into the air. The best time to visit the park is between November and April, which coincide with spring and summer in the southern hemisphere. The park draws in approximately 100,000 visitors each year who visit the Paine Towers, Los Cuernos, French Valley and Grey Glacier.

credit: lisa_aw

On 13 March 2013 the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), the largest ground-based astronomical project in the world, was inaugurated. ALMA will explore the Universe via millimeter and submillimeter wavelength light. It is located in the Atacama desert of northern Chile, one of the world\’s best sites for observational astronomy. At an elevation of 16,500 feet above sea level. The scientific communities of North America, Europe, and East Asia together built the observatory, with total cost about $1.3 billion. Completed ALMA has a total of 66 antennas, 25 from North America, 25 from Europe, and 16 from East Asia.

credit: European Southern Observatory          ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)

Mercado Central is located in Santiago de Chile is considered as the main Central market in this city. The lofty iron structure, reminiscent of a Victorian train station, was prefabricated in England and erected in Santiago between 1868 and 1872. The main complex in Mercado central Offers a range of shops and hotels. Shops mainly sell meat and vegetables, while lot of hotels serve food to guests, along with guys playing music.

Address: San Pablo, Paseo Puente & Valdés Vergara bordered by 21 de Mayo
Transport: Puente Cal y Canto
Hours: food stands & restaurants 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 7am-3.30pm Sat & Sun

credit: Paul Lowry

credit: Hector Garcia

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credit: Renata Avila

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credit: Ndecam

credit: Ndecam

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