Salta, Argentina, September 2022

In September 2022, I traveled to Argentina for a trip that combined work and holidays. After conducting humanitarian work in northern Argentina, I set off on an epic adventure to Patagonia, where I experienced the stunning landscapes of El Calafate, El Chaltén, and ultimately, the southernmost city in the world—Ushuaia.

Work in the North – Humanitarian and Disaster Risk Reduction Projects

My work began with meetings in Buenos Aires, where I coordinated with local authorities, humanitarian partners, and colleagues from various organisations. After the meetings, I travelled to Salta and surrounding areas to visit our ongoing projects in disaster risk reduction and humanitarian assistance.

I visited the following areas:
• San Ramón de la Nueva Orán – A key town in Orán Department, where we work on supporting local communities in preparing for natural disasters like floods and droughts.
• El Carmen Department – Here, I had the chance to observe the collaboration between local authorities and community leaders in improving disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.

These visits allowed me to see the vulnerabilities and strengths of the communities in these regions and witness the impact of our disaster risk reduction efforts.

Exploring Patagonia – My First Trip to the South

After my work in the north, I made my way to Patagonia, which had always been a place I wanted to explore. The timing of my trip was perfect—end of winter, beginning of spring—and I was lucky to experience amazing weather: sunny skies and relatively warm temperatures for this time of year.

El Calafate

My journey began in El Calafate, a town near Lago Argentino. From here, I took a boat trip on the lake to get up close to the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most famous glaciers in the world. The sight of the massive ice walls and the cracking sounds as the glacier calved was awe-inspiring. The clear blue skies made the glacier’s ice look even more striking against the backdrop of the Patagonian landscape.

La Leona and El Chaltén

Next, I ventured to La Leona, a scenic resting stop along the Ruta 40, offering views of the Patagonian steppe and distant mountains. From there, I continued to El Chaltén, a small town known as the “trekking capital” of Argentina. I took several short hikes in Los Glaciares National Park, surrounded by towering peaks and glacial lakes. The famous Mount Fitz Roy was often shrouded in clouds, but its imposing silhouette was unforgettable.

Ushuaia – The End of the World

After Patagonia’s landscapes of glaciers and mountains, I made my way to the southernmost tip of Argentina, also known as “the end of the world”—Ushuaia.
• Ushuaia, the capital of Ushuaia Department, is one of the most remote towns in the world. The town is nestled between the Beagle Channel and the Martial Mountains, making it a hub for maritime trade and Antarctic expeditions.
• The town has a fascinating history as a former penal colony and has grown into a center for tourism and fishing, serving as a gateway to the southernmost parts of the globe. The streets of Ushuaia are surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forests, and glacial lakes, making it one of the most picturesque places I’ve visited.
• Maritime Hub: Ushuaia’s maritime industry is a key part of its identity, with fishing vessels and research ships crowding the harbor. The fishing industry, particularly for king crabs, is central to the local economy. These icy waters are perfect for crabs, and the harvested seafood is a local delicacy.
• Fishing and Culture: The fishing industry is a huge part of life in Ushuaia, and I had the chance to experience the local culture firsthand, with fresh seafood served in many of the town’s restaurants. The combination of fishing and maritime activity creates a sense of resilience in the town, given its remote location and challenging weather conditions.
• Penal Colony Legacy: Ushuaia’s history as a penal colony is still evident, and I visited the prison museum, where I learned about the difficult lives of prisoners who helped build the town’s early infrastructure. This part of the city’s history adds another layer to its unique identity.

Ushuaia’s Natural Beauty and Way of Life

The natural beauty of Ushuaia is undeniable. The town is surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, and the Beagle Channel, creating a dramatic backdrop to daily life. The weather in spring was surprisingly sunny, with patches of snow still covering the mountains, but the temperatures were mild enough to enjoy exploring the area by car.

Memories of Patagonia

Patagonia, with its vast, untouched landscapes, made a profound impression on me. I had the chance to explore some of the most remote and stunning places in the world—places where the earth feels wild and untouched, and where the power of nature is evident at every turn.
• The crystal-clear lakes, towering glaciers, and endless mountains were simply breathtaking.
• Ushuaia, in particular, left me in awe with its mix of rugged landscapes, seafront views, and polar climate. Despite the icy cold, the sunny days made it perfect for outdoor exploration.

Return to Buenos Aires

After four days in Ushuaia, I returned to Buenos Aires to wrap up my trip and prepare for my flight back to Panama. I was grateful for the time spent in Argentina—a trip that beautifully combined humanitarian work with unforgettable travel experiences in one of the most stunning regions in the world.

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