So the trip’s all booked, you’re fantasising about the new trekking gear you should (or maybe could) get, and you’re hungry to find out more about Patagonia.
Here are a few recommendations that we think will inform and inspire you before your big trip, you may also be interested to read our Patagonia Guide.
Books
1. In Patagonia, Bruce Chatwin
Chatwin’s collection of stories about his journeys through Patagonia, written in 1977, is a literary classic. Whilst it’s not exactly an easy going travel journal with a clear view of places to visit and things to do, it does provides some wonderful stories about the characters that he met and their own history in the region. https://tinyurl.com/6w2ec6k
2. Patagonia – a Cultural History, Chris Moss
Chris Moss has lived in Argentina for years and provides an insightful view of Patagonia’s history right from the start. You’ll get a sense of Patagonia’s influence on everyone from its indigenous people to 19th century explorers, the Welsh pioneers and even Butch Cassidy. https://tinyurl.com/7dtzc76
3. Mischief in Patagonia, Bill Tilman
This is out of print, but you should be able to find a copy and I’d recommend it wholheartedly. Tilman sailed from Britain, through the Magellan Straits, and up the Pacific Coast. He then embarked on an expedition across the Patagonian Ice Cap east to west. A wonderfully understated account of what must have been a truly extraordinary journey. https://tinyurl.com/7p4yxqt
4. Trekking in the Patagonian Andes
For a more practical guide to hiking in the region this is an excellent refernce and, in fact, I still have my 1998 edition on the bookshelf from my first visit. https://tinyurl.com/7383yhl
Films & Videos
1. In Patagonia (2010)
In Patagonia charts the journeys of an elderly Argentine lady exploring her roots in Wales, and a Welsh couple visiting Patagonia . It is filmed mainly in northern Patagonia around the Chubut Valley with some beautiful shots of the steppe, and in Wales. It received mixed reviews, but the shots of northern Patagonia are stunning and we certainly enjoyed it. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1020559/. More about the Patagonia film on the Swoop blog. One of our partners runs a trip to all the top locations in the film – a great way to see the area.
2. Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race 2011: The Last Wild Race
The 10 day race may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this is a good one to enjoy from your armchair. The race is run in Southern Chilean Patagonia every year, through both iconic national parks and areas that are very rarely seen. You’ll be wowed by the landscapes as much as by the endeavours of the participants of the race.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/movie/wenger-patagonian-expedition/id498965561
3. A story for tomorrow, Gnarly Bay Productions
We only came across this beautiful short video of Chile and Patagonia today, but Charlotte and I were both mesmerised. https://vimeo.com/36519586
Of course, this is just a selection. Please do add your own suggestions and comments below.
