Ep 155 w/ Shafik Meghji - A Deep Dive Into Argentinian and Chilean Patagonia in South America

Winging It Travel Podcast

Welcome to episode 155! This week, Shafik Meghji rejoins me for a second time to discuss travelling in Patagonia. In this episode, we will touch on Cordoba, Argentina's second city, and why it isn't on the traveller's radar for travel in Argentina.

We discuss the best times to travel to Patagonia, the issue of over-tourism, and the different entry points into the region. We explore the landscapes and attractions of Patagonia's Argentine and Chilean sides, including the Peninsula Valdes, Welsh Patagonia, Los Glaciares National Park, and the Lake District. Patagonia can be expensive, but we mention the affordability of travelling by bus in the region and highlight the Tren del Fin del Mundo, the southernmost railway on earth, and travelling by boat in Chile to reach Patagonia.

Shafik talked us through his previous travels to the region when he visited Ushuaia, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and Antarctica. Shafik has travelled in the region for the last two decades and was based in Buenas Aires for a year in his younger days. He is an expert in the region, and I am so glad to get his thoughts on Patagonia. Thanks, Shafik, for coming to the show; we will get that hat trick in!

Takeaways

• Patagonia is a vast region spanning the southern halves of Argentina and Chile, known for its dramatic landscapes and wilderness.

• The best times to visit Patagonia are spring + autumn to avoid the peak summer crowds.

• Overtourism is a concern in popular spots like Torres del Paine.

• Comfortable buses offer amenities like meals + entertainment.

• The End of the World Train in Ushuaia, Argentina, was built by convict labour + is now a tourist attraction.

• Ushuaia is the main port for ships to Antarctica, and visiting Antarctica is a popular tourist activity.

• Cordoba, Argentina's second city, is known for its beautiful architecture, universities, and surrounding natural attractions.

• Travelling independently in Patagonia is possible with some planning, and the public transport network is reliable.

• Train travel in Europe is a great way to explore the continent.

Shafik Meghji

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1. Exploring the Vast Landscapes of Patagonia (00:00:00)

2. Avoiding Over-Tourism in Popular Spots (00:11:06)

3. Discovering the Attractions of Welsh Patagonia (00:16:28)

4. Admiring the Glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park (00:22:10)

5. Affordable Travel Options in Patagonia (00:27:35)

6. Riding the Southernmost Railway on Earth (00:28:01)

7. Exploring the End of the World Train in Ushuaia (00:28:27)

8. Visiting Antarctica from Ushuaia, the Gateway to the South (00:31:24)

9. Discovering the Charm of Cordoba, Argentina's Second City (00:33:53)

10. Tips for Independent Travel in Patagonia (00:35:55)

11. The Joys of Train Travel in Europe (00:44:32)

12. Subscribe to the channel (00:56:08)