Picture yourself on a map when you're here and you realise how far south you are; indeed, the southernmost city in the world; Ushuaia, sits at the very southern tip of Argentinian Patagonia, after which the landmass gives way until the start of the mighty Antarctic White Continent.
Around the airport town of El Calafate, Argentina's renowned Los Glaciares National Park contains dozens of glaciers, including giants such as the Viedma, the Upsala and the famous Perito Moreno which delivers its cargo of ice into Lago Argentino.
Northwards, 140 miles and two lakes divide El Calafate and El Chaltén, hiking and trekking capital of Argentinian Patagonia. Two major mountains dominate; Cerros Torre and Fitzroy are tough technical climbs but their slopes are ideal for dedicated walkers; camping is one option, but there are also several excellent comfortable lodges in the area.
Between them, these destinations in South Patagonia offer a wide variety of outdoor holiday activities in beautiful natural surroundings, from trekking, horse riding and mountain biking to boating, kayaking or fly fishing on the lakes, and barbecues at local farms. There's also the chance to see native wildlife such as the guanaco and birds including the graceful Andean condor.
