For a part of the world that comprises some of the worlds most beautiful and spectacular scenery it is no surprise that there are boundless opportunities for hiking within Chile and Argentina. Those who are tempted by the idea of getting their boots on and walking through: deserts, jungles, native forest, rugged coastlines and ice fields, should be thinking about planning a trip to this part of the world.

Summer (November to March) is the best time of year to undertake such a trip if you are considering going to Patagonia, but if you are not, then sensational walks can be taken all year round.

Both countries have an organised system of national parks and national monuments that both protect and administer large areas of outstanding natural beauty. Some of these parks, such as Torres del Paine (in Chile) and Los Glaciares (in Argentina) are well known and get busy in high season, but the majority are little known and rarely visited and exceptionally beautiful. A good example of the latter is Parque Nacional Volcan Isluga, close to the Bolivian border in northern Chile.

This park, along with other parks in the region, covers areas of the Altiplano of great natural beauty and those who venture here will be rewarded with unspoilt views of spectacular scenery and sightings of many animals that are rare elsewhere, such as: guanaco,