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

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!TakeawaysPatagonia 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 MeghjiWebsiteInstagramWinging It Travel PodcastWebsiteCreditsHost/Producer/Creator/Writer/Composer/Editor - James HammondPodcast Art Design - Swamp Soup Company - Harry UttonSupport Winging ItBuy Me A Coffee - HereMerch Store - Here Buy My Digital Travel Planner - HereAffiliate Links If you book anything using my resources link below, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.https://www.wingingittravelpodcast.com/resourcesThanks!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.Mentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network