Page 227 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Argentina

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patagonia

A vast wilderness of glistening lakes, vertiginous peaks, sweeping
glaciers, empty, barren plains, and rugged coastline, Patagonia
was first roamed by dinosaurs, and later was long the preserve of
indigenous groups. The region is perhaps best known, though,
for its pioneer era, when visionaries and adven tu rers came ashore
in search of a better life at the bottom of the world.

Two main indigenous groups originally were built to serve the burgeoning
inhabited Patagonia – the Mapuche and wool industry. Today, oil, gas, and fishing
Tehuelche. Portuguese explorer Ferdinand have usurped wool as Patagonia’s major
Magellan was the first European to source of income and a blossoming
discover the region, in 1520. Adventurers, tourist industry has brought fur ther
merchants, and pirates followed in his prosperity to the region.
wake, although no permanent colony was Visitors can enjoy a wide range of
established until the late 18th century. outdoor activities, including horse riding,
After gaining its independence, trekking, fly­fishing, boating and rafting,
Argentina made concerted efforts to settle and wildlife watching, all the while
Patagonia. In 1865, Welsh pioneers landed admiring Patagonia’s spec ta cular scenery.
at Puerto Madryn. In the same decade, Its cities and towns remain busy centers
the Argentinian govern ment launched of culture and entertainment, offering
military cam paigns against the Mapuche excellent museums and restaurants. Some,
and Tehuelche, putting an end to all indi­ like Trelew and Gaiman, are still quin­
genous resistance in the region. Towns tessentially Welsh, complete with chapels,
such as Junín de los Andes and Bariloche tea shops, and Welsh­style houses. In
were founded in the Mapuche heart land essence, the region has changed little since
and popu lated by European immi grants. its pioneer past and remains a beautiful,
Rail roads, ports, and new settlements remote, and sparsely populated wilderness.

A colony of sea lions basking on a gravel beach in Península Valdés
The Llao Llao mountainside resort hotel in Bariloche

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