I've been to a few of the above sites and like you don't participate significantly in outdoor activities (other than long walks but not "hiking"). Here are my comments:

- Puerto Montt - we really loved it because of its fabulous Angelmo farmer's market and restaurant area...but we're foodies.

- Went to Mt Fitzroy and Perito Moreno in March this year after an Antarctic cruise....was concerned we would be "glaciered-out" but Perito Moreno was spectacular and the town of El Calafate was charming. Mt. Fitzroy was shrouded in fog so can't comment on it but we did a couple of nice walks to waterfalls.

- We took a 4 day cruise a few years ago from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas through the strait of Magellan .... it was very beautiful if a bit sedentary. We very much enjoyed Ushuaia (been there twice now) particularly the day excursions either up the Beagle Channel or to the many national parks. Town is cute -- lots of stores selling Patagonia and Columbia clothing! (reminded me of Banff)

Elizabeth-S-Was the cruise you took with Cruceros Australis? I'm thinking about taking that cruise next year, Sept. or Oct., but it is very expensive. Was it worth it? I have been on Celebrity Xpedition in the Galapagos, another very expensive trip, but that was fabulous and worth every dollar.

susiesan - we were on Mare Australis (looks like it has been renamed Via Australis now). We went from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas (3 nights). The scenery was lovely and the ship well run but we did find it a little sedentary - possibly because we had just come from the Galapagos and were used to a bit more activity and excursions (we were on the Eclipse).

The excursion to see the penguins was fantastic though! Here's a link to our blog posting.


http://lizandrichardsa.typepad.com/liz_and_richard_in_south_/2006/03/rounding_cape_h.html

Thank for the replies. Elizabeth_S, your blog is great and very helpful for planning my trip. The more I think about it the more Patagonia sounds like sights I've already seen in New Zealand, Canada, Iceland, Alaska (which was a big dissappointment because I'd seen the same sights elsewhere), I'll just visit Patagonia briefly and see Torre del Paine and Perito Moreno.

This site about our trip four years ago may be of interest:

http://wasleys.org.uk/SthAmer_websites/sth_amer_08_mw

Puerto Varas, a pleasant lakeside resort, is a few miles north of Puerto Montt and gives easy access to some pleasant places.

Liz-
I had already read all of your blog that pertained to Argentina. I have not decided yet what parts of Argentina to visit. We only will have 2-2 1/2 weeks total. After a week between BA and Iguazu, the other week would be spent either in the NW/Salta area or south/Patagonia.We would be flying between areas and not driving or taking buses like you due to time constraints. Tying up 4-5 days on one of the Australis ships and having to buy another visa for the brief time in Chile is something I have to think about.

Overall, would you say the Australis cruise was worth the very high cost? Is it a good way to see a lot in a short period of time?

Hi

I think the best place to visit in Patagonia are:

Puerto Montt
Puerto Varas ( Andes Cruise) Bariloche
Bariloche
El Calafate ( Perito Moreno- Fitz Roy)
Puerto Natales ( Balmaceda and Serrano Glacier)
Torres del Paine (Grey Glacier or French Valley )
Punta Arenas ( Navigation to Penguin Santa Magdalena).

Regards!

Hard to answer if it's worth the cost - as I recall it was about $1600 for 2 for 3 nights in 2005. Certainly we enjoyed it and it was the genesis of our recent trip to Antarctica...but it sounds like you may have other priorities.

BTW - we were in the NW/Salta region for 12 days in March and loved it - I keep promising a trip report but can't get to it for a few weeks. But if you're in BA and going to Iguazu and the NW is of interest to you....that may be the best use of your holiday time. What time of year?

Liz-
We can go anytime in the fall of 2013. We can go between Sept. to Dec., based on when I can get award seats to EZE. We will be quite flexible with the dates. We have been to Peru, enjoyed it, and the NW sounds a lot like Peru as far as landscape and sights go.

Cruceros Australis only has rates through April 2013 posted. The least expensive cabin for the 3 night trip April 3 2013 is $944 per person. Based on 2012 Oct. rates they are $1180 pp for 3 nights, $1573 pp for 4 nights lowest rates.

I'll be interested to read your TR from March. I don't have to decide what part of Argentina to visit yet and can't even begin to look for FF tickets until Nov./Dec. this year. I always research potential vacations way in advance.

Mt. Fitzroy is incredible. If you are into hiking, I would not miss it. Same with Torres Del Paine, very rugged and remote and just stunning. I'd skip Ushuaia, the town is not that lively and the views are no better than anywhere else. I liked Puerto Varas, but didn't make it to Puerto Montt. The boat ride from there to Bariloche would be gorgeous.