SOUTH AMERICA: NOTES FROM MY TRAVELS.

What surprised me most about the Perito Moreno glacier in Argentina wasn’t actually its sheer size. I’d seen plenty of photos — and they don’t really prepare you for the scale — which is extraordinary.

But for me, it was the sound.

A loud cracking noise, followed by an almighty crash, as another huge slab of ice sheared away from the glacier’s edge and fell into the water below. It made me realise that however long the glacier has been there, it’s still a living thing - perpetually changing and evolving.

To see Perito Moreno, you travel to El Calafate in Patagonia - a pleasant town with a good range of accommodation. And for those who appreciate a stylish base, a new luxury hotel is opening nearby next November: Explora El Calafate. I’ve stayed at their Atacama Desert property in Chile, and it was a real class act.

If you’d like your first journey to South America to feel genuinely memorable - not just impressive - I’m always happy to suggest the places and experiences that will suit you best. Get in touch