Finn Clennett

Given my love for the outdoors and its incredible Andean beauty, there is nowhere better than the stunning region of Patagonia. However, after hitchhiking throughout this entire region, one place truly stole my heart: El Chaltén.

This small town at the base of Mount Fitz Roy is perfectly nestled among the most incredible mountains, with easy access to some of the most beautiful views Latin America has to offer. The town and its surrounding beauty are easily navigated with great guides and well-trodden day hikes. Although most go to see the sunrise and sunset across Mount Fitz Roy (which is a must-see!), one peak more rarely visited is that of Loma del Pliegue Tumbado. Here you get an unbelievable 360-degree view, giving you not only a new perspective of Mount Fitz Roy itself but also a direct view down into Laguna Torre, across to Cerro Torre and the shimmering glaciers that line the mountainsides. You can also see the town, the valley it sits in, and the grand Viedma Lake. This view is truly all-encompassing and highlights the unbelievable beauty this town has to offer.

Although narrowing it down feels impossible, two experiences stood out during my time in Latin America.

First, the tours I took deep within the Madidi National Park in the Bolivian Amazon. Perfect for avid photographers looking to experience the Amazon’s unbelievable biodiversity, this experience was not only visually mesmerising but also incredibly educational.

With tour leaders born and raised in the area, you gain a nuanced insight into the workings of the jungle and how its people thrive there. One tip: make sure to bring a head torch with an infrared setting to allow you to see the nighttime wildlife without attracting insects. Also, be sure to bring long, light layers and plenty of bug spray.

Second, trekking across the Peruvian Andes, most notably the life-changing Ausangate Trek. This excursion will stay with me forever, offering some of my favourite views from my entire trip. Although physically tough, like most treks at altitude, it was worth every moment. The route, situated a day’s hike away from the famous Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain, allowed me to take in this famous tourist spot alone, with no other tourists in sight.

A few tips when trekking in Peru: make sure to bring sunscreen, as the sun is strong at altitude. Also, ensure you have enough time to acclimatise before starting the trek to fully enjoy the experience.

It’s not one specific place, but my favourite accommodations were the houses of those who hosted me while I hitchhiked from the southernmost tip of Argentina to the border of Brazil. Their kindness and generosity made my trip so much more special.