Our 5-Year Anniversary in Patagonia
Patagonia: Wild Landscapes, Kind People, and One Unforgettable Trip
Patagonia truly blew us away—with its jagged peaks, ever-changing weather, and some of the kindest people we’ve ever met. It’s the kind of place that feels both rugged and welcoming, where nature humbles you and the locals make you feel right at home.
Before we even made it to Patagonia, we had a 24-hour stopover in New York City—our first time there! We squeezed in as much as we could: a visit to the beautiful New York Public Library (which felt straight out of a movie), wandering around the city streets, and tracking down some seriously good food. The highlight? Cookies from Levain Bakery, which absolutely lived up to the hype. It was a whirlwind, but such a fun way to kick off the trip.
We started our trip in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, which turned out to be my absolute favorite part. The views here were unreal—towering granite peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and winds so strong they nearly knocked us over (in the most memorable way). We stayed in an off-grid cabin tucked away in the landscape, where they made breakfast for us each morning. Waking up to the smell of fresh coffee and warm bread while looking out over the mountains? Pure magic.
We also had one of the best meals of the trip here—authentic Chilean food that warmed us up from the inside out. I still think about that dinner.
Next, we crossed into Argentina and made our way to El Chaltén, a small mountain town known as the trekking capital of the country. We had originally planned to do a long hike here—maybe even try to catch a glimpse of Mount Fitz Roy—but between being a little wiped out from travel and some wild weather, we decided to slow down instead. And honestly, it was perfect. El Chaltén is made for taking it easy. Cozy cafés, mountain views, and a laid-back vibe that made it feel like a little sanctuary.
After that, we ended the trip in El Calafate, home to the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier. Seeing this massive ice field in person was jaw-dropping. The sounds of the ice creaking and calving into the water will stay with me forever—it felt like witnessing something ancient and alive.
Also: the coffee in both El Calafate and El Chaltén? So good. I wasn’t expecting that at all, but it was such a treat to find cozy spots with rich espresso and pastries that warmed our hands after a day out in the wind.
Something I’ve noticed in every Spanish-speaking country I’ve visited is how genuinely kind people are. Chile and Argentina were no exception. From the hosts who welcomed us into their cabins to strangers who helped us navigate unfamiliar towns, there was a warmth and generosity that made the whole experience even sweeter.
Abram and I both agree—this is easily in our top three trips we’ve ever taken. And yes, it took nearly three days of travel to get there… but it was so worth it.
To make it even more special, we brought along our wedding outfits and got dressed back up to celebrate five years of being married. We found a quiet spot surrounded by the Patagonian wilderness in Torres del Paine and got to enjoy the magic of this wild place—just the two of us, windblown and laughing, with glaciers in the distance and so much gratitude in our hearts.
It felt like the perfect way to mark this milestone—doing something adventurous, meaningful, and completely us.
If Patagonia’s on your bucket list—let this be your sign. Yes, it’s remote. Yes, it’s unpredictable. But that’s part of the magic.
Whether you’re hiking through Torres del Paine, sipping espresso in El Chaltén, or standing in awe of a glacier in El Calafate—every part of this place leaves a mark. And if you’re lucky, it might even become part of your love story, too.
Patagonia changed us in all the best ways. We went to celebrate five years of marriage—and came back with memories that will last a lifetime.
