Thank you so much for your letter and your internet sites. I have checked out both of them and have them bookmarked for use in the future.

We are interested to visiting Patagonia for about 3 weeks at the end of Feb/beginning of March and have a few questions that I hope you can answer.

Because distances are so far, would it be possible for us to fly from Santiago or Buenos Aires directly to the area closest to Torres del Paine. (Porto Natales?) We'd like to hike there for about 4 - 6 days. Then, we'd fly south if possible to Tierra del Fuego for 3 days. After that we'd like to go to Rio Gallegos (by plane?) to do the Fitz Roy area for 4 or 5 days and then on up to the Moreno glacier for 2 days and perhaps to Bariloche. From what we can tell, we are not sure if Bariloche is too crowded for us. We like solitude and scenic beauty with not too much activity (night life and busy shopping areas). Do you think we should rent a car or a car/driver? We can't tell how good the roads in Patagonia are or if it is possible for people who don't speak Spanish to do this one one's own. Is it safe? Are there places to get help for your car if it breaks down??? (without speaking Spanish?)

We are also wondering if it is too late in the season to expect good weather (we don't mind cold weather - but constant hiking in rain is not pleasant). Perhaps we are rushing this and should put it off to do it in January of next year. Please, if you have time, I would like your thoughts on this.

Thank your for taking the time to help us out. We would really love to do this trip!!! Muchas gracias (that's about all of the Spanish I know)

Susie, Newton MA - USA