Camping in Argentina versus Peru
Few countries can boast of having as many world-class values and experiences as Argentina. Like the Iguazu Waterfall, which is one of the most beautiful in the world. Or the highest mountain in the world outside the Himalayas, Aconcagua. It has the largest penguin colonies in the world, a famous food culture and a capital that never sleeps. In addition, it has huge swamp areas with a completely unique wildlife and its wild desert areas are flowing with strange rocks and dinosaur skeletons.
Peru has one of the longest history of civilization and it is a well known country because of Machu Picchu, a symbol of the Incan Empire. Also because of the cities like Iquitos, a large city with 400.000 inhabitants in the north Peru in the middle of the Amazon jungle on the world’s richest river, the Amazon. It has diverse landscape, and many breathtaking nature spots worth visiting like Lake Titicaca, Sacred Valley, the islands of Uros and Taquile and much more.
So where to stay when, when visiting either Argentina or Peru? Both of the countries are just great for camping. Argentina reportedly has the highest number of campsites in the world per inhabitant. In Peru, camping is possible almost everywhere and it’s rarely difficult to find space for a tent. So, here are a couple of official camping spots you could visit to experience the amazing landscapes this countries are offering.
ARGENTINA
Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia
Tierra del Fuego is an archipelago which is also referred to as “The Land of Fire” and it is located on the absolute tip of the Americas. If you are in need of supplies, the best is to stop at Ushuaia, on the mainland of Isla Grande Tierra del Fuego. By driving southeast, you will find an old farm established back in 1886, Estancia Haberton, where you will need to seek permission to camp on the ranching terrain.
Patagonia
Close to El Calafate, within Los Glaciares National Park, there is a couple of camping sites you could visit. Like Lago Roca and Bahía Escondida with tables, benches, grills, complete baths, restaurant, cabins, general store, selling of fishing licenses, room games (pool, chess, etc.) and a public telephone. Or El Huala and Correntoso , a free camps without services if you are in a mood for a more natural experience.
A lot of Argentina’s national parks have camping sites, so check those if you are planning the camping trip.
PERU
Machu Picchu
Near Machu Picchu, there are three established camps where you can spend the night: Huayllabamba, Pacaymayo and Wiñayhuayna (or Puyupatamarca). People visiting those camps are usually the ones following The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu which lasts 4 days and 3 nights. In the camps you can find basic hygiene services, there is no electricity system or internet network or cell phone signal. The camps are ideal to disconnect from the world and appreciate the multiple stars drawn in the sky.
Mancora
In Mancora, there are plenty of options to camp, both campsites and hotel grounds with a little more comfort. For example, Pepon Surf Camp offers accommodation with free WiFi and a shared lounge. Some units also have a kitchenette equipped with a dishwasher and breakfast options are available every morning. The camping site is perfect if you are into more “fancy” kind of camping or just need a bit more of security and comfort.
This is just a couple of suggestions for you to get inspired for a trip with a real connection with nature.