Patagonia Changed My Life - A Travel Film

It's no secret why Patagonia attracts adventure lovers from all over the world. With 260,000 square miles of vast, wild landscapes at the southern end of South America, this region exposes you to nature in its rawest and purest form. This film documents my first week in Patagonia - full of difficult challenges, extreme highs and lows, and intense emotions. Enjoy!
This is Part 1 of my Patagonia series - taking place in El Chalten and El Calafate, Argentina. Check out Part 2 and 3 below:
PART 2: • GLAMPING IN PATAGONIA ...
PART 3: • Our Final Week in Pata...
This film was written, shot, edited, and produced by Crosby Melendi. Drone shots by Crosby Melendi and ‪@DylanGorman‬.
Thank you so much for watching!
➡ ABOUT ME
My name is Crosby and I've been a full-time traveler and digital nomad since 2020. After a few corporate jobs throughout college, I quickly realized that the 9-5 lifestyle wasn’t for me. So in 2019, I took the leap into the freelance world and in 2020, I started traveling the world full-time - from solo traveling Mexico to road tripping Portugal to living in a travel trailer, I'm absolutely addicted to this lifestyle. At the moment, I'm spending 3 months exploring Argentina!
Be sure to subscribe and follow me on Instagram for daily updates! Thanks so much for watching!
➡ MY CAMERA GEAR
• Canon EOS R6 Mark II - amzn.to/48y0AvC
• Canon RF 24-105mm lens - amzn.to/3H2kmUo
• Microphone - amzn.to/48CdGrS
• DJI Mini 4 Pro - amzn.to/48iHFFm
• GoPro Hero 11 - amzn.to/3YtSBKu
• GoPro mini tripod - amzn.to/3v6XeeL
• Brevite camera bag: amzn.to/37XFKfe
Music from Epidemic Sounds: share.epidemicsound.com/2ws4s2 and www.xiglarecords.com/

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Creating this travel film has been one of the greatest creative endeavors of my life. To be honest, I've been in a bit of a content rut these past few months, so on this trip to Patagonia, I wanted to challenge myself to make a completely different style of video than ever before. And I have to say, I am very proud of the final result. I would love to hear your thoughts on this film in the comments, and if you think I should create more travel films like this in the future!

[@mistyshappy5960]

Beautiful!

[@bsnbbq]

I came to the comments to see if anyone else noticed… love this style of video Crosby! I mean, I love all your vids. But I wanted to say how amazingly you were able to capture and translate the immensity of the experience. And on a technical note, I really enjoyed the new microphone for the voiceover. What a trip of a lifetime and thanks for sharing it!

[@arafatrahmanshihab5268]

Absolutely yes

[@mharg6408]

What an amazing experience Crosby !! You transmited the feeling of Patagonia: incredible landscapes and peaceminded, but also with some halth and nature incidents that could eventually happen. Thanks for showing the beauty of Argentina (I only can compare it with your beauty =) ). Blessings !! !! !

[@Ernest-eo3fp]

Both the landscape and you are very beautiful!

[@fernandojorgerenart2638]

It should be a universal human right (and duty) to visit the Argentine Patagonia in order to realize how accurately true Louis Armstrong was when singing “What a wonderful world”. Thanks a million for sharing these great images of my wonderful country with the whole world. You’re all invited! You won’t regret it a single bit.🤝👍🤗

[@arafatrahmanshihab5268]

Right ❤

[@josemariarodriguez7845]

Crosby you got it. Don't need to cry. The mountain is talking to you. It's just saying, hey girl, maybe not today. Don't be sad, we can try it later, I'll be here waiting for you. You finally managed to talk with Fitz Roy. Not many have the privilege.

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

I couldn't agree more ❤

[@virginiaberra947]

I am so proud of my Argentina, Patagonia is one of the most stunning places on earth!

[@dasbose4962]

correction, Chilean Patagonia is way much better!

[@douglasjorge3619]

​@@dasbose4962jajajaja keep dreaming

[@danielcalero3929]

@@dasbose4962 oh no, Argentine Patagonia is more varied. And whoever interferes in a video that talks about something that is not theirs, to say that theirs is better, is just envy.

[@hcarpam1]

On of your best productions. I felt like I was watching a National Geographic Documentary. Excellent job.

[@lowell62]

Your narrating skills are maturing - and by that I mean they are becoming richer in reflection and articulation of emotion. Really enjoyed this one! I'm a 63 year-old solo female traveler currently plotting out my circumnavigation of the globe. Your Mexico videos inspired me recently to head to Oaxaca and Chiapas. Took me a long time to finally start poking around Mexico beyond MEX, I guess because being in the US I'm always thinking I can "go there anytime" and opt instead for faraway places. Thank you for all your hard work. PS: Planter's Fasciitis sucks! Hope it clears up soon :)

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Thank you so much! This is amazing. Wishing you all the best on your big adventure!

[@davidaragon3330]

My best! My wife and I visited Patagonia couple years ago, we put a few K miles on a vehicle and went all over the place. Truly amazing how well Argentina has control of nature and resources - even animals behave differently they do not s m to be scared of humans !!! Enjoy this trip! @Ellosperdidos

[@joeycervino5141]

Amazing video, I loved watching it. I've been to Chalten twice and I can say that the weather is wild and unpredictable. You can have rain, sun, snow and wind conditions on the same day. It can be frustrating at times because most of the time clouds cover Fitz Roy and this is something to keep in mind. However, Chaltén has the best landscapes I've ever seen, I'm very proud to have these incredible places in my country.

[@anjaliprasad6095]

Your narrative brought back memories of my time in Argentine Patagonia. I ventured there in February 2024 and, like you, embarked on the Laguna de los Tres hike at the onset of my journey. It proved to be an unparalleled experience, with ideal weather conditions enhancing the trek's magnificence. However, upon returning to my hotel and removing my boots, I discovered severe blood blisters on both of my thumbs. Seeking medical assistance, I visited the medical center in El Chaltén, where the doctor advised against further hiking until the blisters healed. Having to cancel all my planned hikes in El Chaltén was incredibly challenging. Fortunately, I found a way to navigate the Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Hike despite the discomfort of my blisters.

[@Agruviajes]

Hermoso trabajo y video, imagenes emocionantes, y hermosas historias!!! Gracias por visitar nuestro pais y mostrarlo con tanta belleza, respeto y emocion, me encanto el video, segui mostrando nuestro pais, espero que lo estes disfrutando. Saludos desde Buenos Aires!!!

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Muchísimas gracias!! Me alegra mucho que hayas disfrutado este vídeo. La Patagonia es un lugar tan especial ❤

[@patriciaponce6854]

Hola!! Me alegra muchísimo que hayas tenido la oportunidad de visitar mi amado y hermoso país. Lamento las obstáculos q ha tocado atravesar pero sin duda valió la pena. Argentina es un país donde su naturaleza, su cultura, y la calidad humana no se compara con nada 😇 somos unos afortunados y me encanta que quienes puedan vengan a conocerlo. Excelente el vídeo!! 🌟🙋😘

[@martinvanvuuren]

Hola! Bonas dias. Love to make Patagonia Argentinie our family new home. See soon.

[@zhukov43]

When the algorithm provides genuinely awesome and interesting content I’m happy. Thank you for making this video.

[@nicomagliaro]

Hay un dicho de que un paso atrás es solo para tomar envión. Patagonia siempre va a estar ahí, así que es solo un hasta la próxima. Chalten me voló la cabeza, es espectacular!

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Un lugar MUY espectacular! Gracias por ver!

[@coolcalm1111]

The fact that you opened the video with your plans interrupted, believe it or not, is one of the most Argentine things ever. This kind of things happend daily, mostly in Buenos Aires. You have been Argentinized now 😅 Glad you made it! ❤

[@mharg6408]

Argentina entering in Crosby life lol

[@julicbo]

I did the laguna de los tres trekking in January and I cried in the last part of the climb. I was so physically and mentally tired (cause my fear of heights) that I was really close to give up. I didn't just because even standing still in the middle of the mountain made me feel dizzy. So I kept going and it was amazing, such a beautiful and full of emotions experience. Its true that the mountain speaks to you ❤ I loved seeing how your experience was, more after knowing that it was one thing you really wanted to do and did it with your mom

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Tears were definitely shed by multiple members of our group on that hike too. It's intense! So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@tracykooken2606]

Beautiful !!!

[@julicbo]

@@tracykooken2606 it really was!

[@DianaR.Bright]

Watching this travel film about Patagonia was truly a transformative experience! The breathtaking landscapes, rugged wilderness, and awe-inspiring beauty of Patagonia captured in this video are simply mesmerizing. It's evident that the filmmaker poured their heart and soul into creating this masterpiece, and their passion for Patagonia shines through in every frame. From the towering peaks of the Andes to the pristine glaciers and turquoise lakes, Patagonia's raw and untamed beauty leaves an indelible mark on the soul. This film is not just a visual feast; it's a reminder of the profound impact that travel can have on our lives. It inspires us to embrace adventure, seek out new experiences, and connect with the natural world in a meaningful way. Thank you for sharing this incredible journey with us!

[@jordanpawley2248]

It was great to see the places I was at a few years ago, when I explored Patagonia via Motorcycle November 2018. The wind was so strong it could blow us over when riding even on the moto’s. Thanks for sharing. I remember all those places like it was yesterday.

[@kathyellis2350]

Ironically, I also experienced an airline strike in BA... in 1985. I had an air pass with AArgentina but it looked like there was no resolve on the air strike, so military planes were offered. 'To make a long story short, I flew with them wherever they were going in Argentina, and they went to Calafate among other places. At that time, Calafate was a one-street dusty town, but we got to the glacier, which was not a tourist destination at the time. Stupendous! Not an easy trip but the vistas were grand throughout the Argentina... all via the whim of military planes. Thanks for your video and triggering these memories.

[@josemariarodriguez7845]

Fasciitis is an issue when hiking, skiing, climbing. I have so far solved the problem using barefoot shoes anytime I can. The hypothesis behind it is that high cushioned - heeled shoes makes the foot muscles weak.

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Interesting - thanks for the tip!

[@josemariarodriguez7845]

@@CrosbyGraceTravels You can have a safe start trying the shoe brand Vevo, to strengthening the foot muscles during the everyday life, they are pretty popular. There are also some hiking and skiing boots with "wide toe box", but they are not very popular yet.

[@spsingh4180]

A great film. I've written a short story based on the Welsh settlers in Patagonia. Your film gives me a glimpse of the stunning landscape. Many thanks and best wishes for your future endeavours.

[@_tiffblake_]

Such a stunning video Crosby! From the narration to the cinematography to working through challenges thrown your way with grace! You should be so proud. Can't wait for part 2 and 3 :)

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Thank you so so much!

[@allyssaleaton821]

Crosby, I'm so so proud of you!! This is such a well-produced film that truly captures the grandness and raw beauty of Patagonia, not to mention the will it takes to embrace the challenges you'll inevitably face along the way. I can't wait for the next 2 parts :)

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Thank you so so much. Can't wait to share the next 2 parts!

[@gabrieldinatale9728]

Hermoso video. He estado hace muchos años haciendo servicio militar en la Patagonia, precisamente en Santa Cruz por casi año y medio. Y desde ahi, cada vez que puedo vuelvo, no deja fascinarme, he recorrido muchos lugares, mi lugar favorito es Ushuaia. He estado el año pasado. Mi pais es grande y hermoso, pero siempre voy hacia el sur. Disfrutalo, y siempre podes volver, la Patagonia te espera. Saludos desde Ezeiza, Buenos Aires.

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Eso es increíble. Este lugar es realmente tan especial. ¡Gracias por ver!

[@priteshrathi5095]

Bravo !!! Well done. Amazingly narrated. Love how you have taken the foot injury into such a positive story. You absolutely did handle the challenges with grace.

[@kaylenmelick8783]

Such an amazing trip, so excited to show this video to my family and friends to show them how amazing this trip was trip!

[@NikkiTomlin]

CROSBY!! The way I fought tears the entire time watching this! You played with all my emotions in the best way. I just lived all of this in my own version of a Patagonian adventure and am blown away by how you captured yours so perfectly!

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Ahh thank you, Nikki. Means so much ❤

[@Juan041194]

so happy that you're enjoying your time in my country ❤

[@GabriellaViamonte]

Patagonia has been on my bucket list for some years now. This video was so beautifully shot and put together it brought tears to my eyes imagining myself there. I’m making it a goal to go later this year! If you can give details on the tours you booked it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for filming such an inspiring video!

[@arnoldchua6310]

same here please share details on the tours you booked :)

[@shawntolani5354]

AWESOME!!!! My bucket List!!

[@rebekahnorthern9913]

Beautifully done Crosby!! Thank you.

[@kaylaschregardus4062]

absolutely beautifully filmed! Your one of my favorite expats to watch

[@mariano8477]

I loved the way you connected with the environment and how you conveyed it. The shooting and the edition is great! Nice work!👏👏

[@lorimarkman7010]

This travel film is exceptional!! The beauty of the land, the described adventures and colorful reflections are original and unique. So happy you are sharing these experiences with us. ♥️

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Thank you so so much!!!

[@vickiedavis720]

ABSOLUTELY SUPERB! Cinematic views are absolutely stunning. You've sparked a whole new desire in me to do sna see more of this beautiful planet in which we live. Thank Crosby.💖💖💖💖

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Wow that is so amazing to hear!! Thank you for watching, Vickie!

[@ivandas100]

Amazing video. Very well done. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@Tigerwulf2]

Glad you are enjoying our country. I ll keep watching your videos 😊

[@gonzalomartinez6486]

The quality of this video WTF, stunning views, great editing, awesome narrative 10/10 this is your best video… yet… I’ll be waiting for parts 2 & 3 🙂

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Thank you SO much!

[@amandaf7220]

We just went (Argentina and Chile side) and it is the most beautiful place, along with New Zealand we have ever seen! Great video!! Definitely wouldn't climb 16 miles!

[@moderneprimitives1510]

i am loving all your videos! I started with the ones of Mexico because I love Mexico but I am going to go through all your videos because they are so infomative and well-edited!

[@jentelavrijsen6925]

Wauw! This was an amazing video. It's amazing to see your beautiful trip! But also a more important travel on how to be humble for yourself and how to take good care of yourself. The last one is ke hardest trips. Very sensitive but amazing that you show this Crosby. You are not alone🔥

[@EricandSarah]

SO EPIC CROSBY!! This film was absolutely incredible! The views in Patagonia are UNREAL!! You captured all the beauty and the full range of emotions so well. Can't wait for the next two!!

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Ahh thank you so so much!!

[@harishshaddy]

Such a beautiful place, video, and you!!! Stay blessed love! :D Do more!

[@MsPayam1982]

I am so grateful to find you to see all your incredible movies. Be luck Crosby.😶‍🌫

[@olivia.anelise]

This was such a beautiful video! It got me teary at the end and it's so cool you got to experience this with your mom too! I hope your foot is feeling better. 💜

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Thank you so much!!

[@wmfuller9486]

Amazing video, I wish I could go to Patagonia but at least can enjoy the beauty of the country with great vids like this , Thanks!!

[@hokkaido111]

Patagonia is one of the places I want to visit within the next five years. Nature is beautiful and looks fun! Thank you for sharing the video

[@user-op4xv7im5g]

Inspiring on so many levels. I love your spirit

[@cindyk3076]

I have been following you for a while, not forever, and I have to say that this is you best vid ever! It began like a motion picture and flowed into your personal journey, learning about yourself and growing in that one week. Amazing. I'm so happy that you had this adventure, one you had been waiting for for so long and you were able to share it with your mom! Nature, no matter where in the world, is always something to behold and as you learned, something over which you have no control. I hope that your foot healed quickly. Waiting impatiently for parts 2 & 3!

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

This is exactly what I was going for - thank you SO much! It's a trip I will never forget. Can't wait for you to see part 2 and 3!

[@ssaran2]

Nice one Crosby. Loved the film. Visiting a glacier is the most humble experience that I've ever felt. I trekked Matanuska glacier in Alaska couple of years back and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit this beautiful marvel that most folks will never ever get a chance to see in their lifetime.

[@ArashAbravesh]

I can totally relate to your mountain situation. Last year, I summited a peak over 6,000 meters myself. It was an incredible 10-hour hike to the top, but unfortunately, I injured my IT band on the way down and had a tough time getting back to base camp.

[@ianrecoleta2689]

wowww best video from you so far!! Looks amazing!!!

[@teknotony]

Amazing , thanks for sharing

[@cutlip98]

I've been dealing with PF as well. In addition to the ice/rest usual treatment. I also recommend toe spacers (like the ones that you use when getting a pedicure). The compression socks also help. Definitely get new inserts with your shoes that have arch support.

[@mollyduthie9878]

Great film Crosby! ❤️❤️

[@stamy]

I had a lot of fun watching your film. What a beautiful place on earth this must be. It made me want to go there. We have a well-known French singer who lives in Patagonia, Florent Pagny. Since he moved there I thought it must be a magnificent place, but I never took the trouble to find out a little more. Now the desire to go there is there. Thank you for this moment of happiness. How is your foot?

[@MK5Snowboarder]

Wow. Great video and editing is awesome! I had some idea of how nice it was in Patagonia but your video really opened my eyes and mind. Thank you for showing me these spots and I have them saved in my google maps as places I want to go. It was hard to watch you struggle with your foot on this adventure. Mad respect for wrapping your foot and pooping some Advil and trying to push through the pain. We all would do the same i like to think.

[@asan1050]

Grace! Thank you for posting.

[@malufreedom]

Hey! Your video showed up as a suggestion and wow!!!!! It's magic, it's extraordinary! I'm from Brazil and I just came from a trip in a magic place (Chamonix) and when I was there I was thinking about my trip in Chile and Argentina. I always wanted to live in Chile and this dream is now alive in my heart again. Watching this video just confirmed and reinsured what I want for my future because this place has everything I need to be happier. Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us! 💜

[@AleQuag]

I'm from Bariloche (Patagonia) and let me tell you, the most beautiful part is the coast and mountain range. The center is pretty deserted so it's despressing.

[@omarmuniz3348]

Hermoso y emocionante video, que linda experiencia tuviste, seguí disfrutando de nuestro hermoso pais

[@sergejf3742]

The first few minutes of the video are beautifully filmed and narrated - truly capturing the Patagonia I admire and love.

[@RoundCorner93]

what a beautiful video. Thanks for sharing!!

[@jcortez0228]

Love the travel video. Can’t wait to see the next parts of your trip. 😊

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Can't wait to share!

[@rekagado]

Great video girl!!congrats!,dont worry about the fail trekking you have a reason to come back!

[@franciscovgonzalez6417]

Great to see that you appreciate so much this beautiful land, Patagonia, my homeland. Cheers!

[@waltersa5135]

The Perito Moreno glacier is majestic and magical. Your vlog is very good and your journey through Argentine Patagonia is spectacular! I hope you had a great time. greetings from Mar del Plata 👋🙂

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@ExpatNatt]

Wow 😍😍

[@KKworld_]

Thankyou so much for showing us this incredible view of the glacier ❤

[@MorgansCreativeLife]

I’m bawling at the surrender part at 14:20 😢 so true! In many expects of life !

[@maxxii_music_]

We’ve been waiting for this !

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Hope you enjoy!!

[@maxxii_music_]

@@CrosbyGraceTravels I’m Argentinian living in Florida. I’ve been enjoying all of it !

[@philyogaeveryday321]

Bravo!! I've realized that Argentina will require multiple visits to see just the highlights of that vast country! Planning my first trip now! 💥❤✌

[@MrOsvaldito3]

Amazing travel! Greetings from Argentina

[@Onelesstraveledby]

Wow, very nice! Thank you for sharing!

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Thanks for watching!

[@rr9621]

Incredible video Crosby!!! Your content is excellent. Something did not go as pllaned this time but the mountain is there for you to try again. You never know, maybe this happened because she wants to see you again in the future!!!

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

I really hope to return one day!!

[@jguerrero22]

awesome video, enjoyed watching it, great job!

[@Nielz99]

El video que más esperaba.

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Disfruta!!

[@lpstime101]

It’s gorgeous there 💕

[@BillionaireGirl-ec1xt]

Amazing 🩷🩷, no words. Such a gem of a video

[@barbarabatten7009]

AMAZING. Beautiful video. Well done. So proud of you....

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Love you!!!

[@LangDu21]

Incredible trip and love your narrative!!!!

[@stephaniem9428]

Omg thanks for sharing ! I am planning a trip with hubby and decided to go to Patagonia. May I ask how in what month did you go and where did you stay during your stay? Thank you again ❤

[@marcelor.giorgi5622]

Hi! If you want to know the paradise, return to El Chalten second half of april. The autumn colors are amazing. Greetings from Argentina.

[@chanelleb]

Great video. You did amazing x

[@alma.andtheocean5799]

Beautiful! Well done!! Hope your foot is good again!💙

[@pgomez1684]

You are an incredible young lady! You have inspired me to get up early and make the most of my mornings and, of course, the desire of travel and visit new places. Keep up the great work! This video was amazing! Get better soon ❤.

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Wow that's amazing to hear! Thank you for being here!

[@lailani7617]

Loved your adventure!!

[@caritinalopez6904]

Great video it’s beautiful there ❤❤

[@maxiolmi2421]

Hermoso video. La Patagonia es el último confín del mundo y guarda miles de maravillas en lugares donde todavía nunca se posó el ser humano.

[@n4ko]

beautiful country and the production looks great but the way you narrate really puts everything together.

[@allesae]

love your energy ❤❤❤

[@pablosiles6885]

I know what you are going through, I've had plantar fasciitis for several months now. I hope that you can recover quickly and get to enjoy my country the right way

[@scottman895]

Wow, what a video! The glacial hike at the end looked absolutely incredible! I would totally do something like this! I'm sorry to hear that you were having problems with your foot during the middle of that part of the trip. At least things improved in time for the hike on the glacier! You did such an amazing job with the storytelling with this video! It felt like I was watching a documentary but even better!

[@jorged06]

Amazing content, impecable. I go to our Patagonia every year but 2023 wasn´t the case. I enjoy your videos and narration A LOT.

[@MiguelPorco804]

Tremenda edición , gracias por compartir tu experiencia interior , te comprendo por qué pase por igual experiencia !!!😊

[@thingsilike618]

Wow, it is absolutely beautiful there!

[@ArashAbravesh]

spectacular

[@AddictedToTrails]

Love this style!! I really enjoyed watching!

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Thanks so much 😊

[@pembridgehouse]

Thank you for sharing. Some years ago I bought a small Canon Digital camera in an antique shop in my home town in Australia. I was told it had belonged to an older gentleman who had done a lot of overseas travel. The SD card was still in the camera,There were pics of some girls like your group travelling through very similar country in Patagonia. I don't know who they were but they seemed to be experiencing the same sort of joy you guys had.This gives me some idea of what their trip was like.Nice story. Geoff

[@JP-zk7ye]

Hopefully one day we all can visit!

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

I hope so!

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Fantastic video. Thank you for sharing.