Best time to travel to Patagonia

Lupin Blooming in Patagonia

Multi-colored flowers cover the meadows, and besides the beauty, they bring nutritious snacks

Best time: November

Lupin Blooming
Lupin Blooming
Lupin Blooming

Untouched meadows and grasslands of Patagonia transform with the arrival of spring, revealing the striking purple and pink flowers. Blooming lupins are one of the most glorious signs of nature's revival in the region. The blooming fields are particularly impressive in the area of Carretera Austral highway in Chilean Patagonia and especially in Torres del Paine National Park.

Lupin is a perennial herbaceous plant of different colors that can grow up to 1.5 m in height. The blooming season usually happens in late spring, which is roughly in November, depending on the weather conditions of course.

Seeds of various species of lupin have been consumed throughout the Mediterranean region and the Andean mountains for over 3,000 years. The seeds of lupin resemble beans. Lupinus mutabilis known locally as 'tarwi' or 'chocho' was extensively cultivated in the Andes until the Spanish invasion. Indigenous people soaked the seed in salted water to remove bitterness and then cooked the seeds to make them edible. Over the last decades, lupin cultivation has been gaining back its popularity in Chile.

Practical info

When do the lupins in Patagonia start blooming?

In Patagonia, lupins typically start blooming in November, which marks the beginning of the blooming season. During this time, the meadows and grasslands in the area transform, and the lupins bloom in various colors, from pink to purple. These lupins can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The fields of blooming lupins in the area of Carretera Austral highway in Chilean Patagonia offer panoramic views that are awe-inspiring in their beauty. Show more

Where are some of the most impressive fields of lupins in Patagonia located?

Some of the most impressive fields of blooming lupins in Patagonia are located in the area of Carretera Austral highway, which is in Chilean Patagonia. Other areas where you can find lupins include Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. The best time to see these blooming lupins is between November and December, during springtime. To maximize the experience, visitors can take organized tours or self-drive towards these sites, which offer beautiful sea and mountain views. Show more

What is the height of a lupin plant?

A lupin plant, which is a perennial herbaceous plant, can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The blooming season of lupins begins in November, but this depends on weather conditions. Found in meadows and grasslands in Patagonia, these plants come in different colors, and the seeds of the plant have been consumed for more than 3,000 years in the Mediterranean region and the Andean mountains. In the Andes, the seeds are known as 'tarwi' or 'chocho' and were cultivated extensively even before the Spanish invasion. Show more

What is the traditional method of preparing lupin seeds in the Andes mountains, and how are they consumed?

Lupin seeds have been consumed by indigenous people for over 3,000 years in the Andes mountains. These seeds resemble beans and need to be soaked in salted water since they're bitter. The traditional way of preparing them involves boiling the seeds with salt and water until they become soft. This particular method is still used by some people in the area. Consuming lupin seeds is known to promote a healthy diet since they are a source of protein, fiber, and vitamins and are often an alternative to processed snacks. Show more

What benefits can one derive from consuming lupin seeds?

Lupin seeds have been consumed for more than 3,000 years in the Mediterranean and Andean regions, and they offer various health benefits. They are a source of protein, fiber, and vitamins and are a healthier alternative to processed snacks. The Andean lupin, also known as 'chocho' or 'tarwi,' was grown extensively in the Andes before the Spanish invasion. Lupin cultivation today is becoming more popular again in Chile, and these nutritious seeds are used as an ingredient in various dishes, such as hummus and salads. In Ecuador and Peru, traditional dishes are prepared with lupin seeds that boast both nutrition and taste. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin