No one doubts South America is full of extraordinary destinations. However, if there is one particular place on the continent that stands out for its stunning landscapes and which particularly excites travelers and adventurers, it is Patagonia: a huge territory shared between Argentina and Chile.
Patagonia is an exceptional destination for all those who dream of space, silence, and nature. The massive Andes and vast steppes, crystal-clear lakes and snow-capped volcanoes, rugged coastlines, and huge glaciers are ideal places for trekking, hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, fishing, and much more. This is the perfect destination for adventure travel.
If you’re planning to visit the region, have a look at this Patagonia travel guide to learn what it has to offer in terms of nature, wildlife, and how to best prepare for your trip. Have a good read!
Patagonia is a region full of wild landscapes seemingly untouched by human activity. Yet this territory has been inhabited for more than 10,000 years! The discoveries of the Milodon Cave nature reserve (Chile) or Los Toldos (Argentina) have shown the ancient presence of fishermen and hunters from different indigenous peoples, such as the Chonos or the Yamanas.
The Europeans first made contact with Patagonia during the early 1500s, with the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan (Fernão de Magalhães). He was indeed leading the first expedition from the old continent to the southern end of South America. This is why the famous Strait of Magellan bears his name today. The sailors then discover extraordinary natural landscapes, made of endless glaciers, thick forests, immense mountains, and pristine lakes. They also meet the local population: the Tehuelches, a group made up of different indigenous tribes from Patagonia.
Magellan is also the origin of the name "Patagonia"! Inspired by the giant Pathagón, a fictional character from the chivalry novel Primaleón, he gave the Tehuelches the name "Patagons"; probably due to their large size.
In the Chilean part of Patagonia, another group of indigenous people had settled: the Mapuche. The name means "people of the earth" in the local language. During the time of colonization, the Spaniards called them "Araucanos"; a term that the Mapuche did not approve of. It is important to note that these Amerindian people violently resisted the efforts of Spanish conquest and domination, their territory was finally recognized as an "independent zone".
Conflicts, epidemics, manhunts, and the growing colonization of the region have led to the almost complete extinction of the Tehuelche culture and several other indigenous tribes. Today, a region of Chile called Araucania remains the home of many Mapuche descendants. They still try to preserve their traditions and customs in terms of gastronomy, crafts, dances, and festivities.
When talking about Patagonia, remember the region extends over two countries! And there are differences between Argentine Patagonia and Chilean Patagonia ... but it's actually the combination of the two that makes this destination so charming. We are now taking you on a journey to these beautiful places, and offering you a glimpse of what this unique region has in store for you.
As the size of Patagonia is not precisely defined in the north as in the south, its area cannot be precisely determined. However, it is accepted that Argentinian Patagonia covers an area of approximately 800,000 square kilometers and consists of five provinces: Río Negro, Neuquén, Chubut, Santa Cruz, and Tierra del Fuego. This eastern part of Patagonia is the most densely populated area. It invests a lot in tourism and the infrastructure is generally well-developed: there are many hotels, restaurants, and transport between the different sites of interest. The main and most attractive cities of the Argentinian Patagonia are El Calafate, Ushuaia, Bariloche, and Villa la Angostura.
The Valdés Peninsula
The Atlantic coast of Patagonia is one of the best places in the world to observe marine life. Already in the 19th century the naturalist Charles Darwin was fascinated by the immense variety of species and the extraordinary landscapes that can be found here. Trelew, Puerto Madryn, and the Valdés Peninsula are approximately 1,400 kilometers from Buenos Aires, in the province of Chubut. You can see penguins, dolphins, sea lions, sea birds, elephant seals, and many other animals up close. But it is also an ideal place for hikers, fishing amateurs, and divers. One of the most memorable experiences is whale watching in their natural habitat (about 100 kilometers from Puerto Madryn). And if you are in luck, you can also observe other marine animals of the Atlantic coast during the boat trip that takes you up close to the huge cetaceans.
The best months to visit the area are October and November as it is possible to find all the different species. Below is an overview of exactly when you will be able to observe local wildlife:
• Southern right whales: from June to December
• Sea lions: all year round
• Penguins: from September to March
• Dolphins: from December to March
• Elephant seals: all year round
• Orcas: from October to April
• Commerson's dolphins (toninas): all year round
• Birds: all year round.
El Chaltén and the Fitz Roy
El Chaltén is a lovely little tourist village, founded in 1985, with just over 1000 inhabitants. Considered the "hiking capital of Argentina", it attracts tens of thousands of hikers every year. The starting point for the highest peaks of Patagonia - including the famous Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre - the village has several hotels and restaurants. There are also various tour operator agencies and vehicle rental companies.
On-site, there are many hiking possibilities, all offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes: snow-capped mountains, valleys, lakes, glaciers, etc. It is in particular the impressive Mount Fitz Roy that attracts visitors. The Laguna de los Tres path leads to the nearest viewpoint of the peak, and although it is a relatively long trail, the surrounding nature will for sure reward your efforts.
Bariloche and Villa La Angostura
Located in Rio Negro’s province, along the southern shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake, and framed by the magnificent landscape of the eponymous national park, Bariloche is the gateway to Argentinian Patagonia. Nicknamed the “Switzerland of South America”, you will certainly find some similarities in style with its wooden alpine-like cabins, chocolate factories, and craft breweries. The town is the perfect starting point for all sorts of outdoor activities in the natural parks around.
• Nahuel Huapi Park with 700,000 hectares of wild beauty in the Andes, is Argentina's oldest national park. There, it is possible to walk 500 km of trails, visit lakes, snow-covered valleys, ski, etc.
• Los Arrayanes National Park is located in the province of Neuquén, north of Lake Nahuel Huapi, and can be reached both by car or by boat from Bariloche. Visitors have the opportunity to enter a truly exceptional nature over an area of approximately 18 square kilometers and find wildlife including birds, deer, and red foxes. Take advantage of your trip to the park to visit the charming village of Villa La Angostura and spend the night there.
El Calafate and the Perito Moreno glacier
The small town of El Calafate (about 20,000 inhabitants) is located in the province of Santa Cruz, near the Chilean border and only 80 kilometers from Los Glaciares National Park. Starting point for excursions to the unmissable and spectacular Perito Moreno glacier, thousands of tourists from all over the world arrive each year to enjoy this natural wonder declared World Heritage by UNESCO.
An absolute must during a trip to Patagonia! The Perito Moreno reaches a height of 60 meters and is one of the few glaciers on the planet that does not recede. With an area of 250 square kilometers, it is even bigger than Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina! While it is possible to appreciate this imposing glacier from different angles walking through the observation boardwalks, visitors can get closer to it during a boat trip.
Tierra del Fuego
Tierra del Fuego is actually an archipelago made up of fjords and thousands of islands, the main one is called the "big island of Tierra del Fuego". Located at the southern end of the continent, Tierra del Fuego is separated from it - and therefore from Patagonia - by the famous Strait of Magellan. Since 1881, Argentina and Chile have shared this region: the province of Tierra del Fuego belongs to Argentina while the region of Magallanes belongs to Chile. The main cities are Ushuaia and Río Grande on the Argentine side, and Porvenir on the Chilean side.
Ushuaia
With the charming village of Puerto Williams (Chilean side), Ushuaia is the southernmost city on the planet! Located on the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by snow-capped Andean mountains, the bustling port city greatly attracts travelers in search of that special "end of the world" atmosphere. In addition to the famous former prison converted into a museum, you can also visit the Museum at the End of the World or immortalize your stay in southern lands through a special stamp on your passport. As for the Yamana Museum, it allows visitors to learn more about the culture of the first indigenous peoples of Tierra del Fuego. But Ushuaia has a lot more to offer! It is indeed an excellent place for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding, as well as boat trips and wildlife viewing (including Magellanic penguins and other sea birds).
The Beagle Channel
The border between Argentina and Chile has been marked by this waterway since 1881. With a length of 240 kilometers, the Beagle Channel is ideal for all wildlife enthusiasts: you can observe many species such as sea lions, whales, dolphins, killer whales, various fish, crabs. The Beagle Channel is also the natural habitat of the famous Magellanic penguins, seagulls, albatrosses, cormorants and more. In general, it is possible to navigate this canal from Ushuaia on a boat trip.
National Road 40
La Ruta Nacional 40 crosses Argentina from North to South, from the Bolivian border to Patagonia, passing through several national parks, rivers, and mountain ranges. With a length of 5,200 kilometers, this route is ideal for all those who wish to discover some of the diversity of landscapes that Argentina has to offer.
With a territory of around 240,000 square kilometers, the Chilean part of Patagonia is much smaller than its neighbor Argentina. Located between the Strait of Reloncaví in the north and the Strait of Magellan in the south, it also has a lower population density: it lives on average only one inhabitant per square kilometer in Chilean Patagonia. An ideal destination for travelers looking for remote and wild areas!
The Lakes Region
Renowned for its unique natural setting of mountains, islands, and, obviously, lakes, this region will delight nature lovers. From the city of Puerto Varas, it is possible to go to Puyehue National Park where you can enjoy the superb Osorno volcano.
Another interesting tourist attraction is the island of Chiloé and its famous colorful wooden houses on stilts (as well as its churches classified as UNESCO Heritage).
From this region, it is also possible to easily reach the city of Bariloche in Argentina; to discover, for example, Lake Nahuel Huapi and enjoy the view from Cerro Campanario.
Carretera Austral
This approximately 1,200-kilometer-long road connects the Chilean towns of Puerto Montt and Villa O`Higgins, passing through the most picturesque places in the region: marble caves, hanging glaciers, rainforests, and quiet fjords, home to timeless villages. Behind each curve is hiding a different and spectacular landscape! The tourist infrastructure there is not very developed, but this remoteness is precisely what makes Carretera Austral such an attractive destination.
General Carrera Lake and the Marble Cathedral
On the Carretera Austral, take a time to admire Lake General Carrera with its surprising turquoise color and the exceptional surrounding landscapes. This lake is the largest in Chile and second in South America. From the small town of Puerto Río Tranquilo, it is possible to take a boat trip to the Marble Caves, also known as the Marble Cathedral (Catedral de Mármol) and Marble Chapel (Capilla de Mármol). For thousands of years, the erosion from Lake General Carrera currents has created and sculpted these unique rock formations; a natural wonder of colors and lights.
Punta arenas
The main city of Chilean Patagonia, Punta Arenas is an important connection point for cruise ships as it is located on the Strait of Magellan which connects the two oceans. It is worth walking to the Plaza de Armas, get to know its museums and the Monument to the Shepherd, and also enjoying a superb view of the city and the Pacific coast from the vantage point. But the real reason why so many tourists are drawn to Punta Arenas is to visit Isla Magdalena: an island home to an impressive colony of Magellanic penguins that can be observed up close. An unforgettable experience! Punta Arenas is also the starting point for excursions to Chilean Tierra del Fuego and to Antarctica.
Puerto Natales & Torres del Paine National Park
Puerto Natales is a small Chilean town located between the sea and mountains. It has a good tourist infrastructure with many hotels, restaurants, and shops… but that's not all! Puerto Natales is also the starting point for excursions to the famous Torres del Paine National Park.
Located approximately 155 kilometers northwest of Puerto Natales and 400 kilometers from Punta Arenas, Torres del Paine National Park is undoubtedly the biggest tourist attraction in Chilean Patagonia. Its peculiar mountain range hides enormous icebergs, turquoise lakes, lush forests, torrential rivers, and vast pampas. You may even be able to observe guanacos, foxes ... or a puma! You have the option of spending the night in the Park, in campsites or in the few accommodations that exist (inns and hotels). With its famous hiking trails such as the W- or the O- Trek, Torres del Paine National Park is a true trekking lover's paradise.
The W-Trek is the most famous and popular hiking trail. It allows hikers to enjoy the main sites of the National Park, including the imposing and famous "Towers" (Torres) which give their name to the Park.
Duration: 4 to 5 days
The O-Trek is a circular hiking trail that crosses the entire Park and thus extends the W-Trek. Less frequented by tourists, it is recommended for travelers with more time and wishing a total immersion in Nature.
Duration: 9 days
Southern Ice Field of Patagonia
The huge body of ice, Campo de Hielo Sur is the largest ice cap in South America (excluding Antarctica) and the third largest area of continental ice in the world. This "ice field" is located in the southern Andes of Patagonia, between Argentina and Chile Some parts of it have never been trodden by man to this day! Dozens of glaciers (49 in total) form this huge block of ice, including Brüggen or Perito Moreno. The magic of this place is also due to the active volcanoes located under the glaciers, such as the famous Lautaro.
The most beautiful glaciers are Jorge Montt, Brüggen (or Pie XI), O ́Higgins, Bernardo, Tyndall, and Grey in Chile, as well as Upsala, Viedma, and Perito Moreno in Argentina.
Navarino Island & Cape Horn
Cape Horn is the last confin of land before Antarctica; the end of the world so to speak! Mythical, its wild and unexplored nature has impressed and fascinated for centuries. Treading Cape Horn is only possible as part of a cruise from Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, and access is only possible aboard a rubber dinghy on an often stormy sea. But if you're not particularly keen for this adventure, you can also visit Isla Navarino. Puerto Williams, the southernmost little village in the world, is located on this island! From Punta Arenas, Isla Navarino can be reached by boat (over 30 hours of sailing on rough waters, but through beautiful fjords and landscapes) or by plane (around 1 hour). It’s much faster from Ushuaia since it’s just crossing the Beagle Channel.
has so much to offer that it would take forever to explore every corner of this awe-inspiring region! But a single day is enough to charm travelers ... The snow-capped peaks of the Andes, lakes, forests, and steppe, fjords and glaciers as well as a very rich flora and fauna allow many possibilities for excursions and adventures. Also, a careful selection of upstream sites and an appropriate itinerary will allow you to create a dream trip in no time.
Choose the right season
Patagonia is beautiful all year round, but in summer and spring, the conditions are the best because the temperatures are higher and the days longer: in fact, between December and February, the sunset is around 11 pm, leaving more time to enjoy the splendid Patagonian landscapes. Winter (May to October) is a perfect time for all winter sports enthusiasts. As for the months of July and August, they are known to be the coldest and rainiest.
Get to know the local culture
Although there are differences between the two countries, both Argentinian and Chilean people are very friendly and will be keen to share their cultures. Some customs, languages, and traditions are still preserved in Patagonia. Also, look forward to the delicious local dishes such as Argentinian meat or Chilean seafood!
Costs and expenses
Generally speaking, Patagonia is quite an expensive destination… but there are options for those who travel on a budget! Due to its remoteness, accommodation, restaurants, and transportation are limited. Booking and paying for everything in advance will avoid surprises but we also suggest that you take an extra reserve of money for the trip, as you will surely treat yourself with some good food and wine and get tempted by the high quality of local crafts.
Currencies
In Chile, payments are made in Chilean pesos CLP, while in Argentina you will use the Argentine pesos ARS. Travelers will be able to change money at hotels, exchange offices, and airports. In addition, most places accept credit cards and there are ATMs to withdraw cash in local currency throughout both countries.
Entry requirements
Travelers don’t need a visa if they stay there for a maximum of 90 days. In any case, the passport is a compulsory document and its validity period must be at least six months upon entry. In some cases, the presentation of a return or onward ticket may be requested upon entry (check with the airline before departure as some companies' requirements differ from government regulations).
Vaccines
There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Chile and Argentina. However, the following vaccinations are recommended: Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, rabies, and yellow.
Weather
It is generally quite cold in Patagonia, and the area is windy all year round. In winter (i.e. North hemisphere summer months), temperatures sometimes drop to -10 ° C. And in summer - corresponding to the winter months - temperatures vary between 5 ° C and 25 ° C; in Patagonia it is common to go through all four seasons in just one day so don't forget to pack a thermal jacket or windbreaker as well as lighter clothing!
What to pack
In addition to a thermal jacket, thermal pants are also very useful during colder periods. Hat, scarf, sunglasses, gloves, and warm socks should of course be part of your luggage. If trekking in the area is planned, suitable hiking shoes can not be missing. A basic medicine kit and a personal hygiene kit complete this essential list.
As we said, a trip to Patagonia requires some precautions. After all, it is a destination with many hard-to-reach places and a very specific geography and climate. Anything that is unique makes both logistics and independent itinerary difficult. If you want to enjoy every minute of your trip, with all the support, comfort, and convenience, without giving up the feeling of “adventure”, it is essential to agree on an itinerary with a specialized travel agent. The reasons are many and we summarize them below.
The agency is an expert of the region
Whatever the route, when you choose a specialist agency, you are guaranteed to have an experienced team that knows every corner of this immense region, as well as its details, stories, legends, and traditions. Your trip will become much richer!
Travel serenely, in complete safety
Save yourself a lot of stress... your safety and the organization of your itinerary will be taken care of by the travel agency. A specialized team takes care of details such as communication, transportation, logistics, reservations, equipment, and partner reliability, among other concerns.
Enrich your trip
South America is arguably the ideal destination for a multi-destination trip. However, embarking on this adventure on your own requires knowledge, time, and money. Planning a trip together with a specialist agency can open up your horizons by offering you more complex itineraries, combining with other wonderful destinations far away from Patagonia, depending on your availability of time, money, and dreams.
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