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Patagonia spread between Argentina and Chile and is the southernmost region of South America. Argentine Patagonia includes the provinces of Neuquén, Río Negro (know for the city of Bariloche), Chubut, Santa Cruz (where is El Calafate and the Perito Morneo Glacier) and Tierra del Fuego (which capital is Ushuaia). Why is this untamed region so famous among travelers?

Patagonia is famous for being the most southern land a human can walk on Earth. This is what first made the region so legendary, everybody dreamed to travel to the secluded territories since it’s still today perceived as an untamed place to recover some of the special contact humans used to have with nature. 

But Patagonia is famous for many other things than that:

• First, Patagonia, though has extended regions without inhabitants, is very populated to this day and highly prepared for international tourism. 
• Many are the attractions that can be seen both on the Argentine and the Chilean side of Patagonia—Yes, Patagonia spreads between Chile and Argentina and it’s absolutely worth visiting both of them if you have the chance.
• In both countries, the region occupies half of the territory and only has 2 million inhabitants.
• In Patagonia, you can enjoy one of the best whale watching experiences in the world. 
• It is also home to the Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina) one of the few glaciers that are still growing in the world.
• It has the biggest colony of Magellanic penguins (as many as 1.7 million… almost 1 penguin per human).
• Is in Argentina Patagonia where the fossils of the biggest dinosaur that walked on Earth were found (in Neuquen province), and it’s called Argentinosaurus.
• In Patagonia, you’ll find one of the largest colonies of Welsh outside Wales. The tea houses in Puerto Madryn (Argentina) are delicious proof of that immigration…

But the main reason why Patagonia is famous around the world is because of its landscapes, vast forest, natural reserves, national parks, glaciers and native wildlife. Patagonia is called a region that combines many provinces and all of them have different attractions. 

Explore Best of Patagonia

What is Argentine Patagonia famous for 

Where to go: El Calafate, Province of Santa Cruz

Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno is the most famous glacier in Patagonia and is visited by thousands of travelers every year. It’s so close to the land that the glacier built a type of bridge between the ice and the earth, and once in a while, this bridge breaks and falls into the waters of Lake Argentino. No one can predict when that happens and that is what makes it an incredible spectacle to see if you’re lucky! The regular visit includes a boat trip and a free walking tour on the boardwalks in front of the glacier.

Where to go: Puerto Madryn, Province of Chubut

Península Valdés

Where the southern right whale comes every year from June to December to breed and mate near the coast of the Golfo Nuevo. Península Valdés is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest wildlife sanctuary in Patagonia. Apart from the whales, that can be seen from the coastline of the city of Puerto Madryn, the nearest town to Península Valdés, there is Punta Tombo and its amazing colony of Magellan penguins, and other beaches where enormous elephant seals live all year round. 

Where to go: Ushuaia, Province of Tierra del Fuego.

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Side by side with the Chilean fjords, the last piece of land before Antarctica, there is the province of Tierra del Fuego, a big island, detached from the continent, which belongs to Argentina. Here sits the famous “end-of-the-world” city, better known as Ushuaia, where people come, crossing the Andes Mountain Range, to sail on the Beagle Channel, see its legendary lighthouse, and hike on the Tierra del Fuego National Park. 

What is Chilean Patagonia famous for

Where to go: Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, Province of Última Esperanza.

Torres del Paine National Park

This is definitely the most famous natural park in Patagonia crossing borders to Chile. It’s one of the largest and wildest parks in the world, and its 5-day hiking trip called “The W” is the dream of many hikers. It’s tough to find any place on the campsites especially in Summer, that’s why people planned their trip to this park in advance. During the Winter season (from March to September) the park is closed because of the bad weather and the snow. In this park, you’ll see famous peaks like The Horns, The Towers, and the Grey Glacier. Llamas and pumas can be seen in the park too.

Bernardo O’Higgins National Park

This park spreads between 2 regions in Chile, Magallanes, and Aysen, and it’s the largest in the country. The glaciers that form the Southern Ice Field, one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in the world, are the main attractions. Many people chose to travel to the park by boat trip, horseback ride, or even go for some adventurous experiences like rafting. 

Where to travel: Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or Puerto Montt, Province of Capitán Prat and Última Esperanza.