When you hear the word “Patagonia” you think of a vast, virgin, and distant territory in the southern tip of South America. Shared by two countries, Chile and Argentina, Patagonia offers beautiful and spectacular landscapes. Although this region shares its name between these two countries, the landscapes are completely different. 

Patagonia hosts stunning glaciers, and incredibly diverse wildlife, especially in Península Valdés.  The Perito Moreno Glacier, the penguins of Ushuaia, and the most reputed hiking trails of El Chaltén add to the highlights Patagonia charms travelers. 

Chile on the other hand is known by the fjords who many have sailed. From Puerto Montt to the archipelagos of Chiloe, Chonos and Aysen, and the mythical city of Castro, Chilean Patagonia offers different landscapes from Argentina. However, there is one place in Chilean Patagonia that overshadows any other destination,  Chile’s most famous national park, Torres del Paine.  With its three majestic pink and white granite towers guard, the park welcomes hundreds of hikers every day during summer.

To sum up, weather permitting, Patagonia is an all-in-one destination that offers something for everyone! You can choose between active trips, hiking journeys, or even family vacations to discover the best of Patagonia. 

Patagonia features different regions and natural attractions. It is divided into the lake district, the coastline of Península Valdés where most of the Patagonian wildlife can be found, and the southernmost Patagonia which comprises Ushuaia, El Calafate, and Torres del Paine National Park. 

• El Calafate, Argentina

Known as “the capital of glaciers”, El Calafate, is one of the most popular destinations in Patagonia. It was named after a typical blueberry that grows in the area (the legend says whoever eats a Calafate blueberry will always return to the city). It features the best of Patagonia in Argentina, giant glaciers, icy lakes, remote estancias, and no shortage of breathtaking views accompanying outdoor excursions such as trekking, kayaking, and horse riding. This is a small city, really easy to get around on foot, with beautiful views of Argentino Lake. The nearest airport has good flight frequency, this is the easiest way to reach El Calafate. The city and its glaciers (around 47 in the park) were discovered at the end of the XIX century. Today, El Calafate offers the famous Perito Moreno Glacier boat trips in Argentino Lake, day tours to Patagonia ranches to learn about the rural culture, visits to El Chaltén and Mount Fitz Roy to enjoy amazing views and adventure hikes and other activities.

• El Chaltén, Argentina

   

Founded in 1985, El Chaltén is a little mountaineering village located inside the Glaciers National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Argentine Patagonia. For many years this secluded place remains the unexplored spot for intrepid travelers. Today, though it manages to preserve its little-town ambiance, El Chaltén is visited by many people every year who enjoy hikes of different lengths and difficulty levels. Is in this isolated corner of Patagonia where the famous Mount Fitz Roy can be admired. 

Mount Chaltén is another highlight near the village which was named after this colossal and sacred mountain for the Tehuelches, the natives of the region. Its summit, frequently covered by clouds, was called by the Tehuelches “Chaltén” which means “smoking mountain” in their language. In 2015, Chaltén was declared “National Capital of Trekking”, but travelers can also enjoy other adventure activities like kayaking, horseback riding, and sailing.

• Puerto Madryn, Argentina

   

Puerto Madryn was founded in 1865 by a 150 group of Welsh that established on the area in 1886. Welsh, Spanish and Italian immigrants worked together to build the railway that would connect Puerto Madryn to the city of Trelew. Is in Trelew where today the nearest airport is located. 

Nowadays, the railway it’s no longer used, and many travelers fly to Trelew and stay in Puerto Madryn to visit the incredible natural reserve of Península Valdés, the most important wildlife hub of Patagonia. The Southern Right Whale arrives at the coast of the Península (but can also be seen from the very coastline of Puerto Madryn!) once a year, between June and December. On the other hand, from October to April, large colonies of Magellan Penguins can be seen too, making this coastal region a favorite among both wildlife enthusiasts and those in search of a truly once-in-a-lifetime Argentine experience.

• Bariloche, Argentina

   

San Carlos de Bariloche locates in the Argentine province of Río Negro at the shore of the Nahuel Huapi Lake. In 1903, Francisco Moreno, an intrepid explorer, and scientist donated these lands to create the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the first in Argentina, and thus, Bariloche started to flourish. Few people know that the city is entirely located inside the park, famous today for its stunning lakes and mountains. Plus, Bariloche neighbors the Andes Mountain Range and features some spectacular mountains to be climbed like the Tronador, actually, a non-active volcano. 

Therefore, Bariloche is nowadays one of the most populated cities in Patagonia. It is the tourist hub for hiking or skiing, but also to taste the best artisanal chocolate and craft beer. In addition, the city is one of the most essential scientific poles in America. Students come to Balseiro Atomic Center and Institute to follow Physics and Nuclear Engineering studies.

• Ushuaia, Argentina

   

Ushuaia is the capital of the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego, best known as “the destination at the end of the world”. It is the southernmost tip of land in Argentina and a favorite destination for adventure traveling. To clarify, actually Tierra de Fuego is an island, separated from the American continent by the Strait of Magellan. From Ushuaia, you can sail through the legendary Beagle Channel too, and visit Les Eclereurs lighthouse. This is a popular outing because on the way travelers can spot islands covered by sea lions and cormorants. Moreover, you can hike in go kayaking in Tierra del Fuego National Park to enjoy a close encounter with the particular vegetation and wildlife of the region.

• Torres del Paine, Chile

   

Torres del Paine National Park, created in 1959, is one of the most visited destinations in Chilean Patagonia. Its first inhabitants were the Tehuelches, a native community of skilled hunters. With its 227,298 hectares, extended hiking trails, glaciers, lakes, and stunning mountains, the park hosts thousands of travelers each year. In 1978, the park was declared as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, and the 8th wonder of the world in 2013. The “Torres del Paine” name refers to the three distinctive granite peaks of the Paine Mountain Range that soar more than 6,500 feet (nearly 2,000 meters) into the sky. The park welcomes more than 250,000 visitors every year and the 5-day “W” trek is the most famous hiking circuit inside the reserve.

• Puerto Varas, Chile

   

Known as the ‘City of the Roses’, Puerto Varas locates is in the Lake District in southern Chile. It is located on the southwestern shore of the extensive Lake Llanquihue, which offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped and still active Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes. Traditional German-style architecture characterizes the city. Puerto Varas is a great choice for open-air adventures, excellent kayaking and angling are among the many activities this city offers. Renting a bike in Puerto Varas and riding to the beautiful Petrohué waterfalls while enjoying the many lakeside beaches on the way is one of the unique experiences we recommend. 

• Puerto Natales, Chile

   

Puerto Natales is the nearest city to Torres del Paine National Park and features a nearby airport. Some of the highlights of Puerto Natales are the Milodón Cave, an archaeological visit that will make you travel 10,000 years into the past. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the Ultima Esperanza fjord. In Puerto Natales, you can navigate to see the largest glaciers in Patagonia!