What to do in Patagonia?

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, which will take your breath away. Although this region shares its name between these two countries, the landscapes in each of them are completely different from each other. 

Patagonia hosts stunning glaciers, and incredibly diverse wildlife, especially in Península Valdés, the famous marine wildlife nature reserve. This is the home of the Perito Moreno Glacier, the penguins of Ushuaia and the most reputed hiking trails of El Chaltén. 

Cruising the 800 miles of Chile’s inland waterways from Puerto Montt reveals the archipelagos of Chiloe, Chonos and Aysen, and the mythical city of Castro, before revealing the timeless and spellbinding San Rafael Glacier. Chile’s most famous national park, Torres del Paine, welcomes hikers every day with its three majestic pink and white granite towers guard. 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. 

Best destinations in 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 different glaciers. 

• El Calafate

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 (whoever eats a Calafate blueberry will always return to the city, says the legend…). 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, and it has beautiful views of Argentino Lake. The nearest airport counts with a 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

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 whose main delight is to hike and explore nature. 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 the Tehuelches’ language. In 2015, Chaltén was declared “National Capital of Trekking”, but, apart from the descent of hiking trails and climbing routes, travelers can also enjoy other adventure activities like kayaking, horseback riding and sailing.

• Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn was founded in 1865 by a 150 group of Welsh that started to populate 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, where today sits the nearest airport. 

Nowadays, though the railway it’s no longer used, 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. And, from October to April, large colonies of Magellan Penguins 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

San Carlos de Bariloche arises at the shore of the Nahuel Huapi Lake in the Argentine province of Río Negro, neighboring the Andes Mountain Range. The city is entirely located inside Nahuel Huapi National Park, famous for its stunning lakes and mountains, like the Tronador, which is actually a non-active volcano. In 1903, Francisco Moreno, an intrepid explorer and scientist donated these lands in order to create the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the first in Argentina, and thus, Bariloche started to flourish. 

Today, Bariloche is one of the most populated cities in Patagonia, the base for numerous hiking and skiing slopes, artisanal chocolate, and craft beer hub, and also one of the most essential scientific poles in America. Here sits the Balseiro Atomic Center and Institute where it’s possible to follow Physics and Nuclear Engineering studies.

• Ushuaia

Ushuaia is 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. Ushuaia is the capital of Tierra del Fuego a province but also an island, separated from the continent by the Strait of Magellan. The Yamanas are the natives of the region, expert fishermen and sailors. From Ushuaia, the legendary Beagle Channel can be sailed, and Les Eclereurs lighthouse can be visited. On the way, islands covered by seal lions can be appreciated. Tierra del Fuego National Park is the best spot to go hiking in Ushuaia and enjoy a close encounter with the particular vegetation and wildlife of the region.

• Torres del Paine

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, which only survives today in Argentina. With its 227,298 hectares, extended hiking trails, glaciers, lakes and stunning mountains, the park hosts thousands of travelers per 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

Known as the ‘City of the Roses’, Puerto Varas is a city 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

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. You can navigate to see the largest glaciers in Patagonia.

Planning your trip to Patagonia

In these hand-picked articles from our blog, you will find useful information for your next trip to Patagonia. 

• Where is Patagonia?
• What is Patagonia famous for?
• Patagonia: Travel Warnings in Covid Times
• How is the walking trip through Patagonia?
• Packing For Patagonia, Argentina
• The Best Places to Go Hiking in Argentina and Chile