Patagonia Travel Posted on 03/15/2021
Patagonia spread between Argentina and Chile and is the southernmost region of South America. Argentine Patagonia includes the provinces of Neuquén, Río Negro (known for the city of Bariloche), Chubut, Santa Cruz (where is El Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier) and Tierra del Fuego (which capital is Ushuaia). Why is this untamed region so famous among travelers?
Updated to November 2023
Contents
- 1. What is Argentine Patagonia famous for
- Where to go: El Calafate, Province of Santa Cruz
- Perito Moreno Glacier
- Where to go: Puerto Madryn, Province of Chubut
- Península Valdés
- Where to go: Ushuaia, Province of Tierra del Fuego.
- Tierra del Fuego National Park
- Where to go: El Calafate, Province of Santa Cruz
- 2. What is Chilean Patagonia famous for
- Where to go: Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, Province of Última Esperanza.
- Torres del Paine National Park
- Bernardo O’Higgins National Park
- Where to go: Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, Province of Última Esperanza.
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 of traveling 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.
Talk to a Patagonia travel expert
1. 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.
Meet Perito Moreno Glacier
- This is a 100% tailored trip.
- This trip is also the perfect opportunity to visit El Chaltén, the hikers’ paradise.
- Ask about the excursion “Minitrekking” and walk over the glacier.
Where to go: Puerto Madryn, Province of Chubut
Península Valdés
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, which 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.
Walk among penguins
- We can tailor this trip to your budget and travel dates.
- Travel from December to May if you want to see whales!
- You can also go for a snorkeling tour with seal lions.
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.
Hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park
- This is a 100% tailored trip.
- A visit to Ushuaia generally includes navigation on the Beagle Channel.
- The history of Ushuaia and native Yamanas is amazing. Enjoy it at the many museums in Ushuaia.
2. 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 campsite, especially in summer, that’s why people plan 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.
Trek the W Circuit in Torres del Paine
- This is a 100% tailored trip.
- BOOK IT NOW. Availability in Torres del Paine runs faster than the wind!
- You don’t need to be an expert hiker to enjoy the W Circuit.
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 choose to travel to the park by boat trip, horseback ride, or even go for some adventurous experiences like rafting.
Travel Argentine and Chilean Patagonia
- This is a 100% tailored trip.
- This is the trip to choose to have an overall and complete grasp of Patagonia.
- Forget about accommodation and transportation, we make all the arrangements and brief you before traveling.
All our itineraries are 100% tailor-made. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, contact us and design your desired trip.
Talk to a travel expert
As a Patagonia travel enthusiast and expert, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and experience to guide you through the wonders of this untamed region. My passion for Patagonia is rooted in extensive exploration, and I've had the privilege of immersing myself in both the Argentine and Chilean sides of this extraordinary land. My expertise extends beyond the ordinary, delving into the intricate details that make Patagonia a destination like no other.
Patagonia, straddling Argentina and Chile, stands as the southernmost region of South America. Its allure lies not only in being the southernmost point accessible to humans on Earth but also in its rich landscapes, natural reserves, national parks, glaciers, and diverse wildlife. Here's a comprehensive overview of the concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Argentine Patagonia:
a. El Calafate, Province of Santa Cruz:
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Perito Moreno Glacier: A mesmerizing glacier that builds a bridge between ice and land, breaking at unpredictable intervals, creating a spectacular sight. Offers boat trips and walking tours.
b. Puerto Madryn, Province of Chubut:
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Península Valdés: UNESCO World Heritage site known for southern right whales (June to December), Magellan penguins in Punta Tombo, and elephant seals.
c. Ushuaia, Province of Tierra del Fuego:
- Tierra del Fuego National Park: Situated alongside Chilean fjords, Ushuaia is the "end-of-the-world" city, offering sailing on the Beagle Channel and hiking in the national park.
2. Chilean Patagonia:
a. Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, Province of Última Esperanza:
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Torres del Paine National Park: One of the largest and wildest parks globally, known for the iconic "W" hiking circuit, featuring peaks like The Horns, The Towers, and the Grey Glacier.
b. Bernardo O’Higgins National Park:
- Spans Magallanes and Aysen regions in Chile, home to the Southern Ice Field and glaciers. Accessible by boat trips, horseback rides, and adventurous activities like rafting.
Additional Information:
a. General Patagonia Highlights:
- Patagonia is renowned for its extensive regions with sparse populations but is highly prepared for international tourism.
- Home to one of the best whale-watching experiences globally.
- Houses the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few glaciers still growing.
- Hosts the largest colony of Magellanic penguins, as well as the fossils of the Argentinosaurus, the largest dinosaur.
- Encompasses one of the largest Welsh colonies outside Wales, showcased in tea houses in Puerto Madryn.
- Celebrated for its landscapes, vast forests, natural reserves, national parks, glaciers, and native wildlife.
Whether you seek the thrill of witnessing a glacier bridge collapse or the tranquility of exploring wildlife sanctuaries, Patagonia offers a diverse and unparalleled experience. If you're contemplating a Patagonian adventure, feel free to talk to a Patagonia travel expert to tailor your journey for an unforgettable exploration of this unique region.
