14 amazing places to go in Patagonia for adventure, wildlife and culture
This guide to the best places to visit in Patagonia will help answer all your questions about where you should go in this region of grasslands and mountains.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile: go hiking and wildlife watching
You’ll see the characteristic bell-shaped Los Cuernos range and the trident granite towers of Las Torres long before you reach the most popular of Patagonia’s national parks. Torres del Paine is the only national park in Patagonia where you can arrange a multiday bunk-hut to bunk-hut hike while carrying nothing heavier than a day pack, or else opt for camping at well-equipped designated sites.
Chile’s pride and joy is the place for two unparalleled multi-day hikes. The "Circuit" takes you on a seven- to ten-day tour of the park’s undisputable highlights, from up-close-and-personal encounters with the two famous mountain ranges to the challenging crossing of John Gardner Pass, with unparalleled views of Glacier Grey from above. The three- to five-day "W" skips the backcountry trek and the pass crossing, but visits the three big-hitters: Glacier Grey, the French Valley, and Las Torres. Puma and guanaco sightings are frequent, particularly in the backcountry.
Ushuaia, Argentina: head here for cruises to the Antarctic
Every summer in the southern hemisphere finds Antarctica-bound travelers in Ushuaia, Argentina’s southernmost city, waiting to board one of the giant icebreakers in the harbor for the turbulent trip across stormy Drake’s Passage to the world’s remotest continent. You need at least a week to make the trip worthwhile, and money to spare. Last-minute "bargains" can sometimes be had, but you’ll need plenty of time on your hands to hang around, walking the steep streets overlooking the Beagle Channel, and hoping that there’s an empty berth with your name on it. Experienced deckhands can sign up to crew a yacht on weeks-long Antarctic trips.
El Calafate, Argentina: be in awe of vast glaciers
Every day, fleets of buses depart the compact, hugely popular Argentinian town of El Calafate for the Perito Moreno glacier – an accessible icy spectacle, and one of the world’s few advancing glaciers. A series of boardwalks lead to various viewpoints that allow you to contemplate this shining, blue-white wall of ice. Every now then, a muffled "crack" and splash signals the calving of a house-sized chunk of ice. Tour operators in El Calafate also arrange day-long catamaran cruises to more remote glaciers, such as Glacier Upsala Glacier Spegazzini on Lake Argentina. With its proliferation of boutique hotels and hostels, and a steak-, wine- and craft beer-heavy dining scene, El Calafate is a terrific jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding natural wonders.
Isla Navarino, Chile: experience end-of-the-world adventures
Whenever Puerto Williams – the "capital" of Chile’s Isla Navarino – is mentioned, Ushuaia turns green with envy because this tiny settlement of less than 3000 people beats the capital of Argentinian Tierra del Fuego to the title of southernmost permanently inhabited place on earth. Whether you’re swapping stories with centolla (king crab) fishers and Antarctica-bound research scientists at the town’s only bar, setting off to complete one of South America’s toughest multi-day treks – the Dientes de Navarino – or using Puerto Williams as a jumping-off spot to sail to Cape Horn, you’re likely to earn your adventurer’s stripes here.
Futaleufú, Chile: take on a white water rafting challenge
Imagine: you and rest of the rafting crew are hunkering down on your sides of the raft, waiting for the signal from the rafting guide to dig in and start rowing again like your life depends on it. Huge turquoise river waves are battering the inflatable boat and white water spray drenches you head to foot. You wipe the water out of your eyes and get ready to ride yet another set of Class VI rapids on one of the most challenging white water rivers in the world. The rafting trips take place between December and March, and there are numerous guesthouses in the namesake town that you can base yourself at before embarking on your white water adventure.
Península Valdés, Argentina: spot southern right whales
Picture this: you’re on a boat just off the coast of Península Valdés, a protected chunk of land in northeast Argentina, when a mighty spout of water shoots up from the sea. “Look, a whale!” someone yells, as the waves around you begin to churn with life. Every year, in mid-June, hundreds of southern right whales come to these frigid waters to breed and can often be spotted – sometimes from the shore – until mid-December. The peninsula – also home to sea lions, seals, and over 180 species of seabirds – is reached via the town of Puerto Madryn, where you can sign up for boat tours, kayaking, and diving excursions.
El Chaltén, Argentina: the starting point for amazing day hikes
Overlooked by the three-pronged Mount Fitz Roy peak, the tiny town of El Chaltén is the trekking capital of Argentinian Patagonia. Whether you’re tackling the exposed and challenging trek to the glacial Laguna de Los Tres, ambling though southern beech forest in the private Reserve Los Huemules in the hopes of spotting a huemul (endangered deer), or just walking to the waterfall at the north end of town, there are numerous day walk options to suit all abilities. Roughing it and camping is possible but not mandatory: every evening you can choose to return to your boutique guesthouse or hostel, and grab a hot meal and craft beer at one of the town’s numerous (and sophisticated) dining options, such as La Oveja Negra or Patagonicus. Read More…
