Patagonia Regions
Shared between Argentina and Chile, Patagonia covers a territory with a length of more than 2800 km, and a maximum width of approximately 1000 km (from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean). The Argentinian part stretches from the Colorado River (province of Neuquén) till the Beagle Channel in Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego). The Chilean side goes from Puerto Montt (Lake District) to Cape Horn (the last piece of land before Antarctica).
1). Highlights of Patagonia Argentina
The Argentinian part of Patagonia has its northern limit in the Colorado River (provinces of La Pampa, Rio Negro, and Neuquen) and it stretches down south until the Beagle Channel (one of the natural borders with Chile). The Atlantic Ocean and the higher peaks of the Andes Mountain Range are its eastern and western limits. It has a surface of 1,7 million KM2, with a big part covered by steppe and the rest quite similar to Chile: mountains, forests, glaciers, rivers, ocean, etc. Let’s have a look at the main touristic attractions in Patagonia Argentina:
Bariloche & Lake District
Bariloche is the capital of the lake district, in Northern Patagonia, and a suitable distribution hub to visit other places of Argentina and Chile.
This area is very similar to the Alps, full of rivers, lakes, mountains, pristine forests, and villages. Naturally, alternatives for outdoor activities are quite big: scenic excursions, navigations, rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, trekking, etc.
Besides Bariloche, and also in the lake district (and its surroundings), there are other remarkable places to visit, such as Los Alerces National Park, El Bolsón, Villa La Angostura, 7 Lagos Road, San Martin de los Andes, and Lanin National Park.
Bariloche requires a minimum of 3 nights.
Puerto Madryn & Peninsula Valdés
Welcome to one of the most beautiful Sanctuaries for Ocean Wildlife in the world.
This area is home to Southern Right Whales, Orcas (Killer Whales), Penguins, Rheas, Maras, Foxes, Guanacos, Sea Lions, Sea Elephants, Armadillos, and different kinds of sea birds. Depending on the time of the year, you will be able to see different species.
From mids of September to the end of November, penguins and southern right whales coexist at the same time.
During the end of March and the beginning of April, photographers from all over the world come to see the Orca attacks on the shore.
A standard visit takes around 2-3 nights.
El Calafate
Welcome to the land of the Glaciers.
El Calafate (Patagonia Argentina) is located 2800 km southwest from Buenos Aires and is a great hub to combine with El Chaltén and Torres del Paine. It has an airport with flights to Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, and Bariloche.
The main attraction in El Calafate is the legendary Glacier Perito Moreno. It has a humungous size, very different from many other glaciers.
Furthermore, the National Park Los Glaciares counts also with many other glaciers, such as Upsala, Spegazzini, and Viedma. These glaciers descend from the Continental Ice Field, which is the third-largest ice cap in the world.
Activities such as trekking on the ice and kayaking near the ice chunks are also available. Visitors usually stay 3 nights. One day for the Glacier Perito Moreno, and another day for visiting other glaciers and/or some Estancias (Patagonian ranch).
El Chaltén (Fitz Roy & Torre Mounts)
The Capital for Trekking in Argentina lies at the foot of the Fitz Roy Mount and the Cerro Torre. It’s located 220km north of El Calafate, and it counts with lots of trails to walk through.
People from all over the world come every year to fulfill their dreams, which can be focused on hiking, climbing, or other kinds of expeditions. There are different trails for different levels, adapted to a wide spectrum of physical conditions. The people there are very friendly, and the local atmosphere is just fantastic.
There are also other alternatives besides trekking. For instance, a scenic excursion to Lago del Desierto, rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, etc.
If you like trekking, we suggest you to stay a minimum of 3 nights (ideally 10 days) because the weather is unpredictable and you should have a window as a backup (you will find enough things to do anyway).
Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego
Welcome to the end of the world! Even though Ushuaia is not anymore the southernmost city in the world, it represents and reflects all about it.
From this city depart Cruises to Antarctica, to the Chilean Fjords, and is the gate to do all kinds of excursions in Tierra del Fuego. The most popular ones are the navigation on the Beagle Channel, the visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park, and the activities around the lakes Fagnano & Escondido.
In addition, it offers alternatives during the whole year. During winter, near Ushuaia is Cerro Castor, one of the most important ski resorts in Patagonia. Visitors stay 2 nights at least. If you travel between October and March, don’t miss the penguin rookery of Isla Martilllo!
Besides Ushuaia, the island of Tierra del Fuego offers other attractions such as the impressive Peninsula Mitre, Tolhuin, and Cape San Pablo.
Last but not least: right in front of the eastern side of Tierra del Fuego, about 30 km from the coast, you can find the Isla de los Estados (Staten Island). This island was the one that inspired Julius Verne in his book “The Lighthouse at the End of the World”. It has steep fjords and rich ocean wildlife.
2). Highlights of Chilean Patagonia
The Chilean part of Patagonia has its northern limit near Puerto Montt and its southern limit in Cape Horn. Its surface is way smaller than the Argentinian side, but no less beautiful: it has an incredible amount of natural treasures to discover – From the scarped fjords in the South to the lush vegetation of the Lake District. Furthermore, it can be connected with the Argentinian side through multiple border crossings. Let’s have a look at its main attractions:
Puerto Varas & Chilean Lake District
This green and beautiful area is in a similar latitude as Bariloche (Argentina). It counts with spectacular lakes, mountains, rivers, and volcanoes, and is an important hub to connect with other places of Patagonia –both Argentinean and Chilean sides.
Osorno, Puerto Varas, Frutillar, Puerto Octay, and Pumalin National Park, are just a few of the many destinations you can enjoy at this area.
Aysen & Carretera Austral
Full of Glaciers and breathtaking sceneries, this area is crossed by one of the most spectacular roads in Chile: Carretera Austral.
Mountains, sounds, rivers, lakes, the pacific ocean, islands, forests, and glaciers, are just a part of what you can enjoy in this area.
Some of the highlights are Queulat, Marble Cathedrals, Caleta Tortel, Cerro Castillo, San Rafael, and Villa O’Higgins
Torres del Paine
Torres del Paine is the National Capital for trekking in Chile, and together with El Chaltén (Argentina) is for many people the most spectacular place for hiking in the world.
The most iconic hikes in Torres del Paine are the “w trek“ and the “o trek”.
Furthermore, Torres del Paine is the best place for Puma watching in Patagonia and is home to other beautiful species such as rheas, condors, and guanacos.
Last but not least, this National Park is not only for trekkers but also for other tourists that wish a more relaxing way to enjoy nature.
It’s located 2 hours north of Puerto Natales, and it counts with different kinds of accommodations (including premium hotels).
Punta Arenas, Chilean Fjords & Cape Horn
Cliffs with scarped mountains, hanging glaciers, channels with spectacular ocean wildlife…are just some of the surprises you’ll encounter while navigating across the Chilean Fjords.
This is an area with plenty of unexplored corners, such as those at Los Alacalufes or Kawésqar National Parks.
Punta Arenas is the biggest city of the southernmost Chilean territory, and a strategic hub for several adventures such as the Antarctica Cruises and other navigations.
Cape Horn is the last piece of land before Antarctica, and one of the highlights during the Australis Cruise, which joins Punta Arenas with Ushuaia (Argentina) through incredible places.
Puerto Williams & Navarino
Puerto Williams is the new Southernmost city in the world (before it was Ushuaia).
This picturesque place it’s located on the southern shore of the Beagle Channel (in front of Ushuaia) and it’s used as a base to do different kinds of adventures. For instance, the multiday trek to the Navarino’s teeth.
Other destinations
The list of Chilean attractions extends to uncountable places.
For instance, the Chilean Part of Tierra del Fuego has some areas that are quite unexplored, such as the Yendegaia Bay.
Further north, apart from the destinations mentioned in the Lake District, you can find other breathtaking sceneries such as Palena, Puntiagudo Volcano, and Corcovado.
Personalized tours in Patagonia
In Beyond BA, we design tailor made trips in Patagonia, and would love to hear about your travel plans. Contact us, and let’s start planning your next experience!
