Patagonia exists where the Americas end and the land meets a tempestuous sea that stretches all the way to Antarctica. Fragmented into islands along much of the coast, it’s home to penguins, whales, and guanacos, and has a spine of glaciers and snowcapped mountains that forms the border between Argentina and Chile. From the jagged rocky columns of Torres del Paine, to the ever-advancing Perito Moreno glacier, to caves made from marble—the scenery feels digitally enhanced, super-sized, and ethereal. It’s a land ripe for adventure and things to do.
Patagonia is highly seasonal. Outside of the summer season (December–March), much of the area is completely inaccessible. Even in summer, snowstorms and extreme weather are frequent, and the wind speeds can reach more than 70 miles (113 kilometers) per hour. If you’re camping or hiking, make sure you’re prepared for all conditions, and that someone knows where you’ve gone and when you’ll return.
Patagonia is vast, covering more than 400 square miles (1,036 square kilometers). Driving from one end to another can take days. To arrive from either Santiago or Buenos Aires, it’s easiest to fly. A great way to explore southern Patagonia is by boat. Several boat trips cruise the Beagle Channel and fjords, and there’s a cargo ship that takes a limited number of passengers and runs between Chile’s Puerto Natales and Puerto Montt in four days.
Unless you’ve got a month or longer, it’s best to pick one or two sections of Patagonia to explore. Those hoping to explore Antarctica should head to Ushuaia, Argentina’s southernmost city, where expedition boats dock. El Chaltén, also in Argentina, is a paradise for hikers, and Bariloche’s lakes have been compared to Switzerland. If road-tripping is your style, don’t miss the 770-mile-long (1,240-kilometer-long) Carretera Austral in Chile. For wildlife lovers, there's Isla Magdalena in Chile with vast penguin colonies.
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The 770-mile (1,040-kilometer) Carretera Austral is the trip of a lifetime. It crosses 18 national parks and takes roughly two weeks (with stops). Highlights include Pumalin’s lakes, marble caves, and Queulat Glacier. Further south, the famous W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park books up months in advance.
...MoreThe ideal duration for a visit to Chilean Patagonia depends on your interests and activities. Most travelers spend about 7–10 days exploring the region to cover key highlights like Torres del Paine National Park, glaciers, and hiking trails. However, longer stays allow for a more in-depth experience of this stunning region.
...MorePlenty of warm layers and waterproof clothing. Even in the height of summer, it’s not uncommon for it to snow. Other than that, don’t forget your camera—on a clear day there are few places on earth that can match Patagonia for scenery.
...MoreFrom the United States or Europe, fly to either Buenos Aires or Santiago—both have domestic flights to different points in Patagonia, but it’s more difficult (and more expensive) to fly from the Chilean capital to Argentinian Patagonia, for example. Major airports in Patagonia include Ushuaia, El Calafate, and Punta Arenas.
...MoreIt’s impossible to choose. One of the most iconic is Fitz Roy Mountain near El Chaltén in Argentina—recognizable from the Patagonia clothing logo. The peaks of Torres del Paine National Park are another highlight. With such inclement weather though, the best view is often on the day with blue skies.
...MoreThe landscape may look harsh, but many species thrive in Patagonia. Penguins, whales, sea lions, guanacos, and even armadillos are among Patagonia’s native residents, and there are 500-plus species of animals and more than 400 types of birds. Organized boat trips to islands inhabited by penguin colonies guarantee sightings.
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