Travelers in search of wide-open spaces and solitude will find both in abundance in Patagonia, which stretches over Chile and Argentina. The enormous expanse of wild South American land is home to windswept steppes, dramatic mountains, glacial lakes, and one lonely road: the famous RN 40, which runs parallel to the Andes. Explore the Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Spegazzini glaciers by kayak; visit Torres del Paine, Los Glaciares, or Tierra del Fuego national parks; or trek on the Patagonian Ice Field. You can also ride the train to the end of the world in Tierra del Fuego, or take a sailing expedition on the Beagle Channel.
Summer (December through February) is the most popular time to explore Patagonia’s wild landscapes, with daytime temperatures reaching 70°F (21°C) in the north. It’s the best time for hiking and glacier cruises, and in the far south, cruise ships set sail for Antarctica between November and March. Temperatures rarely bob above freezing in winter (June through August), especially in the far south, but if you don’t mind braving the cold, it’s prime ski season and whale-watching season along the coast.
Whether hiking across glaciers, horseback riding along the Andean steppe, or long-distance cycling along Ruta 40, traveling in Patagonia is all about getting outdoors. You’ll need wheels to get around, but if you don’t fancy renting your own 4x4, take a local bus or shuttle, which link the main towns and national parks. Patagonia’s coast is best admired from the water, and regular boat cruises and ferries set out to explore the rocky shores and coastal islands.
Skip the tourist hub of El Calafate, which can get overcrowded in season, and head to El Chalten instead—it’s the base camp for numerous hikes around Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Further north, one of Patagonia’s most thrilling hikes winds its way through Nahuel Huapi National Park to reach the lesser-known Cerro Tronador glacier, where you can camp out at the edge of the glacier.
Local Currency Argentine Peso (ARS) | Time Zone ART (UTC -3) | Country Code +54 | Language(s) Spanish | Attractions 42 | Tours 578 | Reviews 7,360 |
Patagonia is famed as South America’s last frontier. It has a reputation for being vast, untamed, and beautiful. The region encompasses diverse landscapes, which include icy glaciers, soaring mountains, turquoise lakes, and lush forest. It is also home to one of South America’s top attractions: Torres del Paine National Park.
...MoreWhether it is better to visit Patagonia in Argentina or Chile depends on preferences. Patagonia is bigger in Argentina, offering more activities and diverse landscapes, such as the less-visited Los Glaciares National Park. However, Chilean Patagonia is easier to get around and includes the must-see Torres del Paine National Park.
...MoreYes. Patagonia offers magnificent, diverse landscapes, and it is an especially good destination for adventurous travelers who love to explore the outdoors. Activities include glacier trekking, visiting a penguin colony, and hiking through forests and to lakes. The Patagonia region is distinctive and well worth making the effort to visit.
...MoreGetting to and around Patagonia can take time, so you’ll want to dedicate at least seven to 10 days to fully experience the region without rushing around. A 7–10 day trip is long enough to hike some trails in Torres del Paine National Park and explore Los Glaciares National Park.
...MoreThere are two. To reach Chile Patagonia you would depart from Santiago and fly into the Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ) in Punta Arenas. To reach Argentine Patagonia, you would depart from Buenos Aires and fly into the Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) in El Calafate.
...MoreWith its warm weather and long days, the summer season (November to March) is the best time to visit Patagonia and enjoy its many outdoor adventures. January and February are peak tourist months, so you can avoid the biggest crowds by aiming for a visit in November, December, or March.
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