Patagonia is one of the most diverse regions in South America with some of the most dazzling scenery in the world. Its rugged landscapes span across southern Chile and Argentina, offering visitors a distinct view of glaciers, grassland, Andean mountains, desert, and even vineyards fed by natural snowmelt irrigation. Such impressive surroundings invite the adventurous to interact and engage with its beautiful nature and natural wonders and the low-key to relax and soak in the romantic atmosphere. See the must-see regions of Patagonia and amazing experiences you can have there below.
El Calafate
El Calafate is a popular city because it provides access to some of Patagonia’s most impressive glaciers in the National Park, particularly Perito Moreno. The breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier is a true ice river 60kms long that drops down to Lake Argentina, and one of only three Patagonian glaciers that are not retreating. In fact, Perito Moreno is growing at a healthy rate. The 18-mile-long and 130+ feet tall glacier is very accessible because it is easy to hike to with 1-3 hour route options. You can experience Perito Moreno up close or from an observation platform at a distance, where you can see chunks of ice falling off into the water below.
For the best of Patagonia, El Calafate and Argentina’s natural wonders look here.
(Photo by Yampu traveler Givens)
Torres del Paine
On Chile’s southern side lies Torres del Paine, one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Fall in love with this most aesthetic and ruggedly beautiful area, full of some of the most remarkable panoramic views as you hike amongst glaciers, stately mountains and magnificent rock formations, emerald green lakes, and evergreen forests.
The adventurous can enjoy an immersion trek towards Hosteria Las Torres and join the uphill path to the Ascencio Valley on the Tower’s eastern face. A challenging climb up the steep moraine brings trekkers to a mass of boulders leading up towards one of the world’s most famous views overlooking the Towers. The famous Torres del Paine consists of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After an uphill trek, the Towers come into full view, rising majestically with the glacial lake visible below. Here is where one can enjoy a picnic lunch with the spectacular views before returning along the same trail through the Ascencio Valley.
For a full adventurous experience in Torres del Paine and Patagonia look here.
Ushuaia
Journey to the End of the World, Ushuaia. This southernmost city in the world is a popular destination in the summer months because it is a departure point for cruises to Antarctica and has incredible nature experiences.
From Ushuaia, you can travel just a few miles by train to Tierra del Fuego National Park, a preserve for the Andean-Patagonian forest. The park features beautiful tree species including firebushes, beech trees, and a variety of flowers, spread over an area of 63,000 hectares. Enjoy an unforgettable trip along the original embankment where the old prisoners’ train ran until 1947 for their expeditions in search of wood for heating. The highlight of the park is Lapataia Bay, the southernmost tip of the continent, with a wonderful view of Beagle Channel. Here, the old inhabitants of the area have left their testimony in the “concheros,” incredible archaeological deposits.
Sail through the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park, an important navigation route between the Pacific and the Atlantic referred to as the ‘End of the Earth.’
Sail through Brecknock, Ocasion, Cockburn, and Magdalena Channels to enter the spectacular De Agostini Sound, in the heart of the Darwin Mountain Range. Witness massive glaciers sliding down the mountainside all the way to the sea. Travel to the Aguila Glacier to embark upon an easy walk to its base. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of Patagonia’s cold rain forest and to see how the power of nature has molded the spectacular landscape.
El Chalten
El Chalten is a small mountain village located within the Los Glaciares National Park at the base of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy. Take an excursion to the spectacular mountain scenery, sub-Antarctica glaciers and forests of Chalten. From Chalten, going upward by a hill and having Fitz Roy Hill to the side, start walking up to Capri Lagoon. There, take a winding road for around 90 minutes. The lake is a beautiful spot full of color and varied bird fauna. If the weather allows it, one can see the Chalten mountain chain. From Capri Lagoon, go back to the path and toward the Fitz Roy base, crossing various small streams. The landscape becomes greener, and the mountain vegetation shows its majestic landscape; from time to time, the sound of a cascade becomes the background in this spectacular path.
Enjoy Gauchos, Andes and Patagonia with these incredible treks.
Bariloche
Unlike some parts of Patagonia, Bariloche is an amazing destination year-round. In the summer months, hiking, kayaking, or horseback riding are perfect activities, and in the winter there is incredible skiing and snowboarding. The Circuito Chico allows you to bike around glassy lakes with mountain views. Explore the beautiful region and enjoy some peaceful activities such as meditation or yoga as your soul gets in touch with nature in one of the world’s most beautiful locations.
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