Into the wild: exploring Patagonia

Patagonia is haven for wilderness lovers. With one of the lowest population densities on the planet, it gives visitors a unique sense of isolation and peace which is unmatched anywhere else in the world. Though it is the ultimate getaway, there is just enough infrastructure to allow for exploration. It’s a vast area of around 800,000 sq km which is shared by two countries, Chile and Argentina. Chilean Patagonia is a maze of watery inlets, channels, bays and islands, while Argentinian Patagonia is a sprawling wilderness dotted with ranches. Despite its immense size, you can definitely tick off many of the highlights in just a few days – here, we run through what to do in Patagonia, to help get you started.

Torres del Paine National Park 

Make Torres del Paine a priority on your Patagonia trip if you love to drink in spectacular views without having to expend too much energy to find them. The incredible vistas that come as standard in this national park can be accessed relatively easily as there are a number of roads around the area. Major attractions here are the twisted pinnacles of the Paine massif, a staggering sight that will take your breath away even if you have seen it already on a hundred postcards. The tortured torres (towers) and imposing cuernos (horns) of this cluster of peaks are spectacularly reflected in the lakes below. Impressive doesn’t really cover it. Wildlife in the park includes flamingos, birds of prey, and the ever-present rhea. Botanists might prefer a December visit as this is when most flowers enter peak blooming season.

If you’re looking for adventure, the O Circuit is an excellent way to experience the remote backcountry of Torres del Paine National Park. Normally backpacked in 8-10 days, this spectacular hiking trek circles the Paine Massif and offers extraordinary views. For many travelers, it’s considered one of the best long-distance hiking destinations in both Patagonia and South America as a whole. Photographers will love the glacier views, diverse wildlife, and sunrise vistas at Laguna Amarga, where the towers light up in shades of pink and orange.

Los Glaciares National Park

The other famous national park in Patagonia is Los Glaciares, located in Argentine territory. The opportunity to get up close and personal with electric blue glaciers such as Perito Moreno, a staggering 5,000 meters wide and 60m tall, is unmissable. Hiking on the glacier or viewing it from a boat on the lake is one of the area’s biggest draws.

Known as Argentina’s trekking capital, El Chaltén is the ideal base for exploring Los Glaciares. From here, you can opt to follow legendary trails such as Laguna Torre, which offers impressive views of the Fitz Roy massif and icebergs floating in a glacier lake. For a memorable excursion, you can join an ice climbing tour on the Viedma Glacier, the largest glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Within El Chaltén, you’ll find plenty of restaurants serving hearty Argentinian fare and spa centers where you can recharge before or after your adventures.

Parque Patagonia

One of the most recent additions to the clutch of national parks in Patagonia is a large expanse of wildlands which, having been gradually purchased from previous landowners, has been granted protected status. This particular park, and its journey to becoming a national park, was a labor of love. The married couple who own the North Face and Patagonia clothing brands decided some years ago to be as active as they could in preserving part of one of the largest remaining regions of wilderness there is.

Following years of lobbying and dedicated campaigning, the park gained protected status in late 2015. With the new measures in place, nature is reclaiming huge areas of ranch land, and endemic species are beginning to repopulate.

Beyond hiking and wildlife watching, Parque Patagonia offers plenty of other opportunities for memorable outdoor recreation. You can kayak around the Marble Chapels, go ice trekking on the Exploradores Glacier, or get your adrenaline pumping on a whitewater rafting tour on the Baker River. For a more low-key excursion, join a boat tour to the San Rafael Lagoon to marvel at its collection of picture-perfect icebergs.

The Valdés Peninsula

Marine life is abundant in this part of the South Atlantic and the peninsula offers a great chance to spot wildlife on boat trips from Puerto Madryn. If you are here between July and September, calving season, you may even be lucky enough to see some young whales travelling with their pod.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the nature reserve offers some of the most impressive wildlife watching in the world. Whale-watching season is from June to December, with September and October being the best months to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants in the wild waters. If you visit from October through March, you might even be lucky to spot a few tuxedo-clad penguins along the rocky shores. Other wildlife you can see on the Valdés Peninsula include killer whales (orcas) and southern elephant seals.

Ushuaia

The southernmost city before Antarctica, Ushuaia is a bucket list destination in Patagonia. Located in Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire), the city at the end of the world is known for its dramatic landscapes and remote setting.

Highlights include a visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park, where scenic hikes lead to pristine lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests filled with colorful birdlife. Discover the region’s history aboard the End of the World train, where you’ll hear fascinating commentary about the convict railway that operated in Ushuaia from 1910 to 1947 while taking in views of the park’s most remote locations. Wildlife enthusiasts can also join boat tours for a chance to see penguins, sea lions, and cormorants on the islands along the Beagle Channel.

Bariloche and the Lake District

Set in Argentina’s Lake District, Bariloche is nestled on the shores of the bright blue Lake Nahuel Huapi. Surrounded by mountain vistas, forests, and sparkling lakes, this year-round nature destination offers a range of outdoor activities. Winter is popular for its skiing and snow-shoeing, while summer comes alive with hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. This city is also known as the Argentine Capital of Chocolate, with chocolate factory tours, chocolate shops, and tasting tours popular with sweet-toothed visitors.

Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales is known as the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Located on Chile’s Last Hope Sound, this once-tiny fishing port is worth exploring in its own right. This charming harbor town offers a laid-back vibe and stunning fjord views. Visit the waterfront promenade for views of the Última Esperanza Sound, then stop by the artisan markets to pick up a few locally made souvenirs.

Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak the waters for an up-close view of the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers, while the Mirador Dorotea hiking trail leads to an impressive viewpoint over the town and the Last Hope Sound. For an authentic adventure, you can even go horseback riding on a working ranch to get a glimpse of traditional gaucho culture.

Make it happen

Our partners in Chile and Argentina are ready and waiting to start planning your tailor-made Patagonian adventure. All you need to do is send an enquiry to get the ball rolling.