Wonderous Patagonia, a formidable yet enchanting wilderness that begs to be explored and demands to be respected. Spanning the southern reaches of Chile and Argentina, this far-flung expanse of natural wonders, glacial lakes, mountain ranges and some of the best hiking in South America is a fantasyland of outdoor activities and striking scenery combined. There is important culture and history here too, with a mix of native communities and European settlers adding to Patagonian heritage.
All of this, the world’s most southerly inhabited town, wildlife like whales and wild pumas plus some top hotels and lodges make Patagonia unmissable. At Atelier we cherish every journey through Patagonia, so have put together our insider guide Patagonia’s top seven destinations in Argentina and Chile, to give you everything you need to know about this remarkable land.
Whether you’re going on a Patagonian cruise, voyaging the Beagle Channel to Antarctic or simply wanting to visit the world’s most southerly town, Ushuaia in Argentine Patagonia will feature on your hit list. With windswept shores that look out to the South Pole and cruises available through the icy fjords around Cape Horn, there is no mistaking that Ushuaia lives up to its name as the “End of the World”.
The landscape here is as remote and extreme as it comes, think of an isolated lighthouse atop a rocky outcrop, a penguin colony untouched by humankind, or vicious sea currents that have claimed their share of sailors and you’re along the right lines. This is a place where Mother Earth makes the rules, though there is stark beauty and plenty of things to do in Ushuaia too.
As well as the wonders of nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, the dramatic mountains and mineral-rich lakes, you can board the “End of the World Train” to visit Ushuaia’s penal colony museum, or see the untamed coastline from above in an unforgettable helicopter tour. Hiking to Laguna Esmeralda or the Martial Glacier are scenic ways to spend the day, while loveable penguins can be found on Martillo Island—a great day trip and chance to admire them if not already on a longer cruise.
El Calafate is a fantastic base to explore Los Glacieres National Park, home to the natural wonder of Perito Moreno Glacier plus a handful of welcoming lodges such as Eolo, where a room with a view is guaranteed! Perito Moreno is the highlight of any trip to El Calafate, whether up close to the glacier’s façade on a boat trip, trekking on the ice itself or admiring from afar. Covering an expanse larger than Buenos Aires and towering 75m above the water’s surface, Perito Moreno brings the might of Mother Nature into perspective, though there’s other activities to keep you entertained and enjoying the great outdoors while here.
If seeking a real escape, mountaineering on single or multi-day treks across Los Glaciares National Park and the Cristales Mountain Range are highly recommended. Or for something less strenuous a gentler stroll around Lake Argentino, Roca, or Laguna Nimez Reserva make for good birdwatching walks—including on the lookout for flamingos!
El Chalten in Argentina almost gets pilgrimage status amongst avid hikers, as some of Patagonia’s most iconic and accessible routes can be done from here. This wild landscape of valleys and crags, forest trails, gushing rivers and frozen mountains are a dream whether you’re a lifelong hiker or simply looking for a scenic walk, or mountain bike ride.
Some of the best trekking routes in El Chalten include the iconic peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, where varied routes take you past waterfalls, glacial lakes and spectacular viewpoints. Other popular El Chalten hikes and walks include around Laguna Capri and de los Tres, the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado trail and Cerro Huemul Circuit, among so many more.
With kayaking, horse riding, rafting, biking, fishing and ice trekking to also enjoy, this is a region which lives and breathes outdoor activities, with fantastic El Chalten hotels such as Explora El Chalten the perfect base to discover the surrounding landscape at your own pace.
The Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is a place almost too beautiful to describe. This fantasy-film landscape of perfectly still lakes surrounded by the dramatic mountains of Cuernos del Paine, low-lying pine forest, fjords and isolated lodges draws you in and captivates. Some of Patagonia’s best hotels can be found here, with Explora Torres del Paine and Awasi Patagonia both perfectly placed in the wilderness to become one with the land all around.
Once inside the park, usually accessed via Puerto Natales, there are biking, hiking and horse-riding trails in every direction across this untouched land, with some of the highlights of Torres del Paine including the French Valley, Base of the Towers, and the iconic Grey Glacier—great for ice trekking and kayaking. Torres del Paine has a proud gaucho culture that you can immerse yourself in by visiting horse ranches and estancias too, and there’s also wildlife here so keep your eye out for Pumas and Condors on those unforgettable walks!
Known to be among the best whale-watching sites in the world, Argentina’s Valdes Peninsula Nature Reserve is home to some of South America’s most iconic creatures. This rugged coastline is the place to go for boat trips and sea-front walks to spot Sea Lions, Magellanic Penguins, Elephant Seals, Southern Right Whales and numerous nesting seabirds.
As one of the most important breeding grounds for the Southern Right Whale, the Valdes Peninsula’s icy waters provide spectacular boat trips at the right time of year, allowing you to witness these gentle giants up close. Puerto Madryn is a good stopping point on your way further south to the deeper reaches of Patagonia, and what better way to spend your time than boat trips and beach walks in search of incredible native wildlife?
Sitting further north in Argentine Patagonia, Bariloche doesn’t have the same extreme climate found in the south, but that doesn’t compromise the spectacular natural beauty to be found here. Stay at the luxury Llao Llao Hotel and wake up each morning surrounded by the waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi, forested islands, verdant hills and a landscape begging to be both explored and enjoyed.
Bariloche’s Nahuel Huapi National Park is Argentina’s oldest and ideal for kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking to elevated viewpoints like those found atop Cerro Campanario, Tronador, the cable car to Cerro Otto or the hills around Mascardi Lake. The trails dissecting the Arrayanes Forest are blissful, as is driving the picturesque Seven Lakes Road which can be done over several days to take in the sights between Villa La Angostura and San Martín de Los Andes.
Local culture and cuisine is also big in Bariloche, and you can often stumble upon laidback bars serving BBQ food and craft beer with live music and a great atmosphere all-round.
A cruise with Australis through the Chilean fjords, crossing the remote waterways of Argentine and Chilean Patagonia, is an experience like no other. With routes linking Punta Arenas in Chile and Ushuaia in Argentina, this is isolated Patagonia at its best—think of once-unknown penguin colonies, otherwise inaccessible glaciers, and not a sign of civilization as far as the eye can see.
A cruise through the Chilean Fjords is an intimate one, connecting you with a landscape that was once explored by Charles Darwin, no less. Highlights include Wulaia Bay (historic home of native Yamana People), the Beagle and Murray Channels, Nassau Bay, and the Cape Horn National Park. Along the way expect excursions to Pia Glacier, wildlife watching, glacial waterfalls and the stark beauty of the Garibaldi Fjord to accompany the fantastic service and expert guidance onboard.
No matter what your interests or group size, speak to the South America travel specialists at Atelier and they will craft your dream tailormade tour to Patagonia.
No matter what your interests or group size, speak to the South America travel specialists at Atelier and they will craft your dream tailormade tour to Patagonia.
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