Patagonia: A Guide to the Most Beautiful Places
Patagonia—a land of many natural wonders that attracts nature lovers from all over the world. You'll find turquoise lagoons, penguin colonies, jagged mountains, glaciers, and volcanoes. In this article, we’ll share both famous and lesser-known places that are worth visiting. Join us as we explore the natural beauty of Patagonia.
Where is Patagonia Located?
Patagonia spans two countries: Argentina and Chile. It lies at the southernmost tip of South America. Argentine Patagonia is known for its steppes and glaciers, while on the Chilean side, you can enjoy walks through dense forests, hikes in the mountains, and rugged coastlines.
When to Visit Patagonia?
Since Patagonia is located at the southern tip of the American continent, it's important to consider the season when planning your visit.
The peak season runs from December to February. During this time, Patagonia has the best weather, and therefore, many tourists. If you're planning a hiking or camping trip to Patagonia during this period, make sure to plan everything in advance.
You can also visit Patagonia in other months; just avoid June through August, when it's winter there. Patagonia is close to Antarctica, so the winters can be quite cold.
Nature in Patagonia: What You Absolutely Must See
Mountains aren't the only thing you'll see in Patagonia. We've also written about other natural wonders:
Torres del Paine
This is a national park under UNESCO protection. Torres del Paine is one of the most visited places in Patagonia, so be prepared for crowds of tourists and fees—for almost anything you can think of. The heart of this national park is the massive granite towers of Cuernos del Paine, with the highest being Cerro Paine Grande. You can either walk around the towers or get closer by doing the so-called W-trek. Directly beneath the monumental Cuernos del Paine towers lies the beautiful glacial lake, Lago Nordenskjöld.
Cerro Fitz Roy
The most beautiful mountain in Patagonia, also known as Laguna de Los Tres, Cerro Fitz Roy (3,405 m / 11,171 ft above sea level), is in Los Glaciares National Park near the town of El Chaltén. It is the best hike you can undertake in Patagonia, taking you to the foot of the famous Fitz Roy Mountain. In the area around this mountain, you'll also encounter the stunning Patagonian lake, Laguna Torre.
Perito Moreno
The Perito Moreno Glacier is undoubtedly one of the biggest attractions in Argentine Patagonia. Although it is a very touristy spot, it is worth a visit. The glacier is about 30 km (19 mi) long, nearly 5 km (3 mi) wide, and its edge rises up to 74 m (243 ft) above the lake. You’ll find it in Los Glaciares National Park in the southwestern province of Santa Cruz, Argentina.
Lanin Volcano
Rising prominently on the Chilean-Argentine border is the massive Lanin Volcano (3,776 m / 12,356 ft above sea level). It is renowned for its beautiful surroundings, which, due to its remote location, are relatively less visited by tourists. Near the volcano, you’ll find ancient araucaria trees, lakes, and mountain ridges partially covered with lava.
You can also visit the other famous volcano, Villarrica (2,847 m / 9,340 ft above sea level), located near the town of Pucón, which is still active. In the language of the indigenous people, it is called Rucapillán, which means "house of spirits."
Penguins at Seno Otway
Around Punta Arenas, there are two locations where you can go penguin watching: the more well-known Magdalena Island or Seno Otway. Both locations have visitor trails and observation shelters where you can get a close-up view of the penguins without disturbing them.
Caleta Tortel
Head to the picturesque village of Caleta Tortel, from where you can sail to the hanging glaciers near Isla de los Muertos ("Island of the Dead"). The village is located on the shore of a fjord along the serpentine Carretera Austral, and there are no roads here, only walkways made of cypress wood. The village's inaccessibility adds to its mystique. You can reach it by ferry from Puerto Natales or by minibus from Cochrane.
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