Great Things to Do and See in Patagonia

Shared by Chile and Argentina, the Patagonian region sits at the southern end of South America. It is a land of wild, unforgettable beauty. The longest continental mountain range in the world, the Andes Mountains, stretch into Patagonia, while three different oceans border it: the Pacific Ocean, the Southern Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean. It also has landscapes of deserts, pampas, and grasslands. When planning a trip to Patagonia, there are so many wonderful sites to see and activities to do.

Known for its excellent hiking options, this wild region is famous for its hikes in Torres Del Paine National Park and the Andes. These locations are great choices to explore, however, there are excellent hikes available throughout the whole region. Besides hiking, Patagonia also contains charming towns, exotic wildlife, and comfortable lodges.

The Top Hiking Choices in Patagonia

When considering what to do in Patagonia, hiking is the first choice of many travelers. This is not only due to the picturesque trails that Patagonia offers when it comes to hiking options, but because these hikes have amazing mountain lakes and massive glaciers. Here are some of the best hikes in Patagonia:

• The Laguna de Los Tres takes hikers to a deep blue lake in the mountains, located in Los Glaciares National Park. The hike passes by many gorgeous landscapes which include Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre Peak, and Aguja Poincenot.

• The Laguna Capri Trek is a relatively easy day hike that takes you to a mountain lake overlooking Mount Fitz Roy. For a little bit of effort, you get a wonderful reward with memories that will last a lifetime.

• The Laguna Torres Trek features distinctive mountains and colorful blue lakes. It is a classic Patagonia hike and can be done in one full day.

• The four-hour hike to Perito Moreno Glacier rewards hikers with a close-up view of a large glacier. It is one of the best hikes in Patagonia.

Many of the hikes within the Patagonian region can be accomplished in less than a day. However, some hikes are perfect for serious adventure travelers. These hikes can take anywhere from two nights to eight days. Hikes such as the W Trek and the O Circuit are multi-day hikes that take hikers far into the backcountry of this remarkable land. This will allow them to feel immersed in the beauty of the nature around them, perfect for anyone looking to unplug in nature.

The Best National Parks

On the finest Patagonia tour packages, you have the option to visit several national parks. Torres del Paine National Park is perhaps the best-known park around the world. Famous for its fresh mountain air and remarkable landscape, this park exhibits unforgettable views of serrated peaks, glaciers and stunning lakes. Within the parks, there are guided hikes to the Towers, Torres Massif, Lago Grey, and Grey Glacier. You also have the option to ride amongst the landscapes of this unspoiled land.

Trips to Patagonia often include visiting Los Glaciares National Park, the largest park in Patagonia. Due to the unparalleled beauty in this park, it was labeled as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1981. Activities presented here include floating on a boat to see the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is the world’s third-largest reserve of freshwater. You can even walk on the glacier with crampons, which will give you a panorama view as you stand atop this outstanding feature of nature.

In addition to the wonderful landscape, many know of this area due to its abundance of wildlife. Home to over 500 different species of wildlife, this region is perfect for bird watchers. The mammals that reside in this region are also worth looking for. Examples include the Patagonian Puma, famous for its size and being the southernmost feline of its kind on the continent. They indeed are rare to come across however, in areas such as Torres del Paine National Park and Aysen, visitors increase their chances of seeing this gorgeous feline. Within the Patagonian region, other animals present include huemul deer, Guanaco, rheas, and penguins. This region is perfect for visitors who are interested in seeing animals in their natural habitats.

The Top Lodges in Patagonia

After enjoying one of the classic hikes in Patagonia, you can retire in comfort to a world-class lodge. You can choose the accommodations that fit your style of travel, but you will always be treated to comfort and excellent meals. Some of the lodges feature spas and other luxuries while always offering easy access to the area’s natural beauty. The top lodges in Patagonia include the following choices:

• The Singular Patagonia Hotel which is located in southern Patagonia near Bernardo O’Higgins National Park

• The Remota Patagonia which features luxury accommodations with access to fjords, mountains, and glaciers

• The Rio Serrano Lodge with its views of the famous mountains of Torres del Paine National Park

• The Hotel Vira Vira in northern Patagonia which is known for its access to Patagonia hikes and treks as well as insights into the Mapuche Culture

To take in all that the region has to offer, a multi-day stay at a pleasant lodge is a great way to make the best use of your time. You can relax, sleep in and still have time to enjoy the many activities in the area.

The Finest Cruises

In addition to traditional lodging, Patagonia also offers a variety of cruises. An itinerary that includes a cruise opens up many other areas to see in Patagonia, all from the comfort of a boat. You can see penguins and go whale watching near the top of the Valdes Peninsula. You will also have the opportunity to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, have tea on the Welsh community of Trelew and visit the southern town of Ushuaia. A cruise allows you to see many highlights of the area that are not possible from land.

  Contact our travel experts to learn even more of the best things to see and do in Patagonia.