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Top 20 Patagonia Tours & Trips 2024-25
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Top Places to Visit in Patagonia
From vast national parks to grand ice sculptures and glaciers to quaint port cities, there is a wide range of places to visit in Patagonia. Our guides recommend combining both regions of Patagonia (Argentina & Chile) to visit all of the main highlights, such as Mount Fitz Roy, the Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine, and the Marble Caves.
One of the best options to visit numerous places in Patagonia is by cruise. We recommend the Australis Cruise or a Skorpios Cruise. These cruises are a unique way to explore Patagonia. Take an Australis cruise through Fuegian fjords, past glaciers, penguin colonies, and jagged mountain peaks as you make your way to the Southernmost tip of the world, Cape Horn. The ships and the crew are sure to make your Patagonia experience special and unforgettable. Enjoy five-star meals aboard the ship and fine dining. During the day go on daily excursions to see a penguin colony or hike see panoramic views of glaciers. You’ll never have a dull moment in Patagonia.
Torres del Paine National Park
The best Patagonia tours are not complete without a visit to the iconic Torres del Paine National Park. The picturesque granite peaks and surrounding Magellanic forests can be seen on a day excursion from Puerto Natales, Chile. Though to do this stunning national park justice, spend a few days trying to spot Andean Condors, Magellanic Horned Owls, Chilean Flamingos, South American gray foxes, South Andean deer and much more from a lodge within the park. On one of our Torres del Paine tours, such as the Santiago and Torres del Paine Tour, experience all of this while inhaling fresh air and marveling at the breathtaking scenery during a walk or challenging hike.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is a city resting on the Strait of Magellan, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This is a great location to start any added-on excursions to the surrounding wilderness of Antarctica. For example, the incredible Australis Cruise takes travelers on routes from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas and vice versa.
Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is in Chile’s Lake District near the expansive Lake Llanquihue. Chile’s Lake District stretches from Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas and inland towards the soaring Andes Mountains. Take a catamaran cruise and enjoy views of the snowcapped Osorno Volcano. Or walk around the town and gaze at German-style architecture.
Aysen
This is one of the most remote and most beautiful regions of Patagonia. Visit the San Rafael Glacier and the Marble Caves in Chile while visiting Aysen.
Lago Argentino
Lago Argentino is one of the most attractive lakes in the Patagonian region. Marvel at the freshwater lake and take a boat ride if weather permits. The famous Perito Moreno Glacier actually juts up against the waters of Lago Argentino.
El Chalten & Mount Fitz Roy
El Chalten is a village within Los Glaciares National Park and hosts the famous peaks of Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy. Mount Fitz Roy is one of the most iconic mountains in Patagonia. Trek through the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, near El Chalten to reach this striking natural beauty.
Ushuaia
Many who embark on a Patagonia vacation visit Ushuaia. Ushuaia is a popular resort town in southern Argentina. It is so far down south that Ushuaia has earned the nickname, “The End of the World.” There are many activities in Ushuaia for those who visit. Hop on the End of the World Train and see incredible views of Tierra del Fuego. Or embark on the Beagle Channel Cruise to see the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Ushuaia is also a popular starting point for any Patagonia cruise.
El Calafate
El Calafate is near the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, which is home to the world’s last advancing glacier – the Perito Moreno Glacier. This charming town is an ideal starting location for trips to Patagonia.
Bariloche
The beautiful town of Bariloche is located in Argentina’s Northern Patagonia region on the shores of a large glacial lake. The town has a Swiss influence and is surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped volcanoes. There are plenty of things to do in Bariloche. In the spring, summer, and fall, horseback ride, hike, and trek near Mt. Tronador. Or consider a wildlife spotting tour in Lanin National Park. In the winter, you can head to the slopes at the notable ski resort, Cerro Catedral.
Top Patagonia Destinations
Listed below are some of the best places in Patagonia for any type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to hike, learn about history, relax at a cozy lodge, or go on a water adventure, there’s a Patagonia destination for you.
5 Best Patagonia Tours for 2024
| Tour Name | Price | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wonders of Patagonia | from $1299 | 9 Days | ... |
| Tango & Nature: Buenos Aires, Iguazú & Perito Moreno | from $1721 | 8 Days | ... |
| Wonders of Patagonia - Extended Tour | from $2112 | 13 Days | ... |
| Trekking Torres del Paine “W” Circuit | from $2362 | 5 Days | ... |
| Family Discovery - Glaciers & Falls | from $3252 | 10 Days | ... |
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Patagonia Travel Guide
Download our FREE Patagonia Travel Guide and get inspired to travel to Patagonia. Browse through 30 pages of travel planning tips and ideas – a great resource for planning your Patagonia dream vacation.
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Recommended Patagonia Vacations
We love all of our Patagonia trips, but that doesn’t stop us from having favorites. Venture to the greatest depths of Patagonia on our Patagonia Deluxe Tour. This 14-day itinerary gives travelers a taste of everything that Patagonia offers, including stays aboard an exploration cruise, evenings inside luxurious lodges, and daily visits to the most popular national parks, Torres del Paine, Los Glaciares, and Tierra del Fuego.
Usually, Patagonia vacation packages include parts of both Argentina and Chile. It’s easy to combine the two countries into one fantastic multi-country trip. You can even travel on a four-day cruise from one country to the other taking in some of Patagonia‘s best scenery on the way, or visit a Patagonian estancia. For contrast, consider including Buenos Aires, Argentina’s sophisticated capital. Chile’s Atacama Desert is a great addition for nature lovers or the Iguazu Falls on the Argentina-Brazil border. Patagonia can also be paired with Antarctica. Add-on an Antarctica cruise after experiencing the great wild of Patagonia for an otherworldly vacation.
Popular Patagonia Cruises
There are a few different Patagonia cruise options, but if you want to explore some of the best parts of Patagonia, I highly recommend the Australis cruise. The Australis Cruise leaves from either Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile. If you choose to take a cruise that departs from Argentina into Chile, then you will need to fly into Ushuaia, also known as the southernmost city in the world. Ushuaia is not only an important port city for Argentina, but it is also a beautiful place to visit. I recommend flying into the city a few days before your cruise departs so that you can visit Tierra del Fuego National Park.
On the cruise, you will spend 3 nights/ 4 days navigating towards Cape Horn, through the different fjords and untouched areas with virgin forests and massive glaciers. Not to mention you will enjoy great food onboard. During the cruise, you will have plenty of options to disembark and explore your surroundings. Hike through the different forests to glacial waterfalls in the Garibaldi Fjord and take in the majestic Glacier Alley as you travel through the Beagle Channel. The cruise finishes in Punta Arenas, so it is the perfect combination for both land and cruise to discover this breathtaking region in South America. Read more about our Australis Cruise options.
Best Patagonia Tours
Experience the wonders of Torres Del Paine National Park, guided treks of Perito Moreno Glacier, and stand in awe below Fitz Roy. Venture to El Calafate, hike the trails of Los Glaciares National Park in El Chalten, or simply relax by the fire in a cozy Patagonia Lodge. You can even embark on a Patagonia Cruise ship and see the End of the World in Ushuaia. From the best treks of Patagonia like W Trek and O Circuit, we’ll add hidden gems and guides to make your Patagonia vacation package one to remember!
Patagonia Travel FAQ’s
Thinking about a Patagonia trip? Here’s a list of frequently asked questions we often hear from our guests. Visit our Patagonia Vacation Planning page for in-depth Patagonia travel tips.
When is the best time to visit Patagonia?
Patagonia trip planning often begs the question, when to visit? Even with consideration of the seasons, travelers can still experience everything in one day in Patagonia. Weather is really never guaranteed making the best time to visit Patagonia a bit tricky! However, the summer season (November – February) is the busiest season, with December and January being the biggest months for tourism. This time yields the warmest temperatures, ideal for camping and trekking.
Winter (June – August) is the low season, experiencing way fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Though a wonderful time to truly connect with nature, many activities, lodges, and cruises may not be open at this time. Finally, spring and fall are the shoulder seasons (September – October/ March – May). To us, this is the best time to visit Patagonia, as there are fewer crowds and vibrant landscapes, with fresh blooming flowers or autumn’s orange leaves.
Where is Patagonia?
Is Patagonia safe for travel?
When should I go to Patagonia?
Is Patagonia a country?
Patagonia is not a country. Instead, Patagonia is an extraordinary region in South America, shared by Argentina and Chile. Patagonia is south of Bariloche and Puerto Varas – two cities connected through the famous Lake Crossing. On the southern Argentine side of Patagonia, you’ll find the famous Perito Moreno Glacier near the town of El Calafate and Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost town and starting point for most Antarctica and Patagonia cruises. On the southern Chilean side of Patagonia, find the famous Torres del Paine National Park.
What is Patagonia famous for?
Patagonia is famous for its jaw-dropping landscape. From the Lake Region in the North to the glaciers (Perito Moreno Glacier), charming towns (El Calafate and El Chalten), and vast national parks (Torres del Paine National Park and Los Glaciares National Park), Patagonia has everything you need to disconnect with the tech-filled world, and reconnect with nature.
Patagonia is also famous for its rare wildlife; many tourists travel to Patagonia with the hope to spot a puma amidst the mountainous terrain.
What are the best Patagonia tours?
Cruising the Lake Region in Patagonia is a must, but also consider taking the cable car up to Tronador mountain in Bariloche. Then, of course, experience the lake crossing between Chile and Argentina. Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier is very much sought after. So is the Train to the End of the World from Ushuaia. The best hikes in Patagonia are close up to Mount Fitzroy from El Chaltén to the Laguna de los Tres. Within Torres del Paine, there are many different hikes! Typically travelers need to stay 3 / 4 nights in Patagonia for a complete hiking experience. Also, do not forget to consider an excursion to the marble caves!
How much does it cost to go to Patagonia?
Quite a bit. Consider how far Patagonia is to the rest of the world. Any flight from the US or Europe takes around 36 hours because a stop-over in either Buenos Aires or Santiago de Chile is required. Also, everything (food, drinks, etc) needs to be brought or imported to Southern Patagonia. That kind of operation makes everything expensive. And yet, on the other hand, due to this, the infrastructure of hotels and tourism is excellent!
How do you get around Patagonia?
When traveling between southern and northern Patagonia, it is best to fly! Some people feel attracted by driving the unpaved Highway 40 along the Andes mountains, but flying saves time on transportation and allows more time to ultimately explore Patagonia.
How do you get to Patagonia from the US or Europe?
Covid-19 Update: Patagonia is OPEN!
Argentina Travel
| Entry requirements include: |
| No proof of vaccination required |
| See more details at IATA Travel Centre |
| Flights: |
| International flights have resumed, including flights from the USA and Europe |
| Domestic flights are operating |
| Local laws: |
| Updated May 12, 2023 |
Chile Travel
| Entry requirements: |
| No proof of vaccination required! |
| No Health insurance including Covid-19 cover required |
| Further travel details can be found on Chile.travel |
| More entry requirements info at IATA Travel Centre |
| Flights: |
| International flights have resumed, including from the USA and Europe |
| Domestic flights are operating |
| Local laws: |
| Updated May 12, 20203 |
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