Traveling to Patagonia Argentina: A Guide for Adventurous Souls

Patagonia is a region at the southern tip of South America, shared by both Chile and Argentina. It is a naturalist’s dream for its rugged and untouched beauty, diverse landscapes, and abundant wildlife. If you are looking for an epic adventure in one of the most remote and stunning places on Earth, here are some tips on how to get around and things to see in Patagonia Argentina.

How to get to Patagonia Argentina

There are several ways to reach Patagonia Argentina, depending on your budget, time, and preferences. You can fly into the region’s major airport in Puerto Montt, Chile, and then rent a car or take a bus to your final destination. Alternatively, you can take a Patagonia cruise through the Beagle canal or to Antarctica. Another option is to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital city, and then take a domestic flight to one of the many airports in Patagonia, such as Bariloche, El Calafate, Ushuaia, or Trelew. You can also drive or take a bus from Buenos Aires, but be prepared for a long journey of over 20 hours.

How to get around in Patagonia Argentina

Once you are in Patagonia Argentina, you have several options to explore the region. You can rent a car and drive along the scenic routes that connect the main attractions, such as Route 40 or Route 3. This will give you more flexibility and independence, but also requires more planning and caution, as some roads are unpaved, narrow, or winding. You can also take buses between the towns and cities, which are comfortable and affordable, but less frequent and slower. Another option is to join organized tours that include transportation, accommodation, and activities. This will save you time and hassle, but also limit your choices and spontaneity.

What to see in Patagonia Argentina

Patagonia Argentina offers a wealth of potential experiences and landscapes for every traveler. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:

• Torres del Paine National Park: This is one of the most iconic and popular destinations in Patagonia, with its majestic peaks, mirror-glass lagoons, and mighty glaciers. You can hike the famous W or O circuits, or take shorter day trips to see the main attractions, such as the Grey Glacier or the Base of the Towers. The weather in Torres del Paine is notoriously changeable, with extremes in temperatures and sunshine, wind and rain. Therefore, you should pack accordingly and be prepared for anything.

• Perito Moreno Glacier: This is another must-see attraction in Patagonia Argentina, located in Los Glaciares National Park near El Calafate. It is one of the few glaciers in the world that is advancing rather than retreating, creating spectacular ice formations and calving events. You can admire the glacier from different viewpoints along the boardwalks, or take a boat ride to get closer to its face. You can also book a guided ice trekking tour that will take you on top of the glacier with crampons and ice axes.

• Ushuaia: This is the southernmost city in the world, located on Tierra del Fuego island. It is a gateway to Antarctica cruises and flights, as well as a base for exploring the nearby attractions, such as Tierra del Fuego National Park, Martial Glacier, Beagle Channel, and Lapataia Bay. You can also visit the End of the World Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the former prison that now houses cultural exhibits.

• Peninsula Valdes: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a wildlife paradise on the Atlantic coast near Puerto Madryn. It is home to colonies of penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, orcas, dolphins, whales, guanacos, rheas, and more. You can take boat tours to see the marine mammals up close, or drive around the peninsula to observe them from land. The best time to see whales is from May to November, and penguins from October to February.

• Bariloche: This is a charming town in the Lake District of northern Patagonia, surrounded by mountains, forests, and lakes. It is a popular destination for skiing, hiking, cycling, kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. You can also enjoy its chocolate shops, breweries, and Swiss-style architecture. Some of the attractions near Bariloche include Cerro Catedral ski resort, Nahuel Huapi National Park, Circuito Chico scenic route, and Isla Victoria.

These are just some of the amazing places that you can visit in Patagonia Argentina. There are many more to discover and enjoy, depending on your interests and time. Traveling to Patagonia Argentina is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty and diversity.