Is Patagonia Worth Visiting? 15 Best Reasons to Visit

Is Patagonia worth visiting? The answer is a resounding yes! Although it isn’t the easiest place to get to, there are many reasons why Patagonia is definitely worth visiting.

And, after recently spending several weeks exploring the region myself, I have put together everything you need to know about why this is a must-visit destination. So, read on for the best reasons why you should visit Patagonia.

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Is Patagonia Worth Visiting?

Patagonia is a vast and stunning region at the southern tip of South America, shared by Argentina and Chile. The region is best known for its dramatic landscapes, huge glaciers, rugged mountains and untouched wilderness.

But, if you’re travelling from outside of South America, it’s not the easiest place to get to. Patagonia doesn’t have any major international airports. Which means it can be a long multi-leg flight to get there, usually via Santiago in Chile, or Buenos Aires in Argentina.

So, given the time and logistics to get there, is Patagonia worth visiting? From my experience, absolutely! There is so much to see and do once you arrive, and it will be one of the most memorable vacations you ever have.

Whether you’re looking for challenging multi-day hikes, a unique adventure, or to simply soak in breathtaking views at every destination, Patagonia offers an experience that’s hard to match. The sense of remoteness, diverse ecosystems, and untamed beauty makes it a destination that truly leaves a lasting impression.

And, Patagonia is not only worth visiting for its natural beauty and extraordinary experiences. You will also have an opportunity to witness the fascinating local culture, learn about the region’s history, and indulge in delicious South American food and wine.

Therefore, Patagonia has something for everyone, no matter whether you’re a seasoned adventurer, luxury traveler, or are simply looking to explore somewhere new!

Where in Patagonia Should You Visit?

Patagonia is a vast region, so you won’t be able to see everything in one trip. Therefore, it’s important to narrow down where in the region you want to visit.

Here are some of the best areas worth visiting in Patagonia:

Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)

Famous for its iconic granite peaks, huge glaciers, and diverse landscapes, this is a must-visit National Park for both serious hikers and more leisurely visitors.

Puerto Natales (Chile)

The gateway to Torres del Paine, this charming town offers a taste of Patagonian culture and is a great base for exploring the surrounding region.

Los Glaciares National Park (Argentina)

Home to over 200 glaciers, hence where it gets its name (Glacier National Park), including the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier. Plus, the park is known for the famous Mount Fitz Roy, which is the iconic symbol used on the Patagonia clothing brand logo.

El Chaltén (Argentina):

The hiking capital of Patagonia, surrounded by breathtaking views and with access to Mount Fitz Roy and other phenomenal multi-day and day hikes.

Tierra del Fuego (Argentina and Chile)

The “Land of Fire” is an archipelago known for its stunning coastline, unique wildlife (including numerous penguin colonies) and for having the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.

Bariloche (Argentina):

Though not in the deep south, Bariloche is the gateway to the Andes and Lake District in northern Patagonia. It’s known for its summer and winter activities, and for being one of the most beautiful places in Argentina.

15 Best Reasons to Visit Patagonia

Here are the top 15 reasons why Patagonia is worth visiting on your next trip to South America!

1. Otherworldly Landscapes

It’s no surprise that the stunning landscapes are the main reason why Patagonia is worth visiting. After all, the region boasts diverse and dramatic scenery unlike anywhere else in the world.

In particular, Patagonia has 9 national parks, including Chile’s Torres del Paine and Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park.

These stunning parks are most famous for their iconic granite peaks, rugged mountain landscapes and icy glaciers as far as the eye can see. And, they’re both easy to visit, with the towns of Puerto Natales, El Calafate and El Chaltén within easy reach of the parks and plenty of day tours and guided excursions available. Plus, you can even stay inside Torres del Paine!

On top of this, Patagonia has some of the world’s biggest non-polar ice fields, a huge archipelago with dramatic fjords, snow-capped volcanoes, pristine lakes and the 8th largest dessert in the world!

Therefore, it’s not hard to understand why the Patagonian landscapes are worth visiting.

2. The World’s Most Impressive Glacier

One of the biggest attractions in Patagonia is the striking Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park. This enormous glacier is one of the largest in the park, and is one of the most striking sites in all of South America.

In fact, the Perito Moreno Glacier is generally considered the world’s most impressive glacier to see.

In particular, witnessing the thunderous roar as huge chunks of bright blue ice break away from the glacier, crashing into the icy waters below, is both an impressive and humbling experience. And for many travellers, this is the highlight of their entire trip to Patagonia.

And not only can you appreciate this glacier’s sheer magnitude up close from multiple viewing platforms, but you can also step foot on it by booking a Perito Moreno minitrekking excursion!

3. Epic Hiking & Trekking

If Patagonia is know for one activity above all else, it’s hiking. With some of the most wild and scenic terrain in the whole world, and pristine national parks like Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Park, it really is a hiker’s paradise.

If you’re going on a trip to Patagonia, chances are you’re already planning to do some hiking or trekking in Chile and Argentina.

And, even if you’re not a big hiker, there are still plenty of short and easy trails you can explore, and guided day tours to take, so you won’t miss out on this epic experience.

Some of the best multi-day treks to consider doing are the famous W Trek or O Circuit in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, and the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre hike in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park.

Tip: make sure to book the W Trek and O Circuit hikes early in the season as there are limited spots available.

4. The Carretera Austral

If you enjoy road trips, then the Carretera Austral is one of the best reasons to visit Patagonia. Not only is this the most scenic drive in South America, but it’s also one of the top road trips in the world.

Stretching over 1,200 kilometres (770 miles) through southern Chile, this iconic highway takes you past spectacular mountain ranges, dramatic glaciers, ancient rainforests, turquoise blue lakes, and picturesque fjords.

Along the way, you will see several of Patagonia’s highlights, such as Queulat National Park and the marble caves. And you will get to experience some of Chile’s most remote and wild landscapes.

To drive the Carretera Austral, you can rent a car in Patagonia and camp or stay in guest houses along the way. Although it’s worth noting that most of the roads are unpaved, and there are several ferry crossings along the route, which you should plan in advance.

Or if you prefer not to drive, many travellers opt to travel the route by bus, bike, hitch hiking or even walking!

And, as an alternative to the Carretera Austral, Argentina’s legendary Ruta 40 is another spectacular drive in Patagonia. Although you should expect very different views along this route, as it primarily passes through the desert landscapes of the Patagonian Steppe.

5. Walk with Penguins

Part of the beauty of Patagonia is its diverse and interesting marine and wildlife. You can expect to see everything from whales and sea lions, to guanacos, flamingos, and even the majestic Andean Condor.

But some of the most fun and memorable animals to encounter are the penguins. And not only can you see these cute creatures in their natural habitat, but you can actually visit them up-close and walk with them!

The most famous place in Patagonia to see penguins is Punta Tumbo in Northern Patagonia, in Argentina. Here, you will find the world’s largest colony of Magellanic Penguins, with over a million birds.

Or, if you weren’t planning to travel that far north, there are also some great places to see penguins in Southern Patagonia. The two best spots are Isla Martillo near Tierra Del Fuego in Argentina, and Isla Magdelena near Puntas Arenas in Chile.

Penguin excursions and cruises operate every day and this is very much an activity worth fitting into your Patagonian itinerary!

6. Traditional Estancias

Estancias are ranches which have historically been used to raise cattle or sheep across huge areas of the Patagonian pampas. Operating these ranches is a long-standing tradition in both Chile and Argentina, and the associated Gaucho (cowboy) lifestyle is at the heart of Patagonian culture.

Visiting an Estancia is a quintessential Patagonian experience. Not only do you get a taste of the Gaucho life, but you also get to immerse yourself in local culture, interact with animals, witness stunning remote landscapes, and enjoy delicious and wholesome farm fresh food.

A day (or few days) at an Estancia can include a range of activities, such as exploring the grounds on horseback, farming demonstrations, learning about life on the ranch, and taking part in a traditional Asado (barbecue) feast!

There are various Estancia experiences you can book, including Estancia 25 de Mayo, Estancia Nibepo Aike, Estancia Cristina and Estancia Bonanza in Argentina. Or, for a truly memorable experience, book an overnight stay at Estancia Cerro Guido in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park.

7. The Patagonian Fjords

Not only is Patagonia full of breathtaking landscapes, but it’s also surrounded by dramatic fjords, picturesque islands and plenty of marine life.

One of the best ways to experience the region’s beautiful coast is by taking a cruise through the Chilean fjords. This experience is available to book through Navimag Ferries and operates between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales, in both directions.

Or, if you don’t want to commit to a multi-day journey, there are also some great day cruises and boat rides which you can do in Patagonia, so you can still experience the beautiful coastline and surrounding islands.

8. The Marble Caves

One of Patagonia’s most unique attractions is the Marble Caves in General Carrera Lake.

This natural wonder boasts intricate marble formations, sculpted by the water’s constant movement. And, due to the lake’s vibrant turquoise colour, the cave walls are lit up by mesmerizing blue and green hues reflected on the marble.

To see the caves up close, they’re only accessible by boat or kayak, which adds to the experience. There are various tour operators located in the nearby town of Puerto Rio Tranquilo where you can take a guided tour or rent kayaks from.

The downside to the Marble Caves is that it’s not the easiest attraction in Patagonia to get to. As the caves are in quite a remote location, getting there involves a several-hour drive or bus journey to Puerto Rio Tranquilo from Coyhaique or Chile Chico in Chile, which you can fly to.

But the advantage of the caves being so remote is that they aren’t overrun with tourists. And, in my opinion, it’s worth making the effort to get there.

9. Peninsula Valdés

For anyone interested in marine life, Peninsula Valdés is one of the best reasons why Patagonia is worth visiting.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to significant breeding populations of several marine animals, including the endangered southern right whale. And, the orcas in this region are famous for their unique hunting technique of capturing sea lions directly from the beach, which is quite the spectacle to witness!

With nearly 250 miles (400 kilometres) of shoreline, the Peninsula Valdés has a unique mix of beaches, wetlands, sand dunes, mudflats and coastal lagoons, as well as a rich biodiversity, making it one of the most interesting places in Patagonia.

Along the peninsula you can see whales, penguins, sea lions, seals, dolphins and an array of seabirds. The best way to experience them is by taking a Peninsula Valdés tour or cruise.

The best time to visit is from June to December, to see elephant seals and southern right whales, which come to the peninsula to breed. Or, from February to April, to see the Orcas hunting along the shore.

10. Active Volcanoes

Another fascinating feature of Patagonia’s varied landscape is that it is home to a number of active volcanoes.

Among the most striking are Lanín Volcano on the border of Chile and Argentina’s lake districts, which is notable for its glaciated summit; Osorno Volcano which is considered the starting point of Chilean Patagonia and is known for its perfect cone shape; and the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle Volcanic Complex which most recently erupted in 2011.

Patagonia’s volcanoes provide a striking backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. And some of them can even be experienced up close on guided treks!

11. Asado

In addition to exploring the stunning landscapes, Patagonia is also a great place to try Chilean and Argentinian cuisine. In fact, some of the best food I’ve had in South America was in Patagonia!

But, if there is one dish above all else to enjoy here, it’s Asado (barbecue). Not only is this the national dish of Argentina, but it’s also synonymous with Patagonian Gaucho culture and the locally farmed meat is some of the best in the world.

In particular, slow roasting lamb over the open fire is the region’s most famous dish and is a must-try when visiting Patagonia. The meat is so tender it falls off the bone and has a delicious smoky flavour.

One of the best ways to try Patagonian lamb is to visit an Estancia for a traditional Asado lunch.

12. Local Craft Beer, Wine and Cocktails

Asado isn’t the only local specialty worth trying in Patagonia. The region also has an emerging craft beer scene, and you can’t visit Chile or Argentina without trying local wine.

Both Chile and Argentina are know for their exceptional red wines. In particular, Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, and Argentinian Malbec are two of the most popular.

Or, if you’re more of a cocktail person, you have to try Chile’s national drink, the Pisco Sour. This refreshing cocktail is sweet, tart and smooth, and makes the perfect apéritif before your meal.

13. San Carlos de Bariloche

For anyone who loves the outdoors, San Carlos de Bariloche (referred to as Bariloche) is a must-visit destination in northern Patagonia.

Bariloche is a beautiful mountain town, nestled in the Argentina Andes, which is famous for its stunning glacial lakes, picturesque European feel, and endless outdoor activities. Plus, it’s a year-round destination with unforgettable hikes, biking and rock climbing, pristine beaches and various water sports in the summer, and excellent skiing and other snow sports in the winter.

Beyond its stunning scenery and endless list of activities, the town is also celebrated for its charming swiss-style architecture, warm, vibrant atmosphere, and for producing Argentina’s best chocolates. Plus, the town is full of excellent restaurants, bars, breweries and cafés to keep you fuelled for all your exploring!

14. The End of The World

Chile is the southernmost country in the world, and Ushuaia in Argentina is the world’s southernmost city. But this isn’t even as far south as you can go!

Departing from Ushuaia, you can travel by boat through the Beagle Channel and explore Tierra del Fuego National Park. This is a beautiful and fascinating national park to explore with over 20 miles of hiking trails through truly otherworldly scenery.

You will get to see the world’s southernmost landscapes, forests, lakes and wildlife. And you can also ride the End of The World Train which is the world’s southernmost train.

15. The Gateway to Antartica

Finally, if Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego National Park aren’t south enough for you, Patagonia is also the gateway to Antartica!

Ushuaia serves as the departure point for expeditions to the Antarctic Circle, which usually range from 10 to 21 days. There are various trips available, including luxury cruises and small ship expeditions with guided day trips, wildlife experiences, polar plunges, and much more.

Patagonia FAQs

When is the best time to travel to Patagonia?

The best time to visit Patagonia is during its summer, from November to March. This period offers milder weather and better hiking conditions. Plus, all of the trails and activities are accessible during this time.

Do you need a guide for Patagonia?

No, you don’t need a guide for Patagonia. However, you should ensure you have adequate experience for all activities and hikes you plan to do in Patagonia. If you’re inexperienced, it’s better to hire a guide to ensure your safety and make sure you get the most out of the trip.

What language do they speak in Patagonia?

In both Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia the language spoken is Spanish. However, the dialect and accent between the two countries varies slightly. Generally the Chilean Spanish is more difficult to understand as they speak very quickly and use more slang words.

Some locals who work in the tourism industry may also speak some basic English, but this isn’t as widespread as it is in other tourist destinations around the world.

Is it cold in Patagonia?

Yes, Patagonia can be cold, especially in its winter months (June to September). Even during the summer, temperatures can vary drastically and are often much cooler than the summers you’re probably used to.

When I was in Patagonia during the summer I experienced some days with a high of 54°F (12°C) and other days with a high of 86°F (30°C). So come prepared for varied temperatures and weather conditions!

Can you cross from Argentina to Chile in Patagonia?

Yes, you can cross between Argentina and Chile in Patagonia, and it’s very common for travellers to do so. Most transport you book in Patagonia, like buses, will factor the border crossings into the duration and itinerary.

As with any international border crossing, you will need to ensure you have the required travel and immigration documents with you.

Is Patagonia cheaper in Chile or Argentina?

Argentina tends to be more budget-friendly than Chile in terms of travel expenses in Patagonia. However, costs can vary, and both countries offer unique experiences worth exploring.

Why is travelling to Patagonia so expensive?

Traveling to Patagonia can be expensive due to its remote location, limited infrastructure, and the challenging logistics of reaching certain areas.

As it’s a popular tourist region, Patagonia also tends to be more expensive than many other destinations in Chile and Argentina. But, prices are generally still cheaper than what you would expect to pay in many other places in the world, like North America and Europe.

How far in advance do you need to book Patagonia?

It’s advisable to book Patagonia accommodations and tours at least a few months in advance, especially for the peak season (December to February).

In particular, accommodation inside the national parks (such as camping and refugio reservations for Torres del Paine) should be booked as far in advance as possible, as they always sell out quickly.

Final Thoughts: Is Patagonia Worth Visiting?

So, to sum up, is Patagonia worth visiting? Absolutely! With stunning national parks, unique landscapes, fascinating wildlife and tons of exciting activities, there are so many reasons to visit this beautiful region.

Whether you’re looking for a remote and thrilling adventure, or you simply want to relax and enjoy the view, there is something for every type of traveller in Patagonia.

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