With its jagged peaks, sparkling glaciers, lush forests, fjords, lakes and plains, few places on Earth are as raw as Patagonia. Encompassing the remote, southern reaches of Chile and Argentina, this is a world of rugged grandeur, where every day brings an invigorating new challenge. And whether you want to relax amid its picturesque landscapes or immerse yourself in them with thrilling outdoor activities, this handy travel guide’s got you covered. Here, everything you need to plan and experience your ultimate Patagonia adventure holiday.
Where is Patagonia?
Shared by Chile and Argentina, Patagonia sprawls some 673,000 square kilometres across the southern tip of South America at 39°S to 55°S, stretching 1,609km from the Rio Negro in the north, down to the scattered islands of Tierra del Fuego and the edge of Cape Horn. The Andes mountains form the region’s spine, with the Chilean side featuring snow-capped peaks, temperate rainforests and fjords along the Pacific Ocean, while the Argentine side is dominated by glaciers, vast steppes and alpine lakes. Check out this excellent map for a broader look at the region.
And even though only two million people live in Patagonia, this remote wilderness remains a magnet to outdoor adventurers, kayakers, hikers, climbers and wildlife lovers, offering one-of-a-kind experiences in one of Earth’s wildest playgrounds.


While the coastal, Andean and Patagonian Steppe areas cross into both the Argentine and Chilean sides of Patagonia, the entire region can be split into subregions:
Argentine Patagonia
- Northern Patagonia. This area includes the provinces of Neuquén and Río Negro, and its Lake District is famous for its spectacular waterways, the Bariloche area, Nahuel Huapi National Park, the Andean mountains and charming towns like San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura. Activities here include hiking, kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing and boat tours, particularly on Lake Nahuel Huapi and Lake Lacar.
- Central Patagonia. This region is characterised by vast plains, the Patagonian Steppe, high deserts, and rugged plateaus. It’s also home to Cueva de las Manos, famous for its prehistoric cave paintings, and La Payunia, known for its volcanic landscapes.
- Southern Patagonia. The area includes Santa Cruz, Tierra del Fuego, and Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. It’s marked by the rugged Southern Andes, glaciers, fjords, and Los Glaciares National Park, famous for the Perito Moreno Glacier, Mount Fitz Roy, El Calafate and El Chalten.
Chilean Patagonia
- Northern Chilean Patagonia. The Aysén region is a land of wild rivers, glaciers, and steep mountains with key areas including Cerro Castillo National Reserve and Laguna San Rafael National Park, home of the San Rafael Glacier.
- Southern Chilean Patagonia. Here you’ll find Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park, Tierra del Fuego, the Chilean Fjords and the Beagle Channel.


The best time to visit Patagonia
Well, this all depends on what outdoor adventures you’re into! Patagonia experiences extreme weather variations, dictating what you can do, and when you can do it. But there are four distinct seasons.
- Summer (December – February) This is the best time for trekking, mountain-biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, boat tours, wildlife and other outdoor activities, as days are at their longest and temperatures at their warmest, with averages ranging from 10°C to 21°C (although it can get a little warmer in the northern areas like El Chaltén and the Argentine steppe). And though it may still get windy, the weather is generally at its most stable, making for ideal trekking conditions in Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Park. It’s also a great time to see penguins, with around a million of them coming to Punta Tombo between September and March. Whale-watching in the Beagle Channel/Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean Fjords may also be possible, (although peak season for whales in Patagonia is generally June to December).
- Autumn (March – May) The weather is relatively mild with temperatures ranging from 5°C and 15°C, though the winds and rain increase throughout April and May. At this time the landscape and forests are awash with autumn colour, especially in the Lake District and Tierra del Fuego. In the latter part of the season, some trekking routes may be closed due to weather, and it can also become too cold for kayaking and glacier treks. Still, it’s a good time for shorter hikes and photography, especially with fewer tourists around.
- Winter (June – August) This is the off-season, so a lot of facilities and hiking trails will be closed; temperatures hover around 0°C (although may dip below that) and snow is common in the south. This is the perfect time to hit the slopes, with Cerro Castor being the world’s southernmost ski resort (near Ushuaia), along with other notable snow-sports hubs around Bariloche. Sledding, trekking, ice-climbing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are all possible, but there’s a lot to be said cosying up in a luxury lodge with a Mendoza wine and breathing in the fairytale views.
- Spring (September – November) The temperatures gradually warm up to 5°C-15°C, and while conditions remain changeable, wildflowers are in bloom; trekking routes that were closed for winter reopen, and there’s a peaceful atmosphere before summer’s visitors arrive. Spring is also the best time to see southern right whales on the Península Valdés, where they aggregate to breed and give birth. Orcas may be encountered year-round, but are most active in spring. On land, keep an eye out for pumas, guanacos, Andean foxes and endemic birds.
Keen to travel between September and April? This 10-night Patagonia adventure is fully customisable.


Patagonia’s top destinations
While each Patagonian region offers something a little different, these hotspots deserve a place on your hitlist.
- El Chaltén: This charming mountain village within Los Glaciares National Park is known as the trekking capital of Argentina, thanks to its easy access to some of Patagonia’s most spectacular trekking routes including Mount Fitz Roy, Laguna Torre, and Cerro Torre. Book a stay at the Explora El Chalten for an immersive, all-inclusive experience in the Los Huemules Natural Reserve and beyond, with luxury accommodation and expertly curated adventure programs.
- El Calafate: This colourful town on the edge of Lake Argentino is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and the Perito Moreno Glacier, with plentiful opportunities to explore by 4WD, horse-back, helicopter, boat, kayak and on foot. Adventure World’s immersive Experience El Calafate program features a range of outdoor activities as well as a fascinating experience at the Estancia Cristina, a historic ranch inside the national park.
- Tierra del Fuego: Perched on the southern tip of South America, this wild region has a true “end of the world” feel. Here you’ll enjoy a mix of adventures on land and sea, with Tierra del Fuego National Park offering standout hikes and the port city of Ushuaia being the jumping point for cruising the Beagle Channel, as well as marine-life safaris to see penguins, sea lions and whales.
- Torres del Paine National Park: This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve’s highlights include the iconic Torres del Paine granite towers, the Grey Glacier, Lake Nordenskjöld, the French Valley and Lake Pehoé, along with experiences such as the W Trek, kayaking and wildlife spotting. Stay in the heart of the wilderness at the Explora Torres del Paine, an innovative, all-inclusive lodge dedicated to preserving the region through a number of conservation and sustainability projects.
- Bariloche: Set against the rugged Andes and Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche offers easy access to the formidable Cerro Tronador peak and Nahuel Huapi National Park, as well as skiing, snowboarding, climbing, kayaking and mountain-biking. The region is also known for its distinctive alpine architecture and chocolate emporiums.


Three of Patagonia’s must-see natural attractions
You’re spoilt for choice of wild outdoor playgrounds, although these are among the most iconic.
- Fitz Roy Massif: Located on the edge of Argentina’s Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Los Glaciares National Park, this geological marvel towers at 3,405m (11,171 feet). Here, the dramatic granite spires of Mount Fitz Roy are a beacon to climbers while glaciers, turquoise lakes and otherworldly alpine terrain set the scene for everything from kayaking to hiking, with treks to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Sucia particular highlights.
- Peninsula Valdes: This UNESCO World Heritage-listed marine-mammal hotspot offers some of the world’s best whale-watching, with its orcas famous for beaching themselves to hunt seals. Southern Right whales breed in Golfo Nuevo, Golfo San José and El Doradillo Beach. This is also a fantastic region for penguins, with seven different colonies to see, while Punta Piramides is home to around 3,000 sea lions during their breeding season. The wildlife highlights continue on land too, with Andean foxes, guanacos, armadillos and maras also found here.
- Perito Moreno Glacier: West of El Calafate, the World Heritage Perito Moreno Glacier sprawls some 250km² with its imposing ice-wall soaring 75m above Argentino Lake. The glacier is renowned for being one of the world’s best spots to see glacial calving – the natural process where large chunks of ice crack off its edges to create icebergs). Kayaking in front of the glacier is a highlight, as is hiking across it, boat excursions and gentle meanders to self-guided viewing platforms.
This standout 12-night itinerary takes in the very best of Patagonia by land and sea.


Patagonia’s best hikes
This wild hiking hub has something for every level of trekker. Here’s just a taste of the epic trails on offer:
- W Trek (Torres del Paine National Park; moderate to challenging)
Famous for its iconic W shape, this 4–5-day route explores valleys, forests, and glacier-fed lakes, offering chances to see guanacos and condors as well as the towering Torres del Paine, French Valley, and Grey Glacier. Due to its length and varied terrain, its best suited to those with good fitness levels. - Laguna de los Tres (Los Glaciares National Park; challenging)
This strenuous trek is best for experienced hikers, consisting of an 8–10-hour round-trip hike from El Chaltén with steep, rocky ascents, passes through forests, rivers and rugged terrain, and rewarding views of Mount Fitz Roy and the turquoise Laguna de los Tres. - Laguna Capri (Los Glaciares National Park; easy to moderate)
A gentler alternative to Laguna de los Tres, this 6-7-hour round-trip affords stunning views of Fitz Roy. And while it has some uphill sections, the trail is suitable for most abilities. - Perito Moreno Glacier (Los Glaciares National Park, easy to moderate)
For accessible ice-hiking experiences of various durations, strap on some crampons for a guided trek directly on the glacier, exploring its ice fields, crevasses and ice formations. - The O Circuit (Torres del Paine National Park, very challenging)
For experienced hikers who are well prepared for extremely long days, steep elevations, formidable topography and unpredictable conditions, the O Circuit is a 7–10-day trek encircling the entire Torres del Paine massif. The route covers diverse highlights, including Grey Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and requires plenty of stamina.


Horse-riding, kayaking, cruising and Making Travel Matter
Opportunities for active outdoor adventures continue beyond Patagonia’s hiking trails. Here, just a small sample of what’s on offer…
- Horse-riding: There are bountiful opportunities to saddle up and experience the region through the eyes of the Gaucho – the legendary cowboys from the South American plains, with classic estancias (ranches) pairing immersions in culture with wilderness adventures. For example, in the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park, Hotel Las Torres Patagonia is a former cattle estancia with easy access to memorable trails across the pampas, mountains, valleys and Lake Nordenskjöld, offering half-day and full-day riding excursions for novices and experienced riders alike. You’ll also spend time with the baqueanos, descendants of the horsemen who came to work the ranches in this remote region more than a century ago. Learn more about this extraordinary adventure here.
- Cruising: Day cruises are popular throughout the region, but for a more immersive experience its worth setting sail on a multi-day expedition cruise. For example, on a four-night Patagonian Fjords with Australis voyage, you’ll sail from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia, taking in the Beagle Channel, the Strait of Magellan, Glacier Alley, Tierra del Fuego, Cape Horn, Alberto De Agostini National Park and Wulaia Bay, once a settlement of the Indigenous Yaghan people, and a site of rich cultural history. This expedition also features zodiac excursions to get you closer to wildlife like southern elephant seals, Magellanic penguins, and more.
- Kayaking: From placid glacial lakes to challenging whitewater rivers, Patagonia is a world-class playground for kayakers of all skill levels. In Argentina, Los Glaciares National Park’s Lake Argentino brings paddlers a close to majestic Perito Moreno Glacier, where massive ice formations calve into the vivid blue waters. The lake’s remote wilderness and breathtaking scenery make it a must-visit destination. Chile’s Laguna San Rafael is a stunning glacial lake within the Northern Patagonian Ice Field, offering spectacular access to colossal San Rafael Glacier. Torres del Paine National Park, Grey and Pehoé Lakes are the crystal-clear standouts, while whitewater enthusiasts swear by Futaleufú River and Rio Baker, whose heart-pumping rapids flow from the Patagonian Ice Field.
- Make Travel Matter for pumas: Throughout the region, Adventure World’s exclusive travel with purpose experiences bring unique immersions into Patagonia’s wildlife, wilderness and communities, while directly supporting them. On a conservation safari in Torres Del Paine with the Cerro Guido Foundation, you’ll track Patagonia’s growing population of pumas on easy to moderate short hikes, and learn how the organisation is fostering a harmonious coexistence between these charismatic big cats and the area’s livestock. It’s a fascinating, rewarding experience that’s part of our 10-night Authentic Chile


Practical tips for visiting Patagonia
- How to get there: Fly internationally into Buenos Aires (Argentina) or Santiago (Chile) then connect domestically. Airports in Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Puerto Montt and Temuco service the Chilean areas, while in Argentina there’s flights into Ushuaia, Bariloche, El Calafate and Trelew.
- What to pack: No matter when you visit, Patagonia’s conditions are unpredictable. Layering is key: wear a merino base, add warm, fleece mid-layers and finish with a waterproof outer-layer and high-quality waterproof hiking boots. We also recommend walking poles, neck gaiters, waterproof trekking packs, polarised sunglasses, gloves, insect repellent, hats and sun protection.
- Currency and language: Spanish is the dominant language, and while the official currencies are the Argentine Peso and Chilean Peso, US dollars may occasionally be accepted in tourism hubs.
3 frequently asked questions, answered
What is the best month to visit Patagonia?
It depends on what you’d like to do. Summer (December-February) is the peak tourist season, with cool nights and warm days perfect for outdoor activities. Autumn (March-May) brings cooler temperatures for outdoor activities and vibrant foliage, so it’s a good time for photography and wildlife spotting (although some sites will close as the season progresses, and April-May has the most rainfall. Winter (June-August) is the least crowded time, ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or are into snow sports. Spring (September-November) has moderate temperatures, blooming wildflowers and fewer visitors.
How long should I spend in Patagonia?
A minimum of 5-7 days is recommended so you can visit a couple of different locations within both the Argentine and Chilean regions, and to allow for long travel days. A stay of two weeks or more allows more time for extended hikes and exploring the more remote areas.
Do I need a guide for trekking in Patagonia?
Technically, not always (especially when visiting easy trails in popular tourist areas), but hiking with a guide will make your adventure more rewarding, comfortable and, above all, safe. Their role is to take the guesswork out of planning routes and navigating the challenging terrain – and, very importantly in this volatile wilderness, to have a backup plan in case of an emergency or if the weather suddenly turns. They also have specialised local knowledge to add an extra layer of immersion to your adventure, as they may share stories and point out details you’d otherwise miss.