Wonders of Patagonia
Itinerary Ideas for Chile & Argentinas Wild Country
Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
To me, this is one of the most spectacular natural wonders on Earth. Set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fed by the South Patagonian Ice Field, it stands out for both its accessibility and the constant calving of ice into Lake Argentino. You can experience it by boat along its towering frozen face or by hiking behind it, but the extensive boardwalks offer an equally powerful view, making it easy to take in its scale while still finding uncrowded vantage points.
Milodon Cave, Chile
A Gateway to Patagonia’s Prehistoric Mysteries, where geology, archaeology, and myth meet. Entering the Milodon Cave is the closest you’ll come to stepping back into the Ice Age. The cavern was once the home of an extinct giant ground sloth that lived more than 10,000 years ago. Bruce Chatwins "In Patagonia", completely revitalised modern travel writing and was entirely inspired by the cave and its giant sloth. The site makes an ideal half-day trip from Puerto Natales and is frequently visited en route to Torres del Paine National Park.
Milodon Cave Natural Monument
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
The crown jewel of Chilean Patagonia, centered around the majestic Cordillera del Paine mountain range. Its dramatic granite spires, electric-blue lakes, massive glaciers and famous hikes draw people from far and wide. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located roughly 70 miles north of the adventure hub town of Puerto Natales. Careful timing and pre-booking your visit is essential.
Stay at an Estancia, Argentina
Estancias - traditional ranches - offer unrivalled seclusion, traditional luxury, wild landscapes, asado barbecues, open fires and fine wine. Days are filled with horseback riding on Criollo horses, which provide an immersive experience of gaucho culture. Staying at an Estancia can be expensive, although many run day visits.
Estancias include: Nibepo Aike in the Los Glaciares National Park, Cristina near El Calafate, Estancia La Peninsula near the Antonio Veras Peninsula.
Estancia Harberton, Argentina
Estancia Harberton is the oldest ranch in Argentinian Tierra del Fuego, and the most southerly ranch on earth. Founded in 1886 by the British Anglican missionary Thomas Bridges, Harberton offers a unique blend of pioneer history, raw Patagonian nature, and whale, dolphin, and seabird skeletons at the Acatushun Museum. Tours to the nearby Isla Martillo, home to a colony of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins must be booked via authoroised operators. Get Your Guide link
While most people visit on day trip from Ushuaia, I would suggest an overnight stay to savour the unique atmosphere here. estanciaharberton.com
Puerto Natales, Chile
Puerto Natales, with its original pioneer corrugated tin houses, has evolved from a utilitarian fishing port into the vibrant cultural hub of Chilean Patagonia. Both a staging post for Torres del Paine and host to a wide range of hotels, bars and restaurants.
Culinary delights include: Santola, a restaurant built in converted shipping containers known for its fresh king crab, and Singular Restaurantwhich crafts sophisticated, modern reincarnations of regional classics.
The Senda Costera Trail, Argentina
An invigorating 8km coastal walk in Tierra del Fuego - connecting Ensenada Bay to Lapataia Bay. The route offers views of the snow capped islands in the Beagle Channel: taking you past secluded pebble beaches and wind shaped guindo and lenga ‘Flag’ trees. The walk starts at the parking lot near the Correo Argentino (End of the World Post Office) in Bahía Ensenada Zaratiegui. Reachable by taxi, transfer service, or rent a car from Ushuaia.
El Chaltén, Argentina
El Chaltén is a small, vibrant mountain town that has become a mecca for hikers in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park. From El Chaltén, you can hike straight into the mountains and return to the watering holes and restaurants of Avenida San Martin. The (justifiably) famous Laguna los Tres hike (22km) to the base of Mount Fitz Roy gets busy but there are plenty of quieter trails too. The approach by road from Chile is a journey to be savoured.
Sailing the Beagle Channel, Argentina
The Beagle Channel, named after Charles Darwin’s ship HMS Beagle, is located in the wild and inhospitable land of Tierra del Fuego. Sailing the channel offers stunning views of the Andes, and sea lions, Cormorants, Peale’s dolphins and the iconic Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse. Tours depart from the Ushuaia tourist pier, lasting 2-6 hours on catamarans or smaller yachts, and often visit Bird Island, Sea Lion Island, and sometimes Martillo Island to see penguins.
Chiloe Island, Chile
Chiloé is beloved by Chileans but still largely undiscovered by international travelers. This large, isolated Island lies 1,100 kilometres south of Santiago, and is a world unto itself. Renowned for its unique, rich mythology, private nature reserves and UNESCO-listed wooden churches.
Stay in a palafito stilt house in Castro (on AirB&B), go upscale at the refugiachiloe, or stay at lodge in Parque Tepuhueico, a private conservation forest.
PRACTICALITIES
Patagonia is a wild region straddling the southern tip of Chile and Argentina. Distances are vast. You will likely fly from Santiago or Buenos Aires to regional gateways like Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas (Chile) or El Calafate (Argentina).
There are no direct cross-border flights within Patagonia, so crossing between countries is done via public buses, tours or rental cars. The long journey by road from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia crosses the Magellan Strait and a gives a flavour of the wild majesty of Tierra del Fuego. Chiloe Island is accessed from Puerto Montt in Chile, via car/bus and ferry.