Top Things to Do and See in Argentine Patagonia

Argentinian Patagonia

Argentinian Patagonia has three regions – Northern, Southern, and Coastal. Northern Patagonia is famous for its mountains, lakes, skiing, and trekking while southern Patagonia is home to the Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares National Park, and Mount Fitzroy. Finally, coastal Patagonia has whales, seals, penguins, sea lions, and the iconic “End of the World” lighthouse in Tierra del Fuego.

Destinations

Key sights to see

Bariloche, North Patagonia

Situated in the foothills of the Andes, Bariloche is the main tourist attraction in northern Patagonia. The area was settled by Swiss, German and Austrian settlers in the early 20th century, and is famous for its skiing, trekking, mountaineering, fishing and horseback riding opportunities.

Los Glaciares National Park, South Patagonia

Los Glaciares National Park is a giant ice field that covers an area of nearly 7,300 sq km. On the southern side is Lake Argentino, which is fed by the massive Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Spegazzini glaciers. On the northern side, is the towering peak of Mount Fitz Roy (3,405 m).

Perito Moreno Glacier, South Patagonia

Located in the southern part of Los Glaciares National Park, about 78 km from the village of El Calafate, the Perito Moreno Glacier is one the most important tourist attractions in Argentina. There are viewing platforms where visitors can get close to the glacier. There are also trekking tours and boat rides around the glacier.

Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Chaltén), South Patagonia

Located in the northern part of Los Glaciares National Park, on the border with Chile, Mount Fitz Roy is a towering peak that rises 3,405 m above sea level. There are trekking paths that start from the small village of El Chaltén, but the hikes are very strenuous and the weather is quite harsh.

Puerto Madryn, Coastal Patagonia

Located in Coastal Patagonia, on the Golfo Nuevo Bay, Puerto Madryn is known for its sandy beaches, restaurant-lined promenade, lighthouse, and most importantly, Valdes Peninsula, which is home to penguins and elephant seals. The waters of the Bay also serve as breeding grounds for southern right whales from May to December.

Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego

Ushuaia is the southern most city in the world, with only 1,100 km separating it from Antarctica. Here, visitors can see unspoilt nature from penguins, seals, and orcas in the Beagle Channel to lakes, glaciers and granite peaks in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Ushuaia is also the gateway for tours to Antarctica.

Activities

Exciting and memorable things to do

Perito Moreno Glacier Tour

Enjoy a scenic drive to Los Glaciares National Park, so named for the abundance of glaciers found here, including Upsala, Onelli, and Spegazzini. Upon arrival, explore the different walkways at your own pace and enjoy views of the great glacier from various angles. Watch closely to see giant slabs of ice detach from the glacier.

Cruise in Los Glaciares National Park

This one hour excursion takes you on a cruise across Lake Rico, passing beside icebergs which have calved off the front of the Perito Moreno glacier. At the Icebergs Channel, the boat stops at a safe distance from the glacier, allowing a spectacular view of the high wall of ice, a special treat for photographers.

Ice Trekking, Los Glaciares National Park

Drive from El Calafate to “Bajo de las Sombras” port, where you’ll board a ship to cross Lago Rico, while navigating along the front of the stunning south face of Perito Moreno. When you disembark, start trekking along the coast of the lake, then walk across this frozen glacial paradise for more than three hours!

Nativo Safari Experience, El Calafate

The Nativo Experience is a 4×4 excursion with an anthropological focus. Drive along the shores of Lake Argentino, the largest lake in Argentina. Then visit the Punta Walichu caves where you can see paintings made by natives of the Tehuelche community thousands of years ago. Enjoy dinner in one of the caves overlooking Lake Argentino.

El Chaltén and Mount Fitz Roy

Drive on the mythical Route 40 bordering Lake Argentino. Then walk along Viedma Lake, until you arrive at a viewpoint with a spectacular view of the Viedma Glacier, the Cordillera and the iconic Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Visit the mountain village of El Chaltén for lunch and some optional afternoon treks.

Beagle Channel Navigation, Ushuaia

Sail across the Beagle Channel and enjoy a panoramic view of Ushuaia. Explore archaeological settlements on Bridges island, and view sea lions and magellanic cormorants near Los Lobos and Los Pájaros islands. Next, visit the famous “lighthouse at the end of the world.” Finally, get close to a colony of magellanic penguins on Isla Martillo.

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Start your trip with a mythical journey on the “Train at the End of the World.” Then, explore Ensenada Bay which offers stunning views of the Andes and the sub-antarctic forest, and other panoramic points including Acigami glacial lake and Lapataia Bay. Finally, visit the southernmost post office in the Americas to send a postcard.

Accommodations

Great places to stay

Las Hayas Resort, Ushuaia

Las Hayas Resort Hotel is a 5-star resort hotel with spectacular views of the Ushuaia region. The resort offers comfortable accommodations, an indoor swimming pool and spa, a fitness center and squash courts. The End of the World Train is located nearby. There are also several slopes for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.

EOLO Garden Resort, El Calafate

Built on the land where the first creole and European immigrants of the area initially set foot, this 10,000 acre property has 17 rooms with spectacular views, a restaurant, bar/lounge, spa tub, and sauna. The resort is a paradise for horseback riding, mountain biking, trekking, and bird watching.

Llao Llao Spa & Golf Resort, Bariloche

Llao Llao Spa & Golf resort in Bariloche offers studios and suites with incredible views of lakes, forests and mountains, a magnificent indoor/outdoor pool and spa, 18 holes of golf, visits to Nahuel Huapi National Park and Lake or the Cerro Otto Cable Car and adventures like hiking, biking, kayaking, windsurfing and rafting.

Huinid Bustillo, Bariloche

Located only 5 minutes from the city center, Huinid Bustillo Hotel & Spa has tastefully decorated rooms, an indoor heated swimming pool, fitness studio, spa, sauna, Turkish bath, and restaurant. The hotel faces the Huapi Nahuel Lake and is surrounded by 5 hectares of forest. The activities offered in the area include golfing and skiing.

Trips

Popular, customizable trips

Best of Argentina

12 days / 11 Nights from $ 6499 per person

Experience the history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty of Argentina on this 12 day tour of Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Patagonia. Feel the ambiance of Buenos Aires, often called the Paris of the East, and the sensual rhythm of the Argentinian Tango. Taste the flavors of Argentinian "asado" steak and Argentinian wine, learn about the gaucho lifestyle at an Estancia, marvel at the breathtaking Iguazu falls, go ice-trekking in Los Glaciares National Park, get up-close and personal with penguins in the Beagle Channel, and enjoy the serene beauty of Ushuaia!

Argentinian Patagonia

Destinations

Activities

Accommodations

Trips

12 days / 11 Nights from $ 6499 per person

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