Patagonia Tours & Vacations

Patagonia is an expansive region located in the southernmost parts of South America, straddling Argentina and Chile. It encompasses a varied landscape stretching from the Andes mountains to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, including glaciers, lakes, valleys, and arid deserts.

Argentine Patagonia covers the provinces of Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, and Santa Cruz. Major destinations here include the Los Glaciares National Park, home to the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier, and the seaside resort town of Puerto Madryn, famous for whale watching. Chilean Patagonia comprises the regions of Aysén and Magallanes, covering large expanses of wilderness and featuring breathtaking destinations like Torres del Paine National Park.

Patagonia's remoteness adds to its mystique. You can marvel at its natural wonders and rugged beauty through an array of outdoor adventures across this expansive territory shared by Argentina and Chile.

The best time to visit Patagonia for most travelers is during the Southern Hemisphere spring, September to November, and fall, March to May, which are opposite seasons to the Northern Hemisphere.

Visiting Patagonia in spring offers mild temperatures and less wind than the summer. You will be rewarded with wildflowers blooming and abundant wildlife. The days start getting longer by September, making it ideal for experiencing Patagonia’s natural highlights like Torres del Paine National Park and the Perito Moreno glacier. Fall brings similar cool and calm conditions. The foliage takes on intense autumnal hues, and whales begin their migration north. You can also avoid the peak summer crowds of the high season.

Deciding the best time to visit Patagonia depends on the types of activities and experiences you want to prioritize, and we can help you find the right time for you throughout the year.

With its immense size and variety of landscapes, narrowing down the best places to visit in Patagonia can be overwhelming. Here are some of the top destinations in Patagonia to help you decide where to go:

• Bariloche, Argentina: Set amidst pristine lakes and soaring mountains, Bariloche's stunning alpine scenery makes it one of Argentina's top outdoor playgrounds. Adventure seekers can hike mountains, go whitewater rafting, and ski at a world-class resort, while foodies enjoy the local chocolate and cultural scenes.
• Torres del Paine National Park, Chile: Torres del Paine National Park is a stunning natural paradise, luring visitors with its iconic granite peaks, radiant blue glacial lakes, and opportunities for epic multi-day treks. Hiking through Patagonia's quintessential mountain landscape lets you experience the park's staggering natural beauty up close.
• El Calafate, Argentina: The gateway town to Los Glaciares National Park, El Calafate provides easy access to the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier and azure lakes dotted with icebergs. Visitors can experience this icy wonderland through glacier hiking, boat tours, and viewing platforms that bring you face-to-face with Perito Moreno's massive advancing ice wall.

From glaciers and mountains to wildlife and cruises, Patagonia delivers endless adventures. Explore the expansive wilderness landscapes of this region, straddling Chile and Argentina, with these top things to do in Patagonia as inspiration for your travels:

• Hike through breathtaking national parks like Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares to see majestic mountain peaks, glaciers, and lush forests up close
• See unique Patagonian wildlife like guanacos, rheas, penguins, sea lions, and condors
• Paddle turquoise lakes and race down rapids in Chilean and Argentine Patagonia for an adrenaline rush
• Hit the slopes at top ski areas like Cerro Catedral in Bariloche and Portillo in Chile, which have prime skiing

Ride through mountain valleys and visit traditional estancias, or ranches, for a taste of Patagonia's gaucho culture

Patagonia is renowned for its immense, pristine landscapes, which include majestic mountains, impressive glaciers, and expansive steppe regions. This sparsely populated region captures travelers’ imaginations with its rugged natural beauty. From humpback whales and southern right whales seen off the Chilean coast to Magellanic penguins in Punta Tombo, Argentina, Patagonia is also famous for its abundant wildlife to see on vacation.

Patagonia is a safe destination to visit.

As with any destination in the world, it is wise to keep safety in mind when planning your trip. While travelers are rarely affected by crime in Patagonia, be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings safe when visiting popular and busy destinations. When hiking and trekking, follow the guidance of your experienced guide to stay safe exploring the outdoors.

Patagonia, though remote, is more accessible than many realize. The main entry points are via Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Santiago, Chile. From here, you can access key cities in Patagonia, like El Calafate, Bariloche, and Punta Arenas. Flying between these cities is the most efficient way to cover large distances in less time. Renting a car is also popular for exploring regions like Torres del Paine or Argentina's Lakes District.

Advance planning ensures you secure the right flights, transfers, and transport to make getting to Patagonia smooth and hassle-free. Though the journey may be long, touching down in this astonishing landscape makes it all worthwhile.

Our travel specialists have crafted our best Patagonia itineraries that allow you to experience the best of both the Argentine and Chilean sides. Curated by our expert team, these journeys hit the highlights while keeping travel time manageable. Whether you're looking for hiking adventures, wildlife encounters, or a taste of cultures and cuisines, you'll discover the best Patagonia itinerary for your interests among our most popular options.

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Patagonia and inspiration in our Patagonia travel guide.