You’ve probably heard Patagonia referred to as the Land of Fire and Ice. It’s impossibly vast, encompassing a mind-boggling 400,000 square miles of Chile and Argentina (and about half the land mass of each country). With its famous glaciers and towering mountain peaks, Patagonia is devastatingly beautiful. It’s also one of the last truly remote destinations on Earth, a perfect choice for the natural beauty loving experiential traveler.

Patagonia deserves a top spot on every seasoned traveler’s list of places to visit next.

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Patagonia. Here, we share just a handful of our favorite things about this astonishing destination at “the end of the Earth.”

It’s Wonderfully Remote (YET STILL WITHIN REACH)

A view of Mount Fitz Roy at Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

Surrounded by some of Earth’s most astounding natural wonders, you’ll feel a world away in Patagonia. Home to only 2 million people, it’s one of the least densely populated places on the planet. In fact, the region is about four times the size of Colorado, but the population density is about one or two people per square kilometer.

In Patagonia, you can be sure to find your own little corner of luxury, adventure, and solitude, no matter where you go.

And while it’s true that Patagonia is very remote, it’s also easy enough to get to compared to some other remote destinations.

Chile and Argentina can be a relatively short jaunt from the U.S. (especially compared to destinations in Africa and Asia). Most flights are scheduled overnight, so you might even catch a little shut-eye while in the air. You’ll have to take some connections in all likelihood but traveling south instead of east or west means you won’t travel through so many time zones, so jet lag will be minimal, and you’ll be able to get started with your explorations sooner rather than later.

It’s Home to World-Class Adventure and Unparalleled Natural Beauty

Patagonia’s natural landscapes and jaw-dropping geography rival almost any place else on Earth. If incredible scenery is a priority for your travels, look no further than Patagonia.

The topography of the region is so varied and ever-changing that you could easily find yourself exploring mountain peaks, valley floors, glacial fields, and pristine lakes all in a matter of a few days, if not a few hours. Patagonia dazzles at every turn.

In Northern Patagonia, you’ll find a dizzying array of landscapes, including temperate rainforest, scrubby steppe, and towering mountain peaks crowding the horizon. But what’s sure to leave the biggest impression on you is the water. It’s everywhere—rivers, lakes, glaciers, and fjords. This is a land of water in motion.

Perito Moreno Glacier in the Santa Cruz province of Argentina is one of the highlights of Patagonia

Plenty of travelers bypass Northern Patagonia on their way to points farther south. But for those lucky enough to make time for a backcountry ramble on the Carretera Austral from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins or to tuck into a tranquil waterfront retreat in the Lake District, Northern Patagonia offers a special slice of paradise you won’t want to miss.

In Southern Patagonia, Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park and Chile’s Torres Del Paine National Park are two major draws. A few must-see sites include:

Perito Moreno Glacier with its famous glacial arch that collapses “like clockwork” every three to four years
The village of El Chaltén, the gateway to a network of trails surrounding Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre
Mount Fitz Roy’s towering peaks and beautiful glaciers
The three impossibly vertical, iconic granite peaks of Torres del Paine
The Southern Patagonian Ice Field (which feeds Perito Moreno)

Patagonia is paradise for experiential travelers looking for hands-on adventure. For active, intrepid travelers, the whole of Patagonia offers plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and take in the views on foot. Depending on your tastes and desired level of activity, it’s not uncommon to traverse several miles each day for multiple days in a row.

Looking for a slower pace? For travelers who want a more low-key experience, there are plenty of options for taking in the natural beauty of Patagonia at a pace that suits you best.

A few favorite activities include:

One of many spectacular views at Torres del Paine, in Chile

Trekking across glaciers
Fly fishing
Horseback riding
Hiking
Climbing
Kayaking
Puma tracking with the Awasi Foundation
Small-vessel cruising
Mountain biking
Mountaineering

If a cruise is of interest to you, we can arrange a Patagonian explorer expedition that includes, Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Wulaia Bay, several breathtaking glaciers, and Magdalena Island before ending in Punta Arenas, the gateway to Southern Patagonia.

The Luxury Accommodations are Fantastic

Patagonia has a reputation for being a mecca for hikers, backpackers, and do-it-yourselfers. But, trust us, you absolutely need not “rough it” on your journey to Patagonia. In fact, we recommend you take advantage of everything the region has to offer, including the remarkable experiential properties you’ll find here.

In Patagonia, you really can have it both ways: total luxury and unparalleled adventure in the wild outdoors. Think world-class cuisine, incredibly comfortable high-end accommodations, first-rate spa treatments, expertly-guided private experiences with local guides, and custom-tailored activities for your group, all in absolutely beautiful settings.

You don’t have to sacrifice your creature comforts to take in all that natural beauty, so why should you?

There are a number of incredible luxury properties located in and around both Torres del Paine National Park and Los Glaciares National Park. These properties afford you the luxury accommodations you look for without sacrificing proximity to the sights and adventures you’re ready to take in. Be prepared to revel in total comfort and seclusion with ease of access to everything Patagonia has to offer.

Several properties we love are noteworthy not only for their service and accommodations but also for their incredible architecture—with aesthetics that mimic the surrounding wild landscape—and their commitment to sustainability.

Contrast your Patagonian experience with starting or ending your trip for a few days in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires or delightful Santiago.

Patagonia offers accommodations suited to nearly every kind of traveler. A family-run property with jaw-dropping views at the gateway to Northern Patagonia. An experiential lodge in a spectacular setting. A stay at a historic estancia set in an exclusive location.

You can expect the ultimate in comfort, expertly-guided excursions, delicious cuisine, and absolutely unparalleled settings, no matter where you choose to stay in Patagonia.

Patagonia is Just the Beginning

Patagonia is a massive region, and it could easily take up your entire journey. But whether you have two weeks or two months to travel, Patagonia is absolutely worth a visit. And itineraries to Patagonia can be wonderfully diverse. You can easily combine your journey through Patagonia with time in other regions of Chile and Argentina.

The port town of Ushuaia is at the southern tip of South America on the island of Tierra del Fuego. It’s also the jumping off point to most Antarctica expeditions as well as the start or end of a Patagonian explore expedition.

Settle in for a few days in the Patagonian Lake District (often overlooked but scenic beyond description) or on the captivating Carretera Austral (a 770-mile stretch of highway running through rural Northern Patagonia).

If you’d enjoy some time in the city, Santiago is a delight. And the surrounding Chilean winelands are absolutely worth a visit. Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires, is a must-see for rich culture and world-class cuisine. Or sip award-winning wines in Mendoza!

If you are a wine aficionado, consider adding some time to your Patagonian journey in the wine regions of Argentina, such as Mendoza, or in the Chilean winelands.

Patagonia also makes for a wonderful extension to a visit to Antarctica, whether at the beginning or the end of your journey.

Whatever your tastes and style of travel, this region of the world offers all the sights, tastes, and experiences you could hope for—and more!

Start Dreaming Today

It’s never too early to begin imagining your next adventure. Go ahead. Give yourself something fresh and exciting to look forward to.

If you’d like to learn more about travel to Patagonia, reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation here.

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