PATAGONIA

TRAVEL IN PATAGONIA

Jagged glaciers, snow-topped peaks, glittering turquoise lakes and lively beech forests make Patagonia one of the most dramatically beautiful landscapes in the world. Shared across Argentina and Chile, this wild and barren land takes your breath away at every turn; a treasure trove of unique natural beauty. Plus, with excellent hiking trails and decent tourist infrastructure, Patagonia isn’t as difficult to travel as you might expect.

You’ll want to pack your boots on this trip. Although you can get around by bus or car and see some spectacular sights on the horizon, the best way to get up close and personal with all that beauty is to take a hike. Trust us, the graft’s worth it: wandering Patagonia’s jagged mountain passes and breathing its crisp air is one of life’s most energising pleasures.

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Try whiskey with 17,000 year old ice at the Perito Merino Glacier

Located in Argentina’s deep south, the mammoth Perito Merino glacier is one of the most spectacular in the world, beaming pure white amongst the azure waters, and is best experienced on a hiking tour. Unlike most of the earth’s glaciers, Perito Merino is still growing, which causes dynamic, fascinating changes in the landscape. You can frequently witness large hunks of ice fracture and crash into the turquoise waters below. The highlight of the tour? Admiring the scenery while enjoying a fiery whiskey on the rocks- in which the rocks are 17,000-year-old glacial ice. Trust us, it really brings out the flavour.
Visit Torres del Paine National Park

Encompassing lakes, rivers, mountains and glaciers, the Chilean Torres Del Paine National Park is one of the most recognisable symbols of Patagonia’s natural beauty. A backpack and some comfy boots are all that’s needed for a unique hiking adventure, as you dive deep into a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. With 17 hours of daylight during the summer months, watching the Torres Del Paine horns reach into the sky, glowing furious violets and reds as the sun sets, is an experience that has no comparison. Keep a look out for foxes, condors, deer and maybe even the elusive puma.
Go horseback riding in a traditional Estancia

Want to get away from the crowds and enjoy some authentic, rustic Patagonian culture? Gaucho culture and Estancias (working farms) are a large part of Patagonian life, and the Estancias provide excellent starting points for various hikes and wildlife trips. The best way to experience the Gaucho way of life? By soaking up all that scenery atop a noble steed, of course. Estancias host many single or multi-day horse-riding trips, where you can spot wildlife and traverse mind boggling terrains.
Take an ice climbing lesson in El Chaltén

You’ve admired the glaciers of El Chalten, but how about picking up a pair of axes and climbing it? Whether you’re a pro or this is your first time on the ice, as you’re led to the beautiful white wall you’ll feel a thrill like no other.
See flamingos at Lake Argentino

This is a lovely way to while away a few hours in El Calafate, admiring the snow-capped mountains as they’re reflected in the water, Peacefully gaze at the pink flamingos as they flock to the edge of the lagoon, dancing and bickering on the horizon. When these beautiful birds get together in these kinds of numbers, it’s difficult not to feel your heart swell.

Things to do in Patagonia

Glaciarium Patagonian Ice Museum

One of the only glacier museums in the world, the Glaciarium Ice Museum is a must-visit. With unique architecture that’s reminiscent of a glacier, this imposing building includes models, dioramas, photos and 3D documentaries that seek to enhance the understanding of glaciers and environmental issues.
Francisco Moreno Museum of Patagonia

Francisco P. Moreno Museum is a tribute to the great man who toured around the Andes and Patagonia, donating the lands for Argentina’s first national park. Covering natural sciences, geology, prehistory, aboriginal and info on Patagonia’s many national parks, it paints a vivid picture of this region’s spectacular natural history.
Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum

The Museum of Paleontology Egidio Feruglio is a science research and exhibition centre in Trelew city. Its exhibitions focus on the fossilised remains of the fauna and flora of Patagonia, as well as the geological changes that affected the region throughout prehistory. Basically, it’s dinosaur heaven. Patagonia is one of the best-known regions in the world in terms of paleontological discoveries, so expect to see an incredible collection of fossilised beasts.
Centro de interpretación histórica de Calafate

This interpretation centre takes a tour through 14,000 years of human and environmental History. Check out the megafauna that used to roam these lands (like ground sloths the size of elephants) and learn all about the glacier transformations that shaped this region.
Museo Provincial del Hombre y el Mar

This collection of taxidermy animals, skeletons and shells explores humanity’s relationship with Patagonia’s bodies of water. The gorgeous exhibits evoke the marine myths of European sea monsters, the indigenous Tehuelche, the ideas of 19th-century naturalists and modern ecology.

Top 5 Museums in Patagonia

Boasting fascinating natural and anthropological history, check out Patagonia’s museums to dive deep into the local culture.

Argentinian steak
Argentina has some of the best steak in the world, so a sizzling BBQ Is a foodie essential. Get your juicy T-Bone at La Tablita, an El Calafate restaurant that specialises in all things meat.

_{Best eaten at
La Tablita, Cnel. Rosales 26, El Calafate}
Cordero asado
Roasted lamb is huge in Patagonia. You can find it on pizzas and burgers throughout the region. The classic preparation is striking, in which the lamb is essentially crucified (not alive, thankfully) over a wood fire on a great iron cross. Try some authentic marinated roast lamb at Parilla Don Pichon, El Calafate.

_{Best eaten at
Parrilla Don Pichon, Puerto Deseado 242, Z9405 El Calafate}
Pasta cushions
Filled with chicken, mozzarella and tomato, these delicious pasta cushions have a rustic, homely deliciousness that can’t be beat. Have it served with tomato sauce and fresh parmesan at Fuegia Bistro in El Chalten.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Fuegia Bistro, Av San Martin 493, El Chalten}
Trout with a citric sauce and vegetables
Trout is fished in abundance in this region, and you can get delicious, fresh fish everywhere you go. Have it served with a citrus sauce and vegetables for a vibrant lunch or dinner. We recommend La Tapera in El Chalten.

_{Best eaten at}
_{La Tapera Resto & Bar, Av. Antonio Rojo and Cabo Garcia, El Chalten}
Argentinian wine
Along with its steak, Argentine wine has a lofty global reputation, and for good reason. Try a deep, fruity and rich Malbec at La Zaina Restaurant in El Calafate. You’ll want to bring a few bottles home, too.

_{Best eaten at}
_{La Zaina Restaurant, Gdor. Gregores 1057, El Calafate}

Food in Patagonia

With its intense, rich flavours and colourful presentation, Patagonian cuisine is as spectacular as its landscapes. Here are the eats you have to check out:

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