In a region as expansive and teeming with natural beauty as Patagonia, deciding which sites to prioritize during your visit can be challenging. With every corner boasting its own unique allure, from majestic mountains to vast glaciers and sweeping plains, how does one make the choice? Which destinations are truly unmissable? Well, if you’re seeking to witness and immerse yourself in the very essence of Patagonia, these are our top six must-see places in the region!
Mount Fitz Roy
The crown jewel of Argentine Patagonia’s Los Glaciares National Park, Mount Fitz Roy is a recognizable icon – it’s the mountain featured on the Patagonia Clothing logo! Towering to a height of over 6,000 feet, this imposing mass of rock and snow can be admired through various treks within the park. The Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre Circuit offers elevated viewpoints of both mountains and the glacial lakes nestled at their base, while the Mount Fitz Roy Trek leads to the shores of the stunning aquamarine Laguna de los Tres, positioned in front of the mountain. Fitz Roy holds a special place in the hearts of mountain and rock climbing enthusiasts, having been conquered by legendary climbers such as Alex Honnold, Dean Potter, Yvon Chouinard, and Douglas Tompkins.
Cerro Torre
Another renowned (or perhaps notorious) peak within Los Glaciares National Park is Cerro Torre, a jagged cluster of granite spikes that pierces the skyline like a regal crown. Comprising several summits, with Cerro Torre being the most prominent, its towering peak rises over 4,000 feet and is often shrouded in rime ice, sculpted by fierce winds. Cerro Torre holds a certain mystique in the rock climbing community, with doubts cast upon the validity of the first claimed ascent by Cesare Maestri. Since then, due to its treacherous conditions, extreme weather, and technical challenges, Cerro Torre is only tackled by the most seasoned climbers, and even then, it has claimed its share of lives. For the rest of us, we can find solace in admiring the mountain from the ground, with one of the most popular viewpoints situated at the edge of Torre Lake.
Perito Moreno Glacier
Arguably the most awe-inspiring of all of Patagonia’s glaciers, this icy giant has gained renown for its remarkable height, standing at an impressive 240 feet, and frequent calving events, drawing visitors eager to witness icebergs cascading from its front wall. Encompassing an area of 97 square miles and extending 19 miles in length from its source in the Southern Patagonia Ice Field to its terminus in Lake Argentina, the glacier’s proximity to land allows for close-up viewpoints right alongside its towering front wall. For those seeking an even closer encounter, boating along the front wall is also an option. The glacier’s stability permits ice hikes atop its surface, with some tours even offering the unique experience of concluding the hike with a whiskey served on glacial ice! Beyond its sheer size, the glacier’s mesmerizing colors add to its allure: a mesmerizing blend of blues and whites swirling together, creating a natural masterpiece that puts even the most skilled painters to shame.
Base of the Torres
One of the most renowned and sought-after hikes and viewpoints within Torres del Paine National Park, the Torres are the three granite spires after which the park is named. Emerging majestically from the heart of the Paine Massif, with a brilliantly turquoise lake at their feet, reaching this iconic vista entails a full-day trek. Commencing near the Las Torres Hotel, the journey ascends into the mountains via the “Paso del Viento” or Pass of the Winds. After traversing a forest along the Ascencio valley floor, the final leg entails scaling a rocky glacial moraine. However, the reward awaits at the summit: a breathtaking panorama unrivaled anywhere in Patagonia, featuring three towering pillars of rock, sculpted by the forces of wind and ice, silhouetted against the sky, with the tranquil lake below. Take a moment to savor the spectacle before descending back down.
Grey Glacier
Another of the most renowned attractions in Torres del Paine National Park is the Grey Glacier. Situated on the western edge of the Paine Massif, the glacier’s towering front wall reaches heights of over a hundred feet, regularly shedding icebergs of fantastical shapes and hues into Grey Lake. Flowing from the Southern Patagonia Icefield, the Grey Glacier terminates in Grey Lake, where it is divided by a small island. Boat and catamaran tours offer close-up views of the glacier’s front wall, while kayaking on the lake provides a safe distance from icebergs and calving-induced waves. For the adventurous, ice-hiking excursions are also available on the glacier itself. A testament to the passage of time and the power of nature, the grandeur and strength of Grey Glacier must be witnessed firsthand to truly appreciate its magnificence.
Paine Massif
The Paine Massif, also referred to as the Paine Cordillera, stands as the focal point of Torres del Paine National Park. Comprised of granite and other rock formations shaped by centuries of glacier movement and Patagonia’s fierce weather, the result is a collection of striking mountains. Among these, the Torres and the Cuernos (The Horns) are prominent features, with their contrasting light and dark rock formations serving as iconic landmarks of the park. Within the massif’s interior, the French Valley showcases remarkable rock formations like the Sword and the Shark Fin. Whether trekking along the W route or driving through the park, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the massif’s diverse array of mountains and rock formations, each more awe-inspiring than the last. For an exceptional vantage point, the Mirador Cuernos offers breathtaking views near the Pehoe Lake catamaran launch, providing a stunning perspective of the Cuernos and the massif’s front.
