So you want to go to Patagonia, but don’t know where exactly? We don’t blame you! The area called Patagonia is an enormous 400,000 square miles spanning across two countries. It’s one of the most beautiful, wild, and fascinating parts of the world. It’s also incredibly diverse. Once you know what kind of activities you want to do, or what kind of environment you want to be in, it’s much easier to decide if Northern or Southern Patagonia is for you!
Northern Patagonia
If you want to explore luscious forests and wide blue lakes, Northern Patagonia is the one for you. It includes highlights like San Martin de los Andes, Bariloche, Los Alerces and Los Huemules Reserves, and Esquel. Although less known than the skyscraping monoliths of Southern Patagonia, Argentina’s lakes region is full of adventure to enjoy! Try kayaking on the lake of Nahuel Huapi or enjoy a catamaran ride from Puerto Pañuelo to the myrtle forest on Quetrihué Peninsula and Victoria Island. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, have a go at white water rafting on the Manso River!
Northern Patagonia is great for walkers, too! Make sure you include a hike to La Torta in Los Huemules Reserve or through the majestic Los Alerces National Park. For a breathtaking view, walk to Punto Panorámico for an incredible view over the lakes and mountains.
If you prefer cultural escapes, this area of Patagonia is packed full for you to discover. Spend a day in the ancestral lands of the Sierra Colorada and Lago Rosario area, accompanied and guided by some Mapuche-Tehuelche descendants that reside here. Alternatively, discover the Welsh heritage at Trevelin including visits to the chapel and wheat mills that hark to the times of the early Welsh settlers in Patagonia.
Southern Patagonia
Southern Patagonia is much wilder than its northern counterpart in every sense. Green forests are swapped for rocky mountains and lakes for glaciers. Here you can find a whole array of wildlife that will make you feel more connected to nature than ever. Keep an eye out for pumas, guanacos, and condors roaming free in this dramatic landscape.
Of course, you cannot talk about Southern Patagonia without mentioning the world-famous El Chalten. The Cerro Torre and Laguna Los Tres trails features on many hikers’ bucket lists. For the more experienced hiker, combine the two route and camp overnight on the Madre e Hija route or head out on a multiday trip round the Huemul Circuit. But El Chalten is not the place for hikers here. Alternatively, you could hike the spectacular route to Laguna Esmeralda in Ushuaia or in the outstanding Tierra Del Fuego National Park. Both are a real treat off the main tourist route.
Southern Patagonia isn’t limited to hiking lovers. You could cruise through Tierra del Fuego to Punta Arenas, Chile, for a serene adventure at the end of the world. Visit the penguin colony at Gable Island, kayak or enjoy a boat ride to the ginormous Perito Moreno Glacier. If culture is more your thing, a day at Estancia Cristina is a true delight!
