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Cerro Torre mountain in Argentina at sunset.

Cerro Torre in Argentina. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

5 things to do in Patagonia

Qadro MohamudNovember 11, 2024

From the towering mountain of Fitz Roy to the icy glacier Perito Moreno, explore the breathtaking region that covers southern Argentina and parts of Chile. Here’s a list of the top places to visit and things to do in Patagonia.

Explore Iguazu Falls

Part of the Iguazu Falls seen from the Argentinian National Park.
Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Iguazu Falls is an awe-inspiring group of waterfalls that lies on the border of Argentina and Brazil. We recommend you visit Puerto Iguazu, a national park on the Argentina side. The park offers six trails where visitors can experience panoramic views of the rushing falls and immerse themselves in the surrounding rainforest. But Devil’s Throat is undoubtedly the park’s crown jewel, towering at over 200 feet tall and over 400 feet wide. You can take a rafting excursion to cool off and feel the exhilarating sensation of Devil’s Throat’s massive falls crashing around you.

Visit Fitz Roy

A woman in a red jacket sits on a large boulder, gazing at the snowcapped peaks of Mount Fitzroy.
Snowcapped mountain tops of Mount Fitz Roy. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Fitz Roy Mountain sits on the Argentina-Chile border. The tallest peak towers at a staggering 11,000 feet. Most people embark on the Fitz Roy trek, with some popular routes being a full-day intensive hike or a leisurely three to four day journey to the base of the mountain. The town of El Chaltén offers hostels, midrange hotels and luxury lodges to choose from at different points of the trek.

Take a tour of Perito Moreno Glacier

Panorama of the icy blue Perito Moreno Glacier at Los Glaciares National Park.
Panorama of Perito Moreno Glacier. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Located inside Los Glaciares National Park and accessible via a short flight from Buenos Aires, the Perito Moreno Glacier is an icy terrain stretching almost 100 miles across. This glacier is just one of many that feeds the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the third largest freshwater reserve in the world. Visitors can take a boat tour or trek the glacier’s rugged terrain. You might even witness icy shards break off and crash into the freezing waters below.

Hike Torres Del Paine National Park

Winding road leading to homes, a body of water and the peaks of Torres del Paine National Park.
Torres Del Paine National Park. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

As one of the largest and most popular national parks in Chile, Torres Del Paine offers infamous hiking routes through the park’s most celebrated landscapes. Choose between the W Trek or the O Circuit.

If you’re an intermediate hiker, the W Trek (three to five days) is a great option, offering comfortable and luxurious accommodations along the way. You’ll trek through iconic spots like the stunning French Valley and enjoy views of the Torres del Paine granite peaks. You might even spot guanacos or foxes as you explore.

For a more challenging adventure, the O Circuit (seven to ten days) takes you off the beaten path, often requiring camping. This longer route leads you through remote areas like John Gardner Pass, offering solitude and awe-inspiring views. Keep an eye out for Andean condors soaring above or the elusive puma!

Eat empanadas

A person carefully removing hot Chilean empanadas from a cooking top.
Fresh Chilean empanadas. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Patagonian food is delicious, drawing from the area’s native plants, wildlife and other outside influences. Empanadas de Cordero (Lamb Empanadas) is a popular dish well-loved across the region. The dough is filled with a thick lamb stew instead of traditional meat and cheese. Other must-try dishes include centolla patagónica (Patagonian king crab) and yerba mate—a strong, caffeinated herbal tea often shared socially at parks and cafes throughout Santiago and Buenos Aires.

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