Where is Patagonia: A Guide to Discovering Argentine Patagonia
Patagonia is a region located in the southernmost part of South America, shared by Argentina and Chile. In this guide, we explain what Patagonia is, where it is located, its main characteristics, and why it is one of the most popular travel destinations in South America.
Where is Patagonia?
Patagonia is in the southern part of South America, stretching from the Colorado River to the southernmost tip of the continent.
Argentine Patagonia covers six provinces: La Pampa, Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, Santa Cruz, and Tierra del Fuego. It is an extensive region that combines mountains, steppes, and a maritime coastline. It spans approximately 2,500 km from north to south and 800 km from west to east at its widest point.
Where is Patagonia in South America?
Patagonia is in the southern part of the South American continent, within Argentina and Chile. Argentine Patagonia extends from the Andes Mountains in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east, and from La Pampa in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south.
What is Patagonia?
Patagonia is not a country but a vast geographical and cultural region. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including glaciers, lakes, mountains, steppes, and coastal areas. Although it has no exact political boundaries, the region south of the Colorado River is considered Patagonia.
Why is Patagonia famous?
Argentine Patagonia is known for:
- The Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in the world.
- National parks in the Andes Mountains.
- The Seven Lakes Route.
- Tourist cities like Bariloche, El Chaltén, Ushuaia, and El Calafate.
- Marine wildlife watching in the Atlantic Ocean, including whales in Puerto Madryn, orcas, penguins, sea lions, and elephant seals.
- Outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, fishing, kayaking, and sailing.
Is Patagonia a country?
No, Patagonia is not a country. It is a natural region spanning parts of two countries: Argentina and Chile. Each country manages its portion of Patagonia independently.
Argentine Patagonia: Essential Travel Information
The best way to stay in Argentine Patagonia:
Best time to visit Argentine Patagonia
- November to March: Ideal climate for outdoor activities and visiting glaciers, mountains, and beaches. Best for trekking and camping.
- Autumn: Great for visiting cities like Ushuaia or El Chaltén and enjoying vibrant fall foliage.
- Winter (June-August): Ski season at resorts like Cerro Catedral (Bariloche), Cerro Bayo (Villa La Angostura), Cerro La Hoya (Esquel), and Cerro Chapelco (San Martín de los Andes).
- Wildlife watching: Whales (May to November in Península Valdés), penguins (October to February in Punta Tombo).
How many days do you need?
- Short trip (7 days): Visit El Calafate, El Chaltén, and/or Ushuaia.
- Ideal trip (14-21 days): Include Bariloche, Puerto Madryn, Las Grutas, Esquel, and more.
Main landscapes
- Andes Mountains: Lakes, glaciers, forests, and snow-capped peaks.
- Patagonian Steppe: Arid, windy terrain home to guanacos, rheas, and sheep.
- Atlantic Coast: Expansive beaches, cliffs, and rich marine biodiversity.
Transportation
- Flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, El Calafate, Bariloche, San Martín de los Andes, Esquel, Comodoro Rivadavia, Santa Rosa, Viedma, Puerto Madryn, Trelew, Neuquén, Río Grande, and Río Gallegos.
- Cruises from Buenos Aires, Valparaíso (Chile), Miami, and Fort Lauderdale (USA) to Puerto Madryn and Ushuaia.
- Comfortable long-distance buses between regional destinations. Note: distances are vast.
- Car rentals recommended for exploring remote areas.
Road conditions
State of the roads in Patagonia
- National Route 3 (Atlantic Coast): Fully paved, connecting Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, ending in Bahía Lapataia. To reach Tierra del Fuego from the mainland, travelers must cross the Strait of Magellan by ferry (through Chilean territory) and re-enter Argentina via the San Sebastián border crossing. Some sections near Bahía Blanca are under repair due to storm damage.
- National Route 40 (Andes Mountains): Mostly paved, running north to south through Argentina, passing key Patagonian mountain destinations like Chos Malal, San Martín de los Andes (including the famous Seven Lakes Route), Bariloche, and Esquel. Some sections remain gravel or under repair.
- East-West Connector Routes: National Routes 22, 26, 27, 43, 288, and 5 cross the region, linking Route 3 with Route 40 and providing access to national parks. Some routes are fully paved, while others have gravel sections or require maintenance.
Costs
- Accommodation: $40 USD (mid-range hotels) to $200 USD (luxury hotels).
- Currency exchange: Best to pay with a foreign credit card or exchange cash.
- Prices: Moderate to high, especially in El Calafate and Ushuaia.
Safety
Argentine Patagonia is one of the safest regions in the country, and most tourist destinations are safe to walk around at night.
Entry requirements for Argentina
- Passport valid for at least three months (or national ID for Mercosur citizens).
- Return ticket and proof of sufficient funds ($50 USD per day suggested).
- No visa required for most countries in Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.
- Recommended travel insurance (medical coverage, accidents, repatriation, lost luggage).
Useful tips
- Avoid driving long distances at night or in rural areas.
- Book accommodation in advance during peak season (November-April).
- Get a local SIM card for internet and calls.
- Pack thermal, waterproof, and warm clothing, even in summer.
- For summer trips, bring light clothing and a swimsuit for beaches like Las Grutas.
Bariloche: Nature, Mountains, and Lakes
Bariloche, in the province of Río Negro, offers nature, mountains, and lakes in an accessible setting. Highlights include a visit to the Llao Llao Peninsula and Cerro Campanario, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Also recommended is a cruise to Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest, a protected area with unique specimens of this tree species. Another highlight is the full-day excursion to Cerro Tronador and the Glacier Negro, ideal for those seeking mountain scenery, trekking, and glaciers.
Hiking and Unique Landscapes in El Chaltén
El Chaltén, located within Los Glaciares National Park, is considered the trekking capital of Argentina. The best-known trails are the one leading to Laguna de los Tres, at the foot of Cerro Fitz Roy, and the one leading to Laguna Capri, ideal for shorter hikes.
You can also visit the La Leona Petrified Forest area, with visible fossils and tree trunks that reveal a prehistoric past. El Chaltén is ideal for those who want to explore the Patagonian wilderness on foot.
Southern Nature and Sailing in Ushuaia
In Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, a must-see experience is sailing through the Beagle Channel, with marine wildlife such as sea lions, cormorants, and Magellanic penguins on Martillo Island.
Another must-see is Tierra del Fuego National Park, accessible via the historic End of the World Train or independently with a private or rented car. A 4x4 excursion to Lakes Fagnano and Escondido is also recommended, where you'll cross native forests and off-road trails to reach panoramic views over these glacial lakes.
Glaciers and Adventure in El Calafate
El Calafate is the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few advancing glaciers in the world. You can explore the area via a network of walkways with panoramic views and take a boat ride along the Rico arm of Lake Argentino to observe ice calving.
Another highlight is Cerro Frías, where you can go trekking, ziplining, or 4x4 tours with views of the steppe, lakes, and mountains. Excursions to Los Glaciares National Park and boat trips to other glaciers on Lake Argentino are also organized from El Calafate.
Parks, Welsh Culture, and Waterfalls in Esquel
Esquel is the gateway to Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with more than 260,000 hectares of forests, lakes, and rivers. During peak season, you can sail on Lake Menéndez and hike among ancient larch trees, some more than 2,600 years old.
In winter, Esquel is also an attractive destination thanks to the La Hoya ski resort, ideal for those seeking snow sports with excellent powder conditions or simply unique views of the Patagonian mountain range.
Just a few kilometers from Esquel is Trevelin, a heritage site from the Welsh colony. There, you can visit the Nant Fach Mill, the Nant y Fall waterfalls, and a salmon farm.
Another recommended excursion is to the Andean Region of the 42nd Parallel, where you can visit towns such as El Hoyo, Epuyén, and El Bolsón, known for their production of fine fruits and craft beer.