Full of snow capped peaks, abundant wildlife, and wind swept plains, Patagonia is one of the last great wild places left on earth.
Patagonia is the wild, wind swept region of southern Argentina and Chile that makes up the southern cone of the South American continent. The region is home to some of the world’s most pristine wilderness and diverse wildlife. The region has long attracted explorers, scientists, mountaineers, and adventure seekers of every sort.
Argentine Patagonia
Much of Argentina’s Patagonian regions are vast empty fields and sweeping estancias filled of sheep. The coast is a prominent marine reserve, particularly around the Península Valdés, where hundreds of whales come to breed and give birth each year. The border areas with Chile, however, are home to snow covered Andean peaks and scenic valleys. You’ll find the alpine village of Bariloche and some of the best skiing in the southern hemisphere. Further south towards El Calafate, not far from Torres del Paine, you will see the crackling blue Perito Moreno glacier. At the most southerly point, the active town of Ushuaia on the island of Tierra del Fuego is the tourist hub of the entire region.
Chilean Patagonia
Chile’s portion of Patagonia is even more inhabitable. Mountains and glaciers crash into each amid sheltered bays and lush green forests. The southern half is unconnected by road from the north, therefore ferries, planes, or a detour into Argentina is necessary if traveling the length of the region. You can traverse the northern half along the Carretera Austral, the wild highway that is impassable for much of the year that passes through temperate rainforest, snow covered mountains, and glaciers. The Andes are at their most dense between north and south and infrequent ferries and cruises are the only way to see the world renowned southern ice cap. The most southerly points here are made up of a few small towns such as Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales. Torres del Paine National Park and all of it’s glory is here, as are penguin colonies and duty free shopping.
Getting to Patagonia
The main entry points into Patagonia are the cities of Punta Arenas, Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina. Both have airports have connections to places such as Buenos Aires and Santiago and are located within a short distance of ferry ports. These are also major lifting off points for exploring Antarctica.
Additional notes
One of the CEO’s of Patagonia the clothing line and her husband who is a founder of the North Face clothing line actually have purchased a significant portion of land in the region and have set up a stunning park on the Chilean side, Parque Pumalín.
