Top 5: Places to Visit in Patagonia

Located on the southern end of South America, Patagonia is a remote region shared by Argentina and Chile, made up of picturesque mountains, deserts and grassy plains. Here are our five favorite places to visit in this beautiful land.

© Chotin | Dreamstime

Ushuaia by Tierra del Fuego National Park

Regarded as the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia is a popular basecamp to explore the surrounding archipelagos. It is located right by Tierra del Fuego National Park, great for hikes and wildlife.

© Paweł Opaska | Dreamstime

Penguin Viewing in Punta Tombo

From September to March, more than 500,000 Magellan Penguins descend on Punta Tombo to lay their eggs and raise their young. Visitors are encouraged to come and observe these friendly birds, though making contact is forbidden and the area is closed after the season is over.

© Kseniya Ragozina | Dreamstime

El Chaltén in Los Glaciares National Park

This small mountain village is named Argentina’s trekking capital for its location at the base of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy. Created in 1985 to secure a disputed border with Chile, the town serves as a base for trekkers exploring Los Glaciares National Park.

© Nicolas De Corte | Dreamstime

Whale Watching on the Valdés Peninsula

Puerto Madryn and the Valdés Peninsula are known for having some of the best whale watching spots in the world. From June through December, hundreds of these majestic animals congregate along the coast with their calves, just 25 feet away from the shore.

© Steve Allen | Dreamstime

The W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park

The W is one of the most famous treks in the world, taking five to seven days to get through Torres del Paine and the iconic granite towers.