How to Get the Most Out of Your Trip to Patagonia, According to a Top Travel Advisor

For anyone with a passion for wildlife, Patagonia is paradise. It’s as vast as it is varied, and while there are challenges in connectivity, thoughtful planning is key. As a longtime travel advisor who specializes in ensuring visitors have a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Patagonia, here are my recommendations for planning the perfect trip to this gem of South America. 

How to Get the Most Out of Patagonia 

The Patagonia region encompasses the vast southernmost tip of South America, and it’s shared by Argentina and Chile. If you plan on spending six or more nights in the area, it’s possible to visit both Chile and Argentina by way of Patagonia, and see various landmarks along the way. When traveling through both destinations, you have the option of going overland through the Andes Mountains between El Calafate and Torres del Paine. Or, for even longer trips that include the city of Ushuaia, you may consider a four-night, small-ship adventure aboard Cruceros Australis. (The latter is a great option for those with an ample budget and an interest in marine wildlife.)

My suggestion is to start in vibrant Buenos Aires and end in the relaxing Chilean wine country.

What to Do in Argentine Patagonia

The southern part of Patagonia in Argentina has vast grasslands, abundant wildlife, and jaw-dropping glaciers. There are flights daily from Buenos Aires to both El Calafate and Ushuaia, or access overland via Chile. 

El Calafate

An easy flight to El Calafate will put you on the doorstep of Perito Moreno and Los Glaciares National Park, a scenic and rugged area of glaciers. More adventurous travelers can opt to kayak at the face of the 350-foot Perito Moreno glacier (or hike atop it), while those looking to relax and get good photos can stay along the expansive walkway system.

There are a few hotel options to choose from in El Calafate. Eolo, an intimate Relais & Châteaux property, is generally hard to get into, but it’s worth a try for the comfortable estate set on nearly 10,000 acres of land. Those seeking some culture should consider Estancia Cristina, a lodge hidden in a remote valley protected by mountains, lakes, and the Upsala glacier. 

El Chaltén

This small village in Argentine Patagonia is a hiker’s paradise, with both Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, two famous mountains in the Andes. For hikers with more time, it’s a great complement to Torres del Paine National Park.

The hotel options in El Chaltén include Hosteria Senderos, a cozy accommodation ideally situated near the trailheads. Outside of town, there’s the remote, charming, and family-run five-room Aguas Arriba Lodge, accessed only by boat or a hike. And Explora’s first hotel in Argentina, Explora El Chaltén, offers unparalleled views of the Electric Valley and the Marconi glacier.

Ushuaia

Ushuaia is typically included for those visiting the area via cruise, traveling only to Argentina, or wanting a more extensive Patagonia trip. My two favorite experiences include walking among penguins on the small Isla Martillo and hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park on the 150-mile-long Beagle Channel.

There are two accommodations I recommend in Ushuaia: Los Cauquenes Resort + Spa sits on the shores of the Beagle Channel and offers various experiences that lean on the surrounding environment, like a private cruise and tour on the channel. Modern Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa is located in the Cerro Alarkén Nature Reserve, offering great views down below. 

What to Do in Chilean Patagonia

The Chilean part of Patagonia, which stretches more than 1,000 miles north to south, is home to volcanos, glacial fjords, a temperate rain forest, and the highest density of pumas in the world.

Torres del Paine

The views in Torres del Paine National Park are some of the world’s best and most iconic. With its various trails and a wilderness road system, as well as a host of incredible basecamp-style lodges, this location is a must-visit for adventure types.

Many will stay in one of the park’s lodges, which include a range of excursions throughout and outside the park. The French Valley is a harder-to-reach highlight that affords hiking at a variety of levels. On the western side of the park is Grey Glacier; wildlife lovers should pinpoint excursions generally to the east, where pumas are more predominant, as are large herds of guanacos. 

As for accommodation options in and around the park, Explora Patagonia has unique access, the best diversity of excursions, next-level horseback riding, and a location that can’t be beat. Tierra Patagonia‘s facilities and architecture, proximity to wildlife, and laid-back vibe make it a favorite of many travelers. Estancia Cerro Guido has a sense of place and intimacy the others can’t touch. Meanwhile, Awasi differentiates itself with private excursions and a five-star Relais & Châteaux food and wine experience. And Patagonia Camp stands out for its glamping yurts, amazing food, and excursions like kayaking, along with a more approachable price point.

Ending in Central Chile

At the end of your journey to Patagonia, take a short flight to Santiago, the bohemian Valparaiso, and its adjacent agricultural central valleys. To top off the trip, spend a couple of nights at the unrivaled hidden gem of Clos Apalta Residence. 

Jordan Harvey is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in Patagonia, Argentina, and Chile trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Harvey by contacting him at jordan@knowmadadventures.com.