Patagonia
Much like the Patagonia region of Chile, the Argentinian Patagonia is situated closer to the Atlantic Ocean. Here the characteristic golden lowlands of the Pampas meet breathtaking fjords, channels and bays that are home to thriving sea life.
An iconic destination in Atlantic Patagonia is the renowned World Heritage Site of Peninsula Valdes where orcas beach themselves on the shoreline in an attempt to grab a sea lion (the only place where this spectacle has been witnessed) and southern right whales and elephant seals explore the waters during the months of July through December.
Be sure to head westward to the Andes to visit the popular Parque Nacional los Glaciares where you can view the advancing Perito Moreno glacier. For a truly authentic rural experience, stop over at an estancia (working ranch) to view the daily adventures of the country’s gauchos (cowboys).
Why Visit Atlantic Patagonia
- The beautiful Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and Chalten area is a must-see when visiting the Patagonia region. Here, untamed wilderness meets the rugged summits of snow-capped mountains of the Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy. This is prime hiking and mountain climbing country.
- A stop in Patagonia wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Glaciar Perito Moreno. Measuring 30 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide, this behemoth ice structure moves up to 2 mm a day but the ice breakouts are what makes for great photographic opportunities.
- Argentina is renowned for its estancias (working ranches). There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of the region than by spending a day (or three) experiencing the daily hustle and bustle of the gauchos.
- The Peninsula Valdes is jam-packed with incredible marine life encounters. It is here that you will find a thriving population of sea lions, elephant seals, penguins and the southern right whale.
- Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin. Patagonia was a favourite haunting ground for this avid naturalist and geologist.
Climate
Summer (October-April)
Min 7°C/45°F Max 30°C/86°F
Winter (May-September)
Min 0°C/32°F Max 10°C/50°F
Given that Patagonia covers such a large geographic distance and its high altitude, the climates can vary greatly between the different regions.
Fast Facts
- Best time to travelSeptember to November and December through to February are the best times to visit this rugged region
- Travelling with ChildrenPatagonia is a great destination for families to explore as it boasts a wide variety of attractions that the whole family is guaranteed to enjoy.
- WildlifeSea lions, elephant seals, orcas, penguins, rheas, southern right whales and various bird species that include the majestic condor
- LanguagesSpanish
- Flying to PatagoniaIt is recommended that you fly into Buenos Aires and catch a domestic flight to vast outlying areas or take a chartered flight to any particular area of Patagonia
- Currency Argentine Peso
Featured Tour
This truly exceptional 13-day adventure in Argentina covers five of its most iconic destinations and promises a comprehensive and interpretive experience of this country’s vast and contrasting landscapes.
Discover the very best of Chile’s three iconic and starkly contrasting landscapes on this 12-day tour to the Atacama Desert, Santiago and Patagonia.
This 8-day tour of Argentina and Chile takes you to their prized wine-making regions and the vibrant cosmopolitan surrounds of their iconic cities.
Activities
Enhance your experience with
- Explore the crystal clear waters of a lagoon or fjord on tranquil kayaking excursion.
- Ice trekking over Perito Moreno glaciers.
- Visit the Museo Paleontologico Egidio Feruglio where you can discover a wealth of fossil finds and natural history of the region.
- Discover the world of the glacier at the Glaciarium.
- Embark on various hiking trails with an expert guide that can tailor the trek according to your fitness levels.
- Ride alongside a gaucho, on horseback, on a fantastic cultural adventure.
Revel in the pulsating and eclectic atmosphere of Argentina’s bustling capital, Buenos Aires, on an exclusive tour filled to the brim with adventure.
Stand in awe of the powerful spectacle that is the Iguazu Falls in Argentina, as 275 cascades tumble over steep cliffs surrounded by a rainforest.
Beautiful Cordoba, in Argentina, offers wonderful historical tours as well as the unforgettable opportunity to meet a gaucho at an estancia.
Explore the spectacular contrasts of modern and historical architecture of Argentina’s Salta with a selection of personalised, interpretive tours.
The not-to-be missed destination of Mendoza, in Argentina, promises to delight the avid wine connoisseur and nature enthusiast.
As the gateway city to Patagonia, Argentina’s Bariloche boasts breathtaking scenery and a range of adventures for all seasons.
Calafate sits on the edge of the Patagonia ice field and is Argentina’s gateway to witnessing the giant Perito Moreno glacier.
Ready to start planning your adventure?