Best for those looking for some of the most spectacular natural areas South America has to offer, either to view or to hike.
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Patagonia has no real defined starting point or location. It is instead defined by a sense of the wild and remote. Although a region of South America, shared by both Chile and Argentina, Patagonia has taken on a unique identity of its own as being the end of the earth, a place where jagged mountain spires loom and colossal glaciers meet violent and dramatic deaths. The region we now know of as Patagonia is usually divided into three sections: The Lake District, Central Patagonia and Southern Patagonia.
The Lake District is in the north of Patagonia and starts around the Rio Negro River. It’s home to stunning lakes (obviously) nestled in amongst beautiful forests and volcanic peaks. Central Patagonia gives way to snow-capped peaks amongst lakes and great open space, perfect for brushing up on your horse riding skills. The south is the most dramatic and arguably the most famous, with large parts of it still wild and untamed. Here you’ll find the icons of Patagonia like the Torres del Paine and the epic glacial calving of Perito Merino.
Getting around Patagonia is relatively simple with the exception of some southern extremities which may require water transport. At The Explorer Society we use a combination of vehicle, bus or plane which can make the large distances somewhat easier. The road conditions are generally good but can differ depending on location.
Otherwise known as the ‘End of the World’, Tierra del Fuego is an archipelago at the very southern tip of the continent. Windswept and rugged, this area is home to glaciers, snow-capped mountains, rocky islands and a wide array of wildlife and birdlife. It is also home to a feeling of true exploration as you journey to the ends of the earth. Trips to Antarctica will leave from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in this area.
Drawing hikers from around the world, the epic ‘Blue Towers’ provide a wonderful natural backdrop for nature lovers amongst its sparkling lakes, rich forests and diverse landscapes. Spend time with the local guanacos or spend time gazing at the Andean condors lazily circling the sky. Not every trip has to be roughing it, there are options for people at all comfort levels.
Los Glaciares is home to stunning natural scenery with an abundance of glaciers just like the Perito Moreno, known for the frequency and dynamism of its ice falls. On the other edge of the park the enormous granite spires of Monte Fitz Roy draw people from across the world.
Otherwise known as the ‘End of the World’, Tierra del Fuego is an archipelago at the very southern tip of the continent. Windswept and rugged, this area is home to glaciers, snow-capped mountains, rocky islands and a wide array of wildlife and birdlife. It is also home to a feeling of true exploration as you journey to the ends of the earth. Trips to Antarctica will leave from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in this area.
Drawing hikers from around the world, the epic ‘Blue Towers’ provide a wonderful natural backdrop for nature lovers amongst its sparkling lakes, rich forests and diverse landscapes. Spend time with the local guanacos or spend time gazing at the Andean condors lazily circling the sky. Not every trip has to be roughing it, there are options for people at all comfort levels.
Los Glaciares is home to stunning natural scenery with an abundance of glaciers just like the Perito Moreno, known for the frequency and dynamism of its ice falls. On the other edge of the park the enormous granite spires of Monte Fitz Roy draw people from across the world.
A little bit of Switzerland in Argentina’s lake district, Bariloche is used as a jumping off point to explore the region and most famously in its winter for its skiing and snowboarding. Whilst staying in Bariloche be sure to take in the Swiss alpine architecture and indulge in the chocolate that has clearly taken inspiration from its European heritage.
Peninsula Valdes is an important region for the conservation of the many marine animals that frequent this area. From sea lions to elephant seals to southern right whales and orcas, this region is home to a large variety of animal life. It is probably most well known as the region orcas were spotted beaching themselves in order to hunt sea lions.
The Capilla de Marmol, or ‘Marble Chapel’, are a series of islands and inlets that over time have had their limestone eroded by the waves, leaving an elaborate and beautiful cave system. These caves, sometimes able to be sailed inside, create the image of a beautiful marble cathedral and give the area its name.
Complete with guide, spend time looking out for these elusive and fascinating animals. Here you have the freedom to explore the local area, in between beautiful hikes in stunning areas and time in the company of the puma.
At The Explorer Society we firmly believe that there is no right or wrong time to go anywhere.
Instead, we think that each time of the year offers different experiences that better suit different travellers.
After all, high and low season often refers to the amount of travellers present, not whether something is ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
Patagonia can take vastly different amounts of time, depending whether you intend to hike or not. If you do, you’ll need to factor in the amount of time spent hiking in the various national parks. At an absolute bare minimum, nine days will see most highlights. However, it will leave you on the move so we recommend at least two to three weeks.
The team at The Explorer Society believe that slowing down to appreciate the destination is best. Of course, provided you aren’t sacrificing the trip quality to prolong its length. We also understand that everyone is different, so these guidelines are general. Ultimately it will depend on your own expedition’s requirements.
Everyone is different, so please note that these guidelines are general in nature.
Ultimately it will depend on your own expedition’s requirements.
Planning travel should be exciting, but it can be exhausting. There is so much information and so little clarity, you often end up more confused than when you began.
Sometimes it’s simple and easy to figure out. Sometimes it means asking you more questions and diving deep into your motivations.
We’ll walk you through the whole planning and booking process. We want to make sure you are travelling on the trip that best suits you, not anyone else.
We will be there from the first moment you get in touch until after you come back home with countless memories to share.
