22 Exciting Things To Do in Patagonia This Year

Have you finally scheduled your trip to your dream South American destination? Here comes the hard part: deciding about the places to go to and the things to do in Patagonia.

Spread over 402,705 square miles (1.043 million square kilometers), Patagonia is a region sprawled across Chile and most of the southern Argentinian mainland, divided by the Andes mountain range. This geographically diverse region has endless wild landscapes, abundant endemic wildlife, diverse flora, and amazing natural wonders where visitors can do various exciting activities. 

Living up to its popular reputation as a hiker’s paradise, Patagonia has numerous unique trails for epic hiking experiences. This amazing destination also offers tourists other exciting outdoor adventures, such as hiking, glacier trekking, white water rafting, and kayaking, along with sightseeing at various breathtaking viewpoints and tasting the traditional cuisines of the region. 

Here’s our shortlist of Patagonia’s best sights, experiences, and tastes.

Top 22 Things to Do in Patagonia

When visiting Patagonia, these are the top things to experience to understand why the region’s reputation as a wonderland is well-deserved. 

1. Torres del Paine National Park 

People say your trip is incomplete unless you visit and hike the famous “O” or “W” Circuit within Torres del Paine National Park. It is the most famous landmark of Patagonia, located in Chile near Puerto Natales. 

Hiking this park will ensure you have awesome sights and a memorable experience. The W-trek hike, which is much longer than any other and may take around 4 to 5 days to complete, is one of the famous trails in this park. 

Besides the circuits, a Torres del Paine visit offers many other wonderful choices, such as day hikes, glacier trekking, wildlife spotting, horseback riding, and more.

Even if you don’t have much time in your Patagonia itinerary, Torres del Paine has a unique landscape and experience that will make your trip unforgettable.

2. Laguna de Los Tres

Laguna de Los Tres hiking is one of the best hikes in Patagonia, and the beautiful landscapes make the tour worth it. This hike starts in El Chalten, where travelers climb 2,625 ft (800 m) and reach the viewpoint over the Laguna de Los Tres. 

Hiking the Laguna de Los Tres is a lot of fun, but it is not easy. The hike goes over rocks, and the last hour is a very steep climb. So, if you want to take a challenging hike with rewarding conclusions, you should give it a go. 

3. Visit the Museum Glaciarium in El Calafate 

How cool is a museum with history and information on all the glaciers in the region and the Patagonian ice field? 

If you are interested in glaciers’ formation and how glaciers affect our lives,  Glaciarium Ice Museum in El Calafate is the place to visit. Travelers find this attraction well-designed and highly interactive. 

Visiting this museum will also give you insights about which glaciers to visit and what to expect when you get there. 

4. Glacier Trekking

There are many “once in a lifetime” things to do in Patagonia. However, none come close to going glacier trekking.

Glacier trekking is your ticket to wandering the pale, cold glaciers and drinking pure glacier water. This activity allows one to wander deep crevasses and see breathtaking glacier waterfalls. 

One amazing glacier to trek is the Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate.

5. Lake Cruise

Take a lake cruise to experience the Patagonian beauty as you’ve never before. 

A lake cruise is your gateway to experience a journey through the pristine fjords, the maze of tiny islands, and many glaciers. Expect to see an abundant and diverse range of aquatic wildlife, including dolphins, whales, seals, and penguins. 

In short, taking a lake cruise ensures you will disembark with a memorable experience on your Patagonian travel. 

6. Kayaking

Many people talk about hiking as one of the must things to do in Patagonia. However, the water bodies of Patagonia are full of adventure and are waiting for you to explore them.

Choose one of the many tranquil rivers on the west coast of Chile and experience kayaking. Traveling on foot or by car is impossible, so a kayak is your best option to visit some of the region’s beautiful fjords and coastlines. 

7. Road Trip on Carretera Austral 

Otherwise known as Ruta 7, the Carretera Austral is one of the most beautiful yet challenging road trips stretching over 771 mi (1,240 km).

Riding through this route will take you to some beautiful landscapes. As you go forward, you will come across various landscapes, including lakes, beaches, and dense forests. Take a rental car and set out on the journey of Carretera Austral to have a memorable experience of the Patagonian region.

8. A Cruise Through the Marble Caves 

Everyone knows of Patagonia’s beautiful views, but here is something you will never find anywhere else: the Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol).

As the name suggests, these water-carved caves are made of solid marble entirely. The Capillas de Mármol boasts a mesmerizing look, making it a unique attraction. Taking a cruise to the marvel caves is not easy, as they only leave twice daily, which is why many travelers don’t make the trip. 

If you are determined to try out some of the best things to do in Patagonia, visiting the marble caves is a must.

9. Trip to Antarctica

Visiting Patagonia allows you to do something that many people can only dream of; visiting Antarctica’s beautiful, cold lands. Seeing the snowy mountains and actually setting foot on this off-the-beaten-track continent.

These tours don’t come cheap but are one of the best things to do in Patagonia. Taking a cruise to Antarctica allows you to witness a once-in-a-lifetime experience and see the cold continent from the closest proximity possible. 

10. Patagonian Fjords

Take the ferry between Puerto Natales and Puerto Montt to see some beautiful scenery in the entire region. This cruise lasts around 3 to 4 days and takes you to the remote areas of Patagonia. 

While on the boat, you live in beautiful landscapes, spot aquatic and ground wildlife, and see the twinkling stars in the night sky.

11. Take an Aerial Tour 

See how beautiful the region looks from the sky by taking an aerial tour. It is one of the most interesting experiences in Patagonia.

Check out the city of Ushuaia to book an aerial tour of the area. These tours will take you over the glaciers, lagoons, the Andes Mountains, and various valleys in Patagonia. 

These tours are pricey, but if you can afford to spend the money, they are worth it.

12. Perito Moreno Glacier

There are 48 glaciers in Patagonia, and visiting the most famous Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most exciting things you can do on your Patagonian adventure. This glacier is the third-largest icefield in the world. 

The special feature of this Perito Moreno glacier is that, unlike the others, this one is growing. Visit this glacier to view the huge slabs of ice splashing in the lake below every 20 minutes or so.

13. Cerro Tronador

The Patagonia region is full of many hiking trails. One of them is Cerro Tronador, a favorite of many travelers due to its location and landscape.

Cerro Tronador lets you hike the trail with 2 glaciers laying side to side while giving the hikers aesthetic views of the Andes Mountain Range. The hike to Cerro Tronador starts from San Carlos de Bariloche, from where you will need to travel to Pampa Linda, with an 8.7-mi (14 km) hike leading you to Cerro Tronador. 

14. Peninsula Valdes

At this point, you have witnessed enough proof that Patagonia has a heavenly landscape, and you never run out of places to keep visiting. Here is another landscape for those wanting to explore the region’s rich wildlife and make their trip memorable. 

Peninsula Valdes is a small isle in Argentina where you can see many animals, including elephant seals, whales, armadillos, penguins, and distinct birds. If you are lucky, you might even see the famous beaching of Orca Whales hunting seals. 

15. Whitewater Rafting

Explore the town of Futaleufu, Chile, which is entirely based on river sports. Go water rafting or kayaking in this place to have a wonderful experience of the Patagonian seas while staying safe and sound.

16. Horseback Riding 

For many years, people have used horses to commute through the region. To conform to the Patagonian culture, you can try horseback riding. 

Not only that, but horseback riding is also helpful when going hiking. Exploring locations on horseback adds the terrestrial vibe and allows you to enjoy the views without wearing yourself out too much. 

17. Watching Marine Life 

Patagonia is rich in wildlife that is rare all over the world. Take the chance and see marine animals like whales, sea lions, and dolphins.

You can watch the whales in many locations in Patagonia, including Punta Arenas, the Corcovado Gulf, and Puerto Madryn. Seeing the whales play in the waters close to a beach is a rare experience you won’t forget any time soon. 

18. Penguin Watching 

Be sure to grab the opportunity of seeing the second-largest species of penguin: the king penguin. The king penguins are a rare breed; your only chance to see them is traveling to Tierra del Fuego, an island near Punta Arenas in Chile. 

King penguins are bigger than normal and are birds of true beauty, and viewing them in their natural habitat is one of the must-do things in Patagonia.

19. Lamb al Asador

Regarding the Patagonian culture, food is a marginal part. Still, people often overlook it since they are too occupied with the region’s beautiful landscape. 

Lamb al Asador is the traditional dish of the region. It involves cooking a whole lamb over a bed of coals. The dish takes approximately 4 hours to cook. It’s an exceptional part of Patagonian cuisine, and it doesn’t get any better than this for anyone who enjoys eating meat. 

Since this dish is traditional, you won’t have problems locating it as most restaurants offer it. 

20. Try Southern King Crab

If you do not try out this exquisite specialty dish, you will miss one of the best things to eat in Patagonia.

The Southern king crab is one of Patagonia’s most renowned dishes, and people in Argentina and Chile are always looking forward to having this fine meal. Many restaurants either prepare the Southern king crabs whole or use them to make dishes such as Chupe de Centolla and King Crab Chowder.

21. Bariloche Chocolates

Try one of the finest desserts made in Bariloche, Argentina, when looking to do things in Patagonia. 

Bariloche is also called the Switzerland of Argentina. Just like Switzerland, they make amazing chocolate that melts on your tongue. The chocolates from San Carlos de Bariloche have a jaw-dropping taste and are one of the sweetest and finest desserts you can experience. 

22. Craft Beer

The Patagonian people love beer, which results in plenty of breweries around the region. Following their passion, they have developed the finest craft beer known to humans. The secret behind the fine Patagonian craft beer is the locals’ top-quality ingredients and secret recipes. 

There are many breweries spread throughout the entire region. Take the time and stop at a brewery and enjoy a glass of fine beer.

How To Stay Safe During Your Visit In Patagonia?

Always prepare for sudden weather changes by packing waterproof clothing and layers, and ensure you have a detailed map and a functioning GPS device. Additionally, it’s wise to inform someone of your travel itinerary and expected return, especially if venturing into remote areas for hiking or camping. These steps will help you enjoy Patagonia’s stunning natural beauty with peace of mind.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Things To Do in Patagonia 

What Is Patagonia Famous For?

Many reasons make Patagonia well-known around the world. Patagonia is most well-known for its natural reserves, native wildlife, glaciers, national parks, and scenic landscapes. 

Patagonia is a wide region that has incredible nature. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, you can’t go wrong with this region.

Is Chilean or Argentinian Patagonia Better?

Patagonian regions in Chile and Argentina are both full of exhilarating activities, making it hard for anyone to choose the better option. Both regions have special sights and wonders to offer that make them unique. 

If you’re looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path destination, Chilean Patagonia will surprise you the most. But if you’re looking for a destination to hike and have more facilities, Argentinian Patagonia may be for you.

How Much Time Do You Need in Patagonia?

Patagonia is full of wonderful landscapes and historical architectural buildings. Ideally, you would spend a month in Patagonia to do all the most popular hikes and make a road trip to the end of the world. 

However, this isn’t possible for everybody. We recommend at least 10 days to grasp what Patagonia is and what it has to offer. 

The only problem is that you might keep wanting to return once you visit.

What Is the Best Month to Visit Patagonia?

The best month to visit Patagonia is between March and November. The days are longer, and the weather is warm, with less crowd, allowing you to experience your Patagonian adventures exclusively. 

Conclusion – Things To Do in Patagonia

Whether you seek to challenge the wilds, behold the majestic glaciers, or simply be delighted by penguin colonies and amiable sea lions or awed by majestic glaciers, you will not run out of wonderful things to do in Patagonia. 

Happy travels!

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Related reads:

• The Ultimate Patagonia Hiking Guide: Explore the Best Trails and Landscapes
• 15 Adventurous Things To Do On Your Patagonia Travel