After travelling to Patagonia myself and spending hours on research, I’ve compiled this ultimate list of the top things to see in Patagonia for every type of adventurer!
Patagonia is one of those travel destinations you never stop thinking about.
Covering over one million square kilometers of insane natural beauty, Patagonia is split between Chile and Argentina. It is home to some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes filled with towering jagged peaks, ancient forests, massive glaciers, and windswept steppes.
In this guide, I will break down the 23 top things to see in Patagonia. You’ll find activities for nature lovers, adventure seekers, trekkers, and cultural explorers.
You may also like: The Ultimate 3 Weeks in Patagonia Itinerary
A Quick Breakdown of Patagonia:
Simply put, Patagonia is HUGE! In fact, it covers an area larger than both France and Germany combined. So naturally, there’s a lot of ground to cover. There are a few key hubs in both Chilean and Argentine Patagonia where most travelers fly between. The main hubs are typically:
- Bariloche, Argentina: Often known as the gateway to the lake district.
- El Calafate and El Chalten, Argentina: Access to glaciers and some of the country’s most impressive hiking.
- Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales, Chile: Where you can access Torres Del Paine National Park.
- Ushuaia, Argentina: The world’s Southernmost city.
Distances between major attractions can be vast. For example:
- Bariloche to El Calafate: 1,400 km
- El Calafate to Ushuaia: 868 km
- Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine: 312 km
With these distances in mind, most travelers choose to explore specific regions in depth rather than attempting to cover all of Patagonia in a single trip. Because of their close proximity, I opted to spend time between El Calafate, El Chalten, and Puerto Natales.
You may also like: The Ultimate Guide to Female Solo Travel in Patagonia
An Epic List of the 25 Top Things to See in Patagonia (and Travel Guide)
Argentine Patagonia:
1. Perito Moreno Glacier
Closest Town: El Calafate
Park: Los Glaciares National Park
Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most impressive geological features in Argentine Patagonia. It is part of the second-largest ice sheet in the world (next to Greenland). Spanning over 250 square kilometers, the glacial walls extend as tall as 80 meters high. It is one of the rare few glaciers in the world that is still advancing and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The glacier glows bright blue and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, providing some stunning scenery.
How to Visit Perito Moreno:
The best part about visiting Perito Moreno Glacier is that you have options to view it from above at the viewing decks, take a boat right up close to the towering walls, or even trek on top of it. I recommend visiting the glacier on a guided tour where you get to do all three.
The tour I joined did the glacial trek at the end, where we wore crampons to trek around the divots in the ice. We completed the adventure with a whiskey on the rocks right on top of the glacier. A visit to Perito Moreno Glacier is truly a bucket list adventure and by far one of the top things to see in Patagonia.
⭐️ Here’s the glacier mini-trekking tour I did: Glacier Trekking, Boat Ride, and Viewing Platforms Tour
⭐️ Here’s a good option for just the boat ride and viewing platforms: Full Day Perito Moreno Tour with Boat Safari
2. Mount Fitz Roy
Closest Town: El Chalten
Park: Los Glaciares National Park
Mount Fitz Roy is another natural landmark that dropped my jaw to the floor. It is the stunning jagged-peaked mountain range that the Patagonia clothing brand designed its logo after.
One of the most famous photographs you can get while visiting Patagonia is the road approaching El Chalten, where you appear to be driving right into the looming Fitz Roy mountain. The mountain was first summited in 1952 by a French climber, Lionel Terray, and has since become a mecca for mountaineers, rock climbers, and trekkers from all over the world.
How to Visit Mount Fitz Roy:
The best way to see Mount Fitz Roy is on a day hike. Hiking trails leave from the town of El Chalten.
The most popular trail option is Laguna de Los Tres. It leads right to the base of Fitz Roy’s famous peaks with a vibrant blue glacial lake right in front of it. The hike is 22km and rated quite challenging, but if you’re up for it, it’s one of the best adventures you can have in Patagonia.
Another great hike in town for taking in Fitz Roy’s natural beauty is the Los Condores hike that leaves from the visitor’s centre. The trail is shorter, only 1.6 miles round trip to the overlook point, but provides a high vantage viewpoint of the mountain towering over El Chalten.
⭐️ Either of these hikes can be done without a tour no problem, even if you are a solo female travellers (there are tons of other hikers everywhere). However, if you’d prefer a tour to get some local knowledge or because you’re an inexperienced hiker, I recommend this one: Mount Fitz Roy and Laguna de Los Tres Full Day Tour
3. The Patagonia Ice Field on the Huemul Circuit Trek
Closest Town: El Chalten
Park: Los Glaciares National Park
The Huemul Circuit Trek is a famous multi-day hike in the heart of Argentina’s Patagonia. The trek is considered moderate – difficult and the route is about 57 kilometers long. Starting in El Chalten, you’ll trek through remote meadows and forests, atop windy passes, and by views of rocky mountains and icebergs floating in the bay.
The best part of the entire trek is the views you get of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field, which can’t be seen like this anywhere else. You’ll also pass viewpoints where you can see Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre mountain.
How to Hike the Huemul Circuit:
The trail requires previous hiking experience because it is not always marked and entails some navigation skills. There are campgrounds along the route and you’ll need crampons for certain sections. If you are an avid through-hiker, this is one of the best experiences you can have in Patagonia.
⭐️ If you are interested in hiking the circuit with an experienced mountain guide, you can join a tour through Chalten Mountain Guides or one of the other local tour operators.
4. El Calafate Town and Glaciarium Museum
While many visit El Calafate as a simple gateway to El Chalten or Perito Moreno Glacier, the town itself is a must-see when visiting Argentine Patagonia. It is a completely unique town located in the Patagonian desert, sandwiched by Lago Argentino on one side and sheer crumbling cliffs on the other. It is incredibly cool to see a living town within such a rugged environment.
When staying in El Calafate, I recommend enjoying traditional Argentinian food like empanadas or lamb at one of the many restaurants. The town’s main strip is also a great spot to shop for souvenirs and stock up on supplies. They have a large Glaciarium Museum that is worth checking out. It provides information on Patagonia’s glaciers through visual and interactive displays. It’s a great activity to do before or after visiting Perito Moreno because of the impressive context it provides.
5. Cerro Catedral
Closest Town: San Carlos de Bariloche
Park: Nahuel Huapi National Park
Also known as “Catedral Alta Patagonia,” Cerro Catedral is a mountain in the Argentinian Andes. It is used as a destination ski resort in the winter months and a popular hiking spot in summer. The mountain stands 2,388 meters (7,834 feet) tall and gets its name from its cathedral-like spires and distinct granite formations that resemble Gothic architecture.
How to Experience Cerro Catedral:
Cerro Catedral provides Bariloche’s most epic hiking. The Frey Por el Filo (aka Filo del Catedral) hike is one of the best for admiring the scenic majesty of the mountain and Nahuel Huapi National Park. It brings hikers along a mountain ridge before dropping to a scenic lagoon surrounded by massive spires. Hikers can spend the night at the Refugio Emilio Frey, right near the lagoon, where they have a cozy lodge, delicious food, and a community of other adventurers. The hike is about 22 km roundtrip.
There are other great activities you can do to enjoy Cerro Catedral, like rock climbing, mountain biking, and riding cable cars to the top!
⭐️ By booking with this company here, you can pre-arrange return transportation from Bariloche to ensure a seamless day of adventure.
6. Nahuel Huapi Lake
Closest Town: San Carlos de Bariloche
Park: Nahuel Huapi National Park
Nahuel Huapi is a glacial lake characterized by its crystal-clear blue waters. It is one of the largest lakes in Argentina, at over 557 square meters (1825) feet, with mountains surrounding its shores. The lake is a huge attraction for nature lovers because of its array of activities.
During the warm summer months, travelers can kayak or paddle board on the water, hike the trails around the lake, and admire unique mountain views from the many beaches.
For those who might want to see Lake Nahuel Huapi from above, Cerro Campanario is an excellent and easy 1.4-mile (2.2 km) round trip hike. It has a viewpoint overlooking the massive lake and a cafe at the top to sit and enjoy the views. Two other epic hikes that are worth your time in the area:
- Cerro Llao Llao hike – At 3.5 miles (5.6 km) round trip, this is one of the best hikes in Nahuel Huapi National Park and provides stunning views over the surrounding lakes.
- Cerro Mirada del Doctor – 5.2 miles (8.4 km) round trip, this is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime hike. It brings you to a high-up panoramic view overlooking the park’s rugged mountains and bright blue lakes.
⭐️ Another popular activity to do on Nahuel Huapi Lake is to take a day cruise. The cruise will stop throughout the day to embark on nature walks, ride a chair lift up the Cerro Bella Vista mountain, and spot wildlife. This cruise option here also provides round-trip transportation from Bariloche.
7. Nibepo Aike Traditional Estancia
Closest Town: El Calafate
Park: Los Glaciares National Park
Estancias are traditional working ranches found all over the remote regions of Patagonia. They farm a variety of livestock, like sheep, cattle, and horses. They are an integral part of the local agricultural economy and hold a huge cultural significance as well. Nibepo Aike is one of these estancias located 1.5 hours from El Calafate. It is surrounded by the remote Patagonian wilderness with Lago Argentino out front and snow-capped mountains surrounding it.
Nipebo Aike is unique in that it offers hospitality and a place to stay to travelers interested in learning about local agricultural life. I stayed here for 3 nights and can genuinely say it was my favourite part of the entire Patagonia trip. You will be housed in an old traditional house, served delicious meals, and can partake in a variety of activities and demonstrations. My favourites were horseback riding with a gaucho (a Patagonian cowboy) through the remote landscape, trotting on the horse to bring the sheep in for the night, taking a tour of the working farm, hiking the mountain behind the estancia, and eating a lamb BBQ.
The ranch itself is so stunning it is absolutely a must-see place in Patagonia.
How to Visit Nibepo Aike:
You can make reservations by visiting their website and getting in touch with them over Whatsapp.
8. The Southern Right Whales in Peninsula Valdés
Closest Town: Puerto Madryn
Lovers of native wildlife NEED to make their way to the Valdés Peninsula. This biodiverse peninsula is located on the northeastern coast of Argentina. It features a stunning coastal environment with tall rocky cliffs, sand dunes, and tiny islands.
The peninsula’s unique geography has turned it into a seasonal haven for the Southern Right whales and is one of the best places to see them in Patagonia. The whales get right up close to the shoreline and guests can sometimes even spot orcas beaching themselves trying to catch sea lions. The Southern Right whales are also known as a great whale species for watching them launch out of the water.
How to Experience the Southern Right Whales in Peninsula Valdes:
Visitors can observe the whales on the popular whale-watching tours that run out of Puerto Madryn. The peak season for spotting them is between August and November. With such a high population in Peninsula Valdes at this time of year, it is really common to see a ton of whales right up close. It is certainly one of the best spots in the world to take a whale-watching excursion. It can also be interesting to learn more about the conservation efforts to protect this vulnerable species.
Other Wildlife in Peninsula Valdes:
In addition to spotting whales, the peninsula is filled with other opportunities to explore Patagonia’s wildlife. For example, you can visit Caleta Valdes to see elephant seals. This is also one of the good spots to look for orca whales hunting close to shore. There are also penguins at Punta Cantor. Punta Norte is a picturesque spot in the peninsula for spotting elephant seals, sea lions, and orcas.
⭐️ This tour is excellent for a full day of all the best wildlife spotting and seeing the best sights on the peninsula: Full Day Peninsula Valdes Experience with Optional Whale Watching
9. Cueva de las Manos
Closest Town: Perito Moreno
Park: Cueva de las Manos National Park
A completely unique top thing to see in Patagonia, the Cueva de las Manos is an archaeological site displaying pre-historic rock art. The cave is filled with over 800 handprints and drawings of various animal and human figures created by ancient peoples. The art was done between 9,000 – 13,000 years ago. Located in Rio de Las Pinturas Canyon, you’ll also be surrounded by one of Patagonia’s most dramatic landscapes.
How to Visit Cueva de la Manos:
Cueva de las Manos is a short detour off the classic Ruta 40 road trip highway. It is easy to visit, with a small entrance fee to explore. Entry comes with a guide who will provide deeper insights into the history and significance of the ancient artwork. You can extend the adventure by turning it into a day hike.
There is an excellent hike from Estancia Cueva de las Manos to the caves. It takes one hour to hike down into the canyon where you’ll cross a river and then climb to the other side. You’ll have a chance to spot guanacos and ostriches.
There are a couple of other great points of interest to visit nearby. Check out the Posadas and Pueyrredon Lakes to see some bright blue water contrasted by the Patagonian desert and rocky mountains in the backdrop.
10. Los Alerces National Park
Closest Town: Trevelin
Los Alerces National Park is a nature reserve covering over 2,000 square kilometers in the Andes of Argentine Patagonia. The park is known for its diverse natural beauty with glaciers, mountain peaks, virgin forests, ice tunnels, and a jungle with trees that are thousands of years old.
There is incredible hiking and camping in the park – Laguna Verde and Laguna Los Alerces are two of the best treks. You can camp on a glacial lake at Lake Rivadavia Campground, at the base of the Cerro Tres Picos mountain range at Pampa Linda Campground and in more secluded environments at the Rio Arrayanes campsites.
The nearest town is called Trevelin, which can be a great base for exploring Los Alerces. Make sure to check out the Alceres Trees – known to resemble the massive trees in Sequoia National Park in California, with the oldest one aged over 2,600 years old.
11. Where Patagonia Meets the South Atlantic Ocean in Monte Leon National Park
Closest Town: Comandante Luis Piedrabuena
Monte Leon National Park is filled with towering sandstone cliffs, tide pools, massive beaches, sandbars, and interesting rock formations sculpted by the ocean. It is known for its blend of Patagonian diversity and steppe landscapes. Located in Argentina’s far southeastern coastal region, the park is only about 621 square kilometers. The highlight of visiting is the opportunity to see Magellanic penguins, along with guanacos and southern sea lions. Argentina’s second largest colony of penguins lives within the park boundaries, where you can spot them on the beaches.
Check out the Sendero de los Pingüinos (Penguin Trail) to enjoy a 5km hike with coastal views and penguins! The penguins are especially active between September and March when they are breeding. Sendero de los Acantilados (Cliff Trail) is also a great hike to appreciate the unique rock formations and sandy cliffs.
12. The Wonders of the Beagle Channel
Closest Town: Ushuaia
The Beagle Channel is located near the Southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, Argentina. The channel forms part of the border between Chile and Argentina and is where many of the cruises set sail to reach Antarctica. It is famously named after the HMS Beagle, a ship that carried Charles Darwin on his famous sailing voyage in the 1830s. It is an area characterized by its harsh yet stunning environment and many scientific discoveries that were made here throughout history.
There are a ton of exciting activities to experience the Beagle Channel, such as sea kayaking to Gabe Island where visitors can spot sea lions and penguins. Whale-watching tours are also popular here. Best of all, you can join a sailing trip to glide through the channel or add a hiking excursion where you explore some of the nearby islands.
⭐️ This is the most popular boat tour to explore the Beagle Channel. You’ll get to cruise along the water spotting marine life, birds, and even seals lying on the shoreline rocks. There is also a mini-trekking portion to hike on Bridges Island.
13. Tierra del Fuego National Park
Closest Town: Ushuaia
Tierra del Fuego National Park is an archipelago on the southern tip of Argentina. It is known for its rugged mountains, deep fjords, and a mix of forests and tundra. Also known as the Land of Fire, the park encompasses over 63,000 hectares of land and can be accessed from Ushuaia.
Tierra del Fuego features some of the best hikes known for their remote and unspoiled beauty. Some of the best hikes in Tierra del Fuego include the Cerro Guanaco Hike and the Pampa Alta Trail. You’ll hike through barren exposed sections, several waterfalls, and forests. Just outside of the park, you can also try out ice trekking on the Vinciguerra glacier. It is worth making a trip to the bottom of the world for this park alone.
⭐️ This popular tour offers a great combo of round-trip transportation to the park, a knowledgeable guide to bring you on notable hikes, and a ride on the scenic end of the world train.
Chilean Patagonia
14. The Three Towers in Torres Del Paine National Park
The three towers are one of the most iconic symbols in not only Chile but all of Patagonia. The three distinct towers connected side by side stand 2,600 meters tall. They are the namesake for the entire surrounding national park as the “Torres del Paine” means the towers of Paine (the mountain range they are part of). You can see the incredible towers from a distance in numerous spots on the East side of the park, however, the best way to experience them is up close at the glacial lake that sits directly below them.
How to Experience the Three Towers:
Getting to the towers requires a challenging full-day hike called the Torres Base Trail. You start from the Hotel Las Torres and climb steadily through forests, down and up through the picturesque Ascencio valley, and finally up a rocky exposed section to the base. The glacial lake glows a vibrant turquoise and the views of the towers are well worth the 9 km hike there. In total the journey takes about 8 hours, covering 18 km with 900 meters of elevation gain.
You can journey to Torres del Paine on your own with a rental car from Puerto Natales, take a guided tour, or on one of the multi-day treks through the park. I visited the towers on the 4 day W Trek hike which brings you to other mind-blowing landmarks in the park.
You may also like: The Best 4 Day W Trek Itinerary in Patagonia
⭐️ Here is the best tour option if you want to see the highlights of the park in a single day: Full Day Tour to Torres del Paine National Park
15. Grey Glacier
Grey Glacier is a beautiful glacier in Torres del Paine National Park. It is part of the massive Southern Patagonia ice field, with the glacier itself stretching over 6 km wide and almost 30 km in length. Grey Glacier flows into Grey Lake where trekkers can admire the jagged ice formations and vibrant shades of blue. The glacier’s face reaches 30 meters high above the water.
How to Visit Grey Glacier:
There are a few ways you can visit Grey Glacier.
- Take a guided boat tour from Puerto Natales (they’ll bring you by shuttle to the boat launch)
- Day hike 13.8 miles (22 km) round trip from Paine Grande campsite. You can get to the campsite by taking a bus to Pudeto, where you take a 30-minute catamaran to Paine Grande.
- Hike to it as part of the W Trek or O Circuit multi-day hikes.
You may also like: 36 Things to Know Before Hiking the W Trek Patagonia
16. The Marble Caves
Closest Town: Puerto Tranquilo
The Marble caves are a STUNNING natural wonder in Chilean Patagonia. Also known as Capillas de Marmol, they are carved into a peninsula made of solid marble on the shores of Lake General Carrera. Over 6,000 years of erosion created these caves, slowly eroding the marble away to create smooth swirling caverns with walls that reflect the turquoise water. As the seasons and water levels change, the colours in the cave shift as well. Sometimes they are deep blue and others they are soft greens and greys.
You can get to the Marble Caves by boat or kayak on Lake General Carrera. The closest town is Puerto Tranquilo, where you can book a boat tour. The best portion of the caves are the Marble Cathedral, the Marble Chapel, and the Marble Cave. Floating inside is like being part of a watercolour painting come to life.
⭐️ Check Out: Marble Caves and Cathedral Tour with Lunch
17. Queulat Hanging Glacier
Closest Town: Puyuhuapi
Park: Quelat National Park
The Quelat Hanging Glacier, or Ventisquero Colgante, is a large glacier that sits high between two cliff faces. It clings to the mountainside, with two thundering waterfalls spilling over the rock into the lake 2,000 feet below. The landscape is often shrouded in mist creating a mystical atmosphere to add to the already phenomenal sight.
How to Visit Queulat Hanging Glacier
There is a 7km roundtrip hike to the lake’s edge where you can view the hanging glacier. Along the way, you’ll cross suspension bridges, the rushing Ventisquero River, and fairy-tale-like forests. You’ll need a rental car to get to the park or be willing to hitchhike.
18. The Oldest Trees in South America
Closest Town: La Unión
Park: Alerce Costero National Park
The Alerce trees are known for being the oldest living trees in the world. One of which is estimated to be approximately 5,400+ years old. They are also massive, growing up to 50 meters tall and 4 meters wide. They are often compared them to the trees in Sequoia National Park, California.
There are four main trails from the park office: Los Ulmos, Laguna Sargazo, and Alerce Milenario. They can be threaded together to extend and make a day out of it.
19. Milodon Cave
Closest Town: Puerto Natales
Milodon Cave is a massive cave famous for the discovery of the Milodon, a giant ground sloth that roamed the planet over 10,000 years ago. There is a pathway that brings you into the impressive geological landmark. While the cave itself is impressive, there are also great views of the mountains and valleys surrounding it. It’s a unique spot to check out the natural creations of Patagonia’s landscape.
20. Cerro Castillo National Park
Closest Town: Balmaceda
Cerro Castillo is one of Patagonia’s newest national parks, only recently developed to allow tourists to visit. It has some of the tallest and most incredible mountains in the whole region and still remains very off-the-beaten-path for those looking for a more rugged and remote adventure destination.
For remaining so undiscovered yet to the public, there are a huge number of epic adventures to partake in. There is an incredible multi-day hike called the Cerro Castillo trek that brings you into the remote mountains with almost nobody around. There are also day hikes to glacial lagoons and mountain lookout points of the Cerro Castillo Massif. You can also drive the scenic highway Carretera Austral through the park and try horseback riding with real cowboys in the Avellanos Valley. There are also some gorgeous B&Bs and places to stay with great views over the park.
21. Exploradores Glacier
Closest Town: Puerto Río Tranquilo
Park: Laguna San Rafeal National Park
Another of the top things to see in Patagonia, the Exploradores Glacier descends from the Northern Ice Field and Mount San Valentin (the tallest peak in Patagonia). There used to be trekking tours that allowed travelers to get out on the glacier, however, they are now banned and the popular hiking trail was closed in 2023 due to melting conditions.
The good news is that there is now an alternative hiking trail through the park that still allows visitors to see the massive glacier and its surrounding beauty. The trail is about 5.5 km long through forested trails with lookout points along the way of the glacier and 4000 m tall mountains. The trail is more rugged than the previous options, but it is considered well worth the effort.
22. King Penguin Park
Closest Town: Porvenir
King Penguins are the second largest penguins in the world, next to the Emperor Penguin and can usually only be seen on remote islands. However, in 2010, a colony of King Penguins settled in Baiha Inutile (Useless Bay) and stayed ever since. To support this growing population, a national park was created to protect them. It provides the perfect opportunity for tourists to safely visit the majestic King Penguins without heading out far on the sea.
The park has a lot of rules to protect the penguins from visitors with lots of viewing platforms to spot the penguins at a safe but observable distance.
The best way to visit King Penguin Park is by taking a tour from Punta Arenas. You’ll journey 2 hours on a ferry across the Magellan Strait, which provides an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife like whales and dolphins. From there, you’ll be driven across a remote road to the park. It is possible to do this journey without a guided tour, but it is highly recommended to start early and rent a 4WD vehicle.
⭐️ Book the Best Tour to King Penguin Park from Punta Arenas
23. Cape Horn
Closest Town: Ushuaia or Punta Arenas
Cape Horn attracts visitors from all over the world to visit this site alone. It is often referred to as the southernmost tip of the world (aside from Antarctica) and is famously known as the point where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. It has enormous historical significance because this point’s discovery opened up world-changing trading routes. You can even get your passport stamped there for reaching the southernmost tip.
How to Visit Cape Horn:
Cape Horn is located on Hornos Island. The only way to visit it is by booking a tour that brings you there by boat or helicopter. The waters around the island are rough and winds batter visitors as they hike up to the monument. It is a grand adventure that can include hiking, historical insights, wildlife watching, and a visit to Cape Horn’s lighthouse. Tours depart from either Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile.
Final Thoughts on the 23 Top Things to See in Patagonia
Whether you are travelling to Patagonia for sightseeing, trekking, wildlife, or a combination of all three, this list of the 23 top things to see in Patagonia gives you a complete picture of this incredible region.
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