Patagonia trip planner

Patagonia Holiday Planning Guide

Sparsely populated and largely untamed, Patagonia is equally appealing to photographers, nature lovers, adrenaline seekers, and fans of long road trips through desolate regions far from the noise and pollution of big cities. Many Patagonia vacations start in thriving Neuquen, the region's largest center and a major hub of Argentina's fruit production. Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is another important stop on most Patagonia tours, serving as a base for excursions across the region and trips to Antarctica. While its urban centers provide modern comforts, Patagonia's main appeal remains its vast, remote stretches, crossed by a network of paved roads linking old oil boomtowns with ancient forests and nature reserves.

Places to Visit in Patagonia

Destinations in Patagonia

El Calafate: The gateway to the majestic glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park, El Calafate remains a staple of Patagonia tourism.

San Martin de los Andes: Known for its scenic mountainous setting, this quiet lakeside town provides visitors with an array of outdoorsy activities, from skiing to boat rides and hiking.

Ushuaia: The southernmost major city in South America and a bustling port and tourist hub serves as the base for exploring the rugged landscape of Tierra del Fuego.

Puerto Madryn: This charming port town is renowned for its world-class whale watching--it also serves as the jump-off point for tours of the Peninsula Valdes wildlife reserve.

San Carlos de Bariloche: A popular choice for a Patagonia vacation with many opportunities for recreation, Bariloche boasts a picturesque setting straddling the Nahuel Huapi lakeside and the towering Andes in the background.

Popular Patagonia Tourist Attractions

Perito Moreno Glacier: One of the most popular tourist attractions in Patagonia, this imposing, icy glacier can be admired from walkways, boat trips, or even hiking on the ice itself.

Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego: This vast expanse of untamed landscapes offers well-marked hiking trails, staggering biodiversity, and scenic views of lakes and mountains.

Cerro Otto: After a hike or cable car ride to this popular vantage point, you'll be rewarded with expansive views of a series of scenic lakes.

Canal Beagle: A cruise lets you admire "the world's end" from a different perspective, offering a glimpse of the area's pristine islands and majestic wildlife.

Cerro Catedral Ski Resort: One of the most expansive ski centers in South America, Cerro Catedral boasts sweeping views of Nahuel Huapi Lake, as well as scenic hiking trails in the summer.

Glaciarium Museo del Hielo Patagónico: This renowned museum is dedicated to the natural phenomena of glaciers and features a popular "ice bar."

The End of the World Train: This steam powered "heritage railway" will take you on a scenic journey across Tierra del Fuego and its striking landscape.

Cerro Tronador: The "Thunderer," as it's called in Spanish, is an extinct volcano and a popular trekking and mountaineering destination in the Southern Andes.

Lago Argentino: Dotted with icebergs and surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks, this vast freshwater lake is known for its breathtaking scenery and world-class fishing.

Museo Maritimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia: Acquaint yourself with the history of Argentina's southernmost town on a tour of this museum, situated on the premises of a former prison.

Planning a Patagonia Vacation with Kids

Places to Visit in Patagonia with Kids

Although unconventional, a family vacation in Patagonia is definitely feasible with a little bit of planning.

The vast expanses of Argentina's southernmost region are certain to leave a lasting impression on youngsters, revealing stunning scenery, awe-inspiring glaciers, and diverse animal life.

You can use the charming town of El Calafate as a base for touring the glaciers, or head to Puerto Madryn for a chance to admire the region's whales and penguins.

San Carlos de Bariloche remains a popular and kid-friendly choice, boasting everything from scenic hiking trails and recreational activities, to a plethora of shops and restaurants.

Dinosaur lovers should consider a stopover in Trelew, a Welsh-founded town known for its paleontology museums and rich history.

Remote Ushuaia is sure to provide memorable experiences, offering a wealth of nature-based activities and striking landscapes.

Things to Do in Patagonia with Kids

The region of Patagonia is renowned for its natural attractions, ranging from imposing glaciers to snowy peaks, with many areas offering a trove of hiking, boating, and wildlife-watching activities.

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, home to an array of icy glaciers, remains a popular addition to any Patagonia itinerary, while the lakes and rivers of Nahuel Huapi provide a picturesque setting for an active family vacation.

Skiing enthusiasts can check out the resorts of Cerro Catedral, or hit the slopes of Cerro Castor (Castor Mount).

Kids of all ages will enjoy meeting the penguins of Punta Tombo National Reserve, or a tour of Museo Paleontologico Egidio Feruglio, home to fossils and dinosaur bones.

Tips for a Family Vacation in Patagonia

When planning a Patagonia holiday with your family, arrange a flexible schedule, as the vast region houses an abundance of scenic destinations and fun-filled activities.

Although most accommodation options are child-friendly, always check beforehand to make sure your specific needs are met and the lodgings are comfortable for the whole family.

While larger cities and popular, touristy destinations are well stocked with necessities and boast quality medical care, you should consider bringing plenty of supplies and a first-aid kit if traveling in a remote area.

Dining and Shopping on Holiday in Patagonia

Cuisine of Patagonia

Notable for its use of locally sourced ingredients, Patagonian cooking relies heavily on meat, fresh fish, and seafood. Game meat, such as boar and venison, is also popular, while lamb and mutton are widely used. Lamb meat slow cooked on a spit is considered a representative dish in Patagonia.

Another traditional dish is the "curanto," which originated with the indigenous tribes of the region and consists of a variety of meats and starches prepared over hot stones in a hole in the ground.

If the charming town of San Carlos de Bariloche features on your Patagonia itinerary, you can browse its numerous boutique chocolate shops, influenced by immigrants from the Alpine regions.

El Calafate is renowned for its berries, often incorporated into jams, marmalades, and delicious desserts, while heritage-rich Welsh villages retain the tradition of afternoon tea, complete with scrumptious pastries.

Shopping in Patagonia

You won't have trouble finding interesting and authentic souvenirs on a tour of Patagonia, especially in larger towns.

Quality sheep wool products, from handmade knitwear to industrially made garments, can be found all over the region and make for a good gift or souvenir choice.

When visiting San Carlos de Bariloche, you'll find a wide array of specialty shops selling everything from smoked delicacies to artisanal chocolates.

Head to El Calafate for products containing local berries and indigenous handicrafts.

Know Before You Go on a Trip to Patagonia

Interesting Facts About Patagonia

* The origin of the name Patagonia is "patagon," a term Magellan used to describe the indigenous people of the region

* Despite the region's massive size, not many people live in Patagonia, which has a population density of less than one person per square kilometer

* Patagonia is home to a number of Welsh towns and villages founded in the 19th century, whose inhabitants still speak Welsh

Holidays & Festivals in Patagonia

An assortment of festivals marks the calendar year in Patagonia, usually bound to a city or village. A notable exception is Patagonian New Year, celebrated by indigenous tribes across the region every June.

San Carlos de Bariloche comes to life with ski performances, competitions, and firework displays during the popular Snow Festival, while the alluring aroma of chocolate permeates the streets every Easter, when the town celebrates the annual Chocolate Festival.

Immerse yourself in local culture by attending the January Horse Breaking and Folklore Encounter in San Martin de los Andes, or head to Rio Mayo for the National Shearing Fair.

If you happen to be in Ushuaia on June 21, you can add "The Longest Night in the World," a winter solstice celebration marked by numerous cultural activities, to your Patagonia itinerary.

Useful Patagonia Travel Tips

Climate of Patagonia

Although usually dry and arid, the weather in Patagonia can be quite unpredictable, often with intermittent rain and sunshine, so make sure you bring an umbrella, warm clothing, and appropriate footwear.

Winds remain strong throughout the year, while snowfall is abundant in winter, especially in higher altitudes.

While northern areas of Patagonia are sunnier and experience hot summers, the province of Tierra Del Fuego and other southern parts of the region are very cloudy.

Average yearly temperatures vary from 13-15 C (55-59 F) in the northern provinces, to 0-5 C (32-41 F) in Tierra Del Fuego.

Spring and summer, lasting from October to February, are the optimal seasons for a trip to Patagonia, bringing pleasant weather for hiking and exploring the region's natural attractions.

Transportation in Patagonia

Because of the vast size of the region and great distances between popular destinations, traveling via airplane is probably the most convenient way of getting around on a tour of Patagonia. Domestic air travel links most of the major Patagonian cities.

Another option for traversing larger distances is renting a car, as rental agencies can be found almost everywhere in the region.

A variety of bus services operate on regional, provincial, and city-wide levels across Patagonia, presenting a reliable and comfortable transportation choice for shorter distances.