South America
Welcome Kit
Argentina, Chile
Patagónia
Marvel at this vast land in southern South America.
Ideal for the traveler who seeks to treasure intense experiences.
Highlights
At present, Patagonia is one of the most important tourist centers in the Americas. The beauty of its landscapes (with mountains, valleys, lakes and rivers), the European style architecture, the gastronomy and the possibility of practicing diverse sports (like skiing, fishing and mountaineering) are some of the reasons that take thousands of tourists to travel the region every year.
General Facts
Patagonia is the name given to the area located in the south of America shared by Argentina and Chile. The western part belongs to Chile, while the eastern region is part of Argentina. Both parts are separated by the Andes Mountains.
Due to its geographical location, relatively close to the South Pole, Patagonia has a very cold climate. Snowfalls are usually strong during the winter, and even lakes and other watercourses can freeze over.
The surface covers 1,073,060 km2 with a maximum altitude of 4,709 meters above sea level. Its highest point is the Domuyo volcano and its lowest point is Laguna del Carbon with 108 meters below sea level.
Argentinean Patagonia has two types of relief: a mountainous relief belonging to the Andean mountain range and another corresponding to the Andean plateau.
The relief belonging to the Andean mountain range is made up of isolated valleys and glacial depressions. It is a region with many lakes and water courses.
The Andean plateau presents staggered formations of mountain ranges cut by depressions or valleys caused by rivers or lakes. This has geological characteristics of marine sediments, continental waste and volcanic incidents in the area.
Due to the particularities of its relief, to the latitude where it is located, to the climatic incidences in the region and to the geological characteristics of the area, we can obtain a variety of landscapes in the region, which are complemented by the exotic flora and fauna.
Map Location
Documentation
A valid Passport. Insurance information.
Most countries in America and Western Europe do not require a visa.
Best Time to Go
Summer in this part of the southern hemisphere runs from the end of November to the beginning of March.
It is considered the best time to visit it. The inconveniences? They are the months with higher prices, more tourists and also of strong winds.
Advantages? More accessible trails, milder temperatures and open camps.
Unlike the southern winter (the months of June to August), when many trails can remain closed due to weather conditions and it is advisable to travel with some precautions.
High season (oct-apr)
Best time for parties, high altitude sports and excursions. Busy season.
Low Season (may-sep)
Ideal for visits without crowds.
Clothing
To travel to the Patagonian region, both on the Argentinian and the Chilean side, we suggest that you consider the following tips when packing your baggage:
During spring, summer and autumn it is advisable to wear: woolen hat, cap, sunglasses, T-shirts, polar jacket, waterproof jacket, gloves, long trousers, synthetic socks and trekking boots.
Some extra considerations for the winter: wear a fleece vest, synthetic or wool long underwear, ski gloves or similar and gaiters.
All clothing for outdoor activities should be light and comfortable.
Apart from clothes, it is advisable to take: sunscreen, creams, flashlight, medicines in case you need them.
Healthcare
Altitude Sickness
It is not unusual in the Andes.
Take it easy when you land in Patagonia and try not to do anything too strenuous.
Check with your doctor before coming if in doubt.
Seasickness
Due to the movement of the sea.
Eat light.
Fresh air and looking at the horizon usually helps.
Check with your doctor before coming if in doubt.
Packing
Argentinian and Chilean flights allow, as their restrictions are limited to 50 pounds (23 kg) per person.
Currency
Peso Argentino or Peso Chileno.
Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity
Chile: 220 V – 50 Hz.
Plugs Type C / L
Argentina: 220 V – 50 Hz.
Plugs Type I
Local Taxes
Foodie
This southern area, besides standing out for the beauty of its natural landscapes, also captivates with its exquisite gastronomy. Among the typical dishes, we can mention:
Argentina
Patagonian lamb: It is the most famous dish and has gained fame among tourists and locals alike. There are different ways to try it, depending on the cooking and preparation.It is a lean, tender meat with a very particular taste that, as we mentioned, varies depending on how it is cooked. You can try it in the clay oven, on the grill, in empanadas or in a stew.
Crab: It’s a classic of the End of the World. You can try it in its natural state, in sauces or casseroles. It is said that the Beagle Channel produces some of the best spider crabs in the world.
Red fruits: If you like sweet fruits, this is paradise. There are a thousand ways to try them: fresh, in jams, in cakes or with chocolate.
Seafood: Patagonia has many kilometers on the coast. Fish and seafood are part of the gastronomy.
Chile
Lamb on a stick: It is cooked in the open air and takes at least a couple of hours. While it is being prepared, diners can enjoy a good wine and the spectacular views. It can also be cooked in a wood-fired oven, with the same patience. Due to the geography and climate of southern Chile, lamb meat has a very good quality; tender texture and delicious flavor.
Curanto: is one of the most representative dishes. It is prepared in a hole or pot. The first option has a special mystique because it takes quite some time to cook it. To start, you have to dig a hole in the ground of approximately 1 meter, then cover the bottom with stones and mix wood and coal. Then the ingredients are added: seafood, sausages, ribs, chicken, potatoes, spices, etc.
Carbonada: Although this dish has its origins in the mining area of Lota, this vegetable and meat soup is ideal for cold climates, which is why it has become common in southern Chile. Ingredients include potato, carrot, onion, pumpkin and ground beef.
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Activities
Main places to visit
Bariloche San Carlos de Bariloche, located on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi and surrounded by mountains and forests, shows its visitors an ever changing landscape according to the different seasons of the year. The Andes mountain range exhibits its greatness while millenary and silent forests extend along the banks of the lakes. Skiing, walking, sailing or just relaxing, everything is possible in Bariloche.
El Calafate (Argentina) El Calafate is the gateway to the majestic world of the glaciers. The city is located on the shores of the Argentino Lake, which has bright greenish waters. This town is mainly known as the access to Los Glaciares National Park, home of the huge Perito Moreno glacier. Around the area there are several “Estancias” (Ranches) that offer accommodation and also show tourists activities of these traditional Patagonian establishments.
El Chalten (Argentina) It is the hiking capital of Argentina and also the youngest village in Patagonia with the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre mounts standing out from the rest. It is an ideal destination for mountain trekking as there are trails with different levels of difficulty. Those who want to have a more natural experience can camp and spend the night there.
Esquel (Argentina) Among its main attractions is Los Alerces National Park, which with an extensive forest filled by majestic and ancient specimens of Fitzroya trees. Another great attraction for tourists visiting this area, is riding on the famous train “Old Patagonian Express” or better known as “La Trochita”, built in 1922, which currently makes short touristic trips.
Puerto Madryn / Peninsula Valdés (Argentina) Located on the Atlantic coast, the Valdés Peninsula is home to thousands of penguins and sea lions, while dolphins and whales can be observed from the coast or vessels that leave from Pirámides port. Puerto Madryn is a deep water port, a commercial and touristic center, also a popular destination for its beaches and adventure excursions and Nature observation. The Welsh town of Gaiman is located nearby, and it still shows tourists how they still preserve their original customs.
San Martin de los Andes (Argentina) Its exceptional landscape combines forests and beaches next to the lakes and offers activities for the whole family. Here you can practice sports such as mountain biking, trekking, rowing, kitesurfing, rafting, horseback riding and sport fishing. Mountain biking is one of the main sports in the area in summer.
Ushuaia (Argentina) Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, has the perfect combination of water, forest and mountains. From the city you can access valley circuit, which in winter is the area for snow sports. An unmissable excursion is sailing on the Beagle Channel on a catamaran. Between October and March, it is a must visiting the Magellan penguin rookery on Martillo Island.
Villa la Angostura (Argentina) Villa La Angostura is located in the northern sector of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, surrounded by lakes, forests and mountains. One of the main attractions of this town is the magnificent Arrayanes trees Forest (Chilean myrtle), a place that can be accessed on foot, by bicycle or boat.
Carretera Austral / Aysén (Chile) With more than 1,000 km (620 mi) of natural beauty, the Carretera Austral or Austral Road begins in Puerto Montt and ends in Villa O’Higgins. With of a vast diversity of landscapes, it is ideal for adventure sports and self-driving itineraries. In this area of the country you can experience the four seasons of the year in a single day, so it is suggested to bring equipment suitable for both winter and summer.
Torres del Paine National Park (Chile) Considered one of the natural wonders of the world, Torres del Paine is one of the largest and most important national parks in Chile. It houses a great diversity of impressive landscapes such as the famous towers of Paine and the horns of Paine, several valleys, and rivers, lakes such as Pehoé or Sarmiento, and glaciers such as the Gray glacier. It can be visited on foot, by car, touristic buses, horseback riding or sailing in certain sectors.
Puerto Natales (Chile) This small town is the gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park. It is characterized by small wooden houses and colorful roofs, deserted streets and a sunset next to the Old Pier difficult to forget. Here you can discover the Milodon Cave to know the history of giant sloth that inhabited this southern part of Chile more than 10,000 years ago. Another great attraction of the region is sailing through the Last Hope Fjord to dazzle with the glaciers neraby.
Punta Arenas (Chile) Punta Arenas dates back to the 1500s, when Hernando de Magallanes discovered the strait that bears his name today. With a port and a sheep shearing tradition, is the doorway to the Antarctic continent and it captivates with its pure air and sophisticated European architecture. From here you can sail by boat or kayak through the Strait of Magellan and be amazed by the penguins on the Magdalena Island.
Puerto Varas (Chile) Located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, Puerto Varas is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Chile. With a clear German influence, whose settlers founded it in the mid XIX century, from the beginning it was characterized by its tourist approach. Today, it offers travelers a beautiful landscape, good hotel and gastronomic infrastructure, a modern gaming casino, a lake beach and, in the summer, various outdoor activities.
Puerto Montt (Chile) The city of Puerto Montt is the capital of the Los Lagos Region. It is the starting point of the Carretera Austral and the gateway to northern and southern Patagonia. Among its attractions are the famous cove and market of Angelmó, with a wide range of fish and seafood; Tenglo Island, where you can go on boat trips, and the Alerce Andino National Park, representing the natural beauties of the area.
Navarino Island (Chile) Located in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, Navarino Island is part of the Cape Horn commune, in the Region of Magellan and Chilean Antarctica. On this island there are remains of the Yamana culture, which makes it a great tourist and cultural attraction. In the place there are remains like tools, hunting articles, shells and cemeteries.
Cape Horn (Chile) This is the southernmost area of Chile, a place for cruising and navigation for those who want to reach the south of the world. It is here that the Pacific and Atlantic oceans merge, in a dangerous passage called the Beagle Channel, to make way for the South Pole. This place was discovered 400 years ago. Today it has become the Cape Horn National Park.