Coastal treasures, ancient forests, dazzling glaciers and incredible wildlife.
There are countless things to do in Patagonia Argentina, as it offers a myriad of activities for tourists of all ages, but what do we do first?
Enjoying the scenery along Route 40 is a must, then stop and enjoy….
From walks through the beautiful forests, or why not a quiet horseback ride. And for the more daring, something extreme like Kitesurfing or Rafting.
Things to do in Patagonia Argentina
Patagonia has captured your imagination, but where to start? We’ve selected some of Patagonia’s delights to get you started.
Glacier viewing in Glacier National Park (Argentina).
Perito Moreno Glacier is the stunning centerpiece of the southern sector of Los Glaciares National Park.
Locally known as Glaciar Moreno, it is 30 km long, 5 km wide and 60 m high, but what makes it exceptional in the ice world is its constant advance: it creeps forward up to 2 m per day, causing building-sized icebergs to break off its face.
In some ways, watching the glacier is a very sedate park experience, but it manages to be thrilling.
The main gateway town to the southern sector of the park, El Calafate, is 80 km east of the glacier by road.
This is where all the tour and activity operators are located as well.
Outdoor adventures in El Chaltén (Argentina)
The mountains surrounding El Chaltén are prime hiking, climbing and horseback riding territory, so if you like outdoor adventure, this is the place for you.
Think mountain traverses, mountain ascents and rock climbing lessons.
You can go horseback riding up the beautiful Rio de las Vueltas valley or take a more challenging ride up Vizcacha hill followed by a barbecue at a traditional ranch.
Ice climbing courses and ice hiking are also available.
Whale watching in Puerto Madryn (Argentina)
Patagonia offers some of the best whale watching in the world and Puerto Madryn is the place to see them.
Its warmer, more enclosed waters along the Golfo Nuevo, Golfo San Jose and the coast near Caleta Valdes are the main breeding grounds for southern right whales between June and mid-December.
A standard whale-watching trip lasts an hour and a half, but longer excursions are also available.
Exploring the Cueva de las Manos (Argentina)
The incredible cave art at Cueva de las Manos was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Dating from around 7370 B.C., these polychrome cave paintings cover the hollows of the nearly vertical walls with human handprints, guanaco drawings and, from a later period, abstract designs.
Free guided tours are given every hour by trained staff. There is an information center and a basic snack bar, but it is best to bring your own food.
Experience the countryside on a remote estancia (Argentina and Chile).
Spending a few days at one of the estancias is a wonderful way to spend time in wonderful parts of the country.
In addition, you are sure to enjoy the wines, the horses and the asados (traditional barbecues).
Some are very basic in their amenities, particularly if they are true to their roots as rustic estancias.
Estancias are a sustainable tourism option, helping to preserve part of the country’s past while providing an impressive guest-tree relationship.
Get away from it all in Camarones, Argentina.
Camarones takes home the gold for Patagonia’s sleepiest coastal town. The beautiful deserted beaches are perfect for wandering and the sociable locals are masters at the art of harnessing the breeze.
It’s also the closest hub to the lesser-known Cabo Dos Bahias nature reserve, where you can visit 25,000 pairs of penguins and their furry chicks.
The helpful waterfront tourist office offers maps, good advice on scenic excursions and information on lodging.
Activities in Patagonia
Argentine Patagonia is generally defined as the land south of the Rio Negro, which meets the sea near the town of Viedma.
Exploring Patagonia’s Atlantic coast is relatively easy: the Ruta Nacional 3 highway runs from Buenos Aires to Río Gallegos, where you take a ferry across the Strait of Magellan to Tierra del Fuego to complete the 3,000 km journey.
Andesmar, Condor, Don Otto and El Pinguino operate comfortable and inexpensive long distance buses to major cities (Buenos Aires to Puerto Madryn).
Renting a car allows more freedom, but you would have to take it to the pick-up point.
Diving in Patagonia Argentina
Water temperature varies according to the season and the size of the lake. In late summer, for example, the Nahuel Huapi is between 13 and 14 degrees Celsius.
Between November and May it is possible to dive with a wet suit: the recommended thickness is 6 millimeters in two pieces, boots and hood.
A new world, hidden in the crystalline depths of Patagonia.
This type of suit allows the entry of little water, which is easily heated by body heat and by stagnating inside the suit maintains the temperature. Things to do in argentinian patagonia
The rest of the year it is advisable to use a dry suit, always accompanied by a compensating vest, a compressed air bottle, regulator and instruments, fins, mask and weight belt. Things to do in argentine patagonia
Immerse yourself in water sports
With interesting shipwrecks and marine life nearby, Madryn and Peninsula Valdes have become Argentina’s diving capitals.
Baptism» dives for newcomers start at around AR$800; some agencies also offer courses, night dives and multi-day excursions.
In high season, a cabin next to the Bistro de Mar Nautico offers classes and rents boards and regular and wide kayaks by the hour.
South of Piedra Buena Pier, Tomas Curti Beach is a popular windsurfing spot.
4×4 Experience Patagonia
Tourism in Patagonia offers you the best landscapes where giant sand dunes, winding rocky roads, mountains and lakes combine in perfect harmony for fun and exciting 4×4 excursions.
4×4 and enduro tourism
Things to do in Patagonia Argentina, Patagonia Excursions – defiestaenamerica.com
Excursions and tours Patagonia
Fun in the snow
About 90% of Argentina’s ski resorts are located in the Patagonian region, and the favorite for expert tourists is Cerro Catedral.
However, if you have never seen snow or touched a snowboard, you can find expert instructors who will teach you the basics so you can enjoy an unforgettable time. things to do in patagonia
Discover… what to do in Patagonia from Chile
If you still have time and want your excursions and sightseeing to continue, then you should cross to Chile!
There you will be able to see countless amazing places:
Discover the wildlife of Patagonia National Park (Chile).
Known as the Serengeti of the Southern Cone, the 690-square-kilometer Patagonia National Park features Patagonian steppe, forests, mountains, lakes and lagoons.
Located 18 km north of Cochrane, this new national park was an overgrazed ranch. Tompkins Conservation began its restoration in 2004.
It is now home to flamingos, guanacos, huemules (endangered Andean deer), pumas, viscachas and foxes.
The park extends from the Baker River to the border with Argentina, which can be crossed by private vehicle at Paso Roballos.
Hiking in Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)
Certain rituals of passage never lose their appeal, so hang on to that heavy backpack and hike through winding steppes and howling forests to gaze upon these most sacred granite mountain spires.
Las Torres may be the main attraction of its namesake park, but this vast wilderness has much more to offer.
Ice traverse the sculpted surface of Grey Glacier, explore the quiet backside of the circuit, kayak the tranquil Serrano River, or ascend John Gardner Pass for breathtaking views of the southern icefield.
Learn about the history of Patagonia in the Strait of Magellan Park (Chile).
The historic sites of Puerto Hambre and Fuerte Bulnes are the centerpiece of this privately managed park, an excellent introduction to regional history.
The museum is the best in Patagonia. Hourly presentations, sometimes in English, create a vivid picture of the life of the indigenous inhabitants and intrepid settlers.
There is a restored wooden fort, where a sharp picket fence surrounds the blockhouse, barracks and chapel.
A 6 km network of trails offers viewpoints on the Strait of Magellan overlooking Tierra del Fuego.
What do tourists do in Patagonia?
Explore the Perito Moreno, Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers by kayak; visit Torres del Paine, Los Glaciares or Tierra del Fuego national parks; or hike in the Patagonian Ice Field.
You can also travel by train to the end of the world in Tierra del Fuego, or take a sailing expedition in the Beagle Channel.
How many days do you need in Patagonia?
How long you plan to spend in Patagonia is entirely up to you.
If you are planning a backpacking trip in Torres del Paine, for example, you will want to spend between 5 and 10 days there; but those who plan to do some light hiking and driving in that national park might find that 2 or 3 days is enough.
Is Patagonia better in Chile or Argentina?
If it comes down to size, Argentine Patagonia is the winner. It is bigger than Chilean Patagonia, which means there are more places to visit and more things to see and do.
However, even though Chilean Patagonia is smaller, that also means it’s easier to see and do all the best things in that region.
What is the best month to visit Patagonia?
The best times to visit Argentine Patagonia are October to November (spring in the southern hemisphere) and December to February (summer).
During these months, the weather is mild and viewers can see the natural attractions in all their splendor.
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