Argentina's Patagonia, with its breathtaking landscapes and vast wilderness, is a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventurers. This region, located at the southernmost tip of South America, offers a multitude of unique experiences, from spectacular hikes and wildlife sightings to nautical activities and cultural visits. Whether you're drawn to majestic glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, towering mountains or picturesque villages, Argentine Patagonia has something for everyone. In this article, we present the 17 most beautiful places to visit!
1. Villa La Angostura
Villa La Angostura is a charming little resort that's both elegant and picturesque : its boutique hotels are inspired by mountain architecture, and wood dominates throughout the village. Nicknamed "the garden of Patagonia", the town is centred around a shopping street, Avenida Arrayanes. El Cruce is the town center, conveniently located on Route 231, while Villa is the port, a few kilometers from El Cruce. It's a good starting point for the Seven Lakes Route and visits to Los Arrayanes National Park, where numerous agencies organize a variety of excursions.
2. Follow the 7 Lakes Route
The Route of the Seven Lakes (Route 234) is one of the most magnificent in the region and, in fine weather, is a sight not to be missed. This winding road passes through coniferous forests, snow-capped mountains and dazzlingly colorful lakes such as Nahuel Huapí, Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino and its neighbor Falkner, Hermoso and, finally, Lácar.
There are many options for travelling this route: you can take a bus to San Martín de los Andes - the cheapest option, but you won't get the full benefit of the scenery - book a tour with an agency or hire a car. Another idea is to make the journey by bike, an eco-responsible way to travel, bearing in mind that many free or paying campsites line the lakes.
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3. Los Arrayanes National Park
Los Arrayanes National Park is home to the world's only concentration of arrayanes trees. It takes just one day to discover them, but the experience is well worth it. The wood of these hundred-year-old trees, reaching 20 meters in height, is a surprising cinnamon color. The last specimens of this species are particularly well protected, and a plank path marks out the route to follow, avoiding damage to the soil on which the trees feed.
To discover this little piece of paradise, you can walk the 12 kilometers from the port of Villa La Angostura to the arrayanes forest. If you have the time, thisis the option we recommend, as the trail is magnificent. Another option is to take one of the boats that shuttle you to the tip of the peninsula.
Good to know did you know? Legend has it that a vision of this forest inspired Walt Disney to create Fantasia and Bambi.
4. Huapi National Park: one of Patagonia's most emblematic parks
Covering an area of 750,000 hectares, this national park is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic in patagonia patagonia and also the country's oldest national park. Doctor Francisco P. Moreno himself emphasized the unique beauty of its landscapes, describing them as "the most interesting collection of natural wonders I have ever seen in Patagonia". Patagonia's oasis, Parc Nahuel Huapi offers a multitude of activities: canyoning sessions, diving, kayaking, via ferrata, climbing and rafting. And when the weather turns cloudy and mist envelops the surface of the lakes, a simple contemplation becomes an event in itself.
5. What to do in Argentine Patagonia Hiking in Lanín National Park
This magnificent park was created in 1937 and covers an area of 412,000 hectares. The Lanín volcano (3,776 m), covered in eternal snow, is undoubtedly the star of the park, although the unique tree species that make up its forests are also very attractive. The park's forest, known as "valdivienne", is home to rare specimens of conifers and fagaceae. There are lengas (beech trees), Roble Pellín (up to 50 metres high), and pehuéns (araucaria araucana). The park also offers several hiking trails , making for a pleasant stroll!
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6. Junín De Los Andes: the trout capital!
Fishermen come from all over the country to enjoy the surroundings of Junín de los Andes, the trout capital, and savor the deliciously cooked, fresh, local fish. It's an excellent gateway to the Lanín National Park. It's also a haunt for mountaineers and hikers exploring the foothills of this small Andean town, particularly those of the Lanín volcano.
Good to know would you like a personalized itinerary for your trip to Argentine Patagonia? We recommend that you request a free quote right here. A tailor-made, responsible trip, direct with the best local agencies, awaits you!
7. What to do in Argentine Patagonia Visit San Carlos De Bariloche, a Swiss-style village
Originally, San Carlos de Bariloche (often referred to simply as Bariloche) was a small village founded by German and Swiss German emigrants. This explains the alpine atmosphere, the wooden chalets and the title of national chocolate capital that Bariloche bears. Situated on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapí, the town offersmagnificent scenery in summer and transforms itself into a renowned ski resort in winter, attracting tourists from all over the world. For many, Bariloche is a must-see destination, offering a good transition between southern Patagonia and an eventual return to Buenos Aires.
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8. San Martín de los Andes: a charming Andean village
Located on the banks of Lago Lácar, the small town of San Martín de los Andes has preserved its Andean charm thanks to its wooden buildings and magnificent views. The main attraction of San Martín is that it lies right next to the entrance to Parc Lanín. The magnificent road that leads there marks the end of the Seven Lakes Route. Among San Martín de los Andesl's must-see attractions, the beach near the town center is very pleasant. You can also visit the Primeros Pobladores municipal museum, which exhibits a variety of photographs and archaeological objects in tribute to the Indian peoples.
9. Parque Nacional Los Glaciares: Patagonia's most impressive spectacle
The country's largest national park is also the one that offers the most impressive spectacle. It includes two large lakes of glacial origin and majestic peaks such as Cerro Torre and its highest point, Fitz Roy, at 3,400 meters. The park is also dotted with immense glaciers, the most famous of which is the Perito Moreno. This is the only glacier in the world still moving forward. With its majestic sapphire-blue color, it is a spectacular sight. It's the ideal place to learn more about the glaciation process and its impact.
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10. Trek the iconic Fitz Roy massif
El Chaltén, "the mountain that smokes", is so named by the Tehuelche people because its summit is often hidden by permanent clouds. More generally, El Chaltén offers privileged access to the emblematic Fitz Roy massif, a trekking mecca, a mountain of legends and explorations. To get there, you'll have to walk for about an hour and a half from El Chaltén. But it's well worth the effort! There' s no shortage of sporting activities in the area: several hiking and trekking trails provide access to Fitz Roy, with levels of difficulty to suit everyone's abilities.
11. Ushuaïa: a wild beauty that seduces
What to do in Argentine Patagonia? Head for the southernmost tip of Patagonia to discover the famous city of Ushuaïa, capital of Tierra del Fuego, a city that fascinates travelers. Known as the southernmost city on the American continent, you'll see many signs pointing to "Ushuaïa, the end of the world". One of the must-dos on site is to try the giant crab (centolla). You can also visit the town's two museums: El Museo Marítimo and El Museo del Presidio, which exhibit sailing ships and reconstructions of famous vessels.
Did you know? Ushuaïa is one of the 10 most magical places in the world to propose!
12. Parque Nacional Tierra Del Fuego: breathtaking scenery!
If you're looking for a breath of fresh air in Ushuaïa, a visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park, located 12 km west of the city, is a must. In addition to its exceptional beauty, this park is also a gateway to Antarctica and an adventure in itself that leaves no one indifferent. You'll be able to observe numerous animals, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the famous Magellanic fox. In short, if you're ever in Ushuaia, this park is a magical place to get lost in. The trails are well-marked and the scenery is breathtaking!
13. What to do in Argentine Patagonia? Scuba diving in Puerto Madryn
The history of Puerto Madryn began in 1865, when a colony of 150 Welshmen landed on the coast aboard the Mimosa and named the town after Baron de Madryn, the captain who initiated the expedition. After the establishment of the national aluminum plant in the 1970s, the town became a fast-growing seaside resort, much sought-after by Argentines for the clear waters of the Golfo Nuevo. Puerto Madryn is also Argentina's diving capital, and is home to a center for the study of marine fauna. The most popular beaches are Playa El Doradillo, Playa La Cantera, Playa Parana and Las Costas de Patagonia.
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14. See the penguins at Punta Tombo reserve
The Punta Tombo reserve is best known for being home to the largest concentration of Magellanic penguins. Today, the reserve is a must-see paradise for these seabirds, as well as a prime breeding ground. Every year, at the dawn of the austral spring (August, September), pairs of penguins settle here to mate. At the beginning of October, the females lay two eggs and ensure a 40-day clutch alongside their males, who watch over the future babies threatened by the numerous gulls.
15. Los Alerces Park, one of Patagonia's most beautiful national parks
What to do in Argentine Patagonia? Covering an area of 263,000 hectares, Los Alerces Park is one of the country's most beautiful national parks, making it a must-see in Patagonia. It is home to a dozen lakes and numerous silvery-blue or azure-green waterways that blend harmoniously with the wild landscape. Created in 1937, its mission is to protect the alerces (Patagonian cypresses), one of the oldest trees on the planet.
Did you know? : Alerces are among the tallest trees in the world: the tallest alerce in Los Alerces Park is 57 metres high!
16. What to do in Argentine Patagonia See the paintings at Cueva De Las Manos
Located in the heart of the Río Pinturas canyon, this cave is often compared to Argentina's Lascaux. It houses paintings from different eras, some dating back over 13,000 years. The works depict hunters and guanacos, but above all a large number of hands painted in different colors, mainly using the stencil technique. The site is well preserved and boasts an environmental formation unique in the whole of Santa Cruz province. These rock paintings are among the most famous in the country!
17. El Calafate: a more desert-like Patagonia
What to do in Argentine Patagonia 300 km from Río Gallegos, the arrival at El Calafate marks the entrance to a more desert-like Patagonia, swept by an often icy wind. El Calafate has built its tourism development on its proximity to one of the country's major attractions: the Perito Moreno glacier, one of the thirteen glaciers in the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares that flow into Lago Viedma and Lago Argentino. Considered a must-see, El Calafate is nevertheless overrun by mass tourism: once you've visited the glacier, we recommend you don't linger too long.
How much should I budget for two weeks in Patagonia?
Budgeting for two weeks in Patagonia depends on a number of factors, including the type of accommodation, activities chosen, travel and meals. Here's a general estimate to help you plan your trip:
Accommodation
- Mid-range hotels: Around €70 to €130 per night. For two weeks, this represents approximately €980 to €1,820.
- Youth hostels: Around €18 to €35 per night. For two weeks, this represents approximately €252 to €490.
- Camping: Approximately €9 to €18 per night. For two weeks, this represents approximately €126 to €252.
Transport
- Internal flights: Flights between Buenos Aires and the main cities of Patagonia (such as Ushuaia, El Calafate, Bariloche) can cost between €175 and €440 per trip.
- Car rental: Approximately €26 to €44 per day. For two weeks, this represents around €364 to €616.
- Bus: Bus fares vary, but you should expect to pay between €44 and €88 for long-distance journeys.
Activities
- Excursions and guided tours: Excursions to glaciers, national parks and other attractions can cost between €44 and €175 per day. For two weeks, this represents around €616 to €2,450.
- Entrance fees to national parks: Approximately €9 to €26 per park.
Meals
- Mid-range restaurants: Approximately €18 to €35 per meal. For two weeks, this represents approximately €490 to €980.
- Value meals: Approximately €9 to €18 per meal. For two weeks, this represents approximately €252 to €490.
Estimated total
- Accommodation: €126 to €1,820
- Transport: €364 to €1,056
- Activities: €616 to €2,450
- Meals: €252 to €980
Grand total
- Budget: Approximately €1,358
- Mid-range budget: Approx. €2,610
- High-end budget: Approx. €5,306
When is the best time to visit Patagonia?
The best time to visit Patagonia depends on your interests:
- For hikers and nature lovers: Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are often the best periods, with moderate temperatures and fewer tourists.
- For winter sports enthusiasts: Winter (June to August) is the best time to enjoy snow activities.
- For those who prefer long, warm days: Summer (December to February) is ideal, but be prepared for bigger crowds and higher prices.
