A First-Timer’s Guide to PatagoniaPatagonia is the southern, mountainous region of both Argentina and Chile! It is one of the most magical and beautiful places i’ve ever been! There’s loads of delicious food, climbing, and great backpacking. On my first trip to Patagonia I spent time in Puerto Natales, TDP, El Chaltén, and more! Authorskatherinebeard
DestinationsPatagoniaItinerary

Chile

Cordillera del Paine
Chile's Torres del Paine national park is a MUST visit when in Chilean Patagonia! You can opt into the W Trek or longer O Trek, or just day trips from Puerto Natales. The mountains here are just breathtaking!
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Futaleufú River
Float down this blue, rushing river on a guided trip in Northern Patagonia. The scenery is incredible and the waters exciting.
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Grey Glacier
Take a ferry to the trailhead and hike up to the hanging bridges and viewpoints to admire this glacier on a day trip!
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Mirador Las Torres Base
A must-see when in Chilean Patagonia! This iconic viewpoint can be done as a stand alone hike or as part of the O or W Trek in TDP. I would 1000% recommend going up at sunrise to see the "torres" light up!
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Carretera Austral
This "highway" was built by Pinochet in an effort to connect the southern regions of Chile to the rest of northern Chile (because this country is quite lengthy)! A drive down is beautiful, you'll be surrounded by towering mountains, winding rivers, and stopping at every viewpoint. It is hard not to!
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Capilla de Mármol Natural Sanctuary
Located in the Northern section of Chilean Patagonia lie these incredible marble caves on Lago General Carrera. Definitely worth the trek to get to them, but it is long (especially in the winter).
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Argentina

Argentino Lake
Take a day trip to Estancia Cristina or stay there for an amazing, glacier filled boat trip through this lake.
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Desert Lake
A lake connecting Argentina and Chile that many backpackers take a boat across! They also offered day trips to side hikes, and glacier viewing.
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Mirador al Chaltén
As you’re driving into El Chaltèn, stop at this beautiful view went to admire Argentina’s Patagonia mountains.
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Parque Nacional Los Glaciares
Easily one of the best NPs I have ever visited! It is so expansive, filled with glaciers, stunning mountains, rivers, and more. The loop that we did & loved was in El Chaltén: Laguna de los tres -> Laguna Torre -> Chaltén. Truly magical!
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Chorrillo del Salto
When in El Chaltén, this is an easy roadside stop in a car or on a bike. You can dip your toes in the water too, but it's definitely chilly though!
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Mirador Perito Moreno
Head to this magnificent viewpoint for expansive and panoramic views of the famous Argentine Glacier: Perito Moreno!
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Hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier - Minitrekking
One of my favorite things that I did in Argentina was walk across the glacier on this guided tour. At the end they pour you whiskey with glacial ice inside! How epic!
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Book
Glaciar Huemul
A short, but steep 2 mile hike with 692 ft. of elevation gain leads you to a brilliant turquoise lake at the foot of the Glaciar Huemul! Note that there is a fee to hike up here, but it is a great way to spend the afternoon.
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Trip Highlight
Lago Torre was such a surprise! The floating glacial chunks against the incredible backdrop of Cerro Torre and Patagonian mountains can't be beat.
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Trip Highlight
A day visit to one of the many stunning, Argentinian estancias is a MUST. I even got to ride horses here at Estancia Nibepo Aike, named after the three sisters who lived here!
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Catedral Alta Patagonia
During the Northern Hemisphere's summer, Patagonia transforms into a winter wonderland. Dust off your skis/snowboard and hit some laps on the famous Bariloche slopes!
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