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The ultimate Patagonia Bucket list

A trip to Patagonia promises to be one like no other. But, knowing what to do and where to spend your time can be a bit overwhelming. So, we have selected several top experiences in Patagonia to help make your very own “Patagonia Bucket List!”

Patagonia, the mountainous region of southern Argentina and Chile. It is a top destination for outdoor lovers, especially those who like to hike! This large 1,043,076 km² area showcases incredible national parks, bright blue lakes, unique wildlife, and culture that will have you never wanting to leave. 

Our small group 18-day Patagonia Highlights trip takes care of all of the planning for you. It also includes ALL of the highlights listed below!

Complete the Torres del Paine 5-day Short W-Trek

Torres del paine

Number one on this list just had to be the W-Trek in the Torres del Paine National Park. This is likely the most famous hike in all of Patagonia – and for good reason! This 5-day hike offers stunning views at every moment including glaciers, beautiful lakes, and towering peaks. Although the full trek is about 80 kilometres long, we cut out some of the longer hikes which just get you from A to B, while keeping all the scenic highlight hikes. The terrain isn’t overly difficult and you don’t need to worry about altitude sickness down in Patagonia!

The popularity of this trek (and the requirement for booking all campsites or refugios several months in advance) has made tackling this trail on your own very difficult – but don’t worry, we have it all booked and actually hike this trail with guides on our small group Patagonia Highlights tour!

Watch ice fall from Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Mereno Glacier, Patagonia bucket list

The Perito Moreno Glacier is another very famous spot in Patagonia. This glacier is huge and impressive to see. But it isn’t just the size that makes it so incredible. Chances are, when you walk along the viewing deck you will see huge chunks of ice breaking off! These ice blocks are often the size of houses and make quite the impact when they splash into the water below – what a sight to see! This is a on the Patagonia bucket list for many people.

Spot wild penguins

Penguin

When you think of the animals that call the cold southern region of Patagonia home you might think of penguins. Seeing these guys in the wild is definitely one of the best experiences an animal lover could have in Patagonia.

A trip out to Isla Magdalena promises the chance to see Magellanic penguins. There is said to be about 120,000 penguins that live on this tiny island (about 1km² in size) so if you visit between September and March you will definitely see plenty of these little guys!

Puerto Madryn is another town in Patagonia that offers the chance to see penguins. Just head out to the Peninsula of Punta Tombo where there are thousands of Magellanic penguins! If you venture to the nearby Peninsula Valdes, you will also see penguins along with a chance to see orca whales, elephant seals and sea lions!

Indulge in El Calafate

El Calafate, Patagonia bucket list

El Calafate is a town that is simply as cute as it gets. This Patagonian touristic town isn’t short on charm and you’re guaranteed to have a blast just wandering the streets. There are tons of small shops where you can buy unique souvenirs or even restock on hiking supplies. If you get tired of shopping, just stop in at one of the many fantastic bars and restaurants – Argentinian steak and red wine is sure to impress!

Hike in Glacier National Park

Mount Fitzeroy, Argentina

As Argentina’s largest national park, there is a lot of exploring to do in Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park is a paradise for hikers because there are many scenic trails that can be completed in just one day from the town of El Chalten! Some of the most famous (and beautiful) hikes include the trail to Mount Fitz Roy or Laguna Torre. Both of these hikes are full-day activities but they are so worth the effort as the views are amazing! For beginners, there are also a couple of hiking options in the park that can be completed in under two hours.

Cruise the Beagle Channel

Beagle Channel. Patagonia bucket list

The Beagle Channel is a place in Patagonia that is not only beautiful, but holds a lot of history. This 240 km stretch of water separates the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego from many smaller islands and also connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This made the Beagle Channel one of the biggest routes for global trade back in the day.

Today, the Beagle Channel is mainly occupied by tourists who come to see the scenery on boat cruises from the nearby town of Ushuaia. From the edge of a boat you’ll see hanging glaciers, various birds and sea lions, as well as Tierra del Fuego National Park on the shore.

 

The truth is there are plenty of things to see and do in Patagonia. These are just a few highlights among the many different places to visit and things to see.

If you feel that this will complete your Patagonia bucket list, our 18-day unique small group Patagonia Highlights tour includes ALL of the activities on this list AND MORE! Click here for more information or to book!

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