18 amazing activities to experience in Patagonia

Patagonia, spanning southern Chile and Argentina, presents far more than one could possibly discover in a lifetime.

This vast, sparsely populated region is truly breathtaking, featuring pristine forests, snow-capped Andean peaks that form the border between the two nations, numerous glacial lakes, and vast expanses of pampas (grasslands). Most of Patagonia's highlights are outdoor adventures—ranging from incredible road trips and multi-day treks to glaciers, ancient rock art, and penguin colonies—making them dependent on weather and seasons, so it's essential to choose the right time to visit based on your preferences.

Here are some must-see experiences in Patagonia.

1. Trek through Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Considered one of South America's premier national parks, Chile's expansive 1810-sq-km (699-sq-mile) Torres del Paine is renowned for its distinctive bell-shaped Los Cuernos and the iconic trident peaks of Las Torres. Frequent sightings of pumas, guanacos, and condors enhance the experience, while the well-maintained trails allow trekkers to explore the mountains, lakes, colossal glaciers, and lush forests along two extensive hikes with relative ease. Whether you choose the four-day, 69km (43-mile) 'W' trek that showcases the park's key attractions (Glacier Grey, the French Valley, and Las Torres) or the more challenging 113km (70-mile) 'Circuit' that includes a backcountry half-loop and major highlights, you can opt to camp throughout, travel from refugio to refugio, or combine both methods.

Planning tip: Be aware that due to limited hiking permits and accommodations, it’s essential to make reservations well in advance for the peak season (December to February).

2. Observe wildlife on Península Valdés, Argentina

Just a short day trip from Puerto Madryn in southern Argentina, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its diverse wildlife, including more than 180 seabird species. Key experiences include taking a boat from Puerto Pirámides to seek out the endangered ballena franca austral (southern right whale), which visits to breed from June and can often be spotted from shore until mid-December. If you prefer to stay on land, cross the narrow isthmus and drive along the coastline to observe a large sea lion colony from the cliffs at Punta Delgada, elephant seals on the beaches at Punta Cantor, and a mix of both at the remote Punta Norte.

3. Journey along the Carretera Austral, Chile

Known as the 'Southern Highway,' this is Chile's most iconic drive, stretching 760 miles (1223km) through the untouched Aysén region, showcasing dense forests, snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, remote settlements, glacial rivers, and foggy fjords. Much of the southern part remains unpaved; thus, challenges like the absence of phone signals between towns, potential landslides, unpredictable weather, and waiting for car ferries connecting road sections mean you’ll need at least two weeks to fully appreciate the journey.

Starting from the bustling port of Puerto Montt, you'll navigate through the temperate rainforests of Pumalín and Queulat national parks, pass through the volcano-devastated town of Chaitén, and explore the hot springs and fishing lodges around the quaint town of Puyuhuapi. The largest town in the region, Coyhaique, is perfect for stocking up on supplies before heading south to Lago General Carrera, where you can trek on glaciers and kayak to the stunning marble caves near Puerto Río Tranquilo. Further south, the wildlife-abundant valleys and mountains of Parque Nacional Patagonia await, and Caleta Tortel— a unique village of cypress boardwalks overlooking a shimmering green fjord—offers a memorable stay before reaching Villa O'Higgins, the end of the road. From there, you have three choices: retrace your route, connect to Argentina's Ruta 40 via Chile Chico, or take a ferry south to Puerto Natales from nearby Puerto Yungay.

4. Discover dinosaur fossils at Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio, Argentina

Located about 64km (40 miles) south of Puerto Madryn, the 19th-century Welsh-Argentine town of Trelew is famous for its standout paleontological museum, which features Patagonia's most significant fossil discoveries. Home to over 1700 fossils, the museum showcases local dinosaur skeletons like the patagosaurus, tehuelchesaurus, and Brachytrachelopan mesai, a unique short-necked sauropod. The highlight of the exhibit? The remains of Patagotitan mayorum, uncovered as recently as 2012, believed to be the largest dinosaur ever to roam the earth.

Planning tip: The museum is currently undergoing expansion and is closed for the time being. Be sure to check the website for updates.

5. Experience a Navimag 'cruise' in Chile

If you have some extra time and need to travel to Puerto Natales in southern Patagonia from Chile's Lake District, consider taking the four-day Navimag ferry from Puerto Montt. Picture the Navimag as a sort of cruise ship—though more budget-friendly, featuring cows on the car deck and basic accommodations that range from tiny private cabins to a backpacker dorm with privacy curtains for the bunks. If luck is on your side with the weather, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views as you navigate through a labyrinth of small islands, pristine fjords, and glaciers. The waters teem with life, with dolphins, penguins, and whales frequently spotted along the way. However, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you might find yourself in the communal lounge with fellow passengers, gazing through the fog and swaying with the rough seas. Either way, you'll disembark with unforgettable memories.

6. Experience white water rafting on the Futaleufú, Chile

Every summer, the sunny mountain town of Futaleufú in Chile's Aysén region draws numerous adventurers seeking the exhilarating thrills of its namesake river. The Futaleufú is considered one of the world's premier rivers for white water rafting, boasting Class VI and V rapids that will challenge even the most experienced thrill-seekers. Yet, you don’t need to be a pro to get soaked with the spray that dances on the turquoise waters: reputable companies like Bochinche Expediciones and Patagonia Elements offer safety-focused rafting and cata-rafting excursions that make the roller-coaster-like river accessible for novices as well.

Planning tip: Rafting is available from December to March.

7. Observe penguins at Punta Tombo, Argentina

Located about 110km (68 miles) south of Trelew, along the gravel RP 1, Punta Tombo hosts the largest penguin colony in continental South America. Approximately half a million Magellanic penguins flock here to nest between November and March, and avid bird-watchers may also encounter black oystercatchers, giant petrels, kelp gulls, and flightless steamer ducks. After a thorough introduction to the local wildlife at the interpretive visitor center, explore the well-marked trails and boardwalks throughout the reserve.

Planning tip: If your goal is to see baby penguins, plan your visit for January.

8. Marvel at Glaciar Perito Moreno, Argentina

The highlight of the southern section of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, this blue-white monolith is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing, progressing at approximately 2m (6ft) per day. Every few years, as the ice moves forward, it creates a natural dam on Lago Argentino; if you’re fortunate, you might witness the dramatic moment when the water finally breaks through the ice. Stretching over 30km long, 5km wide, and rising 60m high (19 miles long, 3 miles wide, and 196ft high), Perito Moreno towers over the Canal de los Témpanos (Iceberg Channel), located about 80km (50 miles) east of the southern Argentinian town of El Calafate. You can navigate a series of steel walkways to viewpoints that allow you to marvel at this colossal ice wall, with deep booms signaling the calving of massive icebergs crashing into the channel.

Planning tip: If you wish to get even closer to the glacier, consider a boat tour or try ice trekking, which can be arranged through tour operators in El Calafate. If you’re driving, aim to visit in the afternoon to avoid the crowds from morning tour buses.

9. Discover the historic city of Punta Arenas, Chile

Chile's southern port city boasts a vibrant mix of gleaming tin roofs, elegant stone mansions, and colorful houses lining the shores of the Magellan Strait, complemented by broad avenues shaded by cypress trees. Before the Panama Canal's opening, this remote location thrived on trade and sheep farming, as ships sailing from Europe to America's West Coast had to stop here for supplies.

Be sure to visit the Cementerio Municipal, where the ornate Italian-marble tombs of the city’s wool barons—Menéndez, Braun, and Nogueira—stand alongside the modest graves of Croatian, Scandinavian, and Scottish immigrants, representing the diverse nationalities that helped shape the city. The Museo Regional Braun Menéndez offers a glimpse into the opulent lives of early-20th-century residents, while a trip to Puerto Hambre, outside of town, reveals the tragic site where many 16th-century Spanish colonists perished from starvation, marked by a commemorative plaque. On the outskirts of town, visit Nao Victoria to see life-size replicas of Magellan's ship, Darwin's HMS Beagle, and the lifeboat that rescued Ernest Shackleton and his crew in the Antarctic Ocean.

10. Trekking Adventures Around El Chaltén, Argentina

Nestled between the Rio Fitz Roy and the majestic Fitz Roy mountain range, this charming village is known as Argentina's trekking and rock-climbing hub. With a vibrant dining scene and a variety of accommodations ranging from hotels and hostels to boutique guesthouses, El Chaltén is an ideal base for exploring numerous hiking trails suitable for all skill levels in the northern region of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Whether you're leisurely wandering through southern beech forests hoping to catch a glimpse of a huemul (an endangered deer), climbing the steep, exposed slopes to reach the glacial Laguna de Los Tres, or camping on the Southern Icefield as part of an intense multiday trek across the Marconi Glacier, this is the perfect starting point.

11. Experience Life as a Gaucho for a Day

The expansive pampas of Patagonia invite you to embrace your inner cowboy if you’re seeking equestrian adventures. Many estancias (ranches) cater to tourists, while others operate as working farms, offering a variety of activities such as horseback riding and traditional asados (spit-roasted lamb barbecues), as well as options for overnight stays. Near El Calafate in Argentina, you can explore Estancia Cristina, Estancia 25 de Mayo, and Estancia Nibepo Aike. In Chile, Puerto Natales serves as a great base for visiting Estancia La Peninsula and Estancia Bahía Esperanza, among others.

12. Journey to Cape Horn, Chile

If you find yourself in Puerto Williams on Isla Navarino, why not venture further and sail to Cabo de Hornos, the infamous ship graveyard of the turbulent southern ocean? SIM Expeditions can arrange a sailing excursion to this cluster of uninhabited islands. On the largest island, you can step ashore to see the automated white lighthouse, the southernmost in the world. Above, a striking steel sculpture of an albatross takes flight, while a nearby stone monument commemorates the brave seafarers who have navigated these perilous waters (over 800 ships have not made it).

13. Traverse Ruta 40, Argentina

Spanning the entire length of Argentina along the jagged Andes mountains, from Cabo Vírgenes in southeastern Patagonia to the border with Bolivia, the iconic La Cuarenta (RN40) offers Argentina's ultimate road trip. The segment from El Calafate to Bariloche (1465km/910 miles) is the most picturesque drive in southern Argentina and deserves at least 10 days to fully appreciate the major attractions of Patagonia along the way.

Although mostly paved now, this road still retains a sense of wilderness, with small towns, gas stations, and fellow travelers being a rarity. The endless sky and the flat expanse of the pampas extend to the horizon, occasionally interrupted by wandering guanacos and ñandús (rheas), along with distant snow-capped mountains. Prepare for adventure with a spare tire and ample food, as you may encounter stretches without cell phone coverage between isolated towns.

Planning tip: When renting a car, note that one-way trips can lead to significant drop-off fees, so plan your route wisely.

14. Paddle or sail to Capilla de Mármol, Chile

Setting off from the Bahía Manso dock near Puerto Río Tranquilo, small boats will take you along the northern arm of Lago General Carrera to the stunningly sculpted marble caves—these sinuous gray-and-white formations are especially breathtaking against the lake's vibrant turquoise waters.

Planning tip: Kayaking to the caves is an option, but only when the winds are calm.

15. Relax at the Termas del Ventisquero, Chile

If you're traveling along Chile's Carretera Austral, the charming town of Puyuhuapi—established in the 1930s by German settlers—is a perfect place to stop and relax those weary muscles. While thermal springs are plentiful in the 'land of ice and fire,' Puyuhuapi uniquely offers access to the waters. The rustic Termas del Ventisquero, located 6km (4 miles) south of town, features a large pool and three smaller ones with views of a misty fjord. Alternatively, consider staying at the luxurious Termas de Puyuhuapi Hotel & Spa, reachable by speedboat across the fjord, where you can enjoy an outdoor thermal lagoon surrounded by ferns and an indoor spa complete with jet pools and a waterfall.

16. Discover ancient rock art at Cueva de Las Manos, Argentina

A picturesque detour from Argentina's famed Ruta 40 between the unassuming towns of Perito Moreno and Bajo Caracoles leads you to this UNESCO World Heritage site, home to some of Argentina's most remarkable rock art, dating back to around 7370 BCE. A 45-minute guided tour takes you along vertical cliff walls adorned with over 800 well-preserved images in vibrant reds and ochres. Most of the artwork consists of outlines or imprints of human hands (especially the left), alongside depictions of guanacos and hunting scenes, as well as later abstract designs. Don't miss the unique handprint with six fingers, as well as paw prints from pumas and ñandús.

17. Experience the end of the world

Any traveler who ventures to Argentina's southernmost city, Ushuaia, earns instant bragging rights for making it to the end of the world—at least for now. After all, this port is the gateway for Antarctic cruises, marking the southernmost point one can reach before heading to the seventh continent. Every summer, those bound for Antarctica gather here to board massive icebreakers for the tumultuous journey across the stormy Drake's Passage to the world's (truly) most remote location. Ushuaia itself is breathtaking, nestled in an amphitheater of steep streets set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and the deep blue Beagle Channel. If you find yourself here in winter, don't miss the southernmost ski resort at Cerro Castor.

However, Puerto Williams, the small 'capital' of Chile's Isla Navarino, claims the title of the southernmost permanently inhabited location on the planet, surpassing Argentina's Ushuaia. Brave the exhilarating ride across the channel on an inflatable Zodiac boat, mingle with centolla (king crab) fishers, and tackle the challenging, multi-day Dientes de Navarino trek for some serious bragging rights.

18. Experience Welsh culture and indulge in high tea, Argentina

Founded around 1860, several Welsh settlements in Argentina's Chubut province include Trevelin (45km/28 miles roundtrip from Esquel) and Gaiman, just 19km (12 miles) west of Trelew. Here, you're just as likely to hear Welsh as Spanish, though both are flavored with Patagonian accents. These charming villages draw visitors to their numerous teahouses, where you can enjoy tea, toast with butter and jam, and a delightful assortment of cakes, including the rich and dense torta negra (fruitcake). Diana, Princess of Wales, visited Gaiman in 1995, and the locals still reminisce about it. In Trevelin, Nain Maggie offers the most inviting tea experience.