Top 13 National Parks in Patagonia

Divided between Chile and Argentina, the rugged landscapes of Patagonia and the nearby Tierra del Fuego feature over a dozen national parks.

While some South American nations may have a greater number of parks—like Brazil with over 70—these southern reserves safeguard vast areas of one of the planet's last truly untouched wildernesses.

Though accessibility varies among the region's national parks, they protect an incredible diversity of ecosystems, ranging from ancient alerce trees and historic lava fields to towering snow-capped mountains, massive glaciers, and penguin-populated shores.

From the trail-filled Torres del Paine and Parque Nacional Los Glaciares to the remote shores of Yendegaia, these protected spaces epitomize outdoor adventure. Some feature well-established mountain hut networks, while others cater exclusively to experienced wilderness explorers. In addition to these major parks, there are countless other national reserves, wild areas, and natural monuments to discover.

Weather plays a crucial role in determining when to visit. Most travelers explore these rugged national parks from December to March, which is the peak season during the southern hemisphere summer, though some parks are also open during the shoulder months (October-November and April-May). The frigid southern winter deters all but the most adventurous souls.

If you’re eager to see whales or penguins, plan your trip for when they congregate in the largest numbers. Here’s a guide to the top national parks in Patagonia for wildlife viewing, trekking, and more.

1. Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)

The premier national park in South America

Dominated by the towering granite spires that lend the park its name, alongside the distinctive dark-tipped formations known as the Cuernos de Paine, the 1810 sq km (699 sq mile) Torres del Paine is arguably South America's top national park. You may have seen stunning images of the Paine massif mirrored in the serene blue waters of Lago Nordenskjöld.

The mountains, glacial lakes, expansive glaciers, open steppe, and dense forest areas are easily accessible, thanks to a well-established trekking system. Hikers can enjoy day trips or embark on the park's famous long-distance trails in comfort, resting in refugios (bunk huts) or glamping domes, and unwinding with a pisco sour at the end of the day. Alternatively, you can camp throughout your journey—either carrying your own equipment or arranging for a tent to be set up as you move from one campground to the next.

Torres del Paine is famous for its long-distance hiking routes. The 69km (43-mile) 'W' trail, named for its shape on the map, showcases the park's three main attractions: Glaciar Grey, Valle Francés, and Los Cuernos and Las Torres. The 113km (70-mile) 'Circuit' takes you through the backcountry, over John Gardner Pass, and down towards the Southern Ice Field, completing a loop around the park by connecting with the 'W.'

Due to strict visitor limits and the park's high demand, it's essential to book accommodations months in advance for visits during the peak season from December to February. Refugios and campgrounds are managed by Vertice Travel and Fantástico Sur. If your budget allows, consider staying at one of the upscale wilderness lodges in the park—such as EcoCamp Patagonia or Patagonia Camp—and participate in their organized day tours instead.

2. Los Glaciares National Park (Argentina)

Home to the iconic Perito Moreno glacier

Many travelers exploring Torres del Paine also make the trip across the border to Argentina's renowned national park, the 7269 sq km (2806 sq mile) Los Glaciares National Park, which features two distinct zones. Accessible from the town of El Calafate, the highlight of the southern section is the breathtaking Perito Moreno glacier—one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing.

The ice sheet can be viewed from a series of boardwalks, from a cruise boat gliding past its icy facade, or by trekking across the ice with a local guide. Another favored activity from El Calafate is the boat cruise on Lago Argentino to see the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers.

The northern section of the park is characterized by the rugged Fitz Roy mountain range—a premier destination for rock climbers and hikers. The surprisingly vibrant town of El Chaltén, located at the base of the massif, serves as a convenient hub for visitors.

You can embark on various day hikes, perhaps to Laguna de Los Tres or Laguna Torre, returning each night to a charming guesthouse or hostel before enjoying a meal of steak and craft beer. El Chaltén also acts as a starting point for challenging, long-distance treks across the Southern Ice Field, with local operators offering guided hikes along with ice climbing and rock climbing lessons.

3. Patagonia National Park (Chile)

A remarkable rewilding achievement

One of Chile's newest national parks, the 1787-sq-km (690-sq-mile) Patagonia National Park has emerged from dedicated efforts by volunteers to rewild and rejuvenate the Chacabuco Valley, which was significantly damaged by a massive sheep estancia (ranch) until 2004. Since then, extensive areas of the park have been hand-planted with native vegetation.

Reaching the border with Argentina and known as the 'Serengeti of the Southern Cone,' this wind-swept valley is home to a thriving population of guanacos (lama-like camelids), alongside the endangered huemul deer, flamingos, vizcacha (rabbit-like rodents), ñandú (rhea), and the occasional puma. Keen observers can spot these and other animals throughout the park's mountains and glacial lagoons.

A high-clearance vehicle is essential for thoroughly exploring the park. Several stunning day hikes begin near the visitor center, located 17km (10.5 miles) north of Cochrane. For those seeking adventure, the challenging three-day trek through the Áviles valley to the nearby Reserva Nacional Jeinimeni requires careful advance preparation.

4. Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park (Chile)

A realm of fjords and islands

Located south of the Chilean town of Hornopirén, the landscape transforms into a network of fjords and small islands. This area marks the northern section of Pumalín National Park, which was once one of the largest private nature reserves globally before being gifted to the Chilean government in 2017 by conservationists Doug and Kris Tompkins, key figures in Patagonia's preservation efforts.

Spanning 2889 sq km (1115 sq miles), the northern section of the reserve is accessible only through boat tours or multi-day sea kayaking trips organized by companies like Ko Kayak and Alsur Expediciones. The southern part, divided by the Carretera Austral, features excellent facilities, including picturesque campgrounds, cabins, and lodges for hikers.

Numerous trails begin either from the southern highway or from El Amarillo, located south of Chaitén. The Sendero Volcán Chaitén trail leads to the crater of the volcano that devastated Chaitén in 2008, while Sendero Los Alerces introduces you to a grove of critically endangered alerce trees, some nearly 4000 years old. Additional trails guide you to lagoons, hanging glaciers, and waterfalls.

5. Laguna San Rafael National Park (Chile)

Home to a receding glacier

Spanning 17,420 sq km (6726 sq miles) of southern beech forests, wetlands, and the icy expanse of Glaciar San Valentín, which flows down from Chile's Northern Ice Field into a lagoon filled with house-sized, teal-blue icebergs that are around 30,000 years old.

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers an unforgettable experience. You can take a boat from Puerto Chacabuco with Catamaranes del Sur, or opt for a more budget-friendly route by driving through the scenic Valle Exploradores from Puerto Río Tranquilo and then taking a shorter boat ride with Destino Patagonia. Whichever way you choose, make sure to visit soon, as the glacier continues to shrink each year.

6. Queulat National Park (Chile)

A place where rain is a constant companion

Located along the Carretera Austral between the towns of Coyhaique and Chaitén, the turbulent rivers, glacial lagoons, glacier-capped peaks, and southern beech forests of Queulat National Park attract relatively few visitors, largely due to the near-constant rain.

For those who do venture here, be prepared to navigate through thick ferns on overgrown paths. Nonetheless, the 3.2 km (2-mile) trek from the park headquarters to the glacial Laguna de Los Témpanos is well worth the effort, offering stunning views of Ventisquero Colgante – the park's iconic hanging glacier.

7. Cerro Castillo National Park (Chile)

Ideal for remote trekking

Dominated by the towering spires of the 2700m (8,858ft) Cerro Castillo, this mountain reserve provides exceptional long-distance hiking amidst breathtaking alpine landscapes. Spanning 1796 sq km (693 sq miles), the park features glaciers, rushing streams, and lush beech forests.

The primary entrance to the park is located 76km (47 miles) south of Coyhaique along the Carretera Austral; buses to Villa Cerro Castillo or further can drop you off at the trailhead near the 75km marker. While the infrastructure along the 40km (25-mile) Sendero Cerro Castillo is limited, seasoned trekkers who are comfortable camping can enjoy the solitude of the backcountry on their journey to Villa Cerro Castillo.

8. Monte León National Park (Argentina)

Coastal trails lead to penguin sightings

Covering approximately 621 sq km (240 sq miles) of Patagonian steppe, stunning coastlines, and rugged headlands, this magnificent wilderness has served various purposes throughout its history. Once a hunting area for the Tehuelche people and later a sheep estancia (ranch), the park now hosts around 75,000 Magellanic penguins, alongside sea lions, guanacos, and pumas.

To access the park, take the gravel RN-3 from Río Gallegos or Comandante Luis Piedrabuena, driving up to the cliffs at Cabeza de León. From there, you can park and explore nature trails leading to the coastline. Hiking along the shore is ideal during low tide, allowing you to reach the offshore sea stack of Isla Monte León, which announces its presence with the sounds of its many skuas, cormorants, and gulls.

9. Perito Moreno National Park (Argentina)

Experience tranquility away from Ruta 40

Distinct from the famous glacier and Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, this secluded stretch of steppe, adorned with aquamarine lakes and framed by the glacier-capped Sierra Colorada mountains, is a worthy detour from Argentina's renowned Ruta 40.

In addition to its peaceful atmosphere (the park welcomes only a few hundred visitors annually), highlights include breathtaking vistas from Cerro León, opportunities to spot condors at Cerro de los Cóndores, ancient cave art at Lago Burmeister, and remarkable landscapes on the full-day hike around Lago Belgrano. You can camp at free, basic sites or choose to stay at the nearby Estancia Oriental.

10. Bernardo O’Higgins National Park (Chile)

Embark on a boat trip for a day of exploration

This remote national park, accessible only by boat from Puerto Natales, features a stunning landscape of glaciers, mountains, and fjords. Turismo 21 de Mayo offers day excursions to the base of Glaciar Serrano, complete with a traditional barbecue lunch. You can also continue up the Río Serrano in a Zodiac boat to reach Torres del Paine with the same tour operator.

11. Pali Aike National Park (Chile)

Discover ancient geological formations on foot

The name Pali Aike translates to 'devil's country' in the indigenous Tehuelche language, and its stark, barren landscape of craters, steppe, ancient lava flows, and vividly colored volcanic rocks will reveal why. Located about 200km (124 miles) northeast of Punta Arenas, near the Argentine border, this national park features several hiking trails, including a short yet rewarding route that offers views of the impressive Crater Morada del Diablo. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear.

12. Tierra del Fuego National Park (Argentina)

A wilderness that’s easy to explore

Reaching Tierra del Fuego's most accessible national park is simple via the gravel RN-3 from Ushuaia. Spanning 630 sq km (243 sq miles), this area features sub-Antarctic tundra, rugged peaks, Fuegian forests, marshy peat bogs, and unspoiled coastlines nestled between the Beagle Channel and Lago Fagnano. The park is home to the endangered Fuegian fox, Canadian beavers, guanacos, and sea otters, along with a rich array of birdlife, including condors, oyster catchers, and steamer ducks.

The park extends to the Chilean border, though only its southernmost part is accessible to visitors, featuring several basic campsites and ample opportunities for wild camping. While overnight stays are optional, there are many day hikes available, including the picturesque trek to Mirador Lapataia and the coastal Senda Costera trail.

13. Yendegaia National Park (Chile)

Perfect for independent explorers

Creating a crucial wildlife corridor between the nearly unreachable Parque Nacional Alberto de Agostini in the Cordillera Darwin and Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, Yendegaia National Park is among Chile's most remote parks, drawing great interest from self-sufficient explorers.

Part of the snow-covered Cordillera Darwin, the park features dense Fuegian forests, glacial bays, and former ranchlands currently undergoing rewilding. Yendegaia can be reached by a weekly ferry from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams; drop-off requests must be made in advance, and visitors need to be fully self-sufficient.