Unmissable Destinations in Patagonia

For those yearning for an adventure, a deep immersion in nature, or the sensation of being the only soul for miles, Patagonia offers one of the last truly untouched corners of the Earth.

This vast, remote region spans hundreds of thousands of square miles across southern Argentina and Chile, encompassing ancient forests, towering glaciers, dramatic fjords, and the rugged Andes mountains.

Patagonia teems with diverse wildlife, from pumas to penguins and parrots. Whether it’s kayaking, trekking, biking, climbing, rafting, or even snorkeling alongside playful sea lion pups, there's an adventure for everyone.

“This is a destination for those who seek excitement. You can feel the wild winds and the sea,” said Kevin Zaouali, one of the directors of the new Dinogo Original Series 'Patagonia: Life on the Edge of the World.' “In Patagonia, you’re surrounded by nature and you feel like a small part of this immense, wild world.”

Here are some of the top destinations at the end of the world:

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Torres del Paine is one of the crown jewels of Chile’s national parks. It boasts vast glaciers, shimmering turquoise lakes, towering granite peaks reaching over 9,400 feet, breathtaking waterfalls, and unique wildlife.

“There are very few places in the world that remain so pure, so untouched,” said Camilo Rada, a scientist and mountaineer from Chile.

This park is one of the most remote and sparsely inhabited areas on the planet, where wildlife must adapt to survive its harsh and unpredictable conditions. Species like condors, wild horses, rheas, guanacos, and pumas call it home.

“This is one of the best places in the world to spot pumas. Elsewhere, they shy away from humans, but not here. With no predators – no wolves or bears – they are much more relaxed,” said René Araneda, former guide and director of ‘Patagonia: Life on the Edge of the World.’ “Torres del Paine is probably my favorite place on Earth.”

It’s estimated that hundreds of pumas roam the park and its surrounding areas.

The park is also a prime destination for trekking, with trails like the W Trek (50 miles) and O Circuit (68 miles) offering some of the best hikes in the region. The summer months, from November to March in the Southern Hemisphere, are the best time for hiking.

When it comes to accommodations, two top choices are the world’s first geodesic dome hotel, EcoCamp Patagonia, and the luxurious Explora lodge.

Península Valdés and El Pedral, Argentina

Located more than 700 miles northeast of Torres del Paine along the Argentine coastline, Península Valdés is another haven for wildlife enthusiasts. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can spot orcas, southern right whales, elephant seals, sea lions, Magellanic penguins, and a wide variety of birds.

Zaouali suggests taking a boat ride to get an up-close view of the southern right whales. These slow-moving, peaceful giants earned their name because they were once considered the 'right' whales to hunt. On the other hand, orcas can be spotted from the beaches of Península Valdés.

'This is the best place in the world to witness orcas,' Zaouali remarked. 'If you visit, you'll experience true wildlife encounters.'

Punta Norte, located at the northern tip of the peninsula, is one of the few places globally where orcas actually come ashore to hunt seals and sea lion pups. Only two pods of orcas are known to use this remarkable hunting technique.

The orcas first swim sideways to conceal their dorsal fins, then beach themselves to capture their prey before cleverly sliding back into the ocean. This extraordinary spectacle occurs in March and April, and is truly a breathtaking sight.

About 30 miles south in El Pedral, a growing penguin colony is taking shape.

'When you're there, you truly feel alone in a vast penguin colony. It's the perfect place if you're looking to experience Patagonia in a unique way,' Zaouali shared with Dinogo, describing the location as magical.

According to conservationist Popi García, there are more than 12,000 Magellanic penguins in the colony, as featured in Dinogo's 'Patagonia' series.

'One of the most beloved penguins in the colony is Clarita,' García noted. 'She's about 16 years old and has successfully raised 14 chicks over her lifetime.'

The ideal time to witness the penguins is from September to April, as these migratory birds come back to breed during this period.

Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

Nestled in the southwest of Santa Cruz province in the Argentine Andes, Los Glaciares National Park is characterized by its vast array of glaciers.

The most iconic of these is the Perito Moreno Glacier, which stretches 19 miles in length, spans 3 miles in width, and plunges 560 feet deep, according to the Global Alliance of National Parks.

Zaouali likened this icy marvel to 'The Wall' from 'Game of Thrones.'

“It’s an incredible sight to witness,” said Zaouali. He suggests visiting during the spring or summer when the glacier is melting, so you can witness and hear massive chunks of ice crashing down right before your eyes.

At over 11,000 feet, Mount Fitz Roy is the tallest peak in the park. Hikers can take on the challenging 13-mile Fitz Roy trek for truly breathtaking views of the mountain.

Activities like horseback riding, kayaking, biking, and climbing also provide stunning panoramic views of this awe-inspiring park.

Balneario El Cóndor, Argentina

The small village of Balneario El Cóndor in northern Argentina is home to the world’s largest parrot colony, as reported by the Association of Avian Veterinarians.

After spending the winter in the north, pairs of burrowing parrots return to their same nests each spring. Some nests extend up to ten feet into the cliffs. There are around 37,000 active nests, according to conservationist Mauricio Failla in the “Patagonia” series.

These vibrant green, yellow, and blue parrots are highly social and vocal, which makes them a favorite of Failla to study.

Other popular attractions along the coast of Río Negro province include its sandy beaches and the Faro Río Negro lighthouse.

For adventure enthusiasts, activities like kite surfing, windsurfing, and sand yachting — a wheeled vehicle with a sail powered by the wind — are available.

Chiloé Island, Chile

Chiloé Island in Chile is renowned for offering some of the best whale watching in the region. Its stunning fjords attract a variety of wildlife, including sea lions, dolphins, and the massive blue whales, the largest creatures ever to have existed.

The summer months are ideal for spotting the endangered blue whales as they congregate along the Pacific coast to feed on krill. These immense creatures, weighing nearly 200 tons, consume up to four tons of krill daily.

“Witnessing a blue whale never loses its excitement. It’s always an awe-inspiring and emotional experience,” said oceanographer Susannah Buchan. “It’s a true privilege every time.”

Each year, around 700 migrating whales make their way to this region between January and April.

Buchan suggests that whale watchers plan their visits in February. However, she cautions that the feeding grounds are vast and ever-changing, meaning whale sightings are not always guaranteed. There are times when she goes without spotting a whale for several weeks.

A visit to Chiloé Island would be incomplete without immersing yourself in its rich culture. The island is home to a vibrant indigenous community that has deep cultural roots, with fishing and tourism being key industries for the local population.

Chiloé Island is renowned for its charming palafitos, wooden houses perched on stilts above the water. Visitors can also find stilted hotels and restaurants that offer a unique experience.

The region is famous for its mouthwatering seafood. One of the staple dishes is curanto, a traditional Chilean feast where meat and seafood are cooked in a hole in the ground, covered with a large leaf. The communal pot includes clams, mussels, sausage, potatoes, chicken, and pork.

Buchan recommends skipping Chilean salmon, which is not native to the area. Since there are no natural salmon in the Southern Hemisphere, the local salmon is farmed, leading to overcrowding, disease, and large-scale escapes that harm native fish and disrupt the marine ecosystem.

On the mainland, east of the island, lies Pumalín Park, Chile’s largest private nature reserve. Once owned by North Face founder Douglas Tompkins, it was donated to Chile. This free-to-visit park is a haven for outdoor lovers, offering lush rainforests and crystal-clear rivers.

Carretera Austral, Chile

For an adventure into some of the most remote parts of Patagonia, the Carretera Austral spans over 700 miles from Puerto Montt in the Lakes District all the way south to Villa O’Higgins in the Aysén region.

The road, often unpaved and requiring ferry rides, winds through small, isolated villages and breathtaking landscapes, making it one of Patagonia’s most scenic and sought-after road trips.

One of Araneda's favorite spots in Patagonia lies at the southern end of the Carretera Austral, in the Aysén region. This verdant area, home to famous parks like Pumalín and Laguna San Rafael National Park, is a biodiversity hotspot where new species continue to be discovered.

"This place is one of the least explored on Earth," said Araneda. "It feels like a jungle, similar to Costa Rica, but in a cold, rugged environment surrounded by the ocean and mountains."

Estancias across Patagonia

For an authentic experience, Patagonian ranches known as estancias offer traditional accommodations, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture and landscapes.

Visitors can experience the solitude of a gaucho's life, the iconic horseman who embodies the rugged frontier spirit of the region.

For horseback riding and fly fishing, Estancia Ranquilco, a 100,000-acre property in northwest Patagonia, offers lodging and immersive backcountry horseback treks.

Another great option is Tipiliuke, nestled in Argentina’s Chimehuín River valley in northwest Patagonia. Here, guests can enjoy activities like fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, yoga, golfing, mountain biking, rafting, bird watching, and even skiing at the nearby Chapelco ski area. The estancia’s chef is especially famed for her delicious empanadas.

Estancias provide the ideal setting to savor authentic regional cuisine, with one of the main highlights being Argentina’s famous barbecue, or asado.

In southern Chile, Estancia Cerro Guido spans 247,000 acres. Guests can immerse themselves in the daily life of the gauchos, helping in orchards and stables, while also engaging in conservation efforts. Activities include 4x4 drives, horseback riding around Torres del Paine, and accompanying puma trackers to study the movements of these majestic predators and explore how they coexist with the ranching life.

"The puma and the gaucho have long been rivals," said Mirko Utrovicic, a gaucho and puma tracker, in the series. "But it’s important to recognize that times are changing. Look at the world around us. We must give them their space back," he emphasized.