Best Things to Do in Patagonia: 6 Adventures in Chile and Argentina
The best things to do in Patagonia include seeing penguins on Península Valdés, visiting Perito Moreno Glacier, driving the Carretera Austral, and exploring the ancient art of Cueva de las Manos. These six traveler recommendations span Chile and Argentina. Choose a regional route rather than trying to combine every stop in one short trip.
Planning a Perito Moreno glacier trek?
Choose an ice trek if you want to walk on the glacier and meet the operator’s age, health, and fitness requirements. The linked product combines guided trekking and a boat crossing; hotel transfers depend on your selected option. Check the park-entry charge, food, guide language, and cancellation terms before booking.
Check glacier-trekking dates and options
The viewing walkways are a worthwhile alternative without an ice trek. Do not buy a separate boat trip without first checking what your trekking package already includes. An ice-cave visit is not promised.
The contributors below describe their own earlier trips. Their personal observations remain, with updated planning notes where routes, access, or booking conditions need a fresh check.
Patagonia at a glance
- Where: Southern Chile and Argentina. These experiences cover several distant regions.
- Time: Allow 7–10 days for one selected area, with extra time for long transfers and weather. This is a planning suggestion, not a six-stop itinerary.
- Season: Match your dates to your activity. Summer road trips and wildlife visits do not share one universal best month.
- Budget: Compare total costs in Argentine or Chilean pesos, including transport, park fees, and guided activities.
Choose your Patagonia experience
- Península Valdés and the penguins at Estancia San Lorenzo
- Helicopter flight over General Carrera Lake and Aysén glaciers
- Huemul Circuit near El Chaltén
- Road trip along the Carretera Austral
- Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate
- Cueva de las Manos: the Cave of Hands
1. Península Valdés and the penguins at Estancia San Lorenzo
Recommended by Melissa from Family Voyage
One of the rewarding things to do in Argentine Patagonia is observe the native wildlife.
There are many species on land and in local waters, guanacos and southern right whales among them, but the colonies of Magellanic penguins living on Península Valdés were a particular highlight for us.
This tour took us to Estancia San Lorenzo, a private ranch with a beachfront that the penguins can’t get enough of.
At Estancia San Lorenzo, visits to the penguin colony are organized rather than an invitation to roam freely among the burrows. Confirm the current visit arrangements and keep to the guide’s instructions.
Our visit coincided with penguin hatching. Wildlife seasons vary by species, so November should not be treated as the single best month for all of Patagonia or a guarantee of whale and penguin sightings together.
We were fortunate to visit during the first week of hatching, and we could see the signs of new life all around. There were adorable chirps of tiny chicks, and right next to them were tiny eggs split neatly in half.
Mom and dad penguins waddled casually past visitors along the pathways between burrows as they took turns caring for their new twins.
If you can add Chubut province in northern Patagonia to your itinerary, plan around the wildlife you most want to see. Give animals space, and do not expect the exact encounters described in our original visit.
get up close with the native wildlife
Plan your visit
- Location: Chubut, Argentina; use Puerto Madryn or Puerto Pirámides as your base.
- Admission and fees: Budget separately for protected-area admission, the estancia visit, transport, and any whale-watching boat. Request the current total for your nationality and selected itinerary.
- Hours and access: Wildlife is seasonal. San Lorenzo penguin outings are advertised for September–March by a local accommodation provider; confirm the estancia’s actual operating dates and visit slots before travel.
- Time needed: Allow a full excursion day from your base; consider 2–3 nights if wildlife is a priority (editorial suggestion).
- Booking and transport: Select the exact colony you want. A generic Valdés or Punta Tombo tour does not necessarily visit San Lorenzo; keep a weather alternative for boat trips.
Our take: Best for wildlife-focused travelers; choose the season by species, not a promise that every animal will appear on the same day.
2. Helicopter flight over General Carrera Lake and Aysén glaciers
Recommended by Fran from La Vida Nómade
I was traveling with other journalists in Aysén, in the northern part of Patagonia, Chile. We got up at 8 am and headed out on the road.
It took us through amazing landscapes: wetlands, cliffs, and lakes. Half dizzy due to the curves, we arrived at our destination: Puerto Guadal.
A great surprise awaited us there. As soon as we entered the Terra Luna lodge, I saw a wooden sign reading “Helitours.” I had never flown by helicopter. I was afraid, but our pilot was an experienced former member of the Air Force, which gave me confidence.
They gave us the instructions, and the helicopter took off. The wind was on our side, and the aircraft barely stirred. We went over General Carrera Lake toward the Meliquina glacier, where we had a good time enjoying the scenery.
Then we went back to the helicopter to fly over the glacier and into a canyon. I felt like in an action movie.
Once back at Terra Luna lodge, we were all very happy and excited. Seeing the glacier and General Carrera Lake from above was the highlight of the day.
Plan your visit
- Location: Puerto Guadal, Chile; the original departure was from Terra Luna lodge.
- Admission and fees: A bespoke quotation is needed. Ask whether the price is per person or aircraft and what happens if weather prevents the flight.
- Hours and access: Terra Luna currently lists a Patagonia Jet–Helitours contact. The original route, landing, pilot, and departure time are not confirmed as a current scheduled package.
- Time needed: Ask for flight time, briefing, transfer time, and weather flexibility; the original story is not a timetable.
- Booking and transport: Arrange directly with the operator. Confirm route, landing permission, passenger limits, and cancellation terms before paying.
Our take: A premium option for a flexible Aysén itinerary. Skip it if the cost or a weather cancellation would undermine the rest of your trip.
3. Huemul Circuit near El Chaltén
Confirm access before planning this trek
An official January 2026 fire notice recorded the suspension of the Huemul Circuit. That dated notice does not establish whether the route is open today. Confirm current access with Los Glaciares staff before arranging a departure. Read the dated park notice
Recommended by Kristin from Be My Travel Muse
If you are up for a (real) challenge in Patagonia, look no further than the Huemul Circuit.
This circuit is difficult and technical, with views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. It is not interchangeable with El Chaltén’s more straightforward day hikes.
The route requires navigation, steep descents, self-sufficient camping, and appropriate river-crossing equipment and skills. A harness and carabiner alone are not a complete equipment list; confirm the current requirements with the park and a qualified local guide.
The original trek described here took about four days. Day 1 was a hike from El Chaltén through a bit of forest and a few open areas.
On day 2, our route involved harness-and-cable river crossings. This description is a recollection, not a crossing tutorial or confirmation that the same installation is usable today.
The next few hours were spent climbing over a rocky glacier moraine, then climbing hand and foot up a gravel trail. This is easily one of the steepest trails I’ve done, but the view made a strong impression.
Day 3 was the toughest day for me, with a narrow, exposed descent. The reward was the intense aquamarine color of the glacier landscape and water below.
On our final morning, shades of gold and red and floating icebergs near Viedma were part of the scene. Arrange your own exit transport in advance; this account does not establish a scheduled bus from the end of today’s route.
Plan your visit
- Location: Los Glaciares National Park, El Chaltén area, Argentina.
- Admission and fees: Park admission, guide if used, equipment hire, food, and exit transport are separate considerations. Check the current multi-day ticket rules for your exact route.
- Hours and access: Remote-area registration is required. Confirm current opening and route conditions with park staff; a January 2026 fire notice recorded a suspension and is not proof of today’s status.
- Time needed: Roughly four trekking days in the original account, plus preparation and weather buffer.
- Booking and transport: Suitable only with the required technical skills, equipment, and conditions. Consult a qualified local guide; do not treat the account as navigation instructions.
Our take: For experienced, self-sufficient trekkers or an appropriate guided expedition. A simpler El Chaltén day hike is the better choice if you lack the skills or weather buffer.
4. Road trip along the Carretera Austral
Recommended by Warren from Sling Adventures
The Carretera Austral connects remote communities through some of Chilean Patagonia’s most difficult terrain.
It connected isolated northern Patagonian towns. Nowadays, independent travelers take on its gravel sections, dust, and curves by car, bicycle, and other means.
The Carretera Austral is known as Ruta 7, a Chilean route of more than 1,200 kilometers. It starts at Puerto Montt and extends south to Villa O’Higgins, with ferry connections forming part of the journey.
The Carretera Austral is definitely a time when the journey versus destination cliché comes into its own.
Travelers are drawn by mountain vistas, small towns, green national parks, hilltop hikes, and crevasse-riddled glaciers.
It rewards travelers who allow time for the road itself. Trying to cover the full length on a rushed itinerary leaves little room for the places that make the journey worthwhile.
Plan your visit
- Location: Ruta 7 between Puerto Montt and Villa O’Higgins, Chile.
- Admission and fees: No single itinerary price. Include vehicle hire, fuel, ferries, accommodation, park entry, and any one-way rental charge.
- Hours and access: Road, ferry, and weather conditions determine progress. Chile Travel recommends December–March; this is not a guarantee that every side road or trail is open.
- Time needed: Plan a week for a selected section or two weeks or more for a slower, longer road trip (editorial estimates, excluding international travel).
- Booking and transport: Book the ferry legs that take reservations and confirm vehicle suitability, insurance, and the return route with your rental company.
Our take: Choose a manageable section if your time is limited. Rushing the entire road mainly to reach its endpoint misses the point of the journey.
5. Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate
Recommended by Lora from Explore with Lora
Perito Moreno Glacier is in Los Glaciares National Park near El Calafate, Argentina. Do not confuse this gateway with El Chaltén, or the glacier with the town of Perito Moreno farther north.
Various tours run from town, including glacier trekking with Hielo y Aventura. I did the Minitrekking, which was a great experience.
Our tour started with pickup at our accommodation in El Calafate, followed by the drive through the park to the boat dock. Check whether transfers are included in the option you choose.
From there, we took a boat closer to the glacier and met the guides, who provided crampons for walking on the ice.
On the trek, the guides stopped for photos and to introduce us to the landscape of the glacier: streams, small lagoons, gullies, crevasses, and ice formations in different shades of blue.
The guides explained the flora, fauna, and glaciology of the region. As a bonus, at the end of our tour we got to go inside an ice cave carved by a river that flowed through the glacier. That was part of my historical visit, not a promised feature of current tours.
Inside, there was blue light and ice formations that looked like pieces of art. After the trek, we went to a lunch spot near the ferry dock, where we could admire the glacier from a distance.
When large chunks of ice break off, they can create waves in the lake, not the ocean. Stay in designated visitor areas. After lunch, we took the boat back and headed to the balcony viewing section.
The balconies provide impressive views of the glacier’s front and help you take in its scale. They are a separate way to experience Perito Moreno if an ice trek does not suit you.
Plan your visit
- Location: Los Glaciares National Park, near El Calafate, Argentina.
- Admission and fees: APN’s general daily Los Glaciares admission is ARS 50,000, checked October 8, 2026; national, provincial-resident and student categories differ. Tours and boats may cost extra. This is not the fee for Perito Moreno National Park.
- Hours and access: Check park access times and the booked tour’s meeting time. Ice trekking has age, health, and fitness restrictions; a boat excursion or viewpoint visit does not include walking on the glacier.
- Time needed: Allow a full day from El Calafate. Total duration depends on transfers and the selected activity, not only the time on the ice.
- Booking and transport: Reserve a suitable trekking departure in advance. Compare the boardwalk visit before paying for a trek you cannot or do not want to do.
Our take: The viewpoints are worthwhile without an ice trek. Pay for trekking if you want the guided on-ice experience and meet the operator’s requirements.
The linked trekking product lists a total duration of 5–11 hours depending on the option, including time beyond the walk on the ice. Check the exact departure and requirements for everyone in your party.
6. Cueva de las Manos: the Cave of Hands
Recommended by Michael from Time Travel Turtle
It can be an adventure in itself getting to the Cave of Hands. Plan the visit as part of a Route 40 journey or from the town of Perito Moreno, rather than assuming it is a quick excursion from El Calafate.
The Cave of Hands is a place to encounter Patagonia’s long human history. UNESCO describes rock art made between about 13,000 and 9,500 years ago, including hand stencils, animals, and hunting scenes.
They followed the animals and the seasons and would spend time here each year. On the walls, they left their mark with handprints and paintings of their lives.
These ancient images show animals, humans, and hunting methods. They offer an insight into the lives of the region’s hunter-gatherer communities, not just a distant date on a timeline.
The fact that these paintings have survived for so long is quite incredible. When I visited, I was the first person to come that day.
The local guide showed me around on my own, which gave me a much more intimate experience. It’s nice to have a calm and quiet atmosphere at the Cave of Hands because there’s a lot to think about when you see something this special.
Plan your visit
- Location: Río Pinturas area, Santa Cruz, Argentina; plan from Perito Moreno town or a Route 40 itinerary.
- Admission and fees: The archaeological visit is separately charged. If approaching through Parque Patagonia, its portal fee is not the same as admission to the archaeological site; request a complete current quote.
- Hours and access: Arrange a guided archaeological visit and confirm current start times and access road conditions. Do not touch or approach the art beyond permitted areas.
- Time needed: Allow a substantial excursion window including road access; ask for the full door-to-door duration from your actual base.
- Booking and transport: Confirm the approach route, whether a canyon hike is involved, the guide, entrance fees, and return transport.
Our take: A strong choice for archaeology on a Route 40 journey; a poor fit as a rushed detour from southern Patagonia.
Build a route around one region
- Wildlife: Base yourself in Puerto Madryn or Puerto Pirámides for Península Valdés. This is a separate northern stop, not a short day trip from El Calafate.
- Glaciers and hiking: Combine El Calafate and El Chaltén, allowing separate days for travel and weather. The Huemul expedition is an additional commitment, not an obligatory sightseeing stop.
- Aysén: Plan the Carretera Austral and Puerto Guadal together. Choose a manageable road section; ferry bookings and vehicle return arrangements affect the route.
- Archaeology: Fit Cueva de las Manos into a Route 40 journey around Perito Moreno town. The town and the famous glacier are different places.
For a first southern Patagonia trip, an editorial starting point is 7–10 days split between El Calafate and El Chaltén: a glacier day, suitable day hikes, transfer days, and weather flexibility. A Chilean extension needs additional time; our Torres del Paine hiking guide helps you assess that option.
When to go and what to reserve
Chile Travel recommends December–March for the Carretera Austral. Wildlife follows its own calendar, while mountain access depends on local conditions. Bring layers and protection from wind and rain; leave a flexible day before an expensive onward connection. Confirm ferries, limited-capacity activities, and remote accommodation before finalizing a driving route.
Compare the complete price, not just a headline tour rate. Park entry, transfers, meals, equipment, and one-way vehicle fees can change the budget. For border crossings, confirm permission with the rental company and check current entry requirements for your nationality.
Patagonia travel FAQs
Is Patagonia in Chile or Argentina?
Both. This guide includes Argentine wildlife and glacier stops and Chilean Aysén experiences. Plan transport and any border crossing explicitly.
How many days do you need in Patagonia?
Allow 7–10 days for one selected area as a starting point. Combining distant regions or adding a multi-day trek needs longer. These six entries are not a one-week circuit.
What is the best season for these experiences?
It depends on the activity. December–March is Chile Travel’s recommended Carretera Austral period; choose wildlife dates by species and confirm mountain access locally.
Can you visit Perito Moreno without trekking?
Yes. The viewing walkways provide a separate glacier experience. Park entry and transport still need planning; boat trips and ice treks are different optional purchases.
Is El Chaltén the base for Perito Moreno Glacier?
El Calafate is the usual gateway for Perito Moreno Glacier. El Chaltén is a different hiking base, and Perito Moreno town is farther north.
Is the Huemul Circuit suitable for beginners?
It is a technical, remote multi-day route, not a beginner day hike. Current opening, registration, equipment, and guide requirements need confirmation; the historical account here is not route guidance.
Do you need a rental car?
Not for every experience. Organized excursions can cover selected activities, while a Carretera Austral road trip needs a more detailed transport plan. Compare transfers, ferry legs, and vehicle return costs.
Does glacier trekking include an ice cave?
Do not assume so. Lora’s cave visit belongs to her earlier experience. Current routes and features depend on the operator and glacier conditions; book only the inclusions explicitly offered.
More South America travel ideas
For separate trips beyond Patagonia, explore our South America destinations, Bolivia experiences, Uyuni salt-flats itinerary, and Death Road cycling account. For an Ecuador island extension on a longer continental trip, see our land-based Galápagos itinerary.
- About the Author
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Pauline has a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and is a professional content writer. She specializes in writing about travel and food. Pauline spent most of her career life in Dubai and is a Travel Expert for the United States and Costa Rica.
