Know Before You Go: Visiting Argentine Patagonia

The Patagonia region of South America is big enough to be a country on its own. Instead, the area is shared between Chile and Argentina, with approximately 90 percent of the region in Argentina. Some sections of this border between the neighboring nations are still ill-defined and contested.

There's no particular spot that marks the start of Argentine Patagonia, but many consider the Colorado River the northern border. From there, the region descends to the southernmost tip of the continent—a distance of more than 1,200 miles (1,900 kilometers). The archipelago of Tierra del Fuego is sometimes considered part of Argentine Patagonia as well. This area includes the city of Ushuaia which is shared between Chile and Argentina and is home to the port used by Antarctica-bound cruise ships.

It can be cold, wet, and windy year-round in Argentine Patagonia, especially in the southernmost areas. For the best Patagonia, Argentina weather, travel during the South American summer (December through February) when mild temperatures are best for enjoying Patagonia hiking trails. That said, many people highly recommend traveling here during the fall and even in winter—you just have to plan carefully.

The winter weather is most dramatic in the far southern areas of Argentine Patagonia, including in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, where colder temperatures and drastically shorter days impact the travel season. Some attractions in southern Argentina—including, parks, hiking trails, hotels, and restaurants—close during fall and winter.

Other parts of the region, however, offer year-round fun. The city of Bariloche, for instance, welcomes travelers all year long with both summer activities and a popular ski mountain. And if you head to the Valdes Peninsula in winter, you can see southern right whale calves.

Argentine Patagonia is too big for most travelers to explore in one trip to Patagonia, so many people focus on exploring just one or two specific sections. From Buenos Aires, you can take a domestic flight to the hubs of Bariloche, El Calafate, Puerto Madryn, or Ushuaia; each of these starting points will give you access to a particular part of the region.

Public transport is limited in Patagonia. Adventurous travelers can rent a 4WD vehicle and embark on an epic road trip through the region. If you go this route, be prepared for long distances and rough roads. You should also be aware that services such as food, gas, and lodgings can be several hundred miles apart; plan your trip carefully. For that reason, most people visiting the area opt to explore with tour companies that provide ground transportation and handle all the logistics.

Patagonia is famous for its desert grasslands—an area known as the Patagonian steppe—and its wildlife, including Magellanic penguin colonies and solitary pumas. Argentine Patagonia also offers petrified forests; glaciers (including the famous calving Perito Moreno Glacier); and Lago Argentino, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country.

Argentine Patagonia is also full of national parks that are best visited on a day trip that includes hassle-free transport. The top picks are Perito Moreno National Park, the ice fields of Los Glaciares National Park, and Tierra del Fuego National Park. Animal lovers can also head to the Valdes Peninsula, a preserve that is home to southern right whales, southern elephant seals, southern sea lions, and, sometimes, orcas.

Lesser-known stops worth exploring include areas such as Neuquén, where paleontologists routinely unearth major dinosaur finds; the historic La Trochita train (immortalized in Paul Theroux’s book The Old Patagonian Express); and sites containing the remnants of pre-Columbian cultures, such as the Cueva de las Manos, which boasts striking cave art. You can also walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, who visited a variety of stops throughout Patagonia on the same trip that took him to the Galapagos Islands.

Argentina is a famously meat-loving nation. In most parts of the country, beef is king. However, when visiting Argentine Patagonia, you’re more likely to see lamb in dishes, including stuffed pasta and whole lamb cooked over a live fire. That’s because sheep farmers from Europe brought livestock to the region in the late 19th century, and a culture of sheep farming and wool production exists to this day. Vegetarians won’t starve here, but you may have to work harder than expected to find meat-free options.

To sample some of the wines being produced in Argentine Patagonia, head to bodegas (wineries or wine cellars) around the city of Neuquén, in the northern part of Argentine Patagonia. Or, if you’re traveling near the more southerly town of Trevelin, visit wineries such as Contra Corriente and Casa Yagüe to learn how the area’s extreme terrain and weather affect local wines.

Related: 15 Traditional Argentinean Foods and Drinks To Try on Your Next Trip

A trip through this part of the world is all about spending time outdoors, but don’t assume that you will be able to buy or rent what you need when you get there. Pack any essentials (including things like camping gear and sturdy boots to tackle Patagonia hiking trails) and specialized clothing (including rain pants) for the outdoor activities you plan to enjoy. Layers are key, as temperatures and weather conditions can (and do!) change dramatically; wet, cold, and windy conditions can surprise you at any time.

The hiking routes radiating from El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital, are typically steep and rocky, so they pose a problem for traditional wheelchairs; all-terrain wheelchairs could be an option for flatter, less-demanding hikes such as Chorrillo del Salto, which only has a 70-foot (21-meter) elevation gain. However, paved trails lead to the Mirador de los Cóndores, just a 15-minute walk from the town center, making it an accessible option. From here, you can see Mt. Fitz Roy and might see Andean condors soaring overhead.

Additionally, the Perito Moreno Glacier has wheelchair accessible wooden boardwalks leading from the parking lot, plus audio and video guides for hearing- and visually-impaired visitors. Some boat tours of Los Glaciers National Park (Parque Nacional Los Glaciares) can also accommodate wheelchairs.

• Is it necessary to speak Spanish in Patagonia? While knowledge of Spanish can be helpful, especially in more remote areas, many tourist destinations and services in Patagonia cater to English-speaking visitors.
• Do I need any permits to visit national parks in Patagonia? Some national parks in Patagonia may require entrance fees or permits. It's advisable to check the specific requirements for the parks you plan to visit in advance.
• What activities can I do in Patagonia? Patagonia offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, trekking, bird watching, glacier tours, and adventure sports including skiing and snowboarding during the winter months.
• Is Argentine Patagonia expensive? Due to the region's remote location, prices tend to be elevated, especially when it comes to food costs. And inflated accommodation prices in Patagonia are a result of increasing tourism to the area.
• Is it safe to travel to Patagonia? Exercise normal precautions as you would when you travel anywhere, and you will find most of Argentina to be safe and wonderful to visit.