Argentine Patagonia

Argentine Patagonia

Argentine Patagonia is the edge of the world—a land of never-ending plains and breathtaking mountains. It represents both the new hope of immigrants and the ancient domain of the Mapuche and Tehuelche.

Patagonia extends across the southern territory of Chile and Argentina: from Neuquén and Araucanía in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south, and from the Chilean fjords to Argentina’s South Atlantic cliffs. In the west, granite spears and ice-clad volcanoes loom above pale-blue lakes and primordial forests. East of the Andes, the Patagonian steppe stretches to the horizon.

San Pedro Claver
Nature is alive here, speaking in the voice of the wind, the song of hopeful birds, and the crack of ancient ice. Come and listen.

Where to go in Argentine Patagonia

Bahia Bustamante

Bahia Bustamante is a private, 200,000-acre ranch on the scenic Patagonian Coast. Located roughly 155 miles south of Trelew, these wild shores were little known to the outside world before 2005, when European travelers stumbled upon them, marveling at the abundant coastal wildlife.

The Lakes District

The Argentine Lake District centers around Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Argentina’s first national park. The park encircles the seven arms of Lake Nahuel Huapi, a deep-blue glacial lake surrounded by rugged mountains and ancient forests. Near the center of the lake, Victoria Island is crowned by transplanted redwoods.

El Calafate

Abutting Lago Argentino in Argentine Patagonia’s deep south, the small town of El Calafate is the gateway to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. It contains 47 major glaciers. In fact, it’s the largest icecap outside of Antarctica and Greenland, covering over 30% of the park’s surface.

El Chalten

Chalten is a Tehuelche word meaning “Smoking Mountain.” This is the name given to Mount Fitz Roy, a cloud-covered peak in what is now the northern sector of Los Glaciares National Park. This section of the Andes—thick with granite spires, glaciers, rivers, and lakes—embodies Patagonia’s spirit of solitary wildness and adventure.

Route 40

Route 40, the north-south highway spanning Argentine Patagonia, is sometimes referred to as the loneliest road on earth. Certainly, the 860 miles from Bariloche to El Chalten include long stretches where other vehicles are rare. Others might find this solitude rewarding; if you want to experience the soul of Patagonia, you’re on the right track.

Strait of Magellan

From September to April, visitors can travel from Argentina to Chile via the Strait of Magellan—a critical natural passage between South America and Tierra del Fuego, connecting the Atlantic and Southern Pacific oceans. The fjords and channels throughout the Strait of Magellan are known for their natural beauty and calm waters.

The Valdes Peninsula

The Valdes Peninsula juts eastward into the South Atlantic, creating a 310-mile coast between two bays. This is one of the best places in the world to observe marine mammals and penguins. Herds of elephant seals and sea lions are regularly found here, lounging on the gravelly beaches.

Tierra del Fuego

In 1520, Magellan became the first European to navigate the southern straits. As he sailed the rugged coast, he was surprised to see dozens of glowing campfires on shore. The fires, used by the Yamana tribes to ward off the cold, prompted the area’s current name: Tierra del Fuego—the “Land of Fire”.

Start your journey today

LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you throughout the Route 40. 

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