Patagonia: Seven Steps to Being Awestruck

A trip to South America’s Patagonia is a truly unforgettable experience. Shared by Chile and Argentina, the region offers breathtaking landscapes, delicious cuisine, a unique mix of cultures, and a wide range of options for adrenalin junkies and laid-back travelers alike.

Thinking of making Patagonia your next vacation destination? Here are seven surefire steps to making sure you truly enjoy all the region has to offer.

Be Prepared

A trip to Patagonia requires a bit more preparation than other destinations in South America. Beyond the normal ins and outs of getting ready for a trip to Argentina and/or Chile (for the former, you need to get your visa straightened out ahead of time; for the latter, you don’t), there are also questions of weather, seasons, and what you will and will not be able to pick up when you arrive.

Patagonia weather is pretty brisk year-round, so even if you’re traveling in January or February, bring warm clothes to bundle up – especially at night. Also note that as seasons and weather change, activities change. While some parts of the region are booming during winter months in June and July, others are practically snowbound, meaning a lot of entities reduce operations or shut down completely.

Remember that you may be traveling to some pretty remote places, meaning accessing some everyday items may be easier said than done. Bring what you can with you ahead of time, and try to have each nation’s currency on hand as well. Even in Argentina, where the dollar rules, smaller shops in the south of the country often prefer to be paid in pesos.

Clamp on Your Crampons

Located in the Argentine province of Santa Cruz, Los Glaciares National Park is a must-see destination. Its landscape juxtaposes rugged mountain ranges against tranquil glacial lakes and encompasses 47 glaciers, including the world-famous Perito Moreno.

The 97-square-mile ice formation is one of the few glaciers in the world that are actually advancing, and lucky visitors will see – and hear – icebergs crashing into the surrounding water as they break away from the glacier’s face. There are a number of excursions available to the Perito Moreno glacier. For those looking for a relaxing experience, boat tours are available (insider tip: bring your Dramamine), and for adventurers there are opportunities to set foot on the glacier.

There are two standard trekking tours available for the Perito Moreno glacier. The “mini-trekking” option is the lighter of the two, taking about two hours and entailing a short walk on the glacier itself. The bravest of the bunch will prefer the “big ice” tour, a five-hour hike that takes you to the center of Perito Moreno and back. Crampons are provided, but be sure to ask travel agencies exactly what each excursion entails in order to be prepared.

Walk With Penguins

From September to April, thousands of Magellanic penguins flock to Punta Tombo in Chubut. Protected since 1979, the reserve plays host to the largest such colony in South America and is part of the new marine National Park Golfo San Jorge. While the penguins may be observed, visitors are forbidden from touching or interacting with them – otherwise, you may end up with a nasty bite.

Many passersby stay in the nearby Trelew, which is located about an hour away.  Steeped in Welsh heritage, the city is the home of the Museum of Paleontology Egidio Feruglio (MEF), a journey into the natural past of the Argentine Patagonia and the prehistoric age. It features life-size dinosaur exhibits as well as upwards of 1,500 fossils.

See the Seven Lakes

The Camino de los Siete Lagos – Road of the Seven Lakes – stretches 66 miles in Neuquén, Argentina, connecting San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura. The route passes through extensive forests, rolling hills, and, as its name suggests, seven picturesque, peaceful lakes. It also traverses two national parks – Lanín and Nahuel Huapi.

Those staying in nearby Bariloche, Villa La Angostura or San Martín de los Andes can book day tours of the path – a great opportunity to take in the scenery and take some nice pictures, too. Others may want to rent a car to make the trip or even bike it, making a stop at a campsite or picnic spot along the way.

Trek Torres de Paine

The Torres de Paine National Park is one of the main attractions of the Chilean Patagonia. One of 11 protected areas of the Magallanes region and Chilean Antarctica, it is visited by over 100,000 travelers each year.

For hikers, one of the most popular options is the Torres de Paine W, a winding circuit of volcanic peaks, gorgeous glaciers and placid lakes. While travelers may do it on their own, it is perhaps more advisable to undertake the endeavor with a guide on hand. Either way, the trek is no easy feat and takes about four to five days to complete. Get your walking shoes and camping gear ready.

Loosen Your Belt Buckle

When it comes to gastronomic options, Patagonia offers regional specialties that are hard to find – or match – anywhere else in the world. To get the full Patagonia experience, you’ll want to take in more than a few locally inspired meals.

The region is most known for its lamb (cordero). Roasted slowly over an open flame, the meat is lean and tender and will surely leave you wanting more. Another local delicacy is wild boar (jabalí), which, while not native to Patagonia, is today one of its most important meats. And, of course, diners will want to enjoy venison (ciervo) as well. Red meat not your favorite? Try one of Patagonia’s fresh seafood options, including trout, king crab and salmon. And while in Bariloche, you won’t want to miss out on the city’s rich, delicious chocolates, inspired by the city’s German and Swiss roots.

Slip on Your Skis

Patagonia is an ideal ski destination, especially for those from the northern hemisphere looking to escape the summer heat. The season lasts from June through October, and numerous options are available for skiers and snowboarders, experts and novices alike.

With an elevation of 7,890 feet, Cerro Catedral is Argentina’s leading ski center. It boasts nearly 1,500 acres of skiable surface, 50 tracks and six green areas, and with Bariloche only 12 miles away, it is surrounded by a number of accommodations options. Skiing not your thing? Try trekking and rock climbing, or simply enjoy a quiet day in the lodge.

On the Chilean side of things, you’ve got Pucón, a sort of mecca for all things adventure sports. During the winter months, you can ski and snowboard down the slopes of the Villarrica volcano, located in the Villarrica National Park. If you’re traveling during other parts of the year, Pucón still has a lot to offer, including horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, rafting and fishing. You may also want to visit the thermal springs in the Valdivian temperate rainforest.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your very own Patagonia getaway today.