By Caitlin Hornik
You may or may not have heard of Patagonia, the region encompassing the southernmost parts of South America. Its incredible scenery, vibrant colors, and beautiful natural landscapes are only a few reasons why it's a desirable vacation destination.
The region of Patagonia includes grasslands, deserts, fjords, rainforests and more in Argentina and Chile. There are ample opportunities to partake in outdoor activities, making this a nature-lovers paradise!
Are you looking up flights yet? If not, these pictures will definitely do the trick!
View vacation packages to Argentina >
Ushuaia
A charming city in Argentina, Ushuaia, is known as “El Fin del Mundo,” or the end of the Earth. Home to many shops and restaurants, Ushuaia is also one of the South American gateways to Antarctica!
Tierra del Fuego National Park
This national park is located on the Argentine side of the island of Tierra del Fuego. Visitors can enjoy canoe excursions, miles of hiking, a train ride, and so much more all within the park.
El Calafate
Located near both Parque Nacional Los Glaciares in Argentina and Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, El Calafate is a great place to stop along your Patagonia adventure! This small Argentine town serves all types of travelers and is super safe as a result of its size.
Parque Nacional Los Glaciares
This Argentine park was created to preserve extensive areas of continental ice and glaciers. Highlights here include the Perito Moreno Glacier, Spegazzini Glacier, and Upsala Glacier. Trekking on ice, hiking, sailing, and fishing are all common activities within the park.
Torres del Paine National Park
This park is located in Chile and is well-known for the wildlife it protects. It is home to many different animal species, as well as over 270 species of plants! In 1978, Torres del Paine was recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.
Los Cuernos del Paine
A collection of spiky peaks standing over 6500 feet tall, Los Cuernos can be found in Torres del Paine National Park. The peaks are located along the W Trek, the most popular route for trekking.
Coyhaique
One of the biggest cities in the southern part of Patagonia, Coyhaique is a beautiful city and valley. Often referred to as a gateway to remote parts of Patagonia, Coyhaique offers access to national parks, reserves, and ice fields. It is common to experience a vast range of temperatures in a single day, so be sure to include layers when packing!
Marble Caves
These one-of-a-kind caves were formed when waves continuously crashed against the marble, thus shaping the curved walls. They can be found in General Carrera Lake in the Aysén Region and are reachable from Coyhaique. The marble caves can be visited year-round!
