Why Patagonia?

"As a self proclaimed adventurer, Patagonia is one of my favorite destinations in the world.

The landscape, full of sharp mountain peaks, massive glaciers and colorful lakes, constantly takes my breath away."

GARRETT KORN TRAVEL CONSULTANT

Patagonia—the windswept, sparsely populated tract of wilderness shared by Argentina and Chile—is an outdoorsman’s (or -woman’s) dream.

Its stark outback encompasses grassy steppes, expanding glaciers, Andean peaks, and some of the wildest lake country on the planet. But Patagonia is a place of beauty as well as ruggedness.

The adventure starts at Bariloche, an Argentine ski resort whose Alpine-style chateaus offer a perfect base for exploring the wooded trails of Nahuel Huapi National Park. From there, a leisurely boat trip takes you over sapphire-colored lakes into Chile, against a backdrop of snowy volcanoes and virgin forest. And venturing further south, the high point of the region looms into view at Torres del Paine, whose triple peaks were chosen for the cover of National Geographic as one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Here are some of the near-infinite possibilities you’ll find in this land of extremes:

•  Argentina’s electric-blue Perito Moreno glacier groans and cracks under its own expanding weight. Every hour, huge splinters of ice break off, crashing downwards into the sea.
•  Southern Patagonia’s estancias have preserved their original settlers’ sheep-farming ways for centuries. Homestays allow you to experience the gaucho lifestyle first hand.
•  Eager to spot some wildlife? The Valdes Peninsula teems with rare species: killer whales, sea lions, sea elephants, and Magellan penguins make for a true marine odyssey.
•  Chile’s Austral Highway is a prime route for adventure travelers, whether by bicycle or 4X4. Unspooling through almost 800 miles of gorgeous scenery, it encompasses fjords, lofty peaks, and waterfalls.
•  Chile’s Lake District is a blue-and-emerald paradise. From the German-influenced town of Puerto Varas, you can hike the temperate woodlands of Alerce Andino National Park, sea kayak through icy inlets, or trek through a valley of granite domes and old-growth forests.
•  On the watery island of Chiloe, a traditional folk culture still follows the ways of its ancestors. Visit its houses perched on stilts, or the quirky churches held together by wooden pegs.