Spanning the farthest reaches of South America, covering deserts, mountains, grasslands and frigid shores, Patagonia is a magnificent and diverse region. Our Patagonia holidays guide you through ruggedly beautiful landscapes into a wild frontier where nature abounds. From Ushuaia in Argentina – the southernmost town in the world, into which Antarctic winds blow – to the tip of the Andes, their great rocky spires towering over the landscape, Patagonia’s raw wilderness and natural beauty are breath-taking.
Whether you prefer to set off on foot and challenge yourself to one of the great treks or discover the culture in depth, a Patagonia tour lets you experience it all. The huge scale of its landscapes is mind-blowing, with imposing peaks, tranquil backwaters and rivers that flow through national parks. Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most famous in Chile’s Patagonian region and is home to grasslands, mountains and icebergs that calve from giant glaciers. And there’s plenty of wildlife to spot on a Patagonia tour with animals such as llamas, Andean deer and the Chilean flamingo.
Throughout our tours, an expert leader will take you to some of the most remote corners, from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world to the windswept Patagonia Steppe on the southern tip of the continent. Along the way you’ll discover many of nature’s wonders such as the El Tatio geysers, the Osorno Volcano and the altiplano lagoons. One of the most awe-inspiring experiences is watching the sun set over the Valley of the Moon in the Atacama Desert.
Top 5 Unmissable Places to Visit on Patagonia Holidays
Torres del Paine National Park: One of nature’s finest creations, Torres del Paine covers a vast landscape where the three iconic peaks of Las Torres loom over huge glaciers, silent forests and intensely emerald lakes. The best way to explore is on foot as you can really immerse yourself in the nature and wildlife and enjoy mountainous views over Ushuaia that will take your breath away. Walk among beautiful forest fringed scenery where endemic flora and fauna abound or take a boat trip along the Beagle Channel to get up close to penguins, sea lions and various species of birds.
Ushuaia: At the southernmost corner of the world stands Ushuaia, an enigmatic city where adventurers head off on voyages of the Antarctic to brave Drake’s Passage and follow in the footsteps of famous explorers. Set against a backdrop of imposing peaks where a jumble of streets tumbles down to the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is so much more than the ‘End of the World’. The city’s history is worth unravelling to give you an insight into its fascinating past. Visit the Galeria Tematica Historia Fueguina to delve deeper and learn about the myths and indigenous people of Tierra del Fuego.
Buenos Aires: The Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires is filled with an electric atmosphere and crumbling colonial buildings painted with colourful street art. Its intoxicating mix of modern culture and intriguing history make this a city for curious travellers wanting to experience its best bits. You can almost feel the Tango beats pulsating through the streets and its Bohemian spirit is so infectious you won’t want to leave. For lovers of history and architecture wanting to get their fix, the Obelisco, Teatro Colon and Recolata Cemetery should be on your list of things to see.
Los Glaciares National Park: Situated in Argentina’s Austral Andes, Los Glaciares National Park is known for its untouched beauty and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. The park is made up of woodland, lakes, mountains and the Patagonian Steppe which all compete for your attention. At the southernmost region of Los Glaciares National Park you’ll find the country’s most famous glacier, Perito Moreno, while to the north, the dramatic peaks of Monte Fitz Roy cast shadows over the landscape.
Valparaiso: Nicknamed Valpo, the UNESCO World Heritage City of Valparaiso is the oldest port in Chile and gives you a deeper insight into the culture of the country. Brightly coloured houses cling to the sides of cliffs and steep funiculars take you to the most spectacular viewpoints where 360-degree panoramas unfold. Throughout the maze of streets there’s always something new to discover, from art galleries and unusual architecture to gastronomic gems tucked away in hidden corners of the city. Some of the main sights of interest include the parliament building and the war memorial, and make sure you try some of the freshly caught seafood on the port.
