The 15 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 9 guides that rank for "best places to visit in patagonia"
Named by 7 of 91. Torres del Paine National ParkMagallanes, ChileFamous for the W trek, with rock towers, glaciers and blue glacial lakes.Described as probably the number one destination in Patagonia.
Named by 7 of 92. El ChalténSanta Cruz, ArgentinaCalled Argentina's trekking capital, with mountain scenery to hike through.One writer prefers it to Torres del Paine for its ruggedness and flexibility.
Named by 6 of 93. Perito Moreno GlacierSanta Cruz, ArgentinaThe glacier is 60 meters high and moves constantly, dropping large icebergs.It is the most accessible Patagonian glacier, about 80 km from El Calafate.
Named by 6 of 9
4. El Calafate
Santa Cruz, Argentina
A small town on Lago Argentino and the base for the Perito Moreno Glacier.
A main gateway to Patagonia, alongside Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales.
Named by 4 of 95. Puerto NatalesMagallanes, ChileThe gateway town for Torres del Paine, 3 hours north of Punta Arenas by bus or car.A good place to buy or rent trekking gear.
Named by 3 of 96. BarilocheRío Negro, ArgentinaA town on a big lake ringed by snow-capped mountains, with many chocolate shops.The most famous tourist center in northern Argentine Patagonia and the start of Nahuel Huapi National Park.
Named by 2 of 97. UshuaiaTierra del Fuego, ArgentinaClaimed to be the southernmost city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego.Many Antarctica cruises leave from here, and Tierra del Fuego National Park is close.
Named by 2 of 98. Puerto MadrynChubut, ArgentinaSouthern right whales can be watched off the coast.One of Argentina's best places for whales, penguins, elephant seals and sea lions.
Named by 2 of 99. Punta ArenasMagallanes, ChileA coastal city on the Strait of Magellan, used as a base for the wilderness and Antarctica.About 3 hours by flight from Santiago.
Named by 2 of 910. El BolsónRío Negro, ArgentinaA town with a strong hippie community that dates to the 1970s.Known for hiking, good food and beer, a couple of hours from Bariloche.
11. Isla MagdalenaChileA penguin colony reached by a 40-minute boat ride from Punta Arenas, open October to April.
12. Punta TomboChubut, ArgentinaA large Magellanic penguin colony, best in September.
13. Isla NavarinoChileA hard-to-reach island at the southern end of Patagonia with a rugged trek in the Dientes de Navarino mountains.
14. Huerquehue National ParkChileA mountain park near Pucón with many lakes and ancient Araucaria trees.
15. Chile ChicoChileA small town on Lake General Carrera with a lakeside hike to beaches and rocky viewpoints.
Fares from your city
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When to go
Travel guides most often name November to February as the best time to visit Patagonia.
Named by 7 of 91. Torres del Paine National ParkFamous for the W trek, with rock towers, glaciers and blue glacial lakes.Described as probably the number one destination in Patagonia.
Named by 7 of 92. El ChalténCalled Argentina's trekking capital, with mountain scenery to hike through.One writer prefers it to Torres del Paine for its ruggedness and flexibility.
Named by 6 of 93. Perito Moreno GlacierThe glacier is 60 meters high and moves constantly, dropping large icebergs.It is the most accessible Patagonian glacier, about 80 km from El Calafate.
