Discover Chile and Argentina - Five ways to experience Patagonia

Patagonia is on many an adventure traveller's bucket list. And it’s no surprise, what with the spectacular mountain scapes, the beautiful fjords, the wide open plains, the wildlife, and the fantastic hiking and trekking opportunities. Add to that that area is easily combinable with cities like Santiago and Buenos Aires, a cruise to Antarctica, or a visit to Iguazu Falls and you have the makings of a fantastic holiday.

I’ve been to Patagonia several times and love the area. Based on my personal experience, here are five ways to experience Patagonia.

For the hiker

National parks like Torres Del Paine with its towering mountains hold an eternal appeal to hikers around the world. One of the most famous sights in the park is that taken from the moraine overlooking the famous Torres Massif.

But there are lesser known areas as well. I recommend you take a walk along the fjords in Tierra del Fuego National Park. And further north, some of my favourite hikes will take you to Laguna de los Tres or Mount Fitz Roy Base Camp in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park. This park is as spectacular as Torres del Paine, but gets far fewer visitors.

For the trekker

The most famous trek in Patagonia must be the W-trek. Hiking through a series of valleys on the south side of Torres del Paine this weeklong trek shows you some of the best scenery in the park.

But because the trek doubles up with some of the most popular dayhikes in the park, the trails can get crowded too.

For a more secluded, but also more challenging experience, I would recommend the O-circuit. As the name indicates, it follows a circuit around theTorres del Paine massif, getting you to the north side of the mountains for a true wilderness experience.

For the cruiser

What if you could sail the legendary Beagle Channel and take in the sights of the snow-capped peaks of rugged Patagonia? Take a Zodiac cruise through fjords bordered by glaciers, as your captain expertly navigates narrow channels while you keep an eye out for acrobatic dolphins, penguins, and seals? Perhaps spend two days exploring Torres del Paine National Park, famous for its towering granite peaks and breathtaking landscapes?

Now you can! Join us on an adventure cruise through the fjords and coast of southern Chile and see for yourself why Chile was voted the best adventure destination in South America for three consecutive years at the World Travel Awards.

Sightseeing

Of course, hiking and trekking or cruising are not everyone’s cup of tea. Some travellers just prefer to see the area from the ground up without having to exert themselves too much.

We have a tour which takes you through the untouched beauty of southern Argentina and Chile. Explore the wild landscapes of Patagonia by foot, boat, and private vehicle, as you travel from the charming town of Bariloche to the UNESCO-listed Torres del Paine National Park. Get up close to the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier, part of the world’s third-largest ice field; visit a penguin colony in the Beagle Channel, spotting seabirds and sea lions along the way; and cap off your journey with a lively tango lesson in the dynamic city of Buenos Aires. Find more details on this trip here.

Ecocamp

And finally, what if you did not want to travel around too much and just want to be stationary in one location for a week while exploring your immediate surroundings? We have just the place for you!

A place where you can stay in comfort in the wilderness of Patagonia, a basecamp to return to each night to plan your next day's adventure from a menu of adventures.

Here is why Ecocamp Patagonia should be on your travel bucket list.