Things to do in Patagonia

The abundance of world-class hikes in Patagonia puts it firmly at the top of most trekkers lists. 

In the famous Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Park you can explore the ice and granite pinnacles and the extreme of the ice cap. Further north the hiking will bring you face to face with volcanoes in the Lake District, whilst in Aysen you'll be walking amidst the rainforests. 

Day hikers will find an abundance of accommodation to return to each night, whereas those seeking multi-day off-the-beaten-track treks will be rewarded with rugged and beautiful wild camping.

Access areas of Patagonia's rugged, ragged landscape that even the hardiest hiker can't reach. Voyages to the depths of the Chilean fjords or remote Cape Horn run on a range of vessels from four berth yachts to larger liners, with excursions and guides bringing you close to the scenery and wildlife of the region.

These aren't cushy cruises where you hardly leave the boat - these are adventurous, active expeditions. Expect to be out and about each day, cruising on zodiacs amongst fluking whales, or disembarking at a remote bay to explore hidden glaciers. 

The vast landscapes of Patagonia have been explored on horseback for hundreds of years, and horses are still preferred by the gauchos today. For novices or experienced riders, easing into the saddle and setting off towards the horizon is a tantalising slice of Patagonian culture, following in the footsteps of the pioneers who first began to explore this region.

Many estancias offer lodging and other activities such as mountain biking, or traditional sheep shearing and horsemanship demonstrations. Plus, a traditional lamb asado is almost always on the menu, to relax and unwind after your day exploring!

Patagonia is surrounded by fjords and divided by rivers...what better way to explore the region than from the water. The rivers in Aysen are a force of nature; immense bodies of water that carry glacial melt from the Ice Cap to the ocean. Sea kayaking these rivers gives access to some wildly remote corners of Aysen, travelling for days without seeing any sign of civilisation.

Elsewhere, you can kayak amongst icebergs in glacial lagoons, through fjords inaccessible by other means, across pristine lakes surrounded by lush forest or Andean peaks, or even take on the white water of some of the world's biggest rivers.

Patagonia boasts some of the most adventurous landscapes in all of South America for mountaineering. The jagged peaks of the Andes and the remote pitches of the Patagonian Ice Cap have attracted budding mountaineers for over a century.

Beginners new to mountaineering can don crampons and hike over the top of a glacier, or set out to summit one of the volcanoes in the northern lake district. These hikes are achievable but challenging, often just a day or two at the most, the perfect center point to any adventurer's trip.  The jagged Andes also offer some gems for more advanced mountaineers, with expeditions lasting anything from 3 days to 3 weeks. 

Some of Patagonia's best scenery requires a little off-the-beaten-track exploring, and cycling along dirt tracks away from the roads is one of the best ways to start.

Many of the national parks have single track trails, so you can hire a bike and go out exploring away from the crowds for a day. It's even possible to weave in a day's cycle ride amongst some hiking, kayaking and horse riding, for a proper multi-activity adventure. 

For a multi-day trip, look up to the lake districts around Bariloche and Aysen, where you be fully supported as you cycle from point to point.

With over 1,100 individual whales counted in September 2016, the Valdes region is one of the most densely populated destinations in the world for whales, making it a very special place indeed both for conservation and encounters with the whales. Both orcas and southern right whales can be seen here, very close to the shore, allowing for incredible sightings by boat, plane, kayak and even onshore.

Whales aren't the only animals to look out for - wildlife lovers will relish the opportunity to walk amongst bustling penguin colonies, and to spy pumas amongst the Patagonian mountains. 

A road trip is possibly the only way to fully appreciate the size of Patagonia. The Carretera Austral in the western mountains and Ruta 40, that runs through the central plains, are most famous. Their scenery is second to none, and they wind through landscapes speckled with homestays and hotels, past huge national parks and mighty rivers.

There are also some shorter routes that link the region's volcanoes and lakes, as well as stunning drives across the Andes. Be prepared for bumpy roads, view for miles and more than a little dose of adventure.

Patagonia offers anglers some of the world's best fly fishing, and some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in which to do so. The water ranges from tranquil lakes and streams to whitewater rivers. Patagonia is most famous for its Trout (mainly Brown Trout), but there's also opportunity to fish Salmon, Carp and the native Perca. Generally the season runs from mid-November to mid-April.

As a top destination for white water rafters from all over the world, Patagonia's lush, green Lake Districts on both the Chilean and Argentinian side provide fantastic rivers for this adventure sport.

You don't have to be an expert to enjoy white water rafting in Patagonia. We work with a number of operators that provide easy, medium and difficult trips so that you won't feel out of your depth.