Divided by the Andes, Argentine Patagonia is a vast and remote region in South America shared by two countries: Chile and Argentina. The Argentinian part of it covers around 90% of the region. The region is best known for its stunning scenery, enveloping jagged mountain top glaciers, extreme outdoor sports, and unpredictable weather.
It’s best to visit the Argentinean Patagonia during South America’s warm summer months. As the area is located in the southern hemisphere, that means from November to March is the best time to visit. Most tours, lodging, and buses only operate during these months.
The huge expanse of Patagonia may be overwhelming to plan for. The region covers over a million square kilometers, after all. Itinerary planning will be a breeze with the help of our list of the best things to do in the Argentine Patagonia.
1. Scale the Perito Moreno Glacier
Grandiose glacier Perito Moreno in the Argentine part of Patagonia | kavram, Getty Images
Parque Nacional #PeritoMoreno | Parques Nacionales de Argentina, YouTube
One of the highlights of any trip to the Argentine Patagonia is the Perito Moreno Glacier. The vivid mix of bright white and electric blue is a mass of ice that covers over 121 square miles in Patagonia’s Los Glaciares National Park. While you can admire it and take a selfie from afar, there are expeditions organized to scale the magnificent glacier.
Walk through the pure snow and tower over the turquoise water of the glacier for an unforgettable, intimate experience with nature. If you can, catch the rupture of the glacier. It is considered one of the most impressive natural phenomenons in the world.
Perito Moreno Glacier
RP11, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Admission: $30 USD
Ph: 02962-491477
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• La Bicicleta (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Isabel Cocina al Disco (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• La Zaina Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Perito Moreno Glacier.
The best hotel to stay near Perito Moreno Glacier based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Posada Los Alamos (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
2. Meet Fitz Roy
Summer day in Argentine Patagonia with fine highway to the majestic Mount Fitz Roy | kavram, Getty Images
Nestled between the border of Argentina and Chile is Fitz Roy, the highest peak in Los Glaciares National Park. An emblem of Argentine Patagonia, it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in South America. The sharp peaks of the mountain, seemingly powdered with white snow, give the landscape an ethereal feel. The mountain has an elevation of 3,405 meters and its trail is 20 kilometers long and takes about 8 hours to complete.
Mount Fitz Roy
Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
Admission: Free
Ph: +54 (2293-436424)
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• La Viñeria Grill & Pasta (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Restaurante Buenos Cruces (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Restaurant Ruca Mahuida (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Mount Fitz Roy.
The best hotel to stay near Mount Fitz Roy based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Calafate Parque Hotel (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
3. See the penguins at Punta Tombo National Reserve
Puerto Madryn, famous Magellanic penguin colony in Punta Tombo National Reserve | Elijah-Lovkoff, Getty Images
On a long and narrow peninsula in central Argentina, you can spot a lot of happy feet. Punta Tombo National Reserve is known as the home to a large colony of Magellanic penguins. The Argentine Patagonia coastline is the natural habitat of these furry creatures. They nest in Punta Tombo from September to April before scurrying to other parts of Argentina and even Chile and Brazil.
The fun part is that you can actually get near the penguins, an experience most zoos don’t offer. They are comfortable with the curious humans and largely ignore them and go about their day.
Punta Tombo National Reserve
Estancia la Perla, Chubut Province, Argentina
Admission: $17 USD
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Restaurante Alma Patagónica (4.3/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Restaurante El Ale (/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• El Carro de Antonio (/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Punta Tombo National Reserve.
The best hotel to stay near Punta Tombo National Reserve based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Estancia La Antonieta (8.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
4. Wonder at the Cave of the Hands
World heritage site Cueva de las manos close to the village Perito Moreno | Mandy2110, Getty Images
Cueva de las Manos, or Cave of the Hands, is in an isolated region of the Argentine Patagonia. Located in the valley of the Pinturas River, the cave is accessible after a long and bumpy ride on the dirt roads. Inside the cave are fascinating hand stencils on the wall, said to be a prehistoric form of human art. According to research, the hand paintings were designed by inhabitants from over 13,000 years ago.
As you stare at the hand imprints, you can’t help but wonder how they came to be. Were they created by our ancestors who marveled at their hands as we do theirs? Or is there a deeper meaning? There’s not much evidence to delve into the purpose of these awe-inspiring paintings.
Cave of The Hands
Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
Ph: +54 2963 49-1261
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Fusión 40 (4.6/5 stars, Pizza, $$$)
• Indian Stone (4.6/5 stars, Vegan, $$)
• Mamma Gaucha (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Cave of The Hands.
The best hotel to stay near Cave of The Hands based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel Posada del Río (8.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
5. Live in bliss at Estancia Cristina
Estancia Cristina in El Calafate, Patagonia, Provincia Santa Cruz, Argentina | Anita Sagastegui, Getty Images
Located in the middle of over 3,000 square miles of Argentine Patagonian wilderness, Estancia Cristina can only be reached by boat. As you cross Lago Argentino and dock at Caterina Valley, you are welcomed into one of the most spectacular and secluded places in the world. The drama of the landscape of rugged granite peaks, alpine glaciers, and deep green forests concludes in the quiet atmosphere of the area.
Estancia Cristina is only accessible from October to April, the peak of Austral summertime and the perfect time to visit the locale.
Estancia Cristina
Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
Admission: excursions price range from USD 100 – USD 250
Ph: +54 2902 49-1133
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Mi Rancho Restaurant Patagónico (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Quidu (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Parrilla Don Pichon (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Estancia Cristina.
The best hotel to stay near Estancia Cristina based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel El Mirador del Lago (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
6. Ogle at wildlife at the Valdes Peninsula
Rocky beach of peninsula of Valdes, rookery of fur seals, Patagonia, Argentina | JackF, Getty Images
On the coast of Argentina, the Valdes Peninsula is a 360,000 hectares natural reserve. The mushroom-shaped peninsula is the natural habitat of marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, Magellanic penguins, southern elephant seals, and sea lions. In fact, it was recognized as one of the world’s prime whale migration hotspots. It is the perfect place to appreciate the gentle creatures in and out of the water.
The wildlife you can watch on the peninsula depends on the season. The most popular tours involve the breeding whales, for which land and sea explorations are usually organized from May to December.
Valdes Peninsula
Península Valdés, Chubut, Argentina
Admission: Non-resident adults AR$420; Argentinian adults pay AR$210
Ph: 0280 4450600
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Oveja Negra, Cocina patagónica (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Estancia La Ernestina (/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• En Mis Fuegos (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Valdes Peninsula.
The best hotel to stay near Valdes Peninsula based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel Península Valdés (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
7. Live on the edge at Cerro Catedral Alta Patagonia
Cerro Catedral – Hacelo Tuyo – Invierno 2019 | Catedral alta Patagonia, YouTube
Popular for its intense alpine terrain spread across three mountains, the Cerro Catedral Alta Patagonia is one of the world’s top ski destinations. It is set in the gorgeous Nahuel Huapi National Park in Rio Negro, Argentina. The year-round ski center has over 1,480 acres of ski and snowboarding terrain to explore. The resort also has modern facilities and amenities, including a massive shopping mall with nearly 50 shops.
Immerse yourself in the action-packed atmosphere of Cerro Catedral and treat yourself to amazing views of the lakes, mountain ranges, and alpine scenery.
Catedral Alta Patagonia
Edificio Telesilla Séxtuple 1er Piso, Acceso A Cerro Catedral, R8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
Admission: $1050 ARS
Ph: +54 294 440-9000
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• anima Restaurante (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Quiven Patagonia Kitchen House (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Restaurant Punto Panorámico (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Catedral Alta Patagonia.
The best hotel to stay near Catedral Alta Patagonia based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa (9.5/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
8. Explore Bariloche
Nahuel Huapi National Park aerial view from the Cerro Campanario viewpoint in Bariloche | saiko3p, Getty Images
San Carlos de Bariloche, or Bariloche, a relaxed mountain town in northern Argentine Patagonia, is a popular destination. Aside from its proximity to the world-renowned Cerro Catedral, the quaint town draws visitors to its charming streets and buildings, amazing scenery and specialty chocolate shops.
Discover the little Argentinian mountain town as you wander around. Check out Centro Civico, the town center, and take a gander at the unique chocolate box-like architecture. Stop by the gourmet chocolate shops on Bartolome Mitre for a sweet treat.
Bariloche
San Carlos de Bariloche, R8400 ASB, Río Negro, Argentina
Ph: (0294) 4429850
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• La Fonda del Tío (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• El Boliche de Alberto (4.5/5 stars, Argentinian, $$)
• La Casita Restaurante (4.6/5 stars, Argentinian, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Bariloche.
The best hotel to stay near Bariloche based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Huinid Bustillo Hotel & Spa (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
9. Drive by the Seven Lakes
The Route of the Seven Lakes, or Ruta de Los Siete Lagos, takes you on a winding road through a dramatic landscape of multi-colored forests, rugged peaks, and calm lakes. It is part of the legendary Ruta 40, one of the longest roads of the world, which is over 5,000 kilometers long. Route of the Seven Lakes is the 108-kilometer section and is hailed as one of the most scenic drives in Argentine Patagonia.
Route of the Seven Lakes
San Martín de Los Andes, Neuquen, Argentina
Ph: +54 2972 41-1300
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Las Barricas (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• MORPHEN (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Pizza Cala (4.5/5 stars, Pizza, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Route of the Seven Lakes.
The best hotel to stay near Route of the Seven Lakes based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Correntoso Lake & River Hotel (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
10. Be charmed by El Chalten
Road sign at the entrance of El Chalten village and Fitz Roy mountain on background | saiko3p, Getty Images
Located in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park, El Chalten is considered the trekking capital of Argentina. While the scenic town may offer exciting treks with its proximity to some of Argentina’s best mountains and natural wonders, there is more to do in the town than that.
Nearby, you can observe the Viedma Glacier through an action-packed ice trek. For a more subdued option, head on to Desert Lake to see the stunning and secluded lake on a boat cruise. And after a long day in the mountains, you can celebrate your adventures with a cold one in La Cerveceria, a cozy local brewery.
El Chalten
El Chalten, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Stay cost: it will cost you around AR$1,825 ($28) per day
Ph: 02962 493004
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Lo De Pepe Lui – Fabrica De Pastas Artesanal (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• La Roti food store (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• La Bicicleta (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near El Chalten.
The best hotel to stay near El Chalten based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montaña, Restaurante (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
11. Visit Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum
Trelew – Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio | fotoplomer, YouTube
The vast expanse of the Argentine Patagonia may have you wondering about the creatures that roamed the region before man. In the Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum, located in Trelew City in Argentina, you can learn about the history of Earth in the context of the region. The scientific research and exhibition space showcase the natural history of Patagonia.
Internationally known for its fossil deposits, the center also houses the remnants of the largest dinosaurs of the region. The museum is named after an Italian geologist and paleontologist who worked in the region during the 1930’s.
Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum
Av. Fontana 140, U9100 Trelew, Chubut, Argentina
Admission: $450 AR
Ph: +54 280 443-2100
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Mi Destino Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• CAFE RESTO GIUSEPPE (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• El Almacén de Román (4.6/5 stars, Pizza, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum.
The best hotel to stay near Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel Libertador (8.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
12. Live like a gaucho
Horse riding at Estancia Huechahue | Estancia Huechahue
Huechahue, Horse Riding – Patagonia, Argentina | The View South, YouTube
The hardened life of the gaucho, a skilled and tough horseman, is not easy. Often requiring hard work under harsh and solidary conditions, the gaucho has become a celebrated, national symbol of Argentina. In Estancia Huechahue, accessible from Bariloche, you can live like a gaucho in one of Argentine Patagonia’s isolated horse ranches. The 15,000-acre area is a family-owned operational cattle ranch.
Bring your cowboy fantasies to life on the busy ranch set against the beautiful Argentinian landscape. You are sure to walk away with an engaging and rewarding experience and a new appreciation for life.
Estancia Huechahue
Ap Esp 12, 8371 Junín de los Andes, Neuquén, Argentina
Admission: around USD $400 per person
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Tuto Pastas (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Cabañas Puesco (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• La Cocina (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Estancia Huechahue.
The best hotel to stay near Estancia Huechahue based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Loi Suites Chapelco Hotel (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
13. Go to the ends of the earth at Ushuaia
Ushuaia aerial view, the capital of Tierra del Fuego province in Argentina | saiko3p, Getty Images
Not a lot of people can say they’ve gone to the ends of the earth and mean it literally. When you visit Ushuaia in the Land of Fire, Earth’s southernmost city, you can. The enchanting resort town is set on a steep hill surrounded by the Martial Mountains and the Beagle channel, giving its landscape a dramatic feel. The town serves as a portal to Antarctica. Most expeditions to the 7th continent of the world start in this town.
Swoon over the soft snow-capped peaks of the mountain landscape and charming city. You can’t help but marvel at how the end of the world could feel a little bit like heaven.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Ph: (+54 2901) 432000
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Taberna Del Viejo Lobo (4.6/5 stars, Argentinian, $$$)
• Kaupé Restaurant (4.7/5 stars, French, $$)
• El Viejo Marino (4.5/5 stars, Argentinian, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Ushuaia.
The best hotel to stay near Ushuaia based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
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