9 Best Things to Do in Patagonia (Argentina Side)

Patagonia is a vast region in the south of Argentina and Chile. This guide will provide you with all the best things to do in Patagonia.

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I have spent a lot of time in Patagonia, so I want to share my insider knowledge with you. I’ve seen whales and penguins along the coast, hiked to incredible mountaintops, and seen glaciers and icy lagoons. There are so many things to do in Patagonia, but this blog post has compiled all of the very best ones.

Patagonia often sounds like a mythical and mysterious place, with vast landscapes and out-of-this-world mountain ranges. I’m here to simplify everything for you, so you can feel like your dream of visiting Patagonia is even more attainable than ever.

Short on time? Best places to visit in Patagonia!

  1. See Southern Right Whales in Puerto Madryn (Chubut)
  2. Stay on top of the mountain in Refugio Frey (Rio Negro)
  3. Go around the Circuito Chico loop near Bariloche (Rio Negro)
  4. Drive the Route of the 7 Lakes (Rio Negro)
  5. Stroll through the tulip fields of Trevelin (Chubut)
  6. Hike to the top of Fitzroy Mountain in El Chalten (Santa Cruz)
  7. Climb on Argentina’s most famous glacier, Perito Moreno (Santa Cruz)
  8. Visit the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego)
  9. Spend a weekend in the hippie Patagonia village of El Bolsón (Rio Negro)

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Where is Patagonia Located?

Patagonia is the southern region between Argentina and Chile. The most famous places in the Chilean Patagonia area are Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, and the Torres del Paine National Park.

The six provinces that make up Argentina Patagonia are La Pampa, Chubut, Neuquen, Rio Negro, Santa Cruz, and Tierra del Fuego. In the Patagonia region, there is so much nature to experience and adventures to be had.

Things to do in Patagonia

If you love nature, then this is the perfect holiday destination for you. There are so many Patagonia attractions, from hiking, seeing whales and penguins in the wild, tulip season, and so much more. This Patagonia travel guide will give you a great idea of what there is to see around the region, and where to go in Patagonia.

1. See the Incredible Wildlife around Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn was the first place I visited in Patagonia, and I was completely taken away. The nature is truly spectacular. From whale watching on Peninsula Valdez to walking amongst the penguins at Punta Tombo, I had a smile on my face the whole time.

Puerto Madryn: Nicki standing on a cliff at Punta Flecha with a Southern Right Whale behind her.
Nicki is standing on a cliff at Punta Flecha with a Southern Right Whale behind her.

Where is Puerto Madryn?

Puerto Madryn is on the east coast of Argentina in the Chubut province. It is about 16 hours south of Buenos Aires by car. The city is built around the small cove of Golfo Nuevo, formed by the Peninsula Valdés that sticks out to the east.

What are the best places to visit around Puerto Madryn?

There is so much to do in and around this area that I wrote an ultimate guide for visiting Puerto Madryn. Here are some of the best things to do in Puerto Madryn:

  • Do a whale-watching tour on Peninsula Valdés
  • Walk amongst the penguins at Punta Tombo
  • Visit the Eco Centro in the town of Puerto Madryn
  • Drive along the Golfo Nuevo to see Cerro Avanzado and Baliza Acantilado
  • See whales at sunrise at either Punta Flecha or Playa Doradillo
  • Go snorkeling with sea lions
  • Have tea at a casa de té in Gaiman

What is the best time to visit Puerto Madryn?

The best months for visiting Puerto Madryn are October and November, which is when you can see the majority of the sea life. The time you go also depends on what you want to see:

  • Magellan Penguins: Punta Tombo is open from mid-September to mid-April, but the baby penguins aren’t born until mid-late November.
  • Southern Right Whales: October is the best month for whales
  • Orcas: The season is from January to April or October to December.
  • Dark Dolphins: From December to March.
  • The animals that can be seen all year are several types of birds, Guanacos, Maras Patagonicas, Elephant seals, and Sea Lions (though their breeding season is from December to March).

What animals can I see there?

The main animal attractions in Puerto Madryn are Southern Right Whales and Magellan Penguins. After that, you can see sea lions, elephant seals, orcas, and dolphins.

Where to stay around Puerto Madyrn

The best places to stay in Puerto Madryn are:

2. Sleep at the top of Refugio Frey

The Refugio Frey trail is one of the absolute best hiking trails there is to do in Bariloche, if not in all of the Patagonia Mountains Argentina. It is a 12-mile out-and-back hike. The best part is at the peak, where you find the Laguna Tonchek. It’s not quite the view of Mount Fitzroy in El Chalten, but it is a super cool treat waiting for you at the peak.

Also at the peak, you’ll find a small refuge where you can spend the night. But even if you decide not to sleep up there, just trekking up is worth it. It is a must-see in Patagonia.

Where is Refugio Frey?

The closest city to Refugio Frey is Bariloche. The trailhead is found at the Villa Cerro Catedral parking lot. During the winter, this is a ski resort. But in the spring and summer, it is the best place to hike.

How can I get to Refugio Frey?

From Bariloche, take bus 55 to the Villa Catedral. It will drop you off at a small hut near the entrance to the parking lot. The trail begins on the opposite side of the parking lot, to the left of all the buildings and infrastructure for the ski resort.

If you want to sleep in the refuge up top, you do need to make a reservation in advance because spaces are limited. This is unnecessary if you bring your own tent. Sleeping at the top of a mountain is one of the most unique things to do in Patagonia.

What is the best time to stay in the Refugio Frey?

The best time to stay in the Refugio Frey is definitely during the warmer months of the year, from December to February. November and March will still be tolerable but quite a bit colder than the full summer months. I personally wouldn’t sleep in a tent from April – October, but I might consider it if I were inside the Refugio.

3. Go around the Circuito Chico loop near Bariloche

The Circuito Chico is a big loop located about 40 minutes north of Bariloche. It is located along the banks of the Nahuel Huapi Lake. There are also several other smaller lakes in the vicinity. Along this loop, you can do a ton of hikes, see the original location of the Patagonia Brewery, the famous Llao Llao Hotel, and more!

Making a day trip around the Circuito Chico is just one of the many things to do in Bariloche. Spending a day traveling around this loop is really the best of Patagonia. There is just so much to do. It is the ideal Patagonia sightseeing location.

Where is the Circuito Chico?

If you’re planning to travel to Patagonia, you should definitely add the Circuito Chico to your list. It is very easy to reach from the city of Bariloche, in the Rio Negro province. It is located just 20km northwest of Bariloche. There are buses you can take from the city center. But the best way to see it is to rent a car and make the stops you want.

Drive northwest along the banks of the Nahuel Huapi Lake on Avenida Exequiel Bustillo until you reach the intersection with Route 77. That is where the loop begins. You can go in either direction, and you should be able to see quite a bit in just one day.

What can you see around the Circuito Chico?

The highlights that you can see around the Circuito Chico are Cerro Campanario, Colonia Suiza, Cerro Llao Llao, Hotel Llao Llao, and the Patagonia Brewery.

All of them are easy to find on the map. At Cerro Campanario, you can either choose to take the chairlift up/down, or you can do a short hike. Regardless, you’ll be treated to some of the most incredible Patagonia views. The only views comparable to this are at the peak of Cerro Llao Llao. From both peaks, you can see lakes and forests for miles.

Is Patagonia beer from Argentina or Chile?

Patagonia Beer is from Argentina, and the original brewery can be found at the 24.7km marker along the Circuito Chico. There is an outdoor patio with an incredible view of the lake. There is also a heated tent, an indoor restaurant, and a garden growing hops.

What is the best time to visit the Circuito Chico?

The best time to visit Circuito Chico is from November to March. The warmest times will be in January and February. Outside of this time frame, you can still do the loop, but dress for colder temperatures.

What is the best way to see the Circuito Chico?

There is a bike rental shop along the Circuito Chico that allows you to cycle the loop. You could also walk it, but it would take a long time. There is a bus that brings you to certain points from Bariloche as well.

However, the absolute best way to see the Circuito Chico is by renting a car in Bariloche. This allows you to maximize your time, see as much as possible, and have the freedom to stop when and where you want. I met a Greek guy who had rented a car, and we did the journey together along with a few other travelers.

Where should I stay along the Circuito Chico?

There are a ton of hotels and guesthouses with incredible views located all around the Circuito Chico. Here are a few:

4. Drive the Route of the 7 Lakes

The Ruta de los 7 Lagos is one of the most beautiful road trips in Argentina that you can do. The drive is between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes, with so much nature to see in between.

Where is the Ruta de los 7 Lagos?

The Ruta de los 7 Lagos is a portion of the famous Ruta 40 of Argentina that passes through the Rio Negro province in Argentina Patagonia. The route is between San Carlos de Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes, north of the Patagonia region.

If you were to drive straight through, it would take 3 hours. But you should definitely make several stops along the way.

What can you see along the Route of the 7 Lakes?

Even though the name suggests there are 7 lakes, there are actually quite a few more that you can see. The main lakes are:

  • Lago Nahuel Huapi
  • Lago Correntoso
  • Lago Espejo Grande
  • Lago Escondido
  • Lago Villarino
  • Lago Falkner
  • Lago Machónico

Those are just the 7 lakes of the route name. However, there is so much more to see along the way or with a slight detour:

What is the best time to visit the 7 Lakes Route?

The best time to visit the 7 Lakes route is in the spring or summer, so you can see the lakes and the areas in all their green and blue glory. It will also be easier to drive along dry roads. With high season also comes more people, so it definitely won’t feel like a secluded area with several tour groups making the same stops as you.

You can also do this route in the winter, but I wouldn’t suggest it unless you’re comfortable driving in the snow. There are a number of ski resorts in the area, so you know it gets its fair share of snow. You’ll still be able to see the lakes, and they’ll still be beautiful, just with the winter filter on.

What is the best way to see the Ruta de los 7 Lagos?

You can always join a group tour to visit the Patagonia Lake District for a day. I preferred to rent a car and do a road trip along the Route of the 7 Lakes.

Where should I stay along the Ruta de los 7 Lagos?

When I traveled the route of the 7 Lakes, I stayed 2 nights in San Martín de los Andes. It was great to stay in this cute little mountain town, which has wonderful views of the lake. You can also explore the area and go hiking. Here are a few places I recommend:

If you have a tent or a camper, there are also a ton of camping spots along the way where you can pitch a tent or park the van.

This is Lago Hermoso along the route of the 7 lakes near Bariloche.

5. Stroll through the tulip fields of Trevelin

Not a lot of people know, but one of the largest tulip fields outside of the Netherlands is right here in Patagonia. It is owned by the Ledesma family, who open their doors to tourists every year.

Where is Trevelin?

Trevelin is in the Chubut province of Argentina Patagonia, about 4.5 hours south of Bariloche. It is not far from the border with Chile.

Where can I see the tulips?

The Campo de Tulipanes, where you can find the tulips, is 13km south of the city center of Trevelin. The entry to the farm is equivalent to about $20. You can purchase tickets online in advance. Shuttles are also available from the town center and cost about $8 USD.

farmer on flower field
Photo by Agustin Devani on Pexels.com

When is the best time to visit Trevelin?

The best time to visit Trevelin is in October and early November. The tulip farm is usually open from October 7 – November 7. That said, the tulips are in their best form at the end of October. That is when they are in full bloom and looking beautiful.

There is a festival at the end of the season each year.

Where to stay in Trevelin

There are several hotels in town, or if you have a car, you can get a cabin outside of town:

6. Hike to the top of Fitzroy Mountain

Climbing up to Mount Fitzroy is easily the most famous hike in Patagonia, and it is not to be missed. It is the reason I went to El Chalten. But because this is the best hike in Patagonia, it is also full of people doing the same thing as you are. I suggest going early to avoid crowds.

Where is Fitzroy Mountain?

Mount Fitzroy is located near the town of El Chaltén, Argentina, Patagonia’s hiking mecca, which is located in the Santa Cruz province. If you’re coming from Buenos Aires, you’ll need to first fly into El Calafate, since that is where you can find the nearest airport.

What is the hike to Fitzroy like?

The hike to Fitzroy is called Laguna de los Tres, and the trailhead can be found at the north end of town. As of October 2024, the government has started to charge for hiking in the Glaciares National Park. It is $45/day or $90 for a 3-day pass. The guards checking tickets are only in the toll booth from 7 am to 6 pm.

The hike is long, but it is not that difficult until the last 45 minutes. The hike is mostly flat and takes you through incredible sweeping landscapes of mountains and lakes. The very end of the hike is pretty steep, trekking up loose boulders. There is also not a lot of tree cover in this section, so it can get sunny. But the payoff is well worth it!

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What is the best time to hike to Fitzroy Mountain?

The best season to hike Fitzroy Mountain is in the summer. I did this hike in late December on a clear sunny day. If you want to hike this in the winter (July-August) you should bring spikes for your boots as there will most likely be snow.

I highly suggest getting started early on this hike to avoid the crowds of people who start around 9-10 am. I started the descent at 11 am, and there were many times I had to wait up to 3-5 minutes to allow streams of people to pass through narrow paths going in the opposite direction.

Where to stay near Fitzroy Mountain

If you want to climb Fitzroy Mountain, then you need to stay in El Chalten. Accommodation here is expensive and fills up fast, so make sure you book ahead as much as possible so you’re not stuck with expensive hotels or dirty hostels.

7. Climb on the Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier is the third-largest freshwater source in the world after Antarctica and the ice fields in Greenland. It is 18,000 years old and is one of the only glaciers not receding.

Where is Perito Moreno?

The Perito Moreno Glacier is located 1.5 hours to the west of the Patagonian town of El Calafate, which sits on the banks of Lago Argentino.

How do you get to the glacier?

You can reach Perito Moreno from El Calafate. It is located in the southern part of the Glaciares National Park (Parque Nacional Glaciares). You can take a bus to the glacier from El Calafate for $50 round-trip, or you can join a tour. I did this tour to Perito Moreno.

What can you do around the Perito Moreno glacier?

Like Iguazu Falls, Glacier National Park has a series of walkways that allow you to see the glacier from various angles. You can also take the optional nautical safari that goes close to the glacier. I did it and loved it.

If you want to climb on top of the glacier, you have two options:

  • The Minitrekking lasts 1.5 hours (book in advance)
  • The Big Ice lasts 4-5 hours (book in advance)

Where to stay near the Perito Moreno Glacier

The best place to stay near the Perito Moreno Glacier is in El Calafate. Here are a few places I suggest:

8. Visit the southernmost city in the world

Ushuaia is the most southern city in the world. It is where the majority of the cruise boats that head to Antarctica dock. While it is fairly remote, it is not that difficult to reach. There is beauty all around this area.

Where is Ushuaia?

Ushuaia is in the Tierra del Fuego province of Argentina in the Patagonia region. It is actually on an island cut off from the rest of mainland Argentina. You must cross through Chile in order to reach Tierra del Fuego if coming by land.

It sits right on the Beagle Channel and is only 30 minutes from the entrance to the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

What can you do in Ushuaia?

While you can easily see the attractions in Ushuaia in one day, it is what surrounds Ushuaia that is most impressive. Here are the most popular activities:

What is the best time to visit Ushuaia?

The best time to visit Ushuaia is during the high season (December-February) because you will find the best weather. It never gets “hot” during the summer season, but at least you will have warmer sunny days. During the winter, it snows a lot and temperatures will be freezing.

Many of the boat tours do not go out on the water during the winter due to the temperature and climate conditions. The high season will be busy, and you should book your accommodation in advance.

How can you reach Ushuaia?

You can reach Ushuaia by plane or bus. There are a few flights per day between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires on Aerolineas Argentinas, Flybondi, and JetSmart.

You can also reach Ushuaia by bus. If you’re coming from Chile, most of the buses will connect in either Rio Gallegos or Rio Grande before heading down to Ushuaia. If you’re coming from Argentina, all buses will connect through Rio Gallegos.

The drive between Ushuaia and Rio Gallegos takes 12.5 hours and crosses the Argentina/Chile border twice. You’ll also take a ferry across the Magellan Strait. There is only one bus per day in each direction.

Where to stay in Ushuaia

The main town center is along the two streets parallel to the port. It is full of restaurants, shops, and hotels. This is a great place to stay so everything is within walking distance. If you want a better view, go higher up into the hills.

9. Spend Time in Patagonia’s Hippie Town

El Bolsón is a small town full of dirt roads, breweries, weekend markets, and sustainable living hotels. El Bolsón is the Patagonia version of Capilla del Monte or San Marcos Sierras in Cordoba, the hippie pride of Argentina.

Where is El Bolsón?

El Bolsón is in the Río Negro province of Patagonia, about 2 hours south of Bariloche. It is just barely north of the border with Chubut. It is in a small valley in the surrounding mountain range.

What can you do in El Bolsón?

This is not a big town, but it’s perfect for spending a couple of days. You can:

  • Visit the weekly markets (the best are on the weekend)
  • Try out the craft beer bars
  • Go hiking at El Cajón del Azul

What is the best time to visit El Bolsón?

You can visit El Bolsón all year round. The summer months (December – February) will bring the most tourists, but getting here is easily accessible all year round. It might snow in the winter.

How can you reach El Bolsón?

You can rent a car and drive here from Bariloche, which is what I did. You can also take a bus from Bariloche. Check the bus schedules here.

Where to stay in El Bolsón

Even though it is a small town, there are a number of places to choose from:

Travel Insurance for Traveling in Argentina

It is definitely a good idea to get travel insurance when you to to Argentina. You never know what could happen. My phone was stolen in Buenos Aires, and unfortunately, I didn’t have insurance on it at that time. For my personal health, I use SafetyWing.

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Best Time To Visit Patagonia

You can visit Patagonia all year round; it really just depends on what activities you’re interested in doing.

If you’re coming to Patagonia to go skiing, then it is best to visit in July and August when the ski resorts are open and you’ll get plenty of snow. For hiking, you’ll find the best weather in the spring, summer, and fall (November – March).

If you are coming to specifically see wildlife, then you should check the various seasons for each animal. The most popular season for visiting Puerto Madryn, for example, is in October and November due to the penguin mating season and the whale sightings.

Is Patagonia safe?

Yes, Patagonia is incredibly safe. In terms of wildlife, there are no bears in Patagonia, but there are pumas. However, I have never seen either in all my times of visiting Patagonia.

This region also has a low crime rate. That said, I am convinced there is a scam involving the Hertz rental company in Bariloche. I have heard far too many stories about people renting cars with Hertz from the Bariloche airport, and the next day getting their cars broken into and everything stolen.

One of the people who told me of their experience is convinced that the cars have a tracking device, and someone who works there sends that location to a group of thieves. They seem to know exactly where to go and which cars to break into.

I want to be clear that this is unsubstantiated and based only on anecdotal evidence. But I would still be extra cautious when renting cars in Bariloche. Do not leave anything of value in the car ever.

What is the vibe of Patagonia?

I have traveled extensively throughout Argentina, and Patagonia is always the most fun place to travel in. This is because there are so many international visitors coming to Patagonia from all around the world and doing the same thing as you.

It is easy to meet people here and form connections with strangers easily. I made so many new friends while traveling around Patagonia and always had someone to hang out with. Everyone is dressed in hiking clothes and boots at all times. The vibe is very chill. Plus, there are a ton of breweries with happy hour specials too!

Getting Around Patagonia

You can easily fly in and out of Patagonia. The main airports are in the cities of:

Beyond flying, the most common form of transportation is by bus. You can check bus schedules at BusBud. Buses in Patagonia are much more expensive than in other parts of Argentina. You should also expect some long bus rides in Patagonia between certain cities because the area is so vast and cities are spread apart.

If you want more freedom, then I suggest renting a car. This allows you to make stops wherever you want and travel at your own pace. Renting a car is very common in Patagonia.

What is the most beautiful part of Patagonia?

All of Patagonia is beautiful. The towns along the coast, such as Puerto Madryn, offer a ton of opportunities to see wildlife, though the flora of the area is dry and desert-like. Another coastal city, Rio Gallegos, is not worth your time. There isn’t much to do or see. You can see it more as a layover between El Calafate and Ushuaia.

If you’re looking for beautiful landscapes, then the best parts of Patagonia are along the Andes Mountain range.

From Bariloche, down to El Chalten, and finally down to Ushuaia, you can find sweeping landscapes with snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and deep green forests. In my personal opinion, the most beautiful places in Patagonia are around Bariloche and El Chaltén.

How many days should I spend in Patagonia?

You could spend months in Patagonia and still not see everything. You just need to get comfortable with the idea that you can’t see everything. I suggest making a list of priorities based on the time you have and what you want to see, and going from there.

I have spent a total of 5 weeks in Patagonia, and I feel like I’m just scratching the surface. There will always be more to come back and see again and again.

Is 3 days in Patagonia enough?

In short, no. There are so many things to do and see in Patagonia. Three days is not enough to see Patagonia. If you only have 3 days and really want to see it, I suggest choosing just one city and spending your 3 days there. Three days is enough for just one place in Patagonia.

Is it expensive to go to Patagonia?

Yes. I will not beat around the bush. Patagonia is one of the most expensive places I’ve ever traveled before, and I’ve been to lots of places. It is by far the most expensive area of Argentina. This is not a region for budget travel. While you can stay in hostels and buy food from supermarkets, prices add up quickly.

Transportation, food, and accommodation are all drastically more expensive in Patagonia than in any other part of the country.

What to pack for Patagonia

When you go to Patagonia, you need to be prepared for all types of weather. The further south you go, the colder it will be. The benefit of that though, is that you get very long days in summer, so you can stay out even later and enjoy nature.

When packing, this is what I suggest, along with your basics:

Final Thoughts on the 9 Best Things to Do in Patagonia

Patagonia is one of the most visited places in Argentina with good reason. There are incredibly beautiful sweeping landscapes everywhere you look, accompanied by wildlife and cool people you meet along the way. You can find some of the best hiking in the world here. Even if you don’t like hiking, you’ll still enjoy Patagonia.

There are so many things to do in Patagonia, from visiting glaciers, seeing penguins and whales in their natural habitats, and hiking to the best views. I hope this post is a good starting point for you to figure out where you want to go in Patagonia. Wherever you choose to go, the choice won’t disappoint you!

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