Things to do in Patagonia

2026 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is located at the eastern foothills of the Andes. The park features a vast ice field, one of the largest ice caps outside of Antarctica, which feeds dozens of large glaciers. The glacial meltwater flows into lakes such as Argentino Lake, creating a magnificent landscape of icebergs and glacial lakes. The shores of Argentino Lake in the southern part of the park are the core tourist area. The Perito Moreno Glacier is the iconic sight here, with its ice wall towering over the lake, and the blue and white ice textures clearly visible. This glacier has long been in a state of approximate balance between accumulation and ablation, which is quite rare given the global trend of glacier retreat. In addition to viewing the full panorama of the glacier along the boardwalks, taking a boat to get close to the glacier cliffs to look up at the ice wall, or putting on crampons to hike on the glacier surface are all unique ways to experience it. There are also other large glaciers in the park, such as the Upsala Glacier and the Spegazzini Glacier, which flow into Argentino Lake and can only be reached by boat cruise. The northern part, represented by Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, is a sought-after destination for mountaineering and hiking enthusiasts.

Selected for Best Things to Do in Argentina

Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier's ice mass extends from the Andes to the shores of Argentino Lake, with an ice tongue approx. 5 km wide and rising approx. 70 m above the lake surface, forming a blue-and-white ice wall. Against the backdrop of retreating glaciers worldwide, it has long maintained a near-equilibrium state, making it one of only 3 glaciers in Patagonia that have not retreated—a characteristic that has garnered significant attention in glacial research. The glacier's surface is densely packed with crevasses and ice pinnacles, displaying a gradient of colors from cobalt blue to milky white under refracted sunlight, with the edges often covered in fresh snow during winter, creating distinct layers. The glacier is named after the 19th-century explorer Francisco Moreno. Its uniqueness lies in the ice mass periodically advancing to the opposite shore of the lake, forming a natural ice dam that divides the lake in two; the blocked water level rises continuously, and the pressure breaks through the ice wall, triggering a spectacular rupture as a large volume of lake water suddenly gushes out. This ice dam-rupture cycle has an irregular interval, ranging from 1–2 years to over 10 years, making it a rare dynamic geological phenomenon in nature.

No. 17 of Best Things to Do in Chile

Strait of Magellan

The Strait of Magellan is a natural waterway between the southern tip of the South American continent and islands such as Tierra del Fuego. Located in southern Chile, it winds for over 500 km, connecting the South Atlantic and South Pacific Oceans. In 1520, the navigator Magellan led his fleet on a circumnavigation through this winding fjord into the Pacific Ocean, and it was named after him. Before the Panama Canal opened, this was an important route for ships traveling between the two oceans to avoid the massive waves of Cape Horn. Compared to the storm-prone Drake Passage, the water here is relatively calm. The mountains and islands along the shores are continuous, and the high-altitude ridges are covered in snow year-round. The barren mountains, rocks, and dark seawater interweave to create a desolate, Patagonian-style landscape that feels a bit like the end of the world.

No. 8 of Spring Outings in Argentina

Nahuel Huapi National Park

Nahuel Huapi Lake National Park is a national park, nature reserve and tourist area in Argentina. The whole park is covered with virgin forest, and there are many aquatic birds, and it is also a paradise for wild animals. The Catedral Mountain in the park is the ski center of Argentina. From June to September every year, it snows heavily and is covered in silver. Nahuel Huapi Lake is a lake in the park, about 65 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide, covering an area of 531 square kilometers, more than 300 meters deep, and 767 meters above sea level. There are salmon and trout in the lake for tourists to fish. The nearby Tronador Mountain is 3,574 meters high. "Tronador" means "thunder" in Spanish. Therefore, it is named after the large glaciers pouring on the top of the mountain and the thunderous sound of the violent mountain wind.

Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes

Arrayanes National Park, located in Los Lagos County, Argentina, is a protected area brimming with natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of Patagonia, it encompasses a rich ecosystem and stunning natural landscapes. The park boasts vast forests, grasslands, lakes, and snow-capped mountains, offering visitors a diverse array of outdoor activities. Its unique location and diverse flora and fauna make it a paradise for eco-enthusiasts and nature explorers. Arrayanes National Park boasts a vibrant landscape, from azure lakes to snow-capped mountains and lush forests. The park also boasts a rich flora and fauna, home to many typical Patagonian species, including diverse birds, mammals, and unique plant species. Visitors have the opportunity to witness vibrant wildlife in its natural habitat.

Plaza Pagano

Plaza Pagano is a picturesque square beloved by tourists and locals alike. Surrounded by lush forests and lakes, nestled at the foot of the Andes Mountains, the square offers stunning views. The square's design is simple yet elegant, with spacious walkways and open green spaces where visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll or sit on benches to admire the surrounding natural scenery. The central fountain and surrounding flower beds add to the square's vibrant atmosphere, with a variety of flowers and plants creating a constantly changing landscape with the changing seasons. The square is home to a series of large wooden sculptures crafted by local artisans, as well as several iconic monuments. A highlight of the square is the hippie market, where stalls selling crafts and local products are set on select days, creating a truly memorable experience.

San Martin Plaza

At the center of Plaza San Martin stands the Monumento al General Jose de San Martin. The square features many local trees and benches, and its spacious area is suitable for street performances or commemorative events.

Monumento Natural Los Pinguinos

Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum

Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways