From icy fjords and glimmering glaciers to boundless temperate forests and towering jagged peaks, Patagonia mesmerizes as South America’s most rugged frontier. Located at the southern tip of the continent and split between Chile to the west and Argentina to the east, the area’s striking natural formations are born from the rugged Andes Mountains, the longest mountain range in the world. Though planning a trip to this vast and remote wilderness may seem intimidating, the A2A Safaris team will grant you intimate access to the region’s top luxury lodges, each within range of Patagonia’s most incredible sites. Whether trekking through the region’s plentiful national parks or kayaking its myriad glacial lakes, a transformational journey to the wilds of Patagonia is sure to bring friends and families together in one of the most pristine natural lands in the world. For inspiration to plan your next trip, discover our favorite wonders in Patagonia.
Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate, Argentina Set within the southern realms of Los Glaciares National Park near El Calafate, Argentina, the Perito Moreno Glacier is the most spectacular of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Measuring over 18 miles long and three miles wide, it’s one of the only glaciers in the world continuing to advance. Moving around one meter per day, watch as icebergs calve and crash into Lake Argentino from its face.
Marble Caves, Puerto Río Tranquilo, Chile The iridescent Marble Caves on General Carrera Lake may be Patagonia’s best kept secret. Located near Puerto Río Tranquilo in Chile, kayak or boat through this series of sculpted caves as the sun reflects myriad shades of blue on the yellow and white twisted marble, a surface slowing carved thanks to 6,000 years of lake currents lapping against its surface.
Cerro Catedral, Bariloche, Argentina Set within the Nahuel Huapí National Park in Bariloche, Argentina, Cerro Catedral is a utopia for snow-sport enthusiasts. As the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere, its 34 lifts are open year-round. Before skiing or snowboarding to the bottom, enjoy stunning views of Nahuel Huapi and Gutiérrez lakes and Mount Tronador in the distance.
Los Torres, Torres del Paine, Chile Set within Torres del Paine National Park is a trifecta of striking granite formations within the Torres del Paine massif. As one of the most spectacular sights in all of Patagonia, the base of the three jagged peaks are accessible by a challenging 11-mile day hike. At the summit, find an icy glacial lake at the base of the towers, providing the perfect contrast to the pale gray slopes.
Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia, Argentina Due to its location at off the southernmost tip of mainland South America, Tierra del Fuego isoften frequented prior to journeys to Antarctica. But venturing to this remote archipelago in Ushuaia, Argentina, has its perks, as it’s nearly overflowing with mountainous terrain rife with snowy peaks and lush forests beckoning to be explored. But perhaps the most alluring aspect of the area is its access to incredible flora or fauna like the penguin colony at Martillo Island.
Mount Fitz Roy, El Chalten, Argentina Standing over 11,0000 feet on the horizon, this sheer granite peak is one of the most illustrious natural spectacles in all of Patagonia. Located in Los Glaciares National Park near El Chalten, Argentina, Mount Fitz Roy is surrounded by a range of smaller spires and is often considered one of the hardest peaks to climb on Earth. Day trekkers to the park can see the peak in its glory during a hike to the mountain’s base, where an azure pool awaits.
Grey Glacier, Torres del Paine, Chile In the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is Grey Glacier, a nearly 12-mile wide natural ice formation floating in a lake of the same name. Set just west of the Cordillera del Paine, the glacier harbors its own nunatak, a land mass splitting the glacier in two, creating an island in the middle of the glacier where you can roam.