What is Patagonia Famous for?
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What is Patagonia Famous for?

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Jun 1, 2018

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By Saloni Gupta

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Last updated on September 26th, 2022 at 10:54 am

Before we start this article of What is Patagonia Famous for, try to imagine this for a minute: Mesmerizing Coasts, dense forests, spectacular glaciers and wonderfulΒ wildlife – Patagonia’s captured your attention, but where to start? We’ve shortlisted the best highlights of Patagonia for you and answered a very common question every traveler may have: What is Patagonia Famous for? Come explore Patagonia as we uncover facts about Patagonia, Things to do in Patagonia, Best Hikes in Patagonia, Must see destinations in Patagonia and more!

First things first, where is Patagonia?

Patagonia Map

Patagonia is a distinct geographical region at end tip of South America, covering the lower sections of Argentina and Chile. On the Argentine side, it starts in the province of Rio Negro and expands all the way to Tierra Del Fuego.Β On the Chilean side, it starts in the AraucanΓ­a region extending towards the extreme southern tip of the country.

Patagonia Facts:
  • Patagonia spans a massive 1,043,076 km squared. It occupies almost half of each country and yet is home to less than 2 million inhabitants.
  • The Patagonian region is home to six national parks.
  • Near the city of Esquel in Argentina, you can find the second oldest living species here, the 2,600 years old Alerces Tree.
  • The total population of Patagonia is about 2 million and the official language of Patagonia is Spanish.
  • Most of the time, Patagonia is within one or two hours of USA EST.
  • The summer season in Patagonia runs from December to March.

Now that we have explored Where is Patagonia, Facts about Patagonia and Patagonia Map, let us discover What is Patagonia Famous for. First up on our list is..

#1. Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glacier National Park, El Calafate

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Located in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Glaciar Perito MorenoΒ is the most stunning centerpiece you may ever come across, at 30km long, 5km wide and 60m high. It covers about 121 square miles. Did you know that this glacier is constantly advancing? Yes, the glacier advances up to 2m per day. Watching this glacier is a very thrilling experience. Just imagine watching huge chunks of the ice mass crashing into the water, creating a massive roar and splash. There are various viewpoints to view the stunning glacier. if you are looking for some more adventure, there are trekking tours on some parts of the glacier and also a boat ride that takes you around the base.Β  While you are at Los Glacier, don’t miss out on Viedma Glacier, another stunning creation of mother nature.

#2. El Chalten and Mt Fitz Roy

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El ChaltΓ©n’s may very well be called the hiking destination of the world. Surrounded by pristine mountains and serene lake, El Chalten offers the most scenic hikes! Patagonia is famous for its prime hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering and horseback riding experiences. If you love being outdoors and are an outdoor adventure type, Mt Fitz Roy is the spot for you. Our list of What is Patagonia famous for would be incomplete without the Mount Fitz Roy Trek and Cerro Torres hike, an absolute stunner where you will realize how wonderful nature truly is.

#3. Torres Del Paine National Park

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A hiker’s paradise, Torres Del Paine is surrounded by magnificent granite mountains and clear lakes. We highly recommend you to stay inside of the park, so you can truly enjoy this park. Go sightseeing along the Serrano River, the Grey Glacier, the lagoons of Lago Pehoe, Lago NordenskjΓΆld and Lago Sarmiento. The W trek and the O trek are the most famous trekking trails in Torres Del Paine. Enjoy scenic walks or hikes that vary in difficulty. Torres del Paine is also famous for spotting many types of flora and fauna, like the Andean Condors, Magellanic Horned Owls, Chilean Flamingoes, gray foxes, Andean deer and much more.

#3. Puerto MadrynΒ 

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Next up on our list of What is Patagonia Famous for is whale watching! If you are aΒ wildlife lover, head to Peninsula Valdes in Patagonia! Offering some of the best whale watching opportunity, Puerto MadrynΒ is the right spot. Its warm and enclosed waters are the major breeding zones for whales from June through December. You may be able to spotΒ Southern Right, Orcas, Sea Lions, Seals and other Patagonian Wildlife.

#4.Β Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia

what-is-patagonia-famous-for
Patagonia is famous for the southernmost tip of the continent, Tierra del Fuego. Ushuaia is referred to as β€œEnd of the World” or β€œGateway to End of the World”, beyond which there is only Antarctica. Tierra del Fuego is a scenic harbor with museums and wildland with dense forests with rare species of Flora and Fauna. Many Antarctic cruises board from the port city of Ushuaia. Other things to do are Tierra del Fuego National Park, Beagle Channel, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and Martillo Island.

#5. EcoCamp

what-is-patagonia-famous-for
The EcoCamp Lodge in Torres del Paine National Park offers the best luxury camping in Patagonia. Now you can camp under the shimmering stars and amidst wilderness, without having to worry about setting up a tent or hunting for food.Β Be one with nature and explore one of the worlds most magnificent national parks- Torres Del Paine. You can choose between various domes of the camp, different camping durations and your own food with drinks! What a wonderful β€œGlamping Experience!”

But wait! Here are few more things on our list of What is Patagonia Famous for!

#6. Cueva de las Manos

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The incredible rock art ofΒ Cave of the Hands or Cueva de las Manos is a Unesco World Heritage site in the Santa Cruz Province. These rock paintings go back to about 7370 BC and belong to the Teheulches people. They are detailed with imprints of human hands, drawings of guanacos and abstract designs. These paintings were brightly painted in hues of red, black, white, and yellow. If you like prehistoric paintings, this site is a must visit for you.

#7.Β Dinosaur route

The Dinosaur route in northwest Patagonia is one of the manyΒ reasons why Patagonia is famous. In the Chubut region, archaeologists have found the largest ever dinosaur fossils, measuringΒ 42m in length and weighing 76 tons, buried in this region’s red-rock badlands.

#8. Punta Tombo

what-is-patagonia-famous-for
At Punta Tombo, you can observe the different phases of Penguin’s lives and learn about their behavior while you spot more than half a million colonies of Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat. These fascinating and charming inhabitants visit this site between September and April to incubate their eggs and prepare their offspring for migration. A parent protects their nests from Predators while the other goes to the sea to find food. You can also spot seagulls and other seabirdsΒ in the area.Β 

Β #9. Ruta 40 or Carretera Austral

what-is-patagonia-famous-for
Running parallel to the Andean ranges, Ruta 40 orΒ Carretera Austral is one of the longest and most spectacular highways in the world. The length of this National Highway is about 5,000 km (3,107 mi). Ruta 40 passes through the most extraordinary landscapes on the planet (not just Patagonia). On this road trip, you will come across more than 15 National Park, 18 rivers, various small villages and big cities! The highway also connects 11 provinces, a few of them areΒ  Santa Cruz, Chubut, RΓ­o Negro, NeuquΓ©n, Salta and more! Let’s go road tripping across the astonishing Ruta 40!

Did You Love Learning All About What Is Brazil Famous For?Β Stay Up-To-Date With All The Latest South American News By VisitingΒ Our Blog!

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Last updated on September 26th, 2022 at 10:54 am

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