The area known as “Patagonia” is comprised of Argentina and Ecuador and is located in the southern end of South America. Both sections have similarities, but are they both also known for their unique views and experiences. Wildlife, ancient forests, glaciers are the key attractions here.
1. WHALE-WATCH IN PUERTO MADRYN
Puerto Madryn offers some of the world's best whale-watchin. Its warm, more enclosed waters along the Golfo Nuevo, Golfo San José and the coastline near Caleta Valdés are prime breeding zones for southern right whales between June and mid-December.
2. OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN EL CHALéN
The surrounding mountains are prime hiking, rock climbing and horseback riding territory. There are also ice-climbing courses and ice treks available.
3. DINOSAUR DISCOVERY AT THE ROYAL TYRRELL MUSEUM OF PALAEONTOLOGY
Showcasing the most important fossil finds in Patagonia, this natural-history museum offers outstanding life-sized dinosaur exhibits and more than 1700 fossil remains of plant and marine life.
4. WALK WITH THE PRE-HISTORIC
The Dinosaur route in northwest Patagonia is a wonderful adventure. The biggest dinosaur skeletons ever to have walked the planet the palaeontologist is buried in this region's red-rock badlands.
5. PENGUIN-WATCH AT PUNTA TOMBO
A colony of more than half a million Magellanic penguins and many other birds, most notably king and rock cormorants, giant petrels and black oystercatchers can be found here.
6. ROCK ART IN CUEVA DE LAS MANOS (Cave with the Hands)
It was proclaimed a Unesco World Heritage site in 1999. Dating from about 7370 BC, these polychrome rock paintings cover recesses in the near-vertical walls with imprints of human hands, drawings of guanacos and, from a later period and abstract designs.
7. COATAL VILLAGE OF CAMARONES
Empty beaches are perfect for strolling and the sociable townsfolk are masters of the art of shooting the breeze. It is also the closest hub to the lesser-known Cabo Dos Bahías nature reserve.
8. GLACIER AT PARQUE NATIONAL LOS GLACIARES
Glaciar Perito Moreno is the stunning centrepiece of the southern sector of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.
9. WATERSPORTS
With interesting shipwrecks and sea life nearby, Madryn and the Península Valdés have become Argentina’s diving capitals. In high season you can windsurfing or kayaking at the Vernardion Club de Mar. South of Muelle Piedrabuena, Playa Tomás Curti is a popular windsurfing spot.
10. CERRO CATEDRAL SKI RESORT
This buzzing Andes resort in Argentina's Lake District boasts experienced instructors, spectacular vantage points and an array of outdoor trails. But downhill skiing isn't the only reason to visit Cerro Catedral: You can also test your stamina along the cross-country ski trails or tackle the powder by sled and snowmobile. If you visit between December and February, you'll find ample opportunities to hike and mountain bike in the summer season.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
- The Marble Caves
- La Leona Petrified Forest
- Isla de Los Pajaros
- Isla Pinguinos
- Museo Martimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia
- The Town of Gaiman
- Capilla Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion
- Walichu Caves
- Museo Primera Casa de Gainman
- Castillito Van Dorsser
- Parroquia Nuestra Senora De Lugan
- Perito Moreno Glacier
- El Calafate Historical Interpretation Centre
- La Catarata
- Cascada del Rio Agrio
- Los Baqueanos
- Parque Nahuelito
- El Gorosito
- San Martin Monument
- Centro Civico
- Laguna CapriTorres de Paine National Park
- El Tronador
- General Carrera Underground Lake
- Lake Pehoe
If you decide to make a hiking trek on your own keep a good supply of warm, waterproof clothing, a first aid kit, and a satellite phone or other device that would allow you to be located using GPS coordinates.
The temperature has been known to reach into the 20’s celsuis during December and January, and most of the rainfall occurs between March and June.
