Argentina’s Patagonia region is a haven for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The best time to visit this region is October through March, during the country’s summer season. With its dramatic landscapes, including the Andes mountains, glacial lakes, and expansive wildlife, Patagonia offers world-class hiking, biking, and unique culinary experiences.
Ahead, our comprehensive Patagonia travel guide will take you through the Lakes District, El Calafate, and El Chaltén, ending at Ushuaia, the southernmost tip of the South American continent. One thing’s for sure: A trip to Patagonia guarantees an unforgettable journey in one of the most beautiful regions of the world.
Bariloche, Lakes District
The Argentine Lakes District, part of Northern Patagonia, is a picturesque region filled with seven stunning lakes, charming Swiss-German-influenced mountain towns, and snow-capped peaks. This area serves as the perfect starting point for your Patagonia adventure. Renting a car is highly recommended, offering the flexibility to explore the other beautiful towns at your own pace. Bariloche is an ideal home base in the Lakes District, brimming with activities for hiking, biking, boating, and fishing enthusiasts. This vibrant town is a must-visit destination at the beginning of your Patagonia journey.
Where to Stay in Bariloche
The Llao Llao Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel overlooking the Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes. Renowned for its elegant architecture, the resort blends rustic charm with modern amenities, including a golf course, spa, and indoor/outdoor pool. Situated at the base of the Andes, this sprawling property offers stunning views throughout, making it a top choice for travelers seeking a lavish retreat.
As an alternative to the Llao Llao, Arelauquen Lodge is located inland on the outskirts of Bariloche, offering beautiful mountain and golf course views. Ideal for those who prefer the option to prepare their own meals, each room features a fully equipped kitchen. The lodge’s interiors are simple yet charming, with wood beam ceilings and rustic accents, providing a cozy and comfortable stay.
Things To Do
Hiking
Patagonia is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. The All Trails app can help you find the best hikes, complete with reviews and mapped routes from fellow hikers. Here are a few fan favorites in the Bariloche area:
Mirador Brazo Tristeza: Follow the Bahia Lopez trail for a short 1.8-mile out-and-back hike to the Mirador Brazo Tristeza viewpoint. Experience panoramic views of the lakes and Cerro Capilla.
Cerro Lopez: Not for the faint of heart, Cerro Lopez is a more challenging hike, but the panoramic views make it all worthwhile. With a 4,000 ft elevation gain, this hike includes a steep climb and a rock scramble at the summit. Take a pit stop at the Refugio to refill water bottles and pick up a snack.
Experience the lakes on a private boat tour
Experience the lakes on a private boat tour through Fossil Island and Victoria Island. Learn about the history of the Lakes District and its wildlife from a knowledgeable private guide. This intimate experience offers a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty.
Scenic Drives
Take a 1.5-hour scenic drive to the next town over from Bariloche, the charming Villa La Angostura. Stop at Cucú Schulz for a coffee and tasty pastry.
Circuito Chico, a scenic drive around the Nahuel Huapi Lake, offers breathtaking views of the Andes and numerous hiking trails along the way. Stop at various viewpoints to snap pictures of the shimmering lakes and enjoy the stunning landscapes.
Where to Eat in Bariloche
Cerveceria Patagonia
Overlooking the mountains of Bariloche, Cerveceria Patagonia is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of hiking or biking. This large brewery offers stunning lake views, light bites, and a selection of craft beers, making it an ideal destination for both refreshment and relaxation.
ānima
ānima is an upscale restaurant featuring a tasting menu filled with unique dishes. Nestled in a treehouse-like structure, Anima provides an intimate atmosphere with high-touch service. Every bite is bursting with flavor, promising an unforgettable culinary experience.
Olivar Bar de Tapas
Olivar Bar de Tapas serves interesting cocktails and Spanish-inspired dishes. Its inviting atmosphere makes for a great choice for a comforting meal, including fresh empanadas, artisanal cheeses, and a variety of vegetarian options.
El Calafate
Located in the heart of Patagonia, El Calafate is most famous for the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. This charming town features a walkable downtown area filled with craft breweries and chocolatiers, making it a delightful destination in Patagonia.
Where to Stay in El Calafate
EOLO is the most luxurious property in Patagonia, set on a sprawling 10,000-acre estate just outside of El Calafate. The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning panoramic views of the vast Patagonian steppe. With just 17 rooms, EOLO provides an intimate atmosphere and embodies the estancia culture of Patagonia. A stay at this property includes a range of outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, mountain biking, and bird watching.
Los Ponchos is a charming lakeside boutique hotel located a mere mile from the city center of El Calafate. It offers views of Lake Argentino and combines luxury with a quintessentially Argentine aesthetic. The apartment-style rooms feature full kitchens and dining areas, providing more space and flexibility for guests who prefer a homier feel.
Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate is within walking distance of the charming downtown area. Esplendor offers a blend of modern comfort with Patagonian charm, as the rooms feature neutral color pallets with pops of vibrant hues inspired by the surrounding landscapes. This hotel offers convenient access to the town’s amenities and attractions, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want to be in the center of the action.
Things To Do
The Perito Moreno Glacier is the most novel attraction in El Calafate. Walk the boardwalk to view the glacier, or schedule a mini trek with Hielo Aventura, one of the only companies that schedule hikes on the glacier. During the mini trek, you’ll take a scenic ferry ride to the glacier base where you gear up with crampons and helmets before embarking on the adventure. With over an hour on the glacier, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the fresh glacier water. End the trek with whiskey on the rocks (with glacier ice!) and a sweet treat.
Visit Laguna Nimez, a nature preserve located right in town. Laguna Nimez is a bird lover’s heaven with hundreds of different types of birds and other wildlife present, including flamingos. Take a short walk around the boardwalk to discover sweeping views of the Andes mountains and enjoy all the native wildlife.
Explore the downtown area of El Calafate, a very walkable main street filled with souvenir shops, chocolatiers, beer gardens, and many restaurants. Stop in one of the local artisanal shops to try the famous El Calafate Berry jam, made from a berry native to the Patagonia region. Visit the El Calafate Artisanal Market to see the products of local craftsmen and take home handmade pieces of Patagonia.
Where to Eat in El Calafate
Rústico Asador y Parilla
Perched on a small hilltop, Rústico Asador y Parilla offers a unique dining experience with its wood-burning stove. This restaurant is a must-visit to savor Argentina’s famous beef and lamb dishes, cooked to perfection. Enjoy sunset views over Lago Argentino while indulging in local specialties, including their delicious empanadas.
Mi Rancho
Mi Rancho exudes traditional Argentine charm with its rustic decor featuring wooden furniture, woven tablecloths, and native colors of the region. Despite its unassuming appearance, this small brick house is a hidden gem in El Calafate. The clay oven at Mi Rancho imparts rich charcoal flavors to their pizzas, which complement a menu featuring fresh seafood, beef, pasta, and more.
El Chaltén
El Chaltén is home to some of the best hiking in Patagonia. Established in the 1980s as a haven for hiking enthusiasts, this small town is an ideal basecamp for day hikes or longer backpacking journeys. Accessible by renting a car from El Calafate or taking a scheduled bus, El Chaltén offers a quaint and rustic demeanor, set against unparalleled natural scenery.
Where to Stay in El Chaltén
Located in the heart of town atop a small hill, Los Cerros offers sweeping views of both the city center and De las Vueltas River Valley. Guests are welcomed by a grand breakfast room featuring a panoramic mountain scene. The rustic-chic interior reflects Patagonian culture, with easy access to restaurants and the main town street. Exceptional hospitality enhances the stay; think turndown service that includes chocolates left on the pillow.
Set in a hiker’s paradise within the Los Huemules Conservation Reserve, Explora El Chaltén offers an adventure-based, all-inclusive experience. This boutique hotel boasts views of the Marconi Glacier and surrounding peaks from its 30 rooms, adorned with simple earth tones and large windows framing the breathtaking landscape.
Things To Do
Hiking
El Chaltén is a hiking enthusiast’s dream. With most trains accessible right from the town, there is no shortage of great options. Here are some of the top day hikes:
Mirador De Los Cóndores: About a two-hour trek to a stunning viewpoint. Look out for condors, the large eagle-esque birds surrounding the area.
Laguna de Los Tres: A challenging 14-mile round-trip hike ending with spectacular views of Mount Fitz Roy. Consider bringing hiking poles and crampons for icy conditions.
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado: Considered to be one of the most panoramic spots in the area, this hike ends at a small glacial lake with mountains surrounding the valley.
Laguna Capri: A relatively easy 5-mile hike is the perfect warm-up for the start of your Patagonia adventure. With a more challenging first mile, the rest is relatively flat, with many viewpoints surrounding the lake. Once you get to the top, you’ll see impressive views of Mount Fitz Roy.
Where to Eat in El Chaltén
Cervecería Artesanal Chaltén
This small German-style cervecería offers charming interiors and craft beers paired with local cuisine. The menu features a selection of artisanal cheeses, local meats, and wood-fired pizzas, making it a great spot for a casual dining experience. Don’t miss their empanadas and mini complementary courses, including fresh vegetable soup.
La Tapera
Tucked behind an unassuming wooden log exterior, La Tapera impresses with incredible food and a cozy atmosphere. The menu features a fusion of Patagonian flavors with international influences, including locally sourced meats and vegetarian dishes. Highlights include the slow-cooked lamb stew and homemade pasta. Get there early, as there’s always a line out the door.
This stands out as one of the town’s more upscale spots, featuring an extensive wine list to complement its refined dishes. The in-house sommelier is always ready to select the ideal wine to pair with your meal. With a trendy interior and unique cuisine featuring seared fish dishes and Patagonian beef, La Vineria promises an unforgettable dining experience that will not disappoint.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia, otherwise known as “the tip of the world,” is the southernmost part of Argentina’s Patagonia. Often the go-to city for flights to Antarctica, Ushuaia has much to offer with its unique wildlife and outdoor activities.
Where to Stay in Ushuaia
Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa is located on a hilltop just moments from downtown Ushuaia. With its industrial facade and copper exterior, Arakur is an architectural wonder. The property features an indoor and heated outdoor pool, alongside two hot tubs that offer breathtaking views of the town and Beagle Channel.
Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa is nested along the shores of the Beagle Channel, offering luxurious accommodations with panoramic views. This property has loads of amenities, including a larger outdoor heated pool and full spa treatments. Los Cauquenes is the perfect retreat combining both relaxation and adventure.
Things to Do
A Penguin Walking Tour on Martillo Island is a must-do in Ushuaia. Piratour is one of the few tour groups offering transportation and guided walking tours with the penguins. On the island, you’ll see hundreds of penguins walking around, jumping in the water, and even performing a few tricks! The Magellanic and Gentoo penguins are the most common species, with the best viewing times from October to March.
Laguna Esmeralda is one of the most spectacular hikes in Ushuaia, winding up in an emerald-green glacial lake surrounded by towering mountains. This hike is relatively flat, but the mud can pose a challenge. It’s best to start early in the morning to beat the crowds and avoid the muddy afternoon slush.
Experience the historic landscape of Ushuaia on the End of the World Train. Originally used to transport timber for the prison of Ushuaia, this train now offers scenic tours with actors portraying prison guards, providing a glimpse into the region’s past.
Where to Eat in Ushuaia
This high-end family-run seafood restaurant offers a romantic ambiance with white tablecloths and candlelight. The menu is filled with fresh seafood and simple vegetable sides, enhanced with butter and herbs to create mouth-watering dishes. The service is intimate, with the restaurant owner personally visiting each table during a meal.
This spot is renowned for serving some of the best fresh king crab in Ushuaia. The crabs are caught fresh each morning and tend to sell out as the day progresses. This no-frills spot is guaranteed to tick the box for fresh seafood lovers looking for an authentic Ushuaia experience.
