The southern tip of South America, known collectively as Patagonia, is split between Argentina and Chile. With large spans of open wilderness, there is much to see and do. Where does one start? Here's a rundown of the most important points of interest:
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is the main hub of Patagonia. Regardless of whether you intend to explore Chilean Patagonia, Argentinean Patagonia, or both, this is where you will fly in. It sits right on the Strait of Magellan and carries significant historic interest as one of Chile's most important port cities prior to the construction of the Panama Canal (it served as a coaling station for ships crossing between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans). Today, it is the largest city in Patagonia and provides modern comforts, like proper hotels and local craft breweries. Punta Arenas is a hub for cruise ships and a launching point for other adventures in Patagonia, including Torres del Paine National Park, Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, Argentinian Patagonia, and Antarctic expeditions. Buses run from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales and Tierra del Fuego.
Puerto Natales
Three hours north of Punta Arenas is Puerto Natales. Also located on the water, it has its roots as a fishing port town and now serves as the staging area and gateway for visitors to Torres del Paine National Park. Filled with small inns, hostels, restaurants, and wilderness outfitters, buses leave daily for the two-hour ride to the entrance to Torres del Paine. Those with rental cars can make day trips to the Park from Puerto Natales. Glacier cruises also depart from Puerto Natales through the Ultima Esperanza Fjord to Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers.
Torres del Paine National Park
By far the most well-known attraction in Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park is a five-hour drive from Punta Arenas and two hours from Puerto Natales. Filled with glaciers (Grey Glacier), trekking routes (W Trek), natural formations (Torres), wildlife (Puma), and other points of interest, the Park attracts visitors from all over the world and is the most visited area of Patagonia.
Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego National Park
If you drive eleven hours south from Punta Arenas, across the border into Argentina and down as far as you can go, you will arrive at Ushuaia. A staging area for trips to Antarctica, it also provides access to Tierra del Fuego National Park, cruises through the various straits, and wildlife viewing opportunities (including penguins, seals, and orcas). Considered the southernmost city in the world and certainly one of the most remote, Ushuaia was once a penal and prison colony, established by the Argentinian government in the late 1800s.
El Chalten
Eight hours north of Punta Arenas is the small mountain village of El Chalten. Located on the Argentinian side in close proximity to Mt. Fitzroy, it serves as an alternate trekking region to Torres del Paine. Like Puerto Natales, El Chalten is home to small inns, hostels, and outdoor companies. It is also close to Los Glaciares National Park. Now on the backpacker route of Patagonia, El Chalten is perhaps, at the moment, the fastest-growing tourism destination in Patagonia.
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