All you need to know

When we talk about Patagonia we always imagine Argentina. But, did you know that Patagonia is divided between Chile & Argentina?

In Argentine Patagonia we can find the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier, located in El Calafate, in the Los Glaciares National Park, where you can observe the glacier from its platforms or get closer through small zodiac boats. Another attraction is the Upsala Glacier that can be visited by sailing on Lake Argentino.

Then in Chilean Patagonia, in addition to the Balmaceda, Serrano and Gray Glaciers, to name the most famous, we can visit the Torres del Paine National Park, declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco in 1978 and chosen as the 8th Wonder of the world in 2013. To visit the park you have to pay an entrance fee, with different prices for foreigners and chileans. You can get to know the Park on your own, renting a car or through an excursion hired by an agency. The park has luxury accommodations such as the Explora and Tierra Patagonia hotels as well as others near the park with views of the Torres del Paine, such as the Serrano River.

For the more adventurous there is the famous “Trekking W”. It is aimed at people who want to enjoy nature, appreciate the indescribable Torre del Paine up close and disconnect a little from the “urban world”. When you think about doing the W trekking you should keep in mind that you will sleep in shelters with shared rooms but super well organized and capable of receiving tourists. The program includes all necessary meals and it is not necessary to carry them during the hike.

For the most extreme, “Trekking O” is the right option, since it requires good physical conditioning and considering that you will sleep one or two nights in a tent.

Many tourists come to Chile to visit “the Patagonias” and learn about its attractions. They start in Chile, arriving at the Punta Arenas airport. Then they go to Puerto Natales where the excursions to the Torres del Paine National Park, Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier and the Perito Moreno Glacier (El Calafate, Argentina) depart. Some stay in El Calafate for more days and return from Argentina and others prefer the excursion to Perito Moreno for the day and return from Punta Arenas.

Which one is prettier? Chilean Patagonia or Argentina?

The truth is you have to know both. Each one has its particularity. They are both beautiful, they look like paintings, it is difficult to believe in their wonderful landscapes.

When to get to know “the Patagonias”?

The best time is from November to March.

Where to stay?

If you want something cheaper, the best option is to stay in Puerto Natales, but the experience of staying in one of the hotels in Torres del Paine is unmatched. That is why the recommendation is that you stay in the Park as many days as possible or at least 1 night.

What to eat?

The typical dish of Patagonia is Lamb on a stick, you have to try it!

What to bring?

You must think that the beauty of Patagonia is to enjoy nature and the outdoors; for that you must feel comfortable, no shoes with heels.

In Patagonia you can experience the 4 seasons of the year in a single day. This means that you must carry; wool or fleece hat (one pair), fleece collar, sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen of at least factor 45, lip balm, quick-drying t-shirt, fleece jacket, water-repellent jacket, fleece gloves (two pairs), quick-drying fiber legs or leggings, water-repellent pants, shorts for when it's hot, fleece pants for camping, fleece socks, high-top trekking shoes, lounging shoes and gaiters.