Patagonia, South America’s southernmost region, is enormous—spanning over 400,000 square miles, larger than the entire state of Texas. This sparsely populated, mythic wilderness is shared between Chile and Argentina. On the Chilean side, travelers discover intricate fjords and temperate rainforests. Argentina’s Patagonia, by contrast, is characterized by vast, windswept steppes and golden dry grasslands. Both countries share the majestic spine of the southern Andes mountain range, defined by needle-like granite peaks, hanging glaciers, and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field—one of the largest non-polar ice fields on Earth.
Advisor Seasonality Note
Because of extreme southern latitude geography and dynamic mountain weather, the tourist season in Argentine Patagonia is strictly concentrated between October and May. Most luxury wilderness lodges and guided excursion programs close entirely during the southern winter months of June through September.
Parque Nacional Los Glaciares: The Two Gateways
The crowning jewel of Argentine Patagonia is Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, a UNESCO World Heritage nature reserve featuring some of the most extraordinary glacial and alpine landscapes on Earth. For luxury travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, the park revolves around two distinct hubs:
- In the North: The vibrant mountain outpost of El Chaltén, universally acclaimed as the trekking capital of South America.
- In the South: The city of El Calafate, the region’s principal gateway, commercial hub, and airport base (FTE – Comandante Armando Tola International Airport).
Accessing this remote wonderland is seamless: Aerolíneas Argentinas operates frequent direct 3.5-hour flights from Buenos Aires (both Aeroparque Jorge Newbery and Ezeiza) directly into El Calafate. From there, travelers can journey north into the jagged peaks of El Chaltén or west into the heart of the glacial ice field.
El Chaltén: Trekking Capital of South America
Tucked into the northern sector of the national park, El Chaltén is a colorful, charismatic mountain village of roughly 2,000 residents. Founded just 35 years ago by Argentina to establish sovereignty along the Chilean frontier, the village sits approximately a scenic 3-hour drive north of El Calafate along historic Route 40 and Route 23.
Over the past three decades, El Chaltén has earned international renown as the premier hiking destination in South America. It serves as the ultimate staging ground for world-class treks to Patagonia’s most emblematic mountains, notably Cerro Fitz Roy (11,171 feet / 3,405 meters) and Cerro Torre (10,177 feet / 3,102 meters), widely considered among the most challenging and aesthetically beautiful mountain spires in the world.
Beyond trekking, visitors can partake in world-class fly fishing for wild trout, guided horseback riding through traditional estancias, rock and ice climbing clinics, and mountain biking across glacial valleys.
Signature Adventure: The Laguna de Los Tres Trek
The undisputed crown jewel of El Chaltén hiking is the full-day expedition to Laguna de Los Tres. Spanning approximately 15 miles round-trip with a demanding final kilometer ascent over rocky moraine, this trek demands endurance but rewards hikers with an unforgettable spectacle: the cobalt-blue alpine lagoon sitting directly beneath the vertical granite walls of Mount Fitz Roy. Other exceptional hikes in the valley include Laguna Torre, Laguna del Diablo, Glaciar Marconi, Lago del Desierto, Valle del Eléctrico, and Laguna Toro.
Where to Stay in El Chaltén: The New Explora Lodge
Until recently, accommodations in El Chaltén consisted primarily of rustic hosterías and backpacker inns. That changed decisively with the debut of Explora El Chaltén in December 2021. Without question, it is the finest luxury basecamp in the region by a mile.
Set deep within the private Los Huemules Nature Reserve in the Eléctrico River Valley—about 10 miles outside the main village—the ultra-modern lodge features 17 spacious guestrooms and 3 luxury suites. Every room frames sweeping floor-to-ceiling views of the valley, glaciated peaks, and native lenga forests. Guestrooms are thoughtfully designed to accommodate an additional bed for children under 12, making it an extraordinary option for adventurous families.
The architecture is pared-down, contemporary, and strictly focused on honoring the raw landscape. Explora’s celebrated all-inclusive formula encompasses:
- Gourmet Dining: Chef-crafted regional cuisine highlighting Patagonian lamb, trout, and artisanal produce, paired with premium Argentine wines.
- Private Transfers: Scheduled roundtrip transfers to and from El Calafate Airport (FTE).
- 30+ Curated Explorations: A menu of over thirty guided activities ranging from gentle flora walks and birding to demanding high-altitude climbs and glacier traverses.
- Private Reserve Access: Approximately half of Explora’s daily explorations take place exclusively within the private Los Huemules Reserve, allowing guests to hike in total solitude away from the public park crowds.
- Wellness & Recovery: An open-air terrace with heated outdoor hydro-massage jacuzzis overlooking the forest, sauna, and massage therapy rooms.
Advisor Booking Advice for Explora
Rooms at Explora El Chaltén do not feature televisions, encouraging guests to unplug and immerse themselves in nature (high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout). The property operates seasonally from October 1 through May 1. Due to high demand and limited room capacity (just 20 keys total), early bookings 8 to 12 months in advance are essential to secure prime dates.
El Calafate & the Perito Moreno Glacier
At the southern end of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares lies the region’s most celebrated natural wonder: the Perito Moreno Glacier. Extending from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field down to Lake Argentino, this immense river of ice measures 3 miles across at its terminus, rises up to 240 feet above the water’s surface, and extends an astonishing 550 feet beneath the waterline.
Unlike the vast majority of glaciers worldwide, Perito Moreno is in dynamic equilibrium, constantly advancing. As millions of tons of ice push forward daily, massive ice blocks shear off and plunge into Lake Argentino with deafening, thunderous roars—a natural phenomenon known as calving.
Ways to Experience Perito Moreno
- Elevated Boardwalks & Catwalks: Miles of meticulously engineered, multi-tiered steel boardwalks across the Magallanes Peninsula allow visitors of all fitness levels to view the northern and southern glacial faces from varied elevations and angles.
- Mini-Trekking Ice Excursion: Strap on crampons and follow certified alpine mountain guides directly onto the surface of the glacier. Hike past ice sinkholes, blue meltwater streams, and pristine seracs (strict age limit: participants must be under 65 years old).
- Glacier Boat Safaris & Kayaking: Board specialized catamarans for nautical safaris along the Rico Arm or Lake Argentino, or embark on a guided kayak expedition among floating icebergs.
- Regional Glacial Navigation: Beyond Perito Moreno, day cruises explore the colossal Upsala Glacier and the iceberg-studded waters of Lago Onelli and Lago Roca.
- The Glaciarium: Located on the outskirts of El Calafate, this world-class glaciological museum and ice-bar provides a fascinating interactive introduction to ice dynamics, climate history, and Patagonian geology.
Where to Stay Near El Calafate: EOLO – Patagonia’s Spirit
While the bustling town of El Calafate offers numerous municipal hotels, discerning luxury travelers should stay at EOLO – Patagonia’s Spirit. Perfectly positioned roughly halfway between the town of El Calafate and the entrance to Perito Moreno Glacier, this intimate Relais & Châteaux sanctuary is nestled within the sprawling 10,000-acre historic Estancia Alice.
Inspired by traditional historic Patagonian estancias, EOLO features a central enclosed courtyard surrounded by just 17 individually styled guestrooms. Each room boasts enormous picture windows looking out onto the undulating steppe, La Anita Valley, and the distant peaks of the Andes.
The hallmark of EOLO is quiet elegance, exceptional gastronomy, and authentic estancia adventures:
- Relais & Châteaux Gastronomy: Exquisite multi-course seasonal dinners prepared by master chefs utilizing locally grown organic vegetables, Patagonian lamb, and Argentine specialties, complemented by Sommelier-curated Malbecs.
- On-Property Adventures: Guests have exclusive access to miles of private trails within Estancia Alice for hiking, guided horseback riding alongside seasoned gauchos, 4x4 overland safaris, mountain biking, and birdwatching for condors and flamingos.
- Wellness & Relaxation: An indoor heated relaxation pool, dry sauna, outdoor hydro-therapy jacuzzi, and library stocked with Patagonian literature and maps.
- Southern Stargazing: With zero light pollution across the expansive ranch, night skies are breathtaking; guests can marvel at the Milky Way and easily locate the Southern Cross constellation.
Advisor Recommendation: EOLO Seasonality
EOLO operates on an all-inclusive basis (luxury room, all meals, fine wines, and daily ranch activities) from mid-September through mid-May. With only 17 keys, intimate personalized service is guaranteed, but suites sell out many months in advance for the peak November-to-February window.
The Key to Seamless Logistics: Argentina Activa
Signature Destination Specialist Partner
"I traveled through Patagonia with the expert advice, seamless planning, and dedicated on-the-ground support of Argentina Activa, Signature Travel Network’s premier Destination Specialist based in Buenos Aires. The company designed a flawless itinerary, provided seasoned private drivers and bilingual naturalist guides, and delivered impeccable white-glove customer service from arrival to departure. I was thoroughly impressed by their deep local relationships and flawless execution in Patagonia."
Explore Argentina Activa Custom Itineraries →Essential Advisor Tips for Traveling to Argentine Patagonia
Patagonian weather is famously unpredictable. Windproof and waterproof technical jackets, thermal base layers, sturdy broken-in hiking boots, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are non-negotiable every single day.
Do not rush Patagonia. Dedicate a minimum of 3 nights in El Chaltén for trekking and 3 to 4 nights in El Calafate for Perito Moreno and Estancia life, ideally combined with 3 nights in Buenos Aires.
Fly into El Calafate (FTE) from Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) for convenience. Book early morning flights to maximize your first afternoon in the mountains and build in buffer time between connecting flights.
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