Located in Southern Argentina, Patagonia is one of the largest regions of the country. It can aptly be described as a heaven for nature lovers and the region offers you a rare opportunity to experience pristine natural beauty.
Patagonia was once a home to extinct dinosaurs and the proof of this is spread in many places across the region. There are huge dinosaur footprints beside the lake in Villa El Chocon and several dinosaur eggs have been discovered in northern Neuquen.
Etymologically, the name Patagonia has been derived from the word ‘patagon’ that Megallan used to describe the aboriginal people that his expedition conceived to be giants. Their height of these mythical people was supposedly almost double the normal height.
Patagonia is interspersed with extended lakes and gigantic mountains along with some unique geological features and landscapes. But then this is not all, it is also a paradise for wildlife lovers. Places like Peninsula Valdes and the lake region of Bariloche boast of penguin colonies, where you can also watch whales from close quarters. These places are also famous for their glaciers. Both these places resemble European alpine resorts. The region seems to have been inhabited continuously since 10,000 BC, by various cultures and alternating waves of migration, the details of which are as yet poorly understood.
These areas are also the sites of numerous activities and sports like skiing, hiking, biking, golfing and rafting. Some of the major attractions of the place are the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Upsala Glacier and Los Glacier National Park. You can also visit Tierra del Fuego that is situated in the southern part of Patagonia. It is a region, which is renowned for its spectacular glaciers, ocean channels and colonies of penguins. Overall Patagonia highlights the wildlife resources of Argentina and represents an altogether different face of the country.
Patagonia Map
Patagonia Facts
- There are about 5.5 million sheep in Argentinian Patagonia.
- The Welsh were the first Europeans to settle in Patagonia.
- The Chilean Patagonia region has around 5,000 rivers.
Where is Patagonia?
Patagonia is located at the southern part of Argentina. You can reach Patagonia by taking a flight from Santiago or Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas. Alternatively, you can take the Navimag ferry from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales, or board on a bus from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas.
Best time to visit Patagonia
Patagonia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, thus the seasons here are entirely the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. As several activities can be carried out here for fun and adventure throughout the year, Patagonia can be visited all year round:
- Fly Fishing from November to May
- Kayaking and Horseback Riding from December to April
- Trekking / Hiking and Photography from November to April
- Bird Watching from December to March
- Sightseeing from October to May
- Skiing and Snowboarding from June to September
More on Patagonia
Nearby Attractions: El Chaltén, Puerto Madryn, Palaeontology Museum, Punta Tombo and Camarones.
Related: Information about Patagonia
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