Argentina Travel Tours To Patagonia

Patagonia is a remote region in South America that is split between Argentina and Chile. This vast area – which spans almost 402,000 square miles – is divided by the Andes Mountains. Almost 90 percent of what we call Patagonia lies on the Argentinian side of the border. If you are traveling to Patagonia, the Argentina side is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and avid trekkers. Within the vast wilderness, adventurers can hike the trails of Los Glaciares National Park, trek across the face of the Perito Moreno Glacier, or hike the trails El Chaltén to the base of Mt. Fitz Roy.

How Do I Get Around In Patagonia?

Whether you have planned a solo Argentina Patagonia trip or are part of a small group tour to the region, most seasoned travelers will recommend no less than a 12-day trip if you want to get a true feel for the area. Once you arrive in Argentina, you have the option to fly from Buenos Aires to more remote regions or travel by long-distance bus. Argentina’s buses are very comfortable and are designed for trips of 24 hours of more. Many travelers use these buses to travel between the small, Southern cities in the country’s Patagonia region. Other travelers rent a car to get around. There is no rail network in the country, however, so traveling to Patagonia, Argentina requires careful planning!

The Best Time Of Year To Visit Patagonia

If you have booked a trip with one of the Argentina travel tours that are popular with tourists, your tour guide will be able to advise you on the best time to visit Patagonia. Generally speaking, there are two peak travel seasons in Patagonia. They are December through March (the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere) and June through August (the winter season in the Southern Hemisphere).

• The summer months: December – February. The summer months are the peak travel season in Patagonia. In general, December weather in Patagonia is ideal for Argentina travel tours. The daily temperatures are pleasant during this time and the hiking trails are in perfect condition. The only downside to visiting during this season is that many locals take their vacation at the same time, so it can feel very crowded. Prices are also high during the summer months and it can be difficult to find lodging and other accommodations. If you want to travel during the summer, make sure to book your reservations in advance and be prepared for a little bit of sticker shock!
• The winter months: June - August. If you are traveling to Patagonia, Argentina from the Northern Hemisphere, you might think that it is too cold to visit during the winter months. That’s not true! Although many trails and lodges do shut down in Patagonia during the winter months, others remain open for hikers, skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. An added bonus is that fewer locals will be traveling during this season, so it will be easier to find accommodations.

Visiting Patagonia’s 5 Regions

Argentina is divided into 23 provinces, 5 of which lie within the region known as Patagonia. Here is a handy breakdown of each province, and what to do and see in each one!

• Neuquén – this province is located in the western part of Argentina, at the northern end of Patagonia. It is a popular destination for many Argentina travel tours for both locals and foreigners and offers many year-round attractions including the town of San Martin de los Andes, Villa La Angostura, Los Arrayanes National Park, Lanin National Park, Nahuel Huapi National Park, Laguna Blanca National Park, and the Copahue hot baths. The area is popular with hikers and the lake district draws fishermen who cast their lines into the Rio Negro hoping to catch river trout. Neuquén Province also has several ski resorts that are popular with tourists in the wintertime.
• Rio Negro – located in northern Patagonia, this province is nestled between the Andean foothills and the Atlantic Coast. The region has two distinct regions that are very popular with tourists on an Argentina Patagonia trip: the Andean Area and the Atlantic Coast. The Andean Area is the most visited, featuring attractions such as Isla Victoria, Camino de los Sieta Lagos, and Los Arrayanes National Park. Hikers especially flock to this area for the many trekking paths that wind around the lakes. Las Grutas Beach, on the Atlantic Coast, is very popular with tourists, too. The Southern Right Whales return to this area each year, swimming close to shore. One of the biggest draws of this area is that tourists are permitted to swim with the whales in San Matias Gulf.
• Chubut – located in southern Argentina, Chubut is the third largest province in the country. The area is landscaped with ancient forests, volcanoes, lakes, and charming mountain villages. Visitors to Chubut can take advantage of the endless trails that wind through the region’s mountains, and take advantage of activities like horseback riding, trekking, rafting, and fishing. Los Alerces National Park is located in this province, as well as La Hoya ski resort, which is a popular attraction during the winter months.
• Santa Cruz – located in the southern part of the country, this province is home to Los Glaciares National Park and the Perito Moreno Glacier. Tourists flock to the towns of El Calafate and El Chatlten to take advantage of the many hiking trails that wind through the mountains and lakes of this region. Others take a journey off the beaten path to visit Patagonia National Park, which was founded in 2015. The park shares the same name as an even newer national park just over the border in Chile. It spans 444,680 acres and is dotted with hills, mesas, and serpentine trails that bring to mind the Southwestern part of the United States. One of the most popular attractions at the park is Cueva de las Manos, a cave where the country’s ancient nomadic tribes left their painted handprints – and history – the cave’s walls
• Tierra del Fuego – this is the southernmost, smallest, and least populated province in Argentina. Translated, the area’s name means “Land of Fire,” but Tierra del Fuego is also known as “the end of the earth” because of its location. The most visited destinations in the province include Ushuaia, the Tierra del Fuego National Park and the Tren del Fin del Mundo, Fagnano Lake, the Museum of the End of the World, the Beagle Channel, the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, the old jail, and South Staten Island.

From The End Of The Earth And Back Again

No matter which province you visit while traveling to Patagonia in Argentina, you can count on one thing – the vast landscape of this remote land will amaze you! From the dusty paths of mountain trails to the icy surface of a frozen glacier, Argentina travel tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who crave adventure.