A land of dramatic scenery, with towering mountains like Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and the Paine Massif and vast glaciers like Serrano and Perito Moreno. The region boasts turquoise lakes like Lago Argentino and Laguna Torre and expansive windswept landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Patagonia is home to truly world-class hikes including the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park and routes to the base of Mount Fitz Roy near El Chaltén. You can kayak among icebergs and glaciers, go white-water rafting on the Futaleufú River, mountain bike in the Argentinian Lake District or saddle up for a horseback riding adventure across the steppe with gaucho guides.
Teeming with wildlife, based on the different climates of Patagonia's location. You can spot penguins waddling on the coast, whales breaching in the ocean, guanacos grazing on the steppe, and maybe even glimpse an elusive puma hunting. Birders will also be delighted by the variety of species, including condors, flamingos, and rheas.
Imagine witnessing the sunrise over the Towers, trekking with crampons on the Perito Moreno Glacier or visiting a traditional estancia (ranch). Try to fit in a trip to the Atacama Desert, one of the best places in the world for stargazing, where you can marvel at the Milky Way and constellations in the incredibly clear night sky.
Increasingly, Patagonia is becoming a beacon for sustainable tourism. Many of our partners are committed to minimising their environmental impact along with supporting local conservation and rewilding projects. You can choose eco-friendly accommodations and book Patagonia trips safe in the knowledge we know these incredible places intimately and care deeply about their future.
Maybe it is too cliché to say that going to Patagonia changed my life. So, let me say this instead: I changed my life because I went to Patagonia.
Sydney Miller Patagonia Specialist
See Patagonia for yourself (in under 3 minutes) with our spinetingling film trailer...
Patagonia Tours & Vacations trips scored 4.4/5 from 4419 reviews
We couldn't have booked this trip without assistance from Swoop and I'm so happy we did. It really was a trip of a lifetime, except we definitely want to go back and see more! We were so happy for Swoop's help in setting up a trip that gave us the freedom to explore on our own. We really couldn't be happier.
Travelled: November 2017
Sonia - Canada
Flights, cruise and tours could not have gone any better and that is from seasoned world travellers. Congrats Swoop.
Travelled: October 2017
Peter - Australia
We told Swoop we didn't want to do the tourist version of Patagonia and they nailed it.
Travelled: October 2016
Nic & Julie -
The people at Swoop were so helpful and had such great advice. The Swoop website has so much information on Patagonia, and Swoop made such a difference in helping us figure out where we wanted to go and what we wanted to see and create a plan to make it happen.
Travelled: August 2016
Stuart & Sandra -
Our family had the enormous good fortune of working with Swoop to book our holiday, it would be difficult to imagine a more satisfying trip than Swoop arranged for us, or dealing with professionals more knowledgeable and courteous than its staff.
Travelled: March 2015
Margaret -
Review:
Patagonia is a vast and varied region, with a wealth of things to see and do, a range of places to stay and a limited transport network.Tap into 400,000 hours of lived experience. …
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Join like-minded people on a 1-4 week journey across Patagonia, a cheaper way to see the most popular places in the region.
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To a certain extent the definition of luxury in Patagonia is very personal to the individual. From sipping Malbec whilst soaking in a wood-burning hot tub on the banks of a river …
Discover More1. Travellers Seeking Outdoor Adventures: With a world of options for trekking, climbing, mountain biking, and rafting, this region is an outdoor playground for those who crave exhilarating experiences.
2. Travellers who Want Gentler Exploration: Those who prefer a slower pace (and less hiking) can still soak in the awe-inspiring landscapes. Witness the majesty of the Perito Moreno Glacier, embark on a scenic cruise through fjords, or enjoy a leisurely drive along the Carretera Austral.
3. Travellers After Extreme and Gnarly Treks: For those undaunted by the challenge and temperamental weather the rewards are immense: untamed landscapes, testing terrain, fewer crowds, group camaraderie and a true sense of achievement. And when the day's trek is done, you’ll still find a snug refugio, tent or even a touch of luxury to recharge for tomorrow’s trail.
4. Travellers with a Passion for Wildlife: Patagonia is a haven for wildlife encounters. Torres del Paine National Park is filled with guanacos, pumas, and Andean condors, while Tierra del Fuego boasts penguins, whales, and other fascinating creatures.
5. Travellers Committed to Sustainability: Patagonia offers eco-friendly accommodations, responsible wildlife tours, and opportunities to support local communities. By choosing sustainable options, you can experience the magic of the ends of the earth while contributing to their preservation for future generations.
The road to El Chaltén in Los Glaciares
Looking out at Perito Moreno glacier
Laguna Amarga with views of the Paine Massif
Laguna San Rafael National Park
In search of wild pumas...
Swoop solo travellers together in Patagonia
Torres del Paine
Torres del Paine National Park, with its dramatic granite peaks, is Patagonia's most popular trekking destination and one of the most common destinations for Patagonia vacations. While it's best known for its W Trek and the Torres del Paine Circuit, this national park is also home to horse-riding, kayaking, and puma-tracking.
Los Glaciares - El Chaltén and El Calafate
The town of El Chaltén is a hikers' haven, lying in the shadow of the dominant Mount Fitz Roy. Staying in the town, you'll be able to go on day hikes around Fitz Roy to incredible sights. While El Calafate is a lovely location with the world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier on the doorstep.
Tierra del Fuego - Ushuaia
Tierra del Fuego is a wild, windswept land for intrepid trekkers and those embarking on an adventure cruise through the glacial waters of the Magellan Straits and South to Cape Horn. It is also home to the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, from where you can set out on a voyage to Antarctica or bask in views of the Beagle Channel.
Bariloche & The Lake District
Warmer, greener and wetter than most of Patagonia, the Lake District offers many options for fishing, kayaking, and rafting. Other adventure activities such as hiking, horse-riding, and bike touring are on offer here in the summer months, while the surrounding snowy peaks attract skiers to Bariloche during the winter.
Aysén
The Aysén region in Patagonia is a must-visit for its untouched landscapes, featuring the Northern Patagonian Ice Field, hanging glaciers, pristine rivers, lakes and marble caves. You can explore its remote beauty through road trips and activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
The Atacama Desert
We recommend the Atacama Desert for its otherworldly landscapes, boasting salt flats, volcanoes, and geysers, providing a stark contrast to Patagonia's cooler beauty. With opportunities for stargazing under crystal clear skies and exploring the desert's unique flora and fauna, it's a truly unforgettable addition to your Patagonian adventure.
Regardless of where you'd like to go by contacting Swoop you can tap into the 400,000 hours of lived experience and we'll help you build your perfect tailor-made Patagonia tour itinerary.
Nicolas Sorhaburu Patagonia Sales Consultant
A lot of the words in travel can be synonymous or mean different things to different people.
For us, a Patagonia tour is an organised journey through any of the landscapes of this incredible South American region. Tours typically involve a combination of guided activities, transportation, and accommodation. These tours cater to various interests, from wildlife watching and glacier trekking to cultural immersion and adventure sports. If you're particularly looking for an adventure with friends or to make new ones with a structured itinerary we'd recommend checking out our Group Tours page.
A Patagonia vacation is any trip, holiday or adventure you take here. You could go backpacking alone, travel with your partner or family, camp on gnarly circuit treks or stay in the spa of an all-inclusive luxury lodge. It's all about seeking the experience of a lifetime and making sure it's your own.
For the warmest weather and long daylight hours: Visit during the Patagonian summer, from December to February. This is peak season, so expect more crowds and higher prices.
For pleasant weather with fewer crowds: Consider the shoulder seasons of October/November and March/April. You'll encounter colder temperatures and potentially lower prices.
For winter hiking, sports and unique landscapes: Visit during the winter months of June to August.
Important Note: Patagonia's weather is notoriously unpredictable, so be prepared for all conditions, even in summer! Pack layers, including waterproof and windproof clothing, no matter when you travel.
Experiences of a lifetime!
More specifically Patagonia is known for its:
Iconic mountains: Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Torres del Paine
Massive glaciers and ice fields: Perito Moreno Glacier, Grey Glacier, Southern Patagonian Ice Field
Stunning lakes: Lago Argentino, Lago Pehoé, Laguna Torre
Diverse wildlife: Penguins, whales, guanacos, pumas, condors
Adventure activities: Hiking, trekking, kayaking, skiing, horseback riding
Stargazing: Clear, dark skies perfect for observing celestial wonders
To get to Patagonia, you’ll need to fly into either Santiago (Chile) or Buenos Aires (Argentina), which are the main gateways to the region.
From Santiago (SCL), international flights arrive at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport. Domestic flights to Patagonia depart from here, including to destinations like Puerto Natales (PNT) and Punta Arenas (PUQ).
From Buenos Aires (EZE), the international hub is Ezeiza International Airport. Domestic flights from Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP) serve various Patagonia destinations, including El Calafate (FTE) and Ushuaia (USH).
Once in Patagonia, domestic flights or buses can connect you to specific locations, such as Torres del Paine, El Calafate, and the Argentine and Chilean Lake Districts.
You can read more on our How to get to Patagonia guidebook page.
The ideal duration for a Patagonia vacation depends on the areas you wish to explore. For a highlights tour, 10 to 14 days is a good amount of time to visit key destinations like Torres del Paine, El Calafate, and the Argentine Lake District.
7 days is still doable but we'd suggest you hone down on one particular area you want to explore.
If you're planning to venture into more remote areas or engage in activities like trekking, kayaking, or exploring the Chilean Fjords, you may want to extend your trip to 2-3 weeks. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in Patagonia's stunning landscapes without feeling rushed.
We can also facilitate longer tours if you're retired or on a sabbatical and want to spend as long as possible at the ends of the earth.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
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