The Best National Parks to Visit in Patagonia

Crowned by soaring granite spires and goliath glaciers that gather into crystal blue lakes, it’s no wonder we consider Torres del Paine one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Situated in the south of Chile, where crisp Patagonian breezes engulf valleys, twisting rivers and rugged steppe. This park is famous for its tall Paine Massif peaks, known as ‘the towers’ and the horn-shaped crags of Cuernos del Paine. 

It’s also home to extraordinary wildlife: glance at the great Andean condor circling blue skies while ostrich-like nandus roam between golden pampas and culpeos flee forests.

Need to know: Torres del Paine has one of the planet’s largest concentrations of Andean pumas, which you can observe in their natural habitat on conservation focused and puma-tracking excursions. 

Los Glaciares National Park is a playground of icefields and glaciers that spans 600,000 hectares of Southwest Argentina. To the north lies the imposing range of Fitz Roy, close to El Chaltén, a paradise for mountaineers. The phenomenon of the Perito Moreno Glacier can be found in the south and is best accessed from the town of El Calafate.

Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the small handful of glaciers in the world that is expanding. One of the best things to do in Patagonia is to ice hike across this bright white giant or get up close to its staggering, 70 metre high ice walls on boat trips. 

Need to know: A wonderful base for immersing yourself in the magic of the Los Glaciares National Park is the exclusive Eolo hotel, situated on a historic estancia, only accessible by boat via the astounding Upsala glacier.

Conceived from a conservation project, Parque Nacional Patagonia, or Patagonia National Park occupies an isolated, windswept pocket of Chile’s little-visited Aysén Region. It is nicknamed the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Cone’, thanks to the protection of its diverse ecosystems and endangered wildlife. Find pink flamingos along lagoons and rheas scurrying along arid hillsides. Look out for pumas and hear the high-pitched bleating call of guanacos.

In Pinturas River Canyon you can embark on an invigorating hike to find handprints from 7500 BC. Observe this ancient rock art on its craggy rocks that tell the story of prehistoric life in Patagonia.

Need to know: Stay inside the park at the Explora Patagonia National Park, with guestrooms and suites that overlook the Tamango National Reserve and the Tamanguito Hills.

Bound by the mighty Andes Mountains and the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego National Park is considered one of the best places to visit in Patagonia. It sits not far from Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and the gateway to Antarctica. This is a land of icy rivers, thick forests and a dramatic coastline that’s punctuated by magnificent, deep fjords.

You can explore the park on hiking trails into the untamed wilderness or, take boat trips along the rugged coast. Cruise along the Beagle Channel into hidden inlets and around islands with deserted shorelines inhabited only by seals, sea lions or penguins.

Need to know: You can combine your visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park with an adventurous cruise to Antarctica. Set sail on Greg Mortimer, part of our Positive Impact Collection for an awe-inspiring voyage in luxury.