10 Natural Wonders of Patagonia

There are many wonders in the world: the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the Seven Wonders of the Modern World are the best known. But mystical Patagonia has nothing to hide either. The region, which lies in the south of Chile and Argentina, is shaped in the west by forests, lakes, glaciers and mountains, buffeted in the south by the oceans and their winds, and dominated in the east by the seemingly endless desert. It seems only natural, then, that you can discover some of the earth's natural wonders here. We'll show you the ones you simply have to see.

In northern Patagonia, on Lake Nahuel Huapi, lies this town, which since 1934 has managed Argentina's first national park (“Nahuel Huapi National Park”). Bariloche was founded in 1902 and shaped by Italian, Austrian and German immigrants. One example is Otto Meiling, who brought skiing to the country and built the first mountain hut.

Today you can still stay overnight in the mountain hut, or simply try delicious Black Forest gateau and other delicacies from the European homeland. There are now numerous other huts that you can link up on a 4-day trek through the high mountains. One of the most beautiful viewpoints is at Refugio Frey. Surrounded by snow-capped granite peaks, the brave can test the ice-cold water of the Toncek lagoon. Not far away lies the Schmoll lagoon, from which you have a breathtaking view of the Andes, lakes and forests.

Bariloche is just one of Argentina's many towns bursting with character. The others really deserve a closer look too. Curious about this country's diverse, very distinctive culture? Then why not read our free e-book on Argentina!

On the other side of the border, in Chilean Puerto Montt, you can travel the stretch to Puerto Natales by sea. On a voyage in the Pacific Ocean, you navigate through the unique Chilean fjords and stop off at small, remote villages to connect them with the outside world. This is how the residents there are supplied with food and transported to other places. Not only is the journey through the narrow channels breathtaking, but dolphins and numerous bird species also make the trip an experience.

A 3-hour drive separates Puerto Natales from Torres del Paine National Park – 3 hours of Patagonian steppe, where wild rheas and guanacos are easy to spot. As you approach the mountains, the imposing peaks of the Paine massif emerge from behind the typical grey clouds. If you want to hike here, we recommend the W Trek, a three-day trek between forests and streams with views of the impressive Torres del Paine. This area is well worth a trip in any case, and all the more so if the weather plays along.

Further south of Chile lies Punta Arenas, one of the largest cities in the region since colonial times, as it was built right on the Strait of Magellan. The city and its history are fascinating – even more so if you head outside the city limits to Fuerte Bulnes and Puerto Hambre. The inhabitants of these first Spanish settlements didn't die at the hands of indigenous peoples, but from hunger. The legends of the Strait of Magellan come back to life here. On the other side, north-west of Punta Arenas, you can see penguins in the Seno Otway reserve. The endearing creatures can live here undisturbed, as a kilometres-long boardwalk shows tourists the way.

The mighty peaks of Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy captivate everyone in Los Glaciares National Park! From the little mountaineering village of El Chaltén you can see Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy. Both, with their glaciers and lakes, are magnificent subjects for photos, especially when lit by the sun. It's best to stay overnight in one of the camps, but you can also make a day trip to both mountains and return in the evening to cosy accommodation in the village. Here you really are cut off from civilisation, as there's no mobile phone reception. The residents have chosen to do without too much technology.

200 km from El Chaltén lies this dreamlike glacier, best admired from a distance from purpose-built walkways. Not only do these protect nature from too much tourist impact, they also protect the visitors themselves. Getting too close to the glacier can be very dangerous, as small and large chunks of ice constantly fall into the water. Seen from afar, this natural spectacle – when a block of ice breaks off the glacier with a loud crack, falls into the water and then shatters – is breathtaking. To protect the national park, there's no accommodation apart from one hotel. So you have to drive the 70 km gravel road to El Calafate and stay there.

The small town of El Calafate on Lake Argentino is a popular destination for travellers who want to visit the nearby Perito Moreno Glacier. But other glaciers, such as the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, are also worth a visit. You can either book a day trip or opt for a multi-day tour and even stay overnight in one of the glacier lagoons. Among the icebergs, with a bit of luck you can watch small and large blue whales. It's no coincidence that the entire region around the Fitz Roy massif and Los Glaciares National Park was declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

Welcome to the end of the world! At this point, only a few kilometres separate us from Antarctica. Coming ashore from your cruise, you get to know the capital of Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia. The city lies between the foothills of the Martial mountains and the bay of Ushuaia and is home to several research stations. From here you can explore the spectacular natural wonders of Tierra del Fuego National Park, which offers walking trails best tackled in summer. Tierra del Fuego's only glacier, the so-called Martial Glacier, is a popular destination too.

Punta Tombo is a protected area for Magellanic penguins. If you come at the right time of year, you can watch hundreds of penguins here raising their young. An unforgettable experience that delights young and old alike. The penguins are extremely trusting, and it's a joy to watch them in their natural habitat.

The Valdés Peninsula is known for its diverse wildlife and was therefore declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Here you can watch whales, elephant seals, sea lions, penguins and numerous bird species in their natural habitat. Probably the most famous resident of the peninsula is Orcinus orca, also known as the killer whale. The best months for whale watching are from June to December. The peninsula is also a popular nesting site for seabirds, which makes it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Patagonia is a place where the beauty of nature can be experienced in its purest form. The breathtaking landscapes, majestic peaks, shimmering glaciers and rich wildlife make this region a true paradise for adventurers and nature lovers. Whether you love hiking, watching wildlife or simply enjoying the peace and solitude of nature, Patagonia has something for everyone. Let yourself be enchanted by the untouched wilderness and the impressive natural wonders of this fascinating region!