Things to do in Patagonia
Discover the best attractions and experiences Patagonia has to offer
Historic Monuments
Patagonia preserves eras of frontier life and ancient cultures, visible in age-old sites and heritage railways.
Cueva de las Manos
Ancient cave with remarkable hand stencils, offering a glimpse into Patagonia's prehistoric inhabitants.
La Trochita (Old Patagonian Express)
Heritage narrow-gauge railway that travels through Patagonian landscapes on a vintage steam locomotive.
Museums
Patagonian museums span natural history, glaciers, and regional culture, bringing the region to life indoors.
Museo Egidio Feruglio (MEF)
Trelew’s expansive natural history museum with dinosaur fossils and regional geology.
Glaciarium
El Calafate’s glacier-focused museum with interactive exhibits about ice and Patagonia’s icy landscapes.
Museo de la Patagonia (Bariloche)
Bariloche museum exploring Patagonia’s natural and cultural history in the Centro Cívico area.
Religious Monuments
Historic churches and cathedrals dot Patagonia’s towns, reflecting frontier communities and alpine charm.
Catedral de San Carlos de Bariloche
Neo-Gothic cathedral with lake views, a recognizable landmark in Bariloche.
Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Ushuaia)
Historic church in Ushuaia’s port area, a fixture of the frontier town.
National & Theme Parks
Patagonia’s protected areas showcase dramatic ice, forests, and Andean landscapes at their best.
Los Glaciares National Park
Home to the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier and sweeping ice-scapes.
Nahuel Huapi National Park
Bariloche’s natural playground with forests, lakes, and alpine scenery.
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Forests, rivers, and Beagle Channel vistas near Ushuaia.
Los Alerces National Park
Ancient alerce trees and pristine lakes in southern Patagonia.
Neighborhoods
Use these core areas as gateways to Patagonia’s towns and trekking hubs.
Bariloche – Centro Cívico
The civic center area around the lakefront, ideal for strolling and access to trails.
El Calafate – Centro
Compact town center with shops, cafes, and easy access to tours.
Ushuaia – Centro
Port-side core with museums, shops, and waterfront walks.
El Chaltén – Village Center
Small trekking town with a relaxed vibe and trailheads right from town.
Free Things to Do
You can experience Patagonia’s beauty at little or no cost with epic viewpoints and nature walks.
Hikes around El Chaltén (Fitz Roy, Laguna de los Tres)
Several trails offer breathtaking alpine views without needing a guided tour.
Walk the Bariloche waterfront & Nahuel Huapi shorelines
Stroll along the lakeside for postcard-worthy scenery and photo opportunities.
Beagle Channel waterfront walks (Ushuaia)
Easy coastal walks with sea views and wildlife spotting along Ushuaia’s bay.
Gastronomy
Patagonian cuisine centers on hearty, rustic flavors and fresh regional produce.
Patagonian lamb asado
Slow-roasted lamb over an open fire is a regional specialty.
Rainbow trout (trucha) from Patagonian rivers
Freshly caught trout prepared simply to highlight its delicate flavor.
Calafate berries desserts
Sweet desserts and jams featuring the region’s iconic calafate berries.
Nightlife
Evenings range from cozy alpine pubs to lively bars with music and local brews.
Bariloche’s Mitre Ave bars & chocolate shops
A lively strip for drinks, live music, and chocolate tastings after dark.
Ushuaia pubs and clubs near the port
Casual venues with local beers and atmospheric views of the Beagle Channel.
El Calafate wine bars
Intimate spots to sample Argentine wines paired with regional bites.
Entertainment
Wildlife encounters and iconic landscapes offer memorable experiences beyond city life.
Whale watching in Puerto Madryn
Seasonal marine encounters with southern right whales and other species.
Penguin watching at Punta Tombo
One of the world’s largest penguin colonies, a photographer’s favorite.
Beagle Channel boat trip
A scenic cruise around Ushuaia’s Beagle Channel with wildlife and sea views.
Sports
Patagonia is a playground for outdoor sports, from high-altitude treks to water adventures.
Hiking to Laguna de los Tres (El Chaltén)
Iconic trek to a postcard-perfect mountain lagoon with dramatic peaks.
Kayaking on Nahuel Huapi Lake
Paddle among forested shores and granite outcrops in Bariloche region.
Glacier trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier
Guided ice walks and viewpoints for awe-inspiring glacier scenery.
Off the Track
Seek out lesser-known experiences that reveal Patagonia’s character and history.
La Trochita (Old Patagonian Express)
A historic train ride through Andean landscapes aboard a vintage locomotive.
Estancia Cristina excursion
Remote estancias offer horseback rides, hikes, and striking glacial scenery.