Unveiling the untamed – discover a world of boundless adventure in the wilderness jewel of South America
Nestled at the southern tip of South America, where the rugged peaks of the Andes meet the vastness of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, lies a land that has captivated the hearts of adventurers and nature enthusiasts for centuries. With its awe-inspiring landscapes, pristine wilderness, extraordinary wildlife and unparalleled beauty, Patagonia has long been a dream destination for those seeking intense and unrivalled travel experiences.
But in a region so remote, vast and rugged, how can you unearth the best-kept secrets? What is the best way to explore Patagonia and do it justice?
The short answer? Just about every which way you prefer!
Here are our favorite unique ways to explore Patagonia:
Patagonia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and exploring spectacular corners of the region on foot is one of the best ways to soak up its grandeur. The best part? While Patagonia boasts some of the longest and most revered trekking trails on earth, you don't need to embark on an arduous multi-day hike to the top of Mt Fitz Roy to get the most out of the experience. Short walks abound, and they are just as rewarding as longer treks.
Our favourite short trails lead to the most breathtaking viewpoints, like Mirador Cuernos in Torres del Paine – and their endless horizons of jagged peaks, glacial lakes and pristine wilderness. You can tackle gentle walks around lakes and lagoons or reach cascading waterfalls under the steam of your own legs. Half and full-day walks are on offer in just about every corner of Patagonia. Choose the right accommodation nearer your preferred national park, and Patagonia's treasures will be at the tip of your hiking boots.
You can certainly feel like an old-world explorer in Patagonia but nowadays, with so many excellent short walks starting from the gates of luxury lodges, you no longer need to trek like one.
Couple walking in the magnificent landscapes of Patagonia.
Wildlife watching tours
Patagonia is home to a rich array of animal species, and every visit is bound to organically become a wildlife-watching extravaganza. Still, plenty of dedicated tours and excursions can ensure the region's unique animals become the highlight of your visit.
Take a wildlife-watching tour in Argentina’s Valdes Peninsula to spot southern right whales, elephant seals, penguins, and orcas hunting seals close to the shore. Head to the far south to Tierra del Fuego, where you can explore the Beagle Channel and encounter sea lions, cormorants, and dolphins. Or perhaps you might want to include a visit to Punta Tombo in Argentina, home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in South America. And for a truly extraordinary experience, join a Puma tracking expedition in Torres del Paine – one of the most extraordinary wildlife-watching excursions in the region.
Torres del Paine boasts the highest concentration of pumas worldwide, and Chile has gained recognition for its conservation initiatives aimed at protecting this magnificent species. As a result, your chances of encountering one of these famously shy creatures on a dedicated wildlife tour are significantly heightened.
Puma in the wild of Patagonia
Expedition cruises
Staring in awe at Patagonia's stunning fjords, channels, and glaciers is indeed rewarding enough. Yet enjoying an up-close experience on an expedition cruise is a whole other ballgame.
Navigate through the eye-popping fjords of southern Chile, marvel at glaciers like Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina – where one could stand mesmerized for hours just watching and hearing the ice calve – or the stunning Glaciers National Park in Chile. Or feel the overwhelming sensation of being insanely tiny when you come face-to-face with the massive glaciers in the Strait of Magellan.
Expedition cruises also offer the chance to explore remote islands inaccessible by road and offer a host of activities like kayaking, Zodiac outings and on-shore guided short walks. This is an unrivalled way to experience Patagonia's isolation and dramatic, untouched beauty.
Expedition cruise in Patagonia
Horseback riding excursions
Even the least equine-interested traveller often feels an irresistible pull to play ranchero for a day the moment they set foot in Patagonia. Horseback riding isn’t just a hobby this far south – it has been an intrinsic part of everyday life here for almost 200 years.
Exploring Patagonian landscapes on horseback is an immersive experience that allows you to taste the region's traditional gaucho culture and soak up the natural splendours from a unique perspective. Join a guided horseback riding tour in El Chalten or El Calafate in Argentina, or in the Aysén region of Chile, and traverse mountains, valleys, and rivers while enjoying the freedom and serenity of the Patagonian wilderness.
Let experienced gaucho guides lead the way. Don't worry: even if you've never set rear-end on horseback, you'll find a suitable excursion here. Beginner, intermediate and expert riding excursions are offered by a bevvy of estancias in Patagonia. Another tip: choose a horse-riding tour with a traditional BBQ lunch. You will not regret it!
Horse-riding in Patagonia
Glacier trekking and ice climbing
If you're a lifelong thrill seeker, glacier trekking and ice climbing on the region's magnificent glaciers might be just the kind of adrenalin-filled excursions you’ll enjoy. In Argentina, you can embark on a guided ice trek on the Perito Moreno Glacier or explore the lesser-known glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park. In Chile, head to the Grey Glacier or the Exploradores Glacier for thrilling ice climbing and guided excursions onto the ice.
These activities provide a unique opportunity to witness the power and beauty of these frozen giants – although note that the more hard-core excursions are skill-tested and age-limited for safety. There are still plenty of easier options for those who'd love to say they've walked on a glacier at least once in Patagonia.
Glacier trekking in Patagonia
Wilderness mountain biking adventures
Although today's gauchos still prefer riding horseback, you might enjoy tackling those horse trails on a mountain bike instead. Enjoy a thrilling ride through open meadows and dense forests, often stopping to marvel at the expansive views from miradors.
The most popular guided biking excursions are in Torres del Paine, the Nahuel Huapi National Park (the sparkling jewel bordering the town ofBariloche) and El Chaltén, to reach the jaw-dropping viewpoints of Laguna de los Tres. As with horseback riding, options abound for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders.
Simply tell your Viva Destination Specialist your desires and skill set, and they'll match you with a suitable excursion.
Mountain biking adventures in Patagonia
Special interest tours
Patagonia's luxury lodges offer an array of special interest activities and excursions. Aside from all the options mentioned above, you'll find plenty more to your liking. From culturally immersive encounters with local communities to traditional cooking classes and even specialized photography, fly fishing, gastronomy and kayaking experiences. The sheer variety of activities in the southern land of fire and ice is impressive.
You can discover last-minute surprises once you are on tour or ask us in advance about the type of excursions and activities you can enjoy on your chosen Patagonia itinerary.
Man fishing in Patagonia
Small group tours
Fully guided small group tours are another unique way to explore Patagonia – doing so with a group of like-minded adventure seekers just adds to the fun!
Travelling on a specially equipped and comfortable expedition truck and with an experienced team at the helm, you can explore regions of Patagonia that are difficult to discover independently. Take advantage of the tour team's years of knowledge and experience to stray off the beaten path and discover lesser-known highlights.
On Viva’s small group tours in Patagonia, all your travel logistics are taken care of – from itinerary to meal planning, excursions and transfers. We include as many extras as possible, so you'll find no hidden costs once you arrive and join your group.
All that’s left for you to do is pack your bags, hiking boots, and camera and come have the time of your life.
Small group trekking in Patagonia
Viva’s Signature Patagonia Tour was created to combine the best activities and perspectives of the region. This incomparable 9-day adventure is the perfect pre-Antarctica cruise appetizer but, in reality, is tailor-made for anyone who wants to dive deep into this magical world of unreal wilderness in just a little over a week.
Watch a seek peek of how your adventure would look like in out latest Youtube video
Yet there are plenty more itinerary options where that came from. Browse our Patagonia Tours, and if you see anything you fancy, contact one of our Destination Specialists. They’ll work with you to create an itinerary to suit your interests and budget. They will also be there – 24/7 – to provide support while you're travelling.
