Best time to visit Patagonia

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Patagonia

Best time of year to visit Patagonia

Perfect for exploration, November through early March is the best time to visit Patagonia. Watch the Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn literally radiating its glory. Due to warm summer vibes, the region receives crowds of tourists, so you'd better plan all the details long before a trip. Don't forget about packing layers either!

Lasting from April to May, the fall shows cooler weather and fantastic autumnal landscapes without tourist mishmash. Cycle along picturesque Carretera Austral to immerse fully in its beauty.

Winter in Patagonia can be appealing for skiers and snowboarders, but intolerable for regular tourists who must bear cold and closed attractions. By sheer luck, spring brings in unbelievable wildflower bloom and temperate weather. Participate in Patagonian International Marathon to witness nature awakening.

36 THINGS TO DO IN PATAGONIA (DECEMBER 12 - DECEMBER 21)

Marble Caves or Cuevas de Mármol

Marble Caves or Cuevas de Mármol

September–February • nature

This 6,000-year-old formation of marble caverns is washed with turquoise blue waters

Patagonia Wildlife

Patagonia Wildlife

September–April • nature

The fauna of Patagonia includes cute llamas, fast pumas, grand Andean condors, penguins, sea lions, and dolphins

Penguin Safari

Penguin Safari

late September–March • nature

Along with cute Chilean penguins you can see their friendly cohabitants including sea lions and lots of birds

Penguins

Penguins

November–mid-April • nature

With the beginning of spring in the Southern Hemisphere, Argentina becomes home to a huge Magellanic Penguin colony

Hiking in Patagonia

Hiking in Patagonia

November–March • activity

The wilderness of Chilean Patagonia is a natural refuge at the end of Earth able to cure the weary soul

Ice Field Trekking

Ice Field Trekking

November–March • activity

Ten days spent in an endless ice field—challenging and gruelling, but also amazing and a truly unforgettable experience

Wildflowers of Patagonia

Wildflowers of Patagonia

October–February • nature

Gorgeous​ colours paint the roadsides, grasslands, waterfalls, national parks, woods, and steppes of Chile

Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier

November–March • nature

Don't be dissuaded by the popularity of this place because no matter how many tourists come, all these people are just a pathetic dot against the background of the vast mass of glacier!

Cycling

Cycling

September–May • activity

Stunning bike trails run from north to south all along the country, and on the border between Chile and Argentina

Wild Horses

Wild Horses

October–April • nature

Meet incredibly fast and graceful animals living in the pristine corners of Argentina and Chile

Tierra del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego

October–April • nature

The southernmost tip of the planet is often named "fin del mundo" or "end of the world"

Orcas around Valdes Peninsula

Orcas around Valdes Peninsula

February–April (Punta Norte) | September–December (Caleta Valdes and Punta Delgada) | all year round (Punta Ninfas) • nature

A hungry orca would come to up to the shore to catch a naive sea lion for lunch

Cape Horn

Cape Horn

October–March • nature

Discover the southernmost headland of Tierra del Fuego archipelago and the unique national park

Pampas

Pampas

March–May | October–December (all year round) • activity

Discover the mythical Pampas with its parks, reserves, and villages, meet face-to-face with gauchos, and learn about Argentina's traditional rural life

Carretera Austral

Carretera Austral

November–April • activity

A splendid route in Patagonia is second to none

Greater Rhea

Greater Rhea

August–January • nature

There is a theory that the greater rhea is the first flightless bird and all kinds of ostriches are derived from them

Cascada de Ventisquero Colgante

Cascada de Ventisquero Colgante

December–February • nature

Visit the relatively new glacial waterfall at its fullest power!

Guanaco Fighting

Guanaco Fighting

early December–early January • nature

According to the strict rules of the animal world, a male has to win the coveted female in a fight

Sailing and Cruising

Sailing and Cruising

September–April • activity

The network of Patagonian waterways allows to discover the virgin beauty of gorgeous​ natural landscapes and local fauna

Flamingo Watching

Flamingo Watching

December–February • nature

Pink flamingos are an amazing sight, especially when these birds get together in huge numbers

White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting

November–March • activity

Collect your team and set off to conquer river rapids on a raft in Patagonia

Trekking in Bariloche

Trekking in Bariloche

December–March • activity

Bariloche is rightly called "South American Switzerland" and is ideal for trekking

Patagonian Cormorants

Patagonian Cormorants

October–February • nature

Check out four local shag species while they are nesting in colonies along Argentina's coastline

Domuyo Volcano

Domuyo Volcano

October–April • activity

If you have an adventurous spirit and good stamina, explore the active Domuyo Volcano which still shakes and rumbles

Grazing Sheep

Grazing Sheep

September–May • nature

Remember the proverb: "Eagles fly alone, but sheep flock together?" Imagine what chaos could 60,000 sheep cause

Ice Climbing

Ice Climbing

November–April • activity

Ice climbing is very popular, though dangerous, activity in Argentina

Kayaking

Kayaking

November–March • activity

Jump into a boat and explore the water expanses of Patagonia

Beagle Channel

Beagle Channel

November–April (all year round) • activity

Follow the steps of Charles Darwin and see Patagonia the way he saw it back in 1833

Southern Elephant Seals

Southern Elephant Seals

August–March • nature

The Southern Elephant Seals got their name because of the large trunk of adult males, which resembles an elephant's trunk.

Burrowing Owl Nesting Season

Burrowing Owl Nesting Season

October–December • nature

These very pretty birds with big yellow eyes make their nests deep underground

Christmas Desserts & Sweets

Christmas Desserts & Sweets

early December–early January • food

Christmas is a time to taste Argentina's delicious food—especially sweet treats

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

all year round (best April–December) • nature

Bird lovers from all over the world come to Esteros del Ibera hoping to see some of the world's rarest species

Windsurfing

Windsurfing

November–March • activity

Argentina has a pair of finest wind-blown lakes favoured by keen windsurfers

Southern Giant Petrel

Southern Giant Petrel

November–March • nature

This truly giant bird impresses with its dimensions, as well as carrion-based diet, and is best observed in breeding colonies on Patagonian coast

Lady's Slipper

Lady's Slipper

November–mid-December • nature

One of the most tender flowers of Patagonia

Route 40 (Ruta 40)

Route 40 (Ruta 40)

all year round • activity

Why not explore the main points of the country along the longest route in Argentina?

11 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Patagonian International Marathon

Patagonian International Marathon

out of rangeSeptember 7, 2024 • event

The running route winds through one of world's finest wild landscapes, breathtaking without any exaggeration

The Longest Night in the World

The Longest Night in the World

out of rangeJune 21 • event

Every year on June 21st, sleeping is forbidden in Ushuaia

Inaccessible Island

Inaccessible Island

out of rangeMarch 16–April 16, 2023 • activity

Would you venture out to this remote place in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean?

Rabas Fritas (Aros de Calamar)

Rabas Fritas (Aros de Calamar)

out of rangeFebruary–August • food

Try this amazing and delicious snack that is ready in a few minutes!

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and Snowboarding

out of rangemid-June–October • activity

The grand Andes Mountains and bizarre Chilean pipe-like volcanic slopes ensure a great skiing holiday

Sea Lion Pups

Sea Lion Pups

out of rangeJanuary–November • nature

Check out these sea lions and their pups in Puerto Piramides!

Easter Food

Easter Food

out of rangeApril 9–11, 2023 • food

The largest and most revered religious holiday in Argentina is also a great occasion to try local seasonal treats

Dog Sledding

Dog Sledding

out of rangeJuly–September • activity

A great way to discover the winter-time Patagonia

Wild Berries

Wild Berries

out of rangeFebruary | April • food

Prickly Heath and Wild Currant harvested at the end of the world's unpolluted wilderness are truly delicious

Skiing and Snowboarding in the Andes

Skiing and Snowboarding in the Andes

out of rangeJune–September • activity

A ski trip to Argentina is especially nice for those who miss snow in Northern Hemisphere

Lupin Blooming

Lupin Blooming

out of rangeNovember • nature

Multi-colored flowers cover the meadows, and besides the beauty, they bring nutritious snacks

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