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Patagonia

Occupying the southernmost reaches of South America, straddling both Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is a region of staggering beauty and environmental importance that has long captured the imagination of travellers, artists and explorers. Sparsely populated, mostly wilderness and shamelessly photogenic, this is truly a nature lover’s dream destination.

Get ready for imposing glaciers, vast ice-fields and the rugged snowcapped peaks of the Patagonian Andes; lush forests, majestic fjords and abundant wildlife—above all else, a visit to Patagonia is primarily for walking, trekking or sailing your way around the region’s spectacular collection of national parks and World Heritage Listed wilderness areas.

Hike among the raw, majestic beauty of Chile’s Torres Del Paine, possibly the world's most magnificent national park—an unrivalled landscape of jagged peaks and brilliant blue lakes; and marvel at the mountains, glaciers and stunning frozen landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park, home to the Patagonian ice cap and the colossal Perito Moreno Glacier.

Watch for southern right whales, orcas, elephant seals and sea lions on Argentina’s striking Península Valdés; experience the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Lakes District as you travel between Argentina and Chile; and soak up the fairytale beauty of Bariloche, an impossibly gorgeous lakeside city surrounded by mountains and alpine forests.

Enjoy culture, nightlife and otherworldly landscapes in Ushuaia, the world’s most southerly city; and discover the Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers as you trace the footsteps of famous explorers and sail through the Ultima Esperanza Sound and past the Strait of Magellan.

Join us as we journey into this mind-blowing wilderness for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list!

Early morning view of Cuernos del Paine, Patagonia  | Carole Solomons

Find your Patagonia adventure

About Patagonia

AccommodationLeaders
Food to thrill your senses after a long day of hiking with Torres del Paine National Park, EcoCamp | Timothy Dhalleine
Hotels

In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.

The stunning setting of our lodge at General Carrera Lake
Lodges

Our lodges provide comfortable accommodation that is well maintained and with good facilities.

Lakeside camp on the Condor Trail
Camping

Enjoy camping in quality two person tents erected in scenic wilderness.

Amazing aerial view of the eco-camp within Torres del Paine National Park in Chile | Timothy Dhalleine
Eco camps

Wake up in the middle of the Patagonian wilderness in a cosy geodesic dome, featuring organic elements, wooden floors and ceiling windows that provide a panoramic view of the majestic Torres del Paine.

Herve Valluy

French by birth, Spanish speaking Herve has been leading trips in Patagonia for over 10 years and specialises in the Paine Circuit. His passion for trekking in remote regions is infectious, as our groups on the circuit will agree.

Simon Yates

Simon has been at the very forefront of mountaineering for almost two decades with first ascents in the Andes, Himalaya and Karakoram. Best known as the climbing partner to Joe Simpson in Touching the Void, Simon has developed a strong reputation as an engaging expedition leader.

Andreas Holland

Andreas has always made our South America programs special. He has lived in South America for over 30 years, much of this time in Peru. His special knowledge of the mountains and passion for supporting local communities is evident in our program in Peru and Bolivia. Each year Andreas travels to different parts of the world to impart his vast knowledge, so stay tuned, he may be in your city soon!

Greg Lee

There's nothing Greg enjoys more than setting out in search of adventure in Latin America. This passion shines through in the breadth of unique adventures reflected in the fantastic line-up of trips showcased in the following pages. Greg is drawn to the beauty of this region's scenery, fascinating history, varied cultures and most of all, its people.

Sarah Higgins

Sarah joined World Expeditions in 2006 and became operations manager in 2010. South America is her second home and she has enjoyed many adventures in its beautiful landscapes. Her travels include 'across the circle' into Antarctica, among many others. When Sarah is not planning itineraries you'll find her out on the 'rock' and in the Australian bush with her avid interest in rock climbing and bushwalking.

Dr Ross Anderson

Dr Anderson lives with his wife in a small town near the Lakes District in the north of England. He is a family doctor and spends much of his spare time travelling as an expedition doctor. He has more than 10 years of altitude and travel medicine experience. Previous treks and expeditions have focused on the Himalayas, with others in the Scandinavian Arctic and mountainous areas of Africa. He also enjoys trail running, cycling and open-water swimming.

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Useful Patagonia Info

Patagonia offers some of the most spectacular wilderness in South America, with the best regions to explore including Torres del Paine, Los Glaciares, the Patagonian steppe, the Lake District and Tierra del Fuego.

Torres del Paine: Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park features towering granite spires and glaciers where iconic trekking routes cross Patagonia’s wild landscapes.

Los Glaciares National Park: Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park protects vast icefields and the immense Perito Moreno Glacier.

Patagonian Steppe: The windswept steppe stretches across southern Argentina offering remote landscapes and wildlife habitats.

Patagonian Lake District: Deep glacial lakes and forested mountains create spectacular trekking landscapes.

Tierra del Fuego: The remote archipelago at the southern tip of the continent offers rugged mountains and coastal wilderness for trekking and horse treks.

Sign showing the tracks of Fitz Roy&#160;-&#160;<i>Photo:&#160;Maude Gamache-Bashille</i>

The best time to travel to Patagonia for hiking and horse trekking is generally October to April when temperatures are milder and daylight hours are longer.

Patagonia has a cool temperate climate with temperatures typically ranging between 5°C and 20°C (41°F–68°F) during the main travel season.

Summer offers the most stable conditions for exploring iconic hiking regions including Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Park.

Early morning view of Cuernos del Paine, Patagonia&#160;-&#160;<i>Photo:&#160;Carole Solomons</i>

Chile is -4 hours behind UTC/GMT time

Spanish (99.5% - official); English (10.2%); indigenous languages (1% - includes Mapudungun, Aymara, Quechua, Rapa Nui); other

Peso

US dollars are easily changed.

It is not recommended to exchange money with the street 'money changers'.

It is advisable to carry cards which can be used in Automatic Teller Machines. (Cirrus or one of the other international monetary networks attached to the card). Keep cash in lower denominations such as $10 and $20

Credit cards are not always accepted; it is advisable to check with your leader that the rate offered by the hotel is reasonable.

+56

Electricity in Chile is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Type C plug

Visas are not required for passport holders from the following countries visiting Chile however some nationalities are required to pay a “reciprocity fee” in USD cash on arrival if entering via Santiago International Airport, for short term tourism purposes.

Australia: fee of approx US$95

New Zealand: no fee applicable

Canada: fee of approx US$131

United States: fee of approx US$131

United Kingdom: no fee applicable

For all other nationalities and longer stays please contact the relevant embassy.

Videos

Discover Patagonia with World Expeditions

Discover Patagonia with World Expeditions

Guaranteeing A Great Patagonia Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Enjoy Patagonia's extraordinary glaciers | Lachlan Gardiner

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Travel with purpose, placing local communities at the heart of your adventure.

Led by experienced local guides and supported by regional crews and partners, your trip helps sustain livelihoods, build skills and strengthen long term partnerships.

Every adventure is designed to encourage respectful cultural exchange and ensure the benefits of tourism are shared with the communities you visit.

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