Southern Patagonia

This circuit offers a visit to the three most developed tourist destinations in the southernmost part of Argentine Patagonia: Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia, and El Calafate. The diverse proposals in each of these cities complement each other, providing unique experiences for tourists in each location. The adventure guarantees the sighting of fascinating marine fauna, visits to impressive ancient glaciers, and the opportunity to stand at the southernmost point of the continent, surrounded by mountains and dreamlike landscapes.

Puerto Madryn

The city has undeniable tourist value. It is the largest service center on the Patagonian coast and the gateway to the Valdés Peninsula, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This location is chosen each year by the Southern Right Whale to mate and give birth to their young, a natural spectacle that can be witnessed from June to mid-December at the town of “Puerto Pirámides.”

The viewing lasts approximately one hour, depending on the proximity of the specimens. Small vessels approach at a safe distance, and this is where the sighting takes place, even passing beneath the boat where they can be observed and photographed thanks to the transparent waters. Whales, penguins, elephant seals, sea lions, and dolphins, along with a wide variety of birds and terrestrial fauna, make up the attraction of Valdés Peninsula. The surrounding coastal and steppe landscape, the cattle ranches, and the adventure are part of this offering that welcomes visitors year-round. Daily excursions depart from Puerto Madryn to nearby areas where other marine species can be seen, such as dolphins, Commerson’s dolphins, and the largest continental colony of Magellanic penguins. The latter are concentrated at “Punta Tombo,” forming a colony of approximately 175,000 breeding pairs that can be observed between September and April. The area also offers other attractions, such as experiencing Welsh culture at Gaiman. Visitors can visit its historical circuit, museums, Welsh Chapels, agrotourism ranches, the Paleontological Park, its tea houses, and enjoy the accommodation and dining options.

And if paleontology is your thing, a must-see is the Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum, located at the city of Trelew. It features a permanent display that traces a timeline from the earliest humans to the dawn of life on the planet. It features a replica of the world’s largest dinosaur, the Patagotitan Mayorum, recently discovered in Chubut. Puerto Madryn offers a modern and varied service infrastructure: accommodation, restaurants, travel agencies, beach resorts, a shopping center, crafts, and shows. Beaches, dunes, sea, and plateaus are the ideal setting for outdoor activities: diving, kayaking, mountain biking, trekking, and nautical excursions to enjoy in close contact with nature.

Ushuaia

In Patagonia, you can also take a trip to the End of the World. In every season, there are good reasons to explore the southernmost city on the planet, Ushuaia. The almost remote tranquility of its lush forests, mountains, valleys, and lakes seduces contemplation and invades the imagination of every visitor. This tourist center offers many options, including a visit to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, located 11 km from the city. It is the only Argentine National Park with a marine coastline (Beagle Channel) surrounding the forest. The train at the End of the World offers a journey back in time, when prisoners were transported by train to supply firewood to the population. Today, the train at the End of the World has become a tourist attraction, following the same route that convicts took decades ago, deep into the National Park. Sailing through the Tierra del Fuego channels is an unforgettable experience and an opportunity to see the imposing natural setting of Ushuaia from another perspective.

Bays, islets, and fjords of singular beauty dazzle along the journey through the azure waters of the mythical Beagle Channel, accompanied by a diverse array of birdlife and marine mammals. In winter, Ushuaia turns white, and with the snowfall, new alternatives to enjoy the city open up. Skiers will find one of the most modern winter resorts in the country, and fun is guaranteed with dog-guided sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and many other activities.

Museums are a good way to learn more about the history and culture of the area. Among the most notable are the End of the World Museum, the Yámana Museum, and Maritime and Prison Museum, which has re-evaluated the building of the former Prison of Ushuaia. There, you can see the pavilions where the prison once operated, some of them recreated, and a special relic: the Historic Wing, preserved in the same state it was when the Prison was closed in 1947. A completely different perspective of the city is obtained from the air. Sightseeing helicopter flights allow you to explore Ushuaia and its surroundings, capturing unforgettable images. It is advisable to check the weather conditions beforehand, due to the ever-changing weather patterns in this region.

And for those who want to continue the adventure, Ushuaia has yet another surprise in store: the chance to reach Antarctica. The Antarctic tourist season begins at the end of October and ends at the end of March. During these southern summer months, various vessels, mainly cruise ships and, to a lesser extent, sailboats, offer adventure and nature lovers the chance to travel to the White Continent. Trip lengths and itineraries vary, from a minimum of 10 days to more than three weeks.

El Calafate

Known as the National Capital of Glaciers, the locality of El Calafate is located on the shores of “Lago Argentino,” the largest lake in Argentina. It is the starting point for accessing “Los Glaciares” National Park, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981. It is home to nearly 350 glaciers, the most renowned of which is the Perito Moreno Glacier, closely followed by other giants such as the Upsala, Viedma, Spegazzini, and Onelli. The options to explore and enjoy the glaciers are wide-ranging, from short or full-day trips to the possibility of ice trekking or combining these activities with a visit to local cattle ranches. Over the years, the tourist village has developed, and now, in addition to the traditional walkways to enjoy the Perito Moreno Glacier and boat trips to access the treasures of the National Park, a host of activities have been added to the range of experiences available to tourists.

The offer now also includes exciting 4×4 mountain climbs, visits to ranches and archaeological sites, horseback riding through dreamlike landscapes, and a growing number of museums and interpretation centers. Furthermore, El Calafate boasts a very attractive shopping center, a varied and high-quality gastronomic offering, and an urban reserve (“Laguna Nimez” Municipal Bird Reserve) just a few meters from the town center. El Calafate can be visited year-round. In winter, snowfall often occurs due to low temperatures, transforming the landscape and enhancing the charm of the surroundings. Certain excursions may not be available during the winter months for safety reasons; please inquire in advance. El Calafate also offers the opportunity to visit destinations dedicated exclusively to adventure tourism.

Travelers can opt for a full-day excursion to El Chaltén—known as the National Capital of Trekking—located 220 km from El Calafate. During the tour, visitors can take boat trips, hike on the Viedma Glacier, visit a waterfall over 40 meters high, and marvel at the impressive surrounding landscape crowned by “Cerro Fitz Roy.”

The suggested number of days is estimated to allow for exploring the three proposed destinations with air connections. If you have fewer days, you can select two of them. It is recommended to check the flight routes, as they may not be available year-round. Due to the characteristics of the destinations, the activities and attractions available vary significantly during each season, so we suggest reviewing the options that best suit each traveler’s expectations.