A Beginner's Guide to Patagonia's National Parks
On a February trip to Patagonia, I chugged up steep slopes and across windy ridge-lines to take in views of jagged granite spires one week; the next, I stood in front of a 19-mile tongue of ice, listening to it splinter and groan like a living creature. In between I watched guanacos sprint across open fields, and condors soar overhead. I even saw a Magellanic woodpecker, a red-headed species as big as a football, hammering away on a tree trunk.
You could spend a lifetime exploring this region, and the various sides of it. Just two weeks taught me how diverse the different corners of Patagonia are, and in particular how unique each national park is. Every one has its own personality and, given that the region is nearly 800,000 square miles in size, planning a trip means forcing yourself to pick and choose where you will spend your time.
Below is a guide to six Patagonia national parks that stand out from the pack—and which activities, and travelers, they are best for. If time is on your side, consider linking a couple together for a taste of how much there is to see in this Southernmost part of South America. Either way, know that your first trip to Patagonia may not be your last. (Keep in mind that these parks change drastically from one season to the next: We've written this guide for summer travel, which is winter in the Northern Hemisphere, and the most accessible season for outdoor activities.)
Torres del Paine is so-called for its three sheer-walled towers of rock.
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Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Best for: Backpackers, hikers, bird watchers, boating enthusiasts
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