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5 Reasons to Add Patagonia to Your Bucket List

An unforgettable journey worth taking.

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

Whenever someone mentions Patagonia, we're pretty sure they are our kind of people. When you have an adventure-loving soul, this region of milky blue waters, rocky peaks, and the raw beauty calls out like a drink of cold water in the desert.

Patagonia isn't a country, but instead a region of southern Argentina and Chile that bumps along the spine of the world's youngest mountain range, the Andes. It's a dream destination for fly fishing, hiking, kayaking, photography, and sightseeing of all sorts. Here are a few of the reasons we've added Patagonia to our adventure bucket list.

Exploring Torres del Paine

The three distinctive mountains that make up the Torres del Paine are one of the most recognized peak silhouettes in the world. Framed by a wide open sky, wildflower-filled meadows, and the colorful waters of one of the area's lakes, a trip to Torres del Paine is a feast for the eyes. 

A series of mountain lodges dot the landscape, and hiking abounds. Feeling adventurous? Don't miss taking a trek to the Grey Glacier.

City Life Meets Fly Fishing in the Lakes District

Wilderness, culture, and fly fishing mix into a perfect adventure blend in the Lakes Region of Chile and Argentina. Fly fishermen and women won't want to miss the capital of the sport, Junin de los Andes. For those who love to explore wild during the day and sink into city life at night, the city of Bariloche is exactly where you want to be (and, we beg you, eat all the chocolate while you're there...you won't regret it!).

Get Down with the Glaciers

Patagonia is known for its glaciers, and spending time trekking to any one of the 48 glaciers in southern Patagonia is well worth the effort.

To fill up on glaciers to your hearts content, consider booking a spot on a Paine & Fitz Roy trek, which will not only get you on top of some of the most famous glaciers (including the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is known for "calving" ice into the aquamarine waters below), but you'll also hop on a boat to see some of the more remote glaciers up close and personal. 

Great Food, and Plenty of It

You may not be traveling to Patagonia specifically for the food, but after a day of exploring glaciers, meadows, and mountains you'll definitely work up an appetite. The Patagonia region is known for its local meat and fish, cooked with simple elegance and served in huge portions.

If meat isn't your jam, don't fret. The influx of travelers from around the world has enticed the lodges and restaurants to serve up delicious fare for the veggie crowd.

Estancia Life

Estancias are Patagonian ranches where the historic gaucho (cowboy) culture thrives. Like they have for generations, gauchos herd sheep and cattle for their livelihoods. Over the years, some estancias have opened as guest ranches, where visitors can stay an experience some of the romance of old Patagonia.

Patagonia is a land full of wild exploration, and a location that should be on every adventurer's bucket list. 

Photos (including cover photo) courtesy of World Expeditions

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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