Sweeping across the border of Argentina and Chile, it’s easy to mistake the beauty of Patagonia for some B roll footage of a David Attenborough documentary. With everything from dramatic mountain ranges and valleys threaded with undulating rivers, to glittering glaciers and azure lakes, there’s never a dull moment.
To celebrate this incredible region, here are some of our highlights to look forward to on a Patagonian trek with AE Expeditions.
One of the gateway Argentine towns to the Los Glaciares National Park, El Calafate is known as the ‘capital of glaciers’. While we stop off in this wonderful town, you can wander down to Lake Argentino, the third-largest lake in South America, and home to a variety of water birds from swans to coots and flamingos.
One of the treasures of Patagonia, the Perito Moreno Glacier is part of the World Heritage Site of the Los Glaciares National Park. Just 80 kilometres from El Calafate, the Perito Moreno Glacier is a sight to behold. Measuring a staggering 5 kilometres in width, this is one of the few glaciers that are actually advancing, despite the effects of climate change. Hold your breath as icebergs calve into Lake Argentino with a spectacular splash. Make sure you have your camera ready!
Across the border in Chile, the Torres del Paine National Park is a lush haven of plant and wildlife, earning it the status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. At the heart of the 1810 square kilometre park are the incredible granite spires, the Torres del Paine themselves. On your Patagonian hike, you’ll see a sunrise unlike any other over these towering natural monoliths.
A tranquil sight in the Magellanes region of the Torres del Paine, Nordenskjöld Lake is a truly memorable sight. Surrounded by the snow-dusted crags of Cuernos del Paine, this 200-metre deep lake is renowned for the vibrant blue colour of its water.
Stemming from the Nordenskjöld Lake, the Salto Grande Falls gush through a narrow funnel in a thundering churn of water that emerges into Lago Pehoe.
As part of one of our daily excursions, we’ll head up to the Mirador Cuernos lookout from the Salto Grande Falls, climbing up to one of the most spectacular views of the mountains and lake.
The crystalline Pehoe Lake in the Magellanes region provides a breathtaking mirror reflection of the mountain range, with its characteristic powder-blue water a striking contrast to the surrounding scenery.
These base camps are the perfect place to truly immerse yourself in one of the world’s most stunning natural environments. Nestled at the base of the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre mountains, the camps are a starting point for our adventures into the Patagonian wilds, where glacial lakes glisten in the sun and alpacas roam in lush valleys.
With such natural diversity throughout the region, there’s no telling what birdlife you’ll encounter on your hike. Spy the long limbed Chilean flamingo on the shores of Lake Argentino and the powerful Andean Condor soaring over the steppes, or get a little closer to spot the colourful Magellanic woodpecker and Austral parakeet.
These base camps are the perfect place to truly immerse yourself in one of the world’s most stunning natural environments. Nestled at the base of the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre mountains, the camps are a starting point for our adventures into the Patagonian wilds, where glacial lakes glisten in the sun and alpacas roam in lush valleys.
Ready to explore the beauty of Patagonia for yourself? With AE Expeditions, you could find yourself in the heart of this stunning region, walking the trails and visiting the local gateway towns along the way. To find out more, take a look at our brochures online, or to start planning your trip get in touch with our knowledgeable team today.
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