Chilean Patagonia and Argentina: differences and tips

Learn everything about Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, the most australians from the extreme south of South America, with lots of fun like skiing in the snow-covered mountains and tasting the delicious cuisine. Do you know what to explore in each country? Find out here!

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Andes mountain range and the territorial boundary

The Andes Mountain Range marks its territorial limits.

It is composed of the set of several mountains that are part of the western coast of South America. It's 7 thousand kilometers and arriving in a altitude of up to 6,962 thousand meters.

This highest peak is located in the aconcagua in Argentine.

What is the difference between Argentine and Chilean Pagatonia?

In Chile, the landscape is greener, with a temperate forest and glacial fjords that are immense rocky valleys, flooded by the sea with the melting of glaciers.

In Patagonia Argentina, the climate is drier, arid, with a lot of pasture and large deserts.

One of the most famous highways with an infinite landscape of desert is the RN-40, it crosses the country from south to north. Dazzle the beautiful peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and the coveted Perito Moreno glacier.

A very big difference between the two Patagonia is p trip value?? Generally, Chilean accommodation is more expensive than Argentinean accommodation. In addition, the Argentine peso is worth less than the Chilean peso.

Both are considered as Southern Patagonia.

How to get from Argentine Patagonia to Chilean Patagonia?

Anyone wishing to travel from Argentine Patagonia to Chilean Patagonia has two options: You can opt for a land transfer from El Calafate with final destination to Torres Del Paine National Park, or choose to take a cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas.

Both options offer a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauties and stunning landscapes of the Patagonian region, whether by land or sea.

Which cities are part of Patagonia Argentina?

Cities in Argentine Patagonia:

Bariloche: Mountainous landscapes and lakes, popular in winter.
El Calafate: Gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier and other glaciers.
Ushuaia: The southernmost city in Argentina, starting point for expeditions in Antarctica.
Puerto Madryn: Marine wildlife observation in Peninsula Valdes.
skeleton: Adventure tourism and nature activities in Los Alerces National Park.
Comodoro Rivadavia: Important city for the oil industry.
Rio Gallegos: Capital of the province of Santa Cruz, starting point for exploring Southern Patagonia.

Is it cheaper to go to Chile or Argentina?

It depends on the time of year you want to travel and which region of Argentina and Chile you want to go to. A trip to Buenos Aires is around 20% more expensive than to Chile.

Chilean Patagonia

How to get to Chilean Patagonia

To get to Chilean Patagonia you need to go by car, bus or tour (with local tour companies).

But don't worry, the airport is not that far away. The city that receives international flights is the capital Santiago, from there you can take local flights or go by car.

Enjoy and learn a little more about Things to do in Santiago, Chile.

Best time to discover Chilean Patagonia

The best time to visit Chilean Patagonia should be the one with the least forecast of blizzards and without excessive rainfall, which will allow access to the best tourist attractions and enjoy the beautiful days.

For example in the height of winter, the weather is very cold, with heavy snowfall and many tourist attractions are temporarily closed due to lack of access or danger.

The most indicated are the months of october to april, which is the station summer.

Things to do in Chilean Patagonia

Torres del Paine Park

This is the great Torres del Paine National Park, known for its beautiful mountains and giant blue icebergs.

Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978.

There are approximately 242 thousand hectares of many mountains, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and giant glaciers. Located further south of Chile, in the region of Magellan and Chilean Antarctica.

In the park it is possible to dazzle the beauty of the glaciers, waterfalls and mountains, in addition to hiking, camping, trekking to the base of the towers, kayaking, boating and even fishing.

Gray Glacier

It is considered to be the world's third-largest range of continental fluke, behind Antarctica and Greenland.

There are almost 17 thousand km² of the spectacle of beautiful blue walls that form the ice.

Many go for climbing, hiking and of course that tour with many photographic records. The easiest way to access it is by boat, lasting three hours of a lin of the nature show.

Puerto Natales

A small village, with just over 20 thousand inhabitants, Puerto Natales is the beginning of your expedition to Torres del Paine Park.

It is in this city that you will book a hotel, hire travel agencies, guides, restaurants and ask questions from local residents.

It's a gateway for locals to share local history!

Cerro Benitez

With more than 5 hours of walking and a beautiful landscape, there are hours recording every curve in the road and each mountain further away.

You will climb a summit, with stops at some historical peaks with rock writings and even a cave frequented by ancestors.

Upon reaching the top of the mountain, it is impossible not to be moved by the beauty of the place! The descent is also fascinating, because it is not the same route, it is made on the other side of the mountain, with views to Sofia Lagoon.

Bernardo O'Higgins National Park

It is in this park that you will be dazzled by the largest area of Chilean environmental protection, with its 35 thousand km².

To get to this paradise you need to go by boat, approximately 3 hours or 1:30h by speedboat.

The landscape is incredible: river, forest and suddenly the immensity of glaciers. The park stops at one point and you will walk a trail to the edge of the glacier.

Cueva del Milodon National Monument

A life-size replica of a mammal called Milodón stands out, located 24 km from Puerto Natales, it is located at the entrance of a cave!

It is formed by stalactites, stalaphmites, rare terrain and a small opening with a beautiful landscape.

Found over 100 years ago, it is estimated to be 12,000 years old and has turned this region into a paleontological and archaeological center.

Argentine Patagonia

Los Glaciares National Park

It is in this park that you will find the most beautiful glaciers in Patagonia, such as: Upsala, O'nelli, Spegazzinni and the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.

Perito Moreno Glacier

It is more than 5 kilometers wide and 60 meters high of a beautiful wall of ice.

This is one of the most visited places by tourists, to dazzle the most beautiful ice walls. And that in some special moments, pieces fall apart and providing a spectacle for those who are close by.

To reach the glacier, it is necessary to walk an average of 3 kilometers of walkways with numerous viewpoints with panoramic views. In total, there are approximately 2 hours of total wonder among the snow and mountains.

Ushuaia

Considered the city most austral of the planet (which is compared to Chile), but in my opinion it is unique.

A small town with many attractions. You will be able to go hiking, visit the Martial Glacier, the Maritmo Museum of Ushuaia Prison, ride the Fin del Mundo Train, take a boat ride to the lighthouse, go skiing butt, ice skiing and much more.

El Chalten

Famous for being considered the trekking capital of Argentina.

It is a small town with beautiful landscapes, surrounded by glaciers, snowy montage and crystal clear lakes.

There are numerous tours, such as trekking on the ice of the Viedma Glacier, boating to the glaciers, camping and various guided tours.

Valdes Peninsula

With an area of approximately 4,000 km² of cliffs and inlets, it is possible to find a huge variety of animal species in a protected ecosystem.

Considered a World Heritage Site in 1999 by UNESCO.

The landscape with penguins, sea lions, right whales, dolphins, elephant seals and many birds enchant everyone who passes by.

Depending on the season you go, you can find different species of animals.

Go to the Visitor Center and find out where to find the viewpoints of this charming place!

Chilean Patagonia and Argentina

Finally, I hope you enjoyed the tips on these beautiful places surrounded by Patagonia.

Tips on where to stay

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