Top Things to do in Chilean Patagonia
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The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Chilean Patagonia, Chilean Patagonia
Dazzling fjords and vertiginous Andean peaks cover Chile's best-known region, turning this slim swath of land into a playground for skiing, whitewater rafting and trekking. To the north lies San Rafael Lagoon National Park with its impressive ice fields. In Patagonia's southern stretch, the city of Punta Arenas is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, which attracts serious climbers and casual day hikers to its granite peaks, glaciers and waterfalls.
Restaurants in Chilean Patagonia
1. Humedal Tres Puentes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo
3. Lago Jeinimeni National Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By LisetteBaker
We camped 3 nights here at the entrance and loved the place. Day hikes to the Silencio trail, Mirador trail and Lago Esmeralda were spectacular and not difficult. The wildflowers blanketed the meadows. Helpful CONAF ranger support staff. Be aware, it can get very cold at night. Also, we couldn't make it to the Raleigh campground due to the high water crossing at Rio Jeinimeni.
4. Circuito grande Torres del Paine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By stephensJ5747LY - Antofagasta, Chile
Decided to take on this epic nine day hike not knowing what to expect both physically and visually. A great decision to say the least. Physically it was extremely demanding but the rewards presented visually more than made up for it, melting away all phytigue. Camp sites offered spectacular views as well as access to side trips such as glacier hiking and kayaking. Camping facilities were more than adequate equiped with stores, cafes and even the Chileon camp had a full restaurant. Staff was knowledgeable and bilingual. A couple of the camps also had lodging (bunkbed) options. Each section of the hike was challenging in different ways but never did I feel in any danger. Park Rangers patrol sections offering a feeling of assurance. A must do for all hiking enthusiest.
5. Expedicion Fitz Roy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Channels and fjords of the Strait of Magellan with beautiful solitary and pristine landscapes. Live the experience of being in contact with the great Humpback Whale. 3 Tours Private for week in a comfortable ship and crew. It includes visit to imposing glacier. SERNATUR Award "Value + Tourist 2015" for Quality Destination and contribution to the diversification of experiences and Innovation
Reviewed By buyersrmi - Prescott, United States
getting close and personal with the whales is not something you can do on a cruise ship. photo opportunity galore. a good day especially if the weather cooperates
6. Reserva nacional Magallanes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By S3391SOelenas
The reserve is near Punta Arenas and you can get there by public transport. Just go to the small bus station in Chiloé with Carrera Pinto where the local buses departs (estación municipal). It only costs 300 pesos and takes less then half an hour (as per 2020). The route is "el Andino" and is an orange minibus. The timetable can be found in their Facebook or in the station. I took it on Sunday and actually stopped at the entrance of the park so there was no need to be dropped at the junction of Y-570 with Y-580 as other reviews mention, so check with the driver. Entrance to the park is 5000 pesos for foreigners, but it's worth it. I did the longest hike they offered called circuito las Lengas which is about 10km in addition to Mirador de las Minas. Highly recommended. The hike for people with reduced mobility is interesting as well as it have signs with info of the park and local vegetation and animals.
7. Coyhaique National Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By StevenSue - New York City, United States
In our 3 weeks hiking around Chilean Patagonia the Los Piedras hike to the top of Cerro Cinchao was our favorite hike. We started at the parking lot for Mirador Laguna Verde (you can drive there--you need to stop and pay admission to the park). From the Laguna Verde parking lot the trail was well marked. Follow the Los Piedras sign when you come to it about half a mile in to the hike. The trail ascends about 2,000 feet. There are several different and interesting forests you pass through on the way up. And there are ocassional views across the valley. But the real payoff comes when you get to the top. The summit is above the treeline, and presents 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. Spectacular. It took four fit 60 year olds a bit less than 3 hours to get to the top. Much less to get down. And we lingered at the top for most of an hour. We did not do the full loop. We got to the top of the mountain and then descended back the way we came. That looked shorter than completing the loop. And we had already gotten the best views of the trail.
8. Lago Sarmiento
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
This lake is gateway to Torres Del Paine National Park when approaching from Puerto Natales. It is an awesome lake not to be missed when visiting the park. Spotted several guanacos around this lake.
9. Monumento Natural Los Pinguinos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
The Penguins Natural Monument is located at about 35 km northeast of Punta Arenas. Magdalena Island and the Marta Island, situated in the middle of the Strait of Magellan, is the main part of this natural monument. The largest penguin colonies of south Chile are on this island, including an estimated 60,000 breeding pairs of the Magellanic penguin. A boat tour is required to reach the 2 main islands. An hour is good enough to walk around Magdalena island to view the penguins in their natural habitat. One will also get to see several seagulls. Marta Island can be viewed from a distance from the boat. One will get to see several sea lions in their natural habitat on Marta island. Certainly it is very highly recommended to visit this natural monument when in Punta Arenas.
10. Navigation of Lago Grey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 402 reviews
Reviewed By SophiaK - Athens, Greece
It is a lovely boat ride to see the Glacier Grey. After leaving the parking area you have to walk approximately 40 minutes, through a rope bridge, a forested area and then approximately 2 kilometers of sand in order to get to the boat. As the wind was very strong during the day we visited, it was not an easy task to do. But viewing the glacier paid us off. Although it is not as grand as Perito Moreno, the backdrop of the jagged mountain tops creates a unique scenery. The deep blue colors of the glacier contrast the black of the volcanic rock and the milky color of the water creating a one of its kind landscape. The crew of the catamaran was very helpful, obsessed with safety as everyone HAD to wear life jackets once stepped outside and they offered exceptional pisco sours! Yes, it is a bit overpriced but the whole experience is unforgettable.
