Where to base yourself
Which region to
explore in Patagonia
Every region scored for accessibility, value, local feel, and more. Honest trade-offs on each — no superlatives without substance.
Top pick
El Chaltén
Argentina's trekking capital — every trail in the national park starts at the village door, and every trail is free.
El Chaltén
Top pickArgentina's trekking capital — every trail in the national park starts at the village door, and every trail is free.
10/10
Walk
6/10
Price
8/10
Local
8/10
Central
Punta Arenas
Top pickChilean Patagonia's gateway city — Magellanic penguin colonies, the Strait of Magellan, and the logistics hub for Torres del Paine.
7/10
Walk
6/10
Price
8/10
Local
6/10
Central
Ushuaia
Top pickThe southernmost city on earth — Tierra del Fuego National Park, Antarctic expedition gateway, and the end of the Pan-American Highway.
7/10
Walk
4/10
Price
7/10
Local
7/10
Central
El Calafate
Top pickThe gateway to Perito Moreno — Argentina's most accessible glacier town with its own airport and a comfortably walkable centre.
6/10
Walk
5/10
Price
6/10
Local
9/10
Central
Torres del Paine
Top pickThe world's most dramatic trekking park — the W-trek, Paine Grande, and the granite towers that define the Patagonia image.
8/10
Walk
3/10
Price
5/10
Local
10/10
Central
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