Located in the far south of the country, Patagonia is the largest and southernmost region of Chile. Part of the territory her is occupied by glaciers in the Patagonian Andes (Campos de Hielo Norte y Campos de Hielo Sur ), vast steppes , virgin forests, and numerous islands all these forming an extremely wonderful and varied geography, an gorgeous scenery considered one of the largest and most beautiful on Earth.
“Carretera Austral “ is a route that crosses the northern part of the Patagonia, this route is one of the most attractive routes in the world because when you go over it, the scenery that you see is one of those that leave the viewer speechless. It covers about 1,200 km from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins . Forests, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, fjords, mountains and glaciers are part of the attractions. Finally we mention Pumalin Park and Queulat Park, Laguna San Rafael with its dazzling glacier, General Carrera Lake and its curious Marble Formations, Monte san Valentín and De los Exploradores Valley , the Baker River and Tamango National Reserve ( Huemul habitat)) ,and two very picturesque villages: Caleta Tortel and O’Higgins…..the gateway to Campo de Hielo Sur.
Going down towards the Southernmost Patagonia we find “ Torres del Paine” National Park, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and also selected as number eight among the world wonders in 2013. There are various trekking circuits between glaciers, rivers and lakes spread around the imposing and majestic Paine Massif.
Punta Arenas is one of the most important cities in the southern part of the country, and the gateway to “Tierra del Fuego” island, the Chilean Antarctic, and “De Magallanes” Strait (the main natural route between the 2 major world oceans: Atlantic and Pacific).When sailing through this beautiful and historic strait you can see ancient glaciers, penguin colonies, dolphins, Orcas and humpback whales.
If we talk about the Patagonian cuisine, a unique mix of flavors and textures make it a one where you distinguish a fusion of different cultures highlighting the famous Patagonian lamb grilled on a stick at a wood fire, southern hake and crab. Activities like trekking, mountaineering, rafting, horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking on ice become the best alternatives to explore and discover the amazing landscapes of this so mythical and coveted región.