13 of the best national parks in Patagonia

25.06.2024 - 13:37 / lonelyplanet.com

Jun 24, 2024 • 11 min read

Split between Chile and Argentina, the rugged regions of Patagonia and neighboring Tierra del Fuego boast more than a dozen national parks.

Sure, some South American countries beat them for sheer numbers of parks – Brazil has more than 70 – but these southern nature reserves protect huge swaths of one of the last truly pristine wildernesses on Earth.

While some of the region's national parks are more accessible than others, they preserve a stunning range of habitats, from millennia-old alerce trees and ancient lava beds to impenetrable snow-tipped mountain ranges, immense glaciers and penguin-thronged coves.

From trail-crossed Torres del Paine and Parque Nacional Los Glaciares to the hard-to-reach shores of Yendegaia, these protected areas are synonymous with outdoor adventure. Some have well-established networks of mountain huts, while others are for self-sufficient wilderness experts only. As well as these big hitters, there are numerous other national reserves, wilderness areas and natural monuments to explore.

However, the weather is an important factor in deciding when to come. The bulk of travelers visit these rugged national parks during the peak season of December to March, during the southern hemisphere summer, but some are also accessible during the shoulder season (October-November and April-May). The icy southern winter repels all but the hardiest of fresh air fiends.

If you have your heart set on seeing whales or penguins, it's best to time your visit to coincide with the times they gather in the greatest numbers. Here's a guide to the best national parks in Patagonia for wildlife spotting, trekking and more.

South America's finest national park

Overlooked by the soaring granite peaks that give the park its name, and the sculpted, dark-tipped outcrops known as the Cuernos de Paine, 1810 sq km (699 sq mile) Torres del Paine is arguably South America's finest national park. You've probably already seen photos of the Paine massif reflected in the pale blue waters of Lago Nordenskjöld.

The mountains, glacial lakes, vast glaciers, areas of steppe and patches of dense forest are wonderfully accessible, thanks to well-developed trekking infrastructure. Trekkers can duck in on day hikes or tackle the park's celebrated long-distance treks in relative comfort, staying in refugios (bunk huts) or glamping domes and finishing the day with a pisco sour. Alternatively, you can camp all the way – either carrying your own gear or paying for a tent to be put up for you as you make your way from campground to campground.

Torres del Paine is renowned for its long-distance trails. The 69km (43-mile) "W" – named for the shape it traces on the map – takes in the park's three main highlights: