One traveler’s favorite experiences in Patagonia

After a series of trips that brought him to big city after big city, Mike was ready for a change of pace. So, he decided to exchange skyscrapers for nature at its finest on our tour, Chile to Argentina: Santiago, Patagonia & Buenos Aires. Here, he reflects on his time in Patagonia.

When I chose Patagonia as my next trip, I was looking to go somewhere that was different from any place I’d been before—somewhere where the natural land would be the main focus. The idea of going to “the bottom of the world” intrigued me too, and I wasn’t disappointed.

One site that took my breath away was Perito Moreno Glacier and its sheer magnitude. Being in its presence was awe-inspiring in a way that I never could have imagined. A few group members and I were transfixed just watching and listening to the icebergs as they broke away from this massive ice shelf.

We stayed and watched for more than an hour because there was a particularly giant sheet of ice that was on the cusp of falling off. We just knew we needed to wait and witness the whole thing come crashing down. The sounds of the ice cracking and crashing into the turquoise lake below was both so intense and serene. It’s something I’ll never forget.

See more of traveler favorite spots on our tour of Patagonia.

Another of my favorite moments from this tour was the day we took a boat ride across the Strait of Magellan to Isla Magdalena. The island is home to a colony of Magellanic penguins, and it was a treat to be able to see these birds up close in their natural environment.

If I could, I’d revisit each place we went to in a heartbeat. Patagonia is so big and raw that it feels like I only made a small dent in what it has to offer. This corner of the world will always be one of my favorites—it’s filled with unparalleled views of vast landscapes, wildlife, and so much more. You name it, Patagonia has it.

Learn more about Patagonia’s National Parks.

Which signature Patagonian experience is calling your name—seeing icebergs break away from Perito Moreno Glacier or snapping photos of penguins?