With so much natural beauty to explore, getting off the beaten track is an absolute must for intrepid travellers to Patagonia – and there are three great ways to do it; by road, water, and on foot.

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A Patagonian road trip

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There are two main roads which slice their way through Patagonia’s otherwise isolated and impenetrable terrain: the 1,200 km Carretera Austral and the 5000km Ruta 40 (which starts at the Bolivian border). Both routes offer an unforgettable journey that takes you through mountains, rainforests and valleys while passing stunning rivers and glaciers along the way.

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Quelat National Park's Hanging Glacier

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A road trip on the Carretera Austral takes you through the 150,000-hectare Quelat National Park – home to falls, forests, rivers and the 1.4km long Hanging Glacier. There are various vantage points from which to appreciate this natural wonder as its crystal blue ice formations stretch between two mountain peaks.

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Whitewater rafting on the Futaleufu River

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The Rio Futaleufu is considered to be one of the best rivers for whitewater rafting in the region. Here, you’ll be able to experience the energy of Futaleufu’s thunderous waters as you cut through the water while a tranquil backdrop of lush green hills and rocky mountain peaks passes you by.

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The Lake District and Bariloche

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On the Argentinian side, a trip down Ruta 40 will take you on a journey through the Argentinian Lake District to Bariloche, a popular skiing hub in winter which sits right on Nahuel Huapi Lake.

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Remote plains of Chubut and Santa Cruz

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There’s no better way to experience the remote plains of Patagonia than by driving down Ruta 40 between Argentina’s Chubut and Santa Cruz Provinces. Here, it won’t be uncommon to see native condors circling above these windy wide-open terrains.

Go take a hike

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Patagonia has something to offer hikers of all ages, ability and experience level. The Singular Hotel in Puerto Bories offers several guided hikes of varying lengths for guests to enjoy.

Mount Dorotea Lookout

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Ascending to an elevation of 600 metres, this trek winds past native wildlife, Lenga trees and myriad plant species towards Last Hope Lookout. From here, take in panoramic vistas of Puerto Natales alongside fjords, mountains and ice fields.

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Climb the Cerro Castillo

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Beginning in the town of Villa Cerro Castillo, ascend the trail to Cerro Castillo lake through forest, grasslands and rocky terrain towards the elevated peaks which surround these aqua-blue waters. It’s popular (but not mandatory) to camp overnight to enjoy the sunset.

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Challenge yourself on the Huemul Circuit

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This 4-day hike isn’t for the faint hearted. With much of the 63 kilometre trail steep and unmarked, those brave enough to take on the challenge will find themselves trekking through meadows, crossing rivers via zip line and sleeping in the mountains overlooking Viedma lake and glaciers.

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Admire jagged mountains

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The Fitz Roy mountain formation is well known for its jagged tooth-like appearance protruding from the snow. The hike starts from the town of El Chalten and follows a steep rocky trail to the base of Fitz Roy where you’ll be greeted by a stunning blue lagoon.

Water expeditions to remote corners

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While Patagonia’s unique and unspoilt interior has so much to offer, it’s also a region surrounded by fjords and islands that are waiting to be explored. Australis expedition cruises have been taking travellers to some of the most remote corners of Patagonia for 25 years – so remote they’re almost impossible to reach by road or foot.

Marvel at Pia Glacier

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There’s no better way to appreciate the magnitude of Pia Glacier than by entering the icy waters of Pia Fjord. Travellers aboard the Australis can disembark the boat and take a short hike to a vantage point where they’ll enjoy panoramic views of this glacier which spans between mountain and sea.

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Journey to the end of the Earth

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A journey across Nassau Bay will take travellers to a remote archipelago which includes Cape Horn National park – otherwise known as the “End of the Earth”. Ideal for hikes, Cape Horn is characterised by its 435-metre high rocky headland which over looks the Drake Passage.

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Make friends with penguins

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In the Strait of Magellan, halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland, lies Magdalena Island. The island is best known for its huge penguin population, many bird species, and a vintage lighthouse dating back to 1902.

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