What would you say to an adventurous itinerary in a remote region that offers breathtaking landscapes? This place is Patagonia, divided between Argentina and Chile, both sides with can’t-miss attractions for any nature and wildlife lover.
Landscapes that look like paintings, true works of art sculpted in between glaciers, rivers, lagoons and rock spires with snowy peaks, not to mention the graceful inhabitants, including pumas, guanacos, condors and penguins, who add even more life to the region.
As the territory is immense, we’re listing a few suggestions where you can find amazing activities, as well as comfortable lodging options to experience the true essence of Patagonian culture.
EL CALAFATE
The charming city of El Calafate is a strategic base for visits to Los Glaciares National Park, known for its landscape filled with glaciers such as Spegazzini, Upsala, Onelli and, the most famous of all, Perito Moreno.
Perito Moreno is one of the easiest to access from Calafate. Over 5 kilometers wide and 60 meters high, the glacier has 5 circuits of walkways for exploring its surroundings. The most common sight in the region are immense blocks of ice falling off the wall and into the lake’s turquoise waters.
Travelers also come to El Calafate for canoing and trekking tours in the National Park or Laguna Los Tempanos, as well as 4×4 tours of the Balcones del El Calafate to see the amazing views of Argentino Lake, the Andes and its glaciers, including the famous Boca del Diablo. When the skies are clear, you can see the Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in El Chaltén.
One interesting activity inside the city is the walk to Laguna Nimez, a sanctuary for over 80 bird species. The ones that attract the most attention are the flamingos. In addition, Laguna Nimez is a 500-meter walk from Argentino Lake.
Another must-see is the Upsala Glacier, one of the most important in Los Glaciares National Park, approximately 53.7 kilometers long (the third longest in South America) and 13 kilometers wide, with walls that reach an average height of 40 meters. You can get there by taking a boat across Argentino Lake. Estancia Cristina offers day trips and full stays to explore this remote side of Patagonia.
To make the trip even more complete and unforgettable, how about staying in one of the REMOTE Lodges? Offering comfort, warmth and unique services, the simple and luxurious accommodations are perfect for recharging your energy without taking away from the true essence and magic of Argentine Patagonia.
EOLO – Patagonia’s Spirit, El Calafate The hotel is located halfway between the city of El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park, yet far from the tourist activity in the area. The 10,000-acre property is a paradise for horseback riding, mountain biking and trekking.
EOLO is a mountain hotel inspired by the ancient Patagonian resorts, while also providing modern amenities in a perfect combination.
Guests can bask in the magnificence of Valle de La Anita with astonishing views from anywhere on the property and all of the 17 rooms.
ESTANCIA CRISTINA, Los Glaciares National Park Located at the far end of the Cristina Channel on the northwest coast of Argentino Lake, Estancia Cristina stands on a remote corner of Los Glaciares National Park. Accessible only by boat on Argentine Lake and then the Cristina Channel, Estancia Cristina enjoys an exclusive, privileged setting in Argentine Patagonia. Strategically built on a glacial valley formerly occupied by the Upsala Glacier, one of the area’s most spectacular natural settings, the Estancia is surrounded by picturesque views of snow-capped mountains, lakes, rivers and hanging glaciers.
It has 20 cozy rooms distributed in 5 colonial Patagonian ranch-style lodges with stunning views of the valley, as well as a cozy restaurant, a traditional barbecue area and a historical museum. The lodge also has several trekking and horseback riding options for you to enjoy scenic spots, and it is the only place with access to the Upsala Glacier by land.
USHUAIA
Ushuaia is located in the southern region of Argentina, 5 hours from Buenos Aires and just under 2 hours from El Calafate by plane. It fits perfectly into a Patagonia itinerary. The most outstanding tours in this area are of Tierra del Fuego National Park and a nostalgic ride on the End of the World Train, the captivating lakes region, the Beagle Channel with its penguins and sea lions and the Cerro Castor complex, home to skiing and snowboarding slopes, perfect for anyone interested in winter sports.
Laguna Esmeralda, with waters that reflect the snow-topped mountains, is another highly recommended attraction in Ushuaia. And if you like history, make sure to visit the Museum of the End of the World, the Maritime Prison Museum and the Thematic Gallery in Ushuaia.
There is also Lanín National Park, more rustic and less structured than Nahuel Huapi (in Barilhoche), filled with beautiful araucaria forests, snow-capped volcanoes and crystalline lakes like Huechulafquen.
We also have a REMOTE Lodge Member in this area, ideal for making incredible memories with unique services and experiences.
LOS CAUQUENES RESORT, Ushuaia
A 5-star hotel located on the shores of the Beagle Channel, just 7 kilometers from the city of Ushuaia. It has 54 rooms and suites, so guests can relax and have a one-of-a-kind experience at the End of the World with personalized service: active and adventure tourism, direct access to a private beach, culinary experiences, a spa and wellness treatments, an indoor pool and outstanding views from all the rooms and hotel areas.
The resort offers exclusive excursions to guests with their own guides and equipment, so that they can enjoy the destination with the same level and care as offered by the hotel, including activities like skiing, hiking, cooking classes, body/facial treatments, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching and boat rides.
As we said, Patagonia is an immense territory. If you’ve decided to explore it from south to north, another essential stop on the Argentine side is the region of Nahuel Huapi Lake in northern Patagonia.
Bariloche is one of the most popular, sought-after cities for tourists. You can fly there from Ushuaia (about 8 hours), El Calafate (about 3 hours) or Buenos Aires (5 hours).
The city has an excellent infrastructure of hotels and services, with attractions guaranteed all year. In the summer, people enjoy water sports such as canoeing and windsurfing on Lake Nahuel Huapi, but the peak season is the winter, when the city is invaded by thousands of tourists who flock there to ski.
A quiet village, Villa La Angostura is the perfect escape for vacationers who love the alpine feel of misty mountain forests. Pretty much all the activities here involve the lake, whether it be trekking, kayaking, fly-fishing or horseback riding.
To enjoy a perfect stay, our REMOTE Lodge Member, Correntoso Lake & River Hotel, offers an incredible experience.
CORRENTOSO LAKE & RIVER, VILLA LA ANGOSTURA
Surrounded by the woods and peaks of the Andes, the oldest hotel in Argentine Patagonia was built by Primo Caparo and Rosa Maier in 1917 to welcome the first explorers to the region. Today it’s a fascinating retreat where you can experience preserved nature and enjoy flavors of Patagonian cuisine.
It’s a place that can be explored both indoors and out, sailing on the magical lake or reading at the cozy private library. Winter invites us to go skiing or trekking with snowshoes or to just relax at the Herbal Hammam & Spa.
Check out more retreat options from our Lodging Members at our website. Click here.
