Explore Patagonia: Nature and Culture Awaits with GoTravelDaily

In Patagonia, it’s the silence that captures your attention first, followed by the breathtaking landscapes – snow-dusted mountains resembling dollops of whipped cream, shimmering lakes, and aquamarine icebergs floating past giant, jagged glaciers that crash and calve into the milky blue water below.

These stunning landscapes have attracted explorers and mountaineers for centuries; however, they are not only for hardcore trekkers. Patagonia offers a more relaxed experience as well, featuring tranquil horse rides in lush green estancias, gentle strolls through pine forests, and cultural explorations in quaint rural villages. You can also embark on boat trips around astonishing ice fields.

This sprawling and diverse region is perfect for anyone looking to unwind and connect with the vast, untouched wilderness, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or seeking a slower pace. For those who prefer the latter, this guide outlines some of the best alternative experiences to enjoy in and around the Argentine towns of Bariloche and El Calafate.

Sail to Isla Victoria

Accessed by boat from Puerto Pañuelo (just outside Bariloche), Isla Victoria is a lush, 20km-long island that serves as a peaceful paradise for scenic walks among towering cypress trees and secluded beaches alongside the blue waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi.

Among the highlights is the Bosque de Arrayanes, a unique myrtle forest featuring giant, orange-colored tree trunks shaped in fascinating forms, along with Playa del Toro, a volcanic sand beach near cliffs adorned with ancient cave paintings. Turisur provides excursions to key areas, with the boat journey offering stunning views of tree-covered islands and mystical, cloud-capped mountains.

Picnic at the ‘Hidden Lake’

Back on the mainland, numerous forest trails await. Notable paths lead to Lago Escondido, a ‘hidden lake’ peering through trees and framed by snow-capped mountains, and Bahía de Los Troncos, a deserted rocky bay nearby. Both locations are part of the pristine Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Although you can explore the area independently, consider taking a guided tour from Constellations, which features unique surprises along the way – from mate tasting to surprise picnics set beneath the trees, all enhancing your outdoor experience.

Ride a Rambla ‘Round Scenic Bariloche

Driving a vintage mint-green American Rambla from the 1960s in Patagonia might seem unconventional, yet Constellations offers this remarkable opportunity. Their classic car tours navigate the mountainous, Switzerland-like outskirts, complemented by ’60s tunes playing softly as you cruise past the glistening shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, stopping at various viewpoints along the picturesque route.

Find a Rural Retreat

Within the national park lies Estancia Peuma Hue, a cozy eco-lodge featuring activities such as horse riding, kayaking, wine tasting, and rafting spread across 500 acres of nearly untouched land. The welcoming owner greets visitors warmly, often by a delightful log fire, while the exceptional cuisine includes dishes like pea soup and fresh, delicious trout with locally grown vegetables. Overnight stays can be arranged in several guest lodges, easily accessible just a 25-minute drive from town.

Go Chocolate-Tasting

Bariloche is renowned for its chocolate heritage, thanks to the influx of Swiss, German, and other European settlers in the mid-20th century. Numerous chocolate shops dot the area, including VanWynsberghe Chocolates, a family-run Belgian chocolatier that hosts tasting workshops in a quaint, wood-paneled chalet just a short drive from town.

During the workshop, you’ll gain fascinating insights into chocolate’s history and production, indulging in various smooth, creamy treats, including their prized delicacies like pepper and cardamom-infused chocolate and metallic-colored forest fruit truffles.

Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier

Many travelers venture to this southern region primarily for its glaciers, and no trip is complete without witnessing the remarkable Perito Moreno Glacier, located just outside El Calafate (around a two-hour flight south of Bariloche).

This glacier spans an impressive 250 square kilometers, with bright white ice formations extending infinitely into the horizon, punctuating a pool of jade-colored water. Visitors can follow a series of stepped footpaths for an overview, but the best way to experience this natural wonder is from the water.

Hielo y Aventura offers hour-long boat trips, bringing you up close to the glacier’s intricate, marble-like surface, where blocks of blue-white ice tumble into the water, creating stunning visual spectacles.

Glide Past Icebergs in Los Glaciares National Park

The colossal Upsala Glacier, even larger than Perito Moreno, stretches across an icy field three times the size of Buenos Aires and has been receding since the ice age. For a closer look, Estancia Cristina provides 2.5-hour boat trips across Lake Argentino, showcasing majestic icebergs set against a backdrop of bright turquoise waters.

After reaching the opposite shore, you can take an exhilarating 4×4 ride to the Upsala viewpoint, where panoramic views of mountains and the glacier await. The excursion concludes with a hearty lunch featuring traditional empanadas and tender lamb stew, all set against the gorgeous Patagonian landscape.