The closest land mass to Antarctica is the region of Chile called Patagonia. This region is known for its beautiful mountains carved by glaciers. It has gorgeous rainforests, fjords, glaciers, and deserts. You can find almost anything you would like to see at the end of the world. The most iconic destinations in the region of Patagonia are the Torres del Paine National Park, Parque Patagonia, Isla Magdalena, and Cape Horn.
Torres del Paine
The Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most outstanding places in the entire region. The centerpiece of the park is the Cordillera del Paine. These three granite peaks have only been summited a handful of times. These unique peaks will provide you with an experience unlike any other. Among the peaks, you will find several vivid blue lakes. To access some parts of the park, you will need a certified guide, and when hiking through the parks, it is important to stay on the trails as they have been designed to scientifically reduce the impact of tourism.
Parque Patagonia
Less than five years ago, Patagonia National Park or Parque Patagonia which straddles Chile and Argentina was established. It was developed as a conservation effort to preserve the region's natural beauty. In the northernmost part of the park is a small old town of Chile Chico. It is an old mining and agricultural town that has a mesmerizing hike. This must-do hike is the circuit from Valle Lunar to the Cueva de las Manos (native paints cave). If you venture on the 18-mile trek, you'll make your way through unique rock formations to fill your day. There is plenty of hiking and camping in this new park.
Isla Magdalena
Located in the Strait of Magellan, one of the main attractions on the island is the Magellanic penguins. This island is the main nesting island for the Magellanic Penguins and is an adorable site to see. Almost 60,000 mated pairs call the island home from September to March. You can get to the island by taking the ferry or a speed boat but be prepared when you visit the island, and you could encounter all four seasons in one day. This spot should make it on your itinerary when planning a trip to Patagonia.
Cape Horn
Cape Horn is the southernmost landmass north of Antarctica. It is a stunning sight that is more than awe-inspiring. This cape was a popular cape before the Panama Canal as this was the path between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Getting to Cape Horn can be a bit complicated, but the two main options are a four-day cruise, which is my recommendation, or if you are short on time, a flight from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams is still a stunning way to see the cape.
Adding Chilean Patagonia is a must-do on your list, although some of these destinations are difficult to access. It is worth traveling to. We can work together to plan out all of the details to ensure your trip is perfect. Schedule a consultation to plan your ideal trip to the southernmost part of South America.