5 unmissable points on the Patagonia map

 Patagonia is magical because it’s one of the world’s last great untouched landscapes. Unspoiled by man, the Patagonia map naturally spans Chile and Argentina and possesses a wealth of natural beauty. Its striking mountain ranges, pristine national parks, awe-inspiring glaciers and unique wildlife are only the beginning. If you’re planning to visit Patagonia, you’ll want to consult this guide. We’ve picked out five unmissable points on the Patagonia map, each well worth a trip to the edge of the world.

5 points on the Patagonia map you can’t miss

The Patagonian landscape has something for everyone. Nature lovers, whale watchers, hikers, cruise enthusiasts and city slickers will all find something to their liking here. We know the region like the back of our hand, so we’ve picked five highlights that you will want to see.

1. Cape Horn

The southernmost point on the Patagonia map is the Cape Horn. Known affectionately as “the end of the world”, this remote and unspoilt cape marks the meeting point of three oceans – the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Southern oceans collide here. This clash of seas leads to some truly breathtaking sights, such as massive waves that are higher than ten-storey buildings, and gale-force winds that will truly knock your socks off. The cape itself is an awesome cliff face which then gives way to the Cape Horn National Park. Take a cruise to Patagonia and Cape Horn is simply a must-see. 

2. Los Glaciares National Park

Anglophones know it as Glacier National Park. Call it what you will, this is for many people the high point of the Patagonia map. That may be literally the case, as the park is home to some impressive mountains, so it’s a hiker’s favourite. Among the many highlights of a visit to Los Glaciares National Park are the opportunity to scale mountains like Mount Fitz Roy, standing 3,359 metres tall. Fitz Roy is one of the most popular El Chaltén hiking trails, and with good reason.

3. Tierra del Fuego Archipelago

Tierra del Fuego has a lot to offer the weary traveller, from the city of Ushuaia to the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Ushuaia city is popular with tourists. It has a wealth of museums and local markets to keep them occupied between hikes. Across the border on the Chilean side of the Patagonia map, Tierra del Fuego boasts Bahía Inútil, a penguin-watching hotspot. Penguins aren’t the only animals here, so wildlife observers can also see a wide range of birds and foxes, among others.

4. The Strait of Magellan

Named after Ferdinand Magellan, the Strait of Magellan is one of the most historically significant points on the Patagonia map. The strait is 546 kilometres wide and it marks forms the boundary between Tierra del Fuego and the Americas. It’s a must-see spot for wildlife enthusiasts, with whales and penguins among the more common sights.

5. Magdalena Island

Arguably the penguin capital of the world, Magdalena Island boasts a huge colony of Magellanic penguins. Need we say more? Magdalena Island is a quiet and remote part of the Patagonia map, and they want to keep it that way. Photography is banned here, so forget the selfies and simply immerse yourself in penguin paradise.