When we think about Patagonia it is common to imagine wild nature and its numerous natural parks, but what many people do not know is that the southern end of the American continent also hosts a number of famous monuments.

There are historical sites, museums and many areas of interest. Below is a list of places you can visit between your outdoor excursions.

Famous Monuments to Visit in Patagonia

Patagonia is most renowned for its landscapes, but there is a variety of historical sites you can visit.

Fuegian History Theme Gallery

If you are spending a few days in the city of Ushuaia, this museum is worth visiting. The audio guides available will allow you to go at your own pace. During the tour, you will learn the history of Ushuaia and the region. There are interesting details about the first inhabitants of the area and the arrival of the European conquerors.

The Explorers Lighthouse

Some have mistaken it for the ‘lighthouse at the end of the world’ mentioned in Julio Verne’s novel. A tour to the lighthouse can be part of a day tour, as well as a cruise through the channel.

Monument to the Tehuelche

This place is more than just a famous monument. There is a beautiful beach surrounded by rocks that have been sculpted by the tides. The monument is a statue honoring a Tehuelche native living in the area.

Punta Cuevas Historical Park

Even though there are no famous monuments in this area, the place is full of history. This is the spot where the Welsh disembarked on the Argentinian coast in 1865. The D-day Museum located nearby will give you an insight into the colonization process and the lives of the first settlers.

Pujol Palace

This mansion built-in 1917 is sometimes called “Madryn Castle”. This famous monument is now a museum offering a general view of the local land and marine fauna.

Natural Sites in Patagonia You Must Visit

Although Patagonia has a powerful history, the natural landscape of the southern end of the American continent is what generally captures the travelers’ imagination. Here is a list of places you cannot miss when visiting Patagonia.

Los Glaciares National Park

Perito Moreno Glacier, located in the Los Glaciares National Park, is spectacular and of easy access. It is a good introduction for those who want to see unusual landscapes without walking for days. Those wanting to join a guided tour can go on full-day excursions.

Bariloche, the “Little Argentinian Switzerland”

The city of San Carlos de Bariloche is located near the Chilean border, on the Argentinian side of Patagonia. Set on the shore of the Nahuel Huapi Lake, it resembles a traditional Swiss town with its silver firs, ski tracks, and wooden villas. It is a magical place to relax.

El Chalten

This Andean village is the perfect destination for those seeking to depart from the more traditional tourist routes. It is a place of special interest for trekkers and mountaineers, as there are some interesting peaks nearby.

Valdes Peninsula 

This Natural Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a microclimate that attracts a vast variety of marine species. It is an excellent place for nature enthusiasts who want to see elephant seals, whales, and South American sea lions.