Patagonia begins in central Argentina about 450 mi/725 km southwest of Buenos Aires and stretches from the Rio Colorado to the Strait of Magellan. This vast, beautiful region is a haven for naturalists and adventure travelers. It's also almost 30% of Argentine territory and filled with flora and unique animals (including guanacos, penguins and elephant seals); windswept and barren terrain; lakes; and unspoiled nature.
It's a popular destination for those who like to fish, especially November-May, when trout, salmon and native species such as trahira can be hooked in the rivers and streams flowing through the Andean foothills. Big game hunting is also a popular sport in Patagonia.
There are three major sections: Rio Negro and Neuquen Provinces (access via Bariloche); Chubut Province (includes Puerto Madryn, Gaiman, Los Alerces National Park and Comodoro Rivadavia); and Santa Cruz Province (Rio Gallegos and Glaciers National Park).
Because the area lacks accommodations and travel facilities, we suggest taking an escorted tour. Layered clothing is a must, including a windbreaker—it can get cold, into the 30s F/1-5 C (and occasionally colder) as you travel south, even during the summer months.
