Patagonia

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Patagonia is a geographic region containing the southernmost portion of South America. It is located in Argentina and Chile, integrating the southernmost section of the Andes mountains to the south west towards the Pacific ocean.
 
The name Patagonia comes from the word ''patagon''Antonio Pigafett. It has been interpreted later as "big foot" but the etymology refers to a literary character in a Spanish novel of the early XVI century  to describe the native people that his expedition thought to be giants.
 
The Argentine portion of Patagonia (Zona Austral) includes the provinces of Neuquen Province, Rio Negro Province, Chubut Province and Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, as well as the eastern portion of Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina archipelago .    
 
The Chilean part of Patagonia embraces the southern provinces and regions of Valdivia Province, Los Lagos Region, it includes Puerto Montt and the Archaeological site of Monte Verde, and also the islands south including the west side of Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn.
 

Why visit?

  • Patagonia is known for its delicious cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the region's indigenous Mapuche people. Popular dishes include empanadas, pastel de choclo, and curanto.
  • Patagonia is home to many historic sites, including the Cueva de las Manos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient cave paintings. Other sites include the ruins of the ancient city of Chaiten and the ancient fort of Fuerte Bulnes.
  • Patagonia is home to a wide variety of unique wildlife, including guanacos, pumas, and the endangered huemul deer. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by the region's many species of birds, including the Andean condor.