Patagonia route: Villa La Angostura to Perito Moreno glacier

Explore Patagonia's dramatic landscapes spanning Argentina and Chile, from the glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park to the windswept peaks of Torres del Paine. This route covers the region's most iconic natural features, including volcanic peaks, pristine lakes, and vast steppe plains across both countries' southern territories.

Mode
Places
Start
Villa La Angostura
End
Puerto Varas
Stops
16
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Villa La Angostura — Charming Patagonian town connected to San Martín de los Andes via the scenic Road of the 7 Lakes through two water-rich national parks.
  2. San Carlos de Bariloche — Popular alpine mountain resort on Lake Nahuel Huapi shores, offering Swiss Alps-style facilities and outdoor activities at lower costs.
  3. Laguna Capri — Turquoise glacial lake surrounded by towering peaks, offering stunning photography and hiking opportunities in southern Patagonia.
  4. Cerro Torre — Jagged mountain peak near El Chaltén with challenging hiking trails and views accessible only to experienced climbers.
  5. Lago Argentino — Argentina's largest freshwater lake, famous for its calving glaciers including the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier.
  6. Perito Moreno glacier — World's third-largest freshwater ice reserve, accessible by ice trekking or viewing platforms, featuring 200-foot terminus towering above sea level.
  7. Strait of Magellan — Historic maritime passage separating mainland South America from Tierra del Fuego, crucial for early exploration and modern navigation.
  8. Eclaireurs lighthouse — Iconic red-and-white beacon perched on rocky islands near Ushuaia, symbolizing the gateway to the Southern Ocean.
  9. Tierra del Fuego National Park — Remote national park at the southern tip of South America, accessible via the End of the World Train or Beagle Channel cruise.
  10. Punta Arenas — Regional capital of Chilean Patagonia with historic colonial architecture, cultural attractions, and regional restaurants.
  11. Milodon cave — Archaeological site where fossilized remains of an extinct giant ground sloth reveal prehistoric Patagonian megafauna history.
  12. Torres del Paine — Three dramatic granite peaks rising above turquoise lakes and glaciers, creating Chile's most recognizable mountain landscape.
  13. Salto Grande — Powerful waterfall connecting two Patagonian lakes, accessible via scenic hiking trails with panoramic views.
  14. Osorno Volcano — Iconic snow-capped volcanic peak dominating Los Lagos region and forming the northern border of Chilean Patagonia.
  15. Los Lagos — Picturesque lake region in northern Patagonia known for forest-framed waters, charming towns, and outdoor recreation.
  16. Puerto Varas — Small town on Lake Llanquihue shore in Los Lagos region, ideal endpoint for Patagonia expeditions with local souvenirs.

Useful for your trip

Transport
Drive the scenic Road of the 7 Lakes from San Martín de los Andes to Villa La Angostura and on to San Carlos de Bariloche, passing through two water-rich national parks.
Where to stay
San Carlos de Bariloche is a popular mountain resort on Lake Nahuel Huapi shores with outdoor pursuits and facilities comparable to the Swiss Alps at lower prices.
Transport
Take detour to El Chaltén on Ruta 40; Argentina's trekking capital in the southern Andes with hikes to Laguna Capri and views of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre peaks.
Food
Try the regional specialty 'asado'—whole lamb grilled over an open fire—in El Calafate.
Tip
El Calafate is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and the Perito Moreno glacier, located on southern shores of Lago Argentino.
Tip
Perito Moreno glacier reaches 200 feet above sea level and is the world's third-largest freshwater reserve; most tours also include milky waters of Canal Upsala with floating icebergs.
Transport
Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, to access Tierra del Fuego National Park (most visitors fly rather than take the boat via Strait of Magellan).
Tip
Board the 'End of the World Train' from Ushuaia for a day trip to Tierra del Fuego National Park, or join a cruise on Beagle Channel to see Bird Island, Seal Island, and Les Éclaireurs lighthouse.
Tip
Visit Punta Arenas on the Chilean side for colonial architecture and cultural attractions; warm up in local restaurants after outdoor sightseeing.
Tip
Explore Milodón cave (prehistoric shelter with giant ground-dwelling sloth remains) and nearby Torres del Paine granite peaks with lakes and Salto Grande waterfall.
Tip
Spot Osorno Volcano, focal point of Los Lagos region; end your expedition in Puerto Varas on opposite shore of Lake Llanquihue.
Transport
From Puerto Varas, return to Bariloche via lakes crossing the border, or drive north via Pucón and Villerica before flying from Santiago de Chile.

Video on this route

Patagonia Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia

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