The region’s name comes from the word ‘patagón’, which Magellan used to describe the local inhabitants (in his mind, they were gigantic in size).
Until 1881, Patagonia did not belong to any state; before colonization, Indians mainly lived here. In the 19th century, migrants from Wales appeared in this area. Already in the 20th century, a good many Europeans arrived here and exterminated the indigenous Indian population. A little later, a mutual agreement divided Patagonia between Chile and Argentina. Interestingly, the Argentinian part is also divided into three parts: Rio Negro, Chubut and Santa Cruz.
Lowlands prevail in Patagonia. In Chile, the climate is mostly humid and moderately cold; in Argentina, it is dry because most atmospheric precipitation lingers over the Andes.
The main attractions of Patagonia are as follows:
The Perito Moreno Glacier. There is also a detailed discussion regarding it in that link.
The Valdes Peninsula. You can see whales, sea lions and dolphins here during a certain period of the year.
Ushuaia. The southernmost city in the world. It is in it that tourists who plan to travel to Patagonia most often come.
Puerto Madryn. It is the top whale-watching spot.
The Punta Tombo Natural Reserve. It is the most suitable place to meet penguins.
San Carlos de Bariloche. It is a beautiful ski resort often referred to as Argentinian Switzerland.
The Glaciarium Ice Museum will tell the latest data on the study of glaciers.
The Cave of Hands. Multi-coloured rock handprints were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
The Paleontological Museum, where you can see the most significant fossil findings in Patagonia.
Until 1881, Patagonia did not belong to any state; before colonization, Indians mainly lived here. In the 19th century, migrants from Wales appeared in this area. Already in the 20th century, a good many Europeans arrived here and exterminated the indigenous Indian population. A little later, a mutual agreement divided Patagonia between Chile and Argentina. Interestingly, the Argentinian part is also divided into three parts: Rio Negro, Chubut and Santa Cruz.
Lowlands prevail in Patagonia. In Chile, the climate is mostly humid and moderately cold; in Argentina, it is dry because most atmospheric precipitation lingers over the Andes.
The main attractions of Patagonia are as follows:
The Perito Moreno Glacier. There is also a detailed discussion regarding it in that link.
The Valdes Peninsula. You can see whales, sea lions and dolphins here during a certain period of the year.
Ushuaia. The southernmost city in the world. It is in it that tourists who plan to travel to Patagonia most often come.
Puerto Madryn. It is the top whale-watching spot.
The Punta Tombo Natural Reserve. It is the most suitable place to meet penguins.
San Carlos de Bariloche. It is a beautiful ski resort often referred to as Argentinian Switzerland.
The Glaciarium Ice Museum will tell the latest data on the study of glaciers.
The Cave of Hands. Multi-coloured rock handprints were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
The Paleontological Museum, where you can see the most significant fossil findings in Patagonia.