Patagonia is an uninhabited, indomitable plain, most of which is occupied by nature protection zones. The rest of the territory is divided between cattle farms, owned by the descendants of European immigrants. Differences in climate and terrain in different parts of the region led to the formation of unique natural complexes. Even the most sophisticated tourist Patagonia will surprise with the variety and beauty of the landscapes: there are mountains and plains, ocean fjords and lakes, glaciers and pampas. Despite some poverty of local flora and fauna, the reserves attract an impressive number of tourists: for example, the Torres del Paine National Park is visited every year by hundreds of thousands of travelers from all over the world.
Chilean National Parks of Patagonia
In the south of Chile are two beautiful national parks - Torres del Paine and Laguna San Rafael. Thousands of people come to the Torres del Paine Nature Reserve every year to admire the high mountains resembling sculpted granite statues. There are two hiking routes of different complexity in the park. The Laguna San Rafael National Park is considered the birthplace of icebergs and one of the most popular places in South Patagonia. It is noteworthy that you can get to the center of the park only from the sea, through the beautiful ice fjords. The San Rafael glaciers are about 30 thousand years old and are considered the oldest on Earth.
Unknown Patagonia: landmarks of the province
So, what specific places can be distinguished when compiling the route for Patagonia?
- The highest point of Patagonia is Mount Fitzroy , 3405 m high, located in the border area between Argentina and Chile. It is considered one of the most difficult to climb in the world. The area is surrounded by majestic granite hills, the tops of which are covered with dense Andean forests.
- Cave Ruk (Cueva de las Manos), on the walls of which there are 829 palm prints and prehistoric animals, religious and ritual scenes, the most ancient of which is more than 10 thousand years old. They confirm the development of this area by man in the prehistoric period. The prints are made with vegetable paint with the addition of ocher, which is why red color prevails among them.
- Marble caves on Lake General Carrera are one of the most visited attractions of Chilean Patagonia. Marble Cathedral - so romantically call the locals the amazing bright blue grottoes in the middle of the lake with pure turquoise water. On their arches reflected and shimmers sunlight, creating together with impurities of colored minerals in the thickness of the stone a unique pattern.
- Raisins of the south of Patagonia - Valdez peninsula and archipelago Fiery land . To visit these places it is worth taking an excursion tour from Puerto Madryn or Ushuaia. This is a great place to swim with whales. The average whale weighs 80 tons and reaches 18 meters in length. To monitor these giants, whose average weight reaches 80 tons, and length - 18 m, it is better to come in the summer-autumn period, when a new offspring appears.