This Region Has Glaciers, Rainforests, and Mountains All in One-Here's How to Plan Your Trip

"For travelers drawn to the ends of the earth, Patagonia offers a raw, dramatic expanse of wilderness split between Chile and Argentina. Though both countries share this windswept region of glaciers, granite spires, and wide open spaces, the experience on each side are distinct-shaped by landscapes, seasons, and style of travel. As someone who plans trips to Patagonia for a living, here are my best tips for picking between the two-or visiting both."

"It's known for its wild fjords, temperate rainforests, and dramatic peaks like those in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. Unlike Argentina's open steppes, Chilean Patagonia hugs the Pacific coast and is carved by glacial valleys covered in with dense vegetation. For iconic treks like the W or O Circuit and for dramatic granite peaks and glacial lakes, the Chilean side-especially Torres del Paine-is unbeatable."

Chilean Patagonia is rugged, green, and defined by wild fjords, temperate rainforests and dramatic peaks such as those in Torres del Paine. The Chilean coast is carved by glacial valleys with dense vegetation and offers iconic treks like the W and O Circuits, though weather can be highly variable. Chile expanded national parks in 2018, adding Patagonia, Melimoyu, Pumalín Douglas Tompkins and Cerro Castillo, which provide hiking, wildlife and fewer crowds. Recommended visit months are November through March or shoulder months October and April. Notable stays include Awasi Patagonia, Explora Patagonia and Estancia Cerro Guido. Argentine Patagonia is vast and sunny with pampas, turquoise lakes and glacier trekking at Perito Moreno.

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