Three Must-Visit Locations in Patagonia
Photo by Daniel Korzeniewski/Photo Tours and Expeditions
Let’s be honest...there are far more than three must-visit locations in Patagonia. It is a region full of breathtaking landscapes and opportunities to create gorgeous photos.
But you can’t photograph everything in Patagonia, so it’s worth taking a look at some iconic locations you don’t want to miss when you visit this magical place.
Here are three top recommendations for places you need to see with your camera on your visit to Patagonia.
Torres del Paine National Park
Photo by Daniel Korzeniewski/Photo Tours and Expeditions
Tucked in the far southern reaches of Chile, the Puerto Natales region offers some of the most rugged landscapes you can photograph in Patagonia.
Perhaps the most breathtaking landscape of them all is Torres del Paine National Park, home to the iconic towers seen above.
There is beauty everywhere you turn here - soaring peaks, raging rivers, and placid lakes - whose beauty changes as daybreak turns to day and again as day turns to night.
While there, be sure to hike to the top of Mount Ferrier - a short and steep hike - but one that’s well worth the effort. The view from this particular lookout is absolutely breathtaking.
Photo by Daniel Korzeniewski/Photo Tours and Expeditions
The Lake Pehoe area is worth some time as well. Centrally located in the park, it makes a great basecamp for daytime forays to photograph the Salto Grande Waterfall, Horns Lookout, Mirador del Condor, and more.
Likewise, the lake is a great place to explore on foot and find vantage points for photographing the mountains that surround it. As far as Patagonia photography locations in Chile go, this area should be at the top of your list!
El Calafate Region
Photo by Daniel Korzeniewski/Photo Tours and Expeditions
Located on the southern end of Lake Argentino in Argentina, El Calafate is a prime area to explore due to its proximity to mountainous regions, particularly Glaciares National Park.
The lake itself is worthy of some of your time as it attracts thousands of flamingos who feed and rest in its waters.
But the prime location you need to see in the El Calafate area is the Glacier Perito Moreno, shown below.
Photo by Daniel Korzeniewski/Photo Tours and Expeditions
The glacier is breathtaking on its own, but set against the backdrop of soaring mountain peaks, this nearly 100-square-mile chunk of ice takes on an even more impressive stance in the landscape.
Perito Moreno is just one of nearly 50 glaciers in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, which is the third largest collection of freshwater on the planet.
The walkways through the ice fields bring you to eye-popping lookouts, but if you want to get even more spectacular views, get up close to the walls of the glaciers as you explore the side of Argentino Lake.
El Chalten Region
Photo by Daniel Korzeniewski/Photo Tours and Expeditions
Also located in Argentina, the El Chalten region is the trekking capital of Patagonia.
Not only is this quaint village situated on the banks of the Rio de las Vueltas inside Los Glaciares National Park, but it’s also located near the Fitz Roy, one of the most iconic and beautiful mountain spires in the world.
Photo by Daniel Korzeniewski/Photo Tours and Expeditions
Though Fitz Roy is “just” 11,073 feet tall, it’s nonetheless an impressive sight as it extends upward from the landscape.
The rugged mountain is a target for many photographers and climbers alike, although the first known climber to summit the peak didn’t accomplish the feat until quite recently in 1952.
When exploring this area, be sure to visit Rio Blanco, Laguna de Los Tres, and Lookout Cerro Torre for gorgeous views of the Fitz Roy.
Photo by Daniel Korzeniewski/Photo Tours and Expeditions
But, Fitz Roy is not alone as an incredible spot for photography in Argentina. The El Chalten area is also home to wonders like Lago del Desierto, Huemul Lagoon and glacier, the Huemules Reserve, and more.
In fact, a visit to Patagonia could be spent entirely in this one region, and you’d have plenty of fodder for your camera!
Planning a Patagonia Photography Trip
Photo by Daniel Korzeniewski/Photo Tours and Expeditions
The toughest part of planning a photography trip to Patagonia is simply deciding when you’ll go and what areas you’ll photograph while you’re there. It’s not a question of “What is there to see?”, but “What must I see while I’m there?”
For my money, there’s no better way to explore such a diverse and incredible place than as part of a photography tour.
I recently got to know the fine folks at Photo Tours and Expeditions, and I was struck by not only their knowledge of Patagonia but also their passion for photographing this wonderful place.
Photo Tours and Expeditions has a Patagonia photo tour coming up in 2021 that visits the locations discussed here.
Photo by Daniel Korzeniewski/Photo Tours and Expeditions
You’ll be pampered in a small group of between 4-12 people as you travel through Patagonia’s best locations in Argentina and Chile.
Once you’re in-country, virtually everything is taken care of for you, from the itinerary to the accommodations to the meals.
You’ll be guided by Daniel Korzeniewski, George Plucienkowski, and various local guides on this nearly two-week adventure in Patagonia. There will be time for taking photos, of course, but also time to interact with Daniel and George to get feedback on your work. You’ll have plenty of time to interact with the other people on the tour, and even get some free time to explore locations as you wish.
Think about it...you can head to Patagonia with your camera and not have to plan a thing. All you’ll need to do is concentrate on taking photos of the epic landscapes before you!