Patagonia

This territory spans southern Argentina and Chile, spreading over both sides of the Andes mountain range. The landscape holds deep valleys, glaciers, steppes, fjords, lakes, and temperate rainforests across its surface.

Europeans arrived in the late 16th century and built their first settlement in 1583, which failed because of harsh weather conditions. The colonization process changed the lives of indigenous Tehuelche communities completely, ending their centuries-old way of life across the region.

Gauchos work on remote ranches and move livestock across wide terrain, keeping traditional riding and herding practices alive in daily routines. Fishing families in Chilean coastal towns harvest seafood using methods passed down through generations, shaping the rhythm of everyday life along the shores.

The Chilean side receives heavy rainfall against the western slopes of the Andes, creating large ice fields and glaciers that supply fresh water across the region. The Argentine section is drier and windier, and visitors should prepare for sudden temperature shifts and strong gusts throughout the day.

The plateaus on the Argentine side consist of gravel with scattered low plants, while the Chilean side holds dense forests and many water channels between the mountains. Some glaciers reach sea level and meet the fjords directly, where large pieces of ice break off and fall into the water.