Latin America: Where is Patagonia?

When I talk to friends and strangers about Patagonia, often the first question to come out is, "Where is Patagonia?"

Perhaps REI patrons might notice the Patagonia brand of sportswear, but it seemed only travel agents and world travelers knew its whereabouts.

But as more people tune in to programs like the Travel Channel, the Science Channel, National Geographic, and the Discovery Channel, among others, the secret is coming out about the world class scenery to be found at the "end of the world."

So where is it?

Politically, Patagonia encompasses the southern third of the South American continent encompassing the provinces of Rio Negro, Chubut, and Santa Cruz in Argentina as well as the regions of Region IX, Region X, Region XI, and Region XII in Chile.

Characterizing much of this region are vast expanses of desert, jagged mountains, glaciers, and lakes. Of course the stars of the show are the jagged granite pinnacles and towers of the Southern Andes Mountains scraping the skies.

Giant glaciers calving and carving through these mountains are the co-stars. Perhaps the most famous of these glaciers is the Perito Moreno Glacier.

While the region still mostly retains its relatively undeveloped and wild natural feel, this has allowed regular wildlife sightings (you know, the supporting cast) of condors, guanacos, flamingoes, and ostriches.

Still, being the waterfall lovers that we are, we have to mention that there are indeed waterfalls in the region as well.

Given the size of Patagonia, you will need a lot of time to truly see what is arguably one of the last wild places left on earth. Browse through the following pages for more information:

• How to get here
• Patagonian Waterfalls in Argentina
• Patagonian Waterfalls in Chile
• Some Patagonian Attractions

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