Introduction
Southern Patagonia is an untamed region of icy Andean peaks and mighty glaciers. This awe-inspiring landscape straddles the Chile-Argentina border from Fitz Roy down to blustery Tierra del Fuego, at the very bottom tip of South America. Overland Chile tours and luxury coastal cruises are the two best ways to take in the main Southern Patagonia attractions.
Regional highlights include Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, where condors glide on the thermals overhead and trekkers make their way along scenic mountain trails. Parque Nacional Los Glaciares in Argentina is another popular inclusion in tailor-made Southern Patagonia tours. This spectacular park is dominated by the 370-kilometre-long Southern Ice Cap, from which 13 major glaciers descend into two great lakes. Further south are the towns of Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas, from where expedition cruises and wildlife tours can be joined.