Patagonia

geography · south-america · glaciers · extreme-landscape

Glaciers and Mountains. The Andes Mountains stretch through western Patagonia, creating some of the most dramatic scenery on Earth. Massive glaciers hang from these peaks and flow down into turquoise lakes below.

Perito Moreno Glacier. One of Patagonia's most famous glaciers is constantly moving and cracking, sometimes creating thunderous sounds as chunks of ice break off. It's one of the few glaciers in the world still growing instead of shrinking.

Rainforests and Deserts. Patagonia has two completely different climates on opposite sides of the mountains, rainforests dripping with moisture in the west while dry, windswept deserts spread across the east.

Dramatic Waterways. The Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, and Drake Passage connect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, creating some of the most challenging waters for sailors in the world.

Unique Wildlife. Patagonia is home to guanacos, pumas, Andean condors, and penguins that have adapted to survive in this rugged, windswept landscape.