Patagonia · Chile and Argentina · Things to do
5 things to do in Patagonia with kids
The five best things to do in Patagonia with kids are seeing Torres del Paine in Chile, standing by a glacier such as Perito Moreno in Argentina, walking beside the turquoise lakes, looking up at Fitz Roy near El Chaltén, and spotting wild guanacos on the steppe. Go from November to March, and expect strong wind and changing weather.
What to do, in order
- 1
See Torres del Paine
Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile is built around three granite towers and a ring of lakes, rivers and glaciers. Families do not need to hike to the base of the towers, which is a long, hard day. Drive the park roads instead, stopping at viewpoints and short walks beside Lago Pehoé and Salto Grande waterfall. Stay near the park entrance or in Puerto Natales, and book park lodging well ahead for summer. Pack for wind and rain even on a sunny day.
- 2
Stand by a glacier
Perito Moreno Glacier, near El Calafate in Argentina, is easy for families, with a network of boardwalks that bring you close to a wall of blue ice. Chunks regularly break off with a loud crack and fall into the lake, and there are boat trips that pass the front. The walkways are accessible for most ages, but they can be windy and cold. Go early or late to avoid the main tour groups. In Chile, Grey Glacier at Torres del Paine is visible by boat.
- 3
Hike beside the lakes
Patagonia's lakes are a milky turquoise from glacial silt, set against snowy peaks. Choose short, flat walks and viewpoints rather than long treks with young children. Around Torres del Paine, the shores of Lago Grey, with small icebergs drifting in, and the paths near Lago Pehoé suit families. Near El Chaltén, several trails of an hour or two lead to lakes and viewpoints. Wind can be strong enough to knock small children off balance, so hold hands near edges.
- 4
Look up at Fitz Roy
Fitz Roy is the jagged granite peak above the small town of El Chaltén in Argentina, and its outline is familiar from outdoor clothing logos. The town is a trekking hub, with trails starting from the main street. Families can do short walks to viewpoints such as the Mirador de los Cóndores, and older, fit children can try longer routes to lakes at the base. Clouds often cover the summit, so give yourself two or three nights. Dawn is the best time for a clear view.
- 5
Spot the guanacos
Guanacos are wild relatives of the llama, with a tan coat and a grey face, and they graze across the Patagonian steppe in small herds. You are most likely to see them from the road in Torres del Paine, often close to the verge. Stay in the vehicle or keep your distance, and do not feed them. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times. With luck you may also see rheas, foxes and condors circling overhead, and in the park, occasionally a puma.
Plan it
- Best time
- November to March is the best window, with long days and the most services open. December to February is peak. Winter is cold and many lodges close.
- How long
- Ten days covers Torres del Paine and the Calafate and Chaltén area at a family pace. A week works if you pick one side.
- Getting around
- Patagonia is large, and distances are long. Puerto Natales is the base for Torres del Paine, and El Calafate is the gateway to Perito Moreno and El Chaltén. Buses link the towns, and rental cars give more freedom but demand care on gravel roads.
Good to know
- The wind is the main challenge. Pack windproof layers, hats and gloves, even in summer.
- Allow most of a day to cross between Chile and Argentina by road, including the border.
- Book park lodging and refugios for peak months well in advance.
Frequently asked
Is Patagonia good for children? +
Yes, for families who focus on viewpoints, boardwalks and short walks. Distances are long and weather is changeable, so older children cope better. Choose lodging with proper heating and keep days flexible.
When is the best time to visit Patagonia? +
November to March. December to February has the longest days and the most services, but the biggest crowds and strongest winds. November and March are quieter and still pleasant.
Do you need to hike to see Torres del Paine? +
No. You can see the towers from viewpoints along the park roads and from shorter walks. The full hike to the base is a long day and better left to older, fit children and adults.
Can you visit both Chile and Argentina on one trip? +
Yes. Buses run between Puerto Natales and El Calafate and take most of a day, including the border crossing. Many visitors do both Torres del Paine and Perito Moreno in a single trip.