Patagonia with children: what to see
The "Grand South" is a South American region shared between Argentina and Chile.
The "Grand South" is a South American region shared between Argentina and Chile. Blessed with exceptional landscapes and a rich cultural heritage, it's an ideal destination for traveling with your children! Follow us as we show you what to see and do when visiting Patagonia as a family…
Patagonia with Children: what to see in Argentina?
Valdés Peninsula
Recognized as one of South America's finest wildlife reserves, Valdés Peninsula is an incredible spot for observing wildlife. Across this vast territory of 3,600 km², you'll have the chance to spot Darwin's rheas, guanacos, elephant seals, and southern right whales – when these cetaceans come to breed in the peninsula's temperate waters (between June and December).
Practical information: to ensure you have a spot on a boat, be sure to book your sea excursion through a local agency (roughly €65/adult; €32/child under 12; free for under 3s). If you're only visiting the park, budget around €18/adult and €8/child aged 6 to 11. |
Admiring glaciers from Lago Argentino
Located in Santa Cruz province, the El Calafate region is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park (UNESCO-listed). To admire these glaciers, board a boat for a full-day excursion on Lago Argentino. Along the waters, you'll spot notably the Perito Moreno and Upsala glacier… As part of the cruise, you'll lunch by the lake and among icebergs!
Jaramillo Petrified Forest National Park
Patagonia is home to several petrified forests. During your journey, why not stop at Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo? Your children will be amazed to learn that the trees are so ancient they've turned to stone over millennia! The park features several interesting sites, including the rock paintings of Estancia La María…
Observing Magellanic penguins
Magellanic penguins are charming natives that can measure up to 76 cm and weigh nearly 5 kilos! They're present in different parts of Argentine Patagonia, notably in the reserves of Punta Tombo and Cabo dos Bahias, both located in Chubut province. Looking like adorable plush toys, the penguins will capture your children's attention – they'll love watching them eat small fish or build their nests!
Patagonia with children: what to see in Chile?
Torres del Paine National Park
Located in the Magallanes region, the Torres del Paine National Park is a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve. Renowned for its abundant wildlife, the park is also famous for its eclectic landscapes – its mountains, lakes, the Salto Grande waterfall, and its renowned Grey Glacier…
The park also features roughly a dozen marked hiking trails (of varying difficulty levels) and is therefore accessible to all family members. There's also a scenic route that allows you to observe animals from your vehicle… An open-air zoo that will delight the little ones!
Traveling the Carretera Austral and stopping at Caletta Tortel
The Carretera Austral is the famous Route 7, connecting the city of Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins over 1,240 km. During your road trip, stop in Aysén province to discover Laguna San Rafael National Park and Caletta Tortel – a small wooden village on stilts where houses are connected by a network of stairs and walkways (where children will love to run around and stretch their legs after a long drive)!
Punta Arenas
In the Brunswick Peninsula, at the far south of Chile, you'll find Punta Arenas and its charming colorful houses. Prized for its authenticity, this port city is known for its mining activity, fishing, and sheep farming… The city has several interesting sites to visit with children, such as the Nao Victoria Museo – a full-scale reproduction of explorer Magellan's ship!
Tierra del Fuego
Tierra del Fuego is an archipelago located at the far south of the South American continent. Its largest island (bearing the same name as the archipelago) covers 48,100 km². It's home to rich flora and vast forests of lengas (endemic white beeches), as well as exceptional fauna (whales, penguins, albatrosses, condors, etc.). This region is prized for the beauty of its landscapes and its hiking trails.
Under the 1876 agreement, Tierra del Fuego is divided between Chile and Argentina by an imaginary border… If you wish to cross from one country to the other during your Tierra del Fuego journey, note that border crossings can be very lengthy – you'll need to complete paperwork, declare your possessions, and discard or consume perishable goods. Come prepared to keep your children entertained…
3 tips for a successful Patagonia trip with your children! Traveling to Patagonia with a toddler or young children is possible, as there are no altitude issues or problems sourcing diapers, formula, etc. Nevertheless, for a successful family trip, here are 3 tips to follow: 1. Plan ahead for long drives. Distances between regions often mean hours on the road (sometimes with no towns or places to stop). To keep your children entertained, think about bringing activities (CDs, coloring books, etc.). 2. Choose the right season. Your itinerary and weather should align: a trip in the rain is never pleasant, even less so with children! For mild temperatures and maximum sunshine, opt for the high season, between November and February. 3. Pack your children's bags properly. Patagonia's climate is highly changeable. So, bring gear to face weather's unpredictability (fleece, windbreaker, sunscreen and sunglasses, etc.). |
Frequently asked questions
Patagonia is accessible from a young age as there are no altitude issues or difficulty sourcing infant products. Precautions are necessary, however: bring warm and windproof clothing, plan for long drives, and choose activities suited to each child's age.
The high season, from November to February, is ideal for traveling to Patagonia as a family. Temperatures are milder, days are longer, and weather conditions are more favorable for enjoying hiking, boat excursions, and wildlife watching.
Among the most popular activities for families: whale and elephant seal watching at Valdés Peninsula, a boat excursion on Lago Argentino to see the Perito Moreno Glacier, meeting Magellanic penguins at Punta Tombo, and hiking suitable for all ages in Torres del Paine National Park.
French nationals do not need a visa to visit Argentina or Chile for tourist stays under 90 days. A valid passport is sufficient. Note, however, that border crossings in Tierra del Fuego can be lengthy: plan activities to keep your children occupied during customs wait times.
Patagonia is a vast region and distances are significant. Car or 4x4 rental is often recommended for families wishing to visit multiple destinations at their own pace, particularly on the Carretera Austral. Long-distance buses and domestic flights also connect major cities such as El Calafate, Punta Arenas, and Puerto Natales.
Patagonian climate is highly variable, even during the austral summer. It's essential to pack clothes in layers: thermal underwear, fleece, waterproof windbreaker, beanie, and gloves. Don't forget high-SPF sunscreen (UV rays are intense in summer), sunglasses, and comfortable hiking shoes for the whole family.
