View toward Mount Fitz Roy, El Chaltén. Photo: ihortal
During the fall, Patagonia is dressed in warm colors and is one of the most beautiful times of the year to explore its diverse ecosystems. From the Nothofagus forests to the arid steppes, the region is home to rich biodiversity, with its flora, fauna and fungi species adapting in unique ways to the season, which runs from mid-March to mid-June in the Southern Hemisphere.
By Sofía Jano
Fall in Patagonia is an incredible time of year to experience Patagonia’s natural weath. The forests are a symphony of colors, and birds such as the bandurria and the Chilean flamingo are a spectacular sight as they make their migratory journeys north. Meantime, other wildlife like the puma increasingly appear as they come down from the mountains.
The changing of the seasons invites us to contemplate and be enchanted in other ways by the Patagonian landscapes, rediscovering or revisiting places where the autumn climate produces impressive transformations in the landscape. Here are six destinations or national parks to consider visiting this time of year.
ADVENTURE DESTINATIONS IN ARGENTINE PATAGONIA
El Chaltén
Located in Santa Cruz province, in southwestern Argentina, El Chaltén is an iconic destination known as the trekking capital of Argentina due to its impressive mountainous landscapes and outstanding hiking trails. The area is part of Los Glaciares National Park, home to Lake Viedma, one of the longest lakes in the country, several glaciers, such as Perito Moreno and Spegazzini, and the stunningly beautiful Laguna de Los Tres. The region is most famous thought for its iconic mountain, Mount Fitz Roy, also known as Cerro Chalten, which rises to 3,405 meters above sea level.
In autumn, the forests are painted in warm colors, offering a magnificent show, and revealing species of fungi such as the tongue of cow (Fistulina antarctica) and the forest gum (Heterotextus alpinus).
The changing of the seasons invites us to contemplate and be enchanted in other ways by the Patagonian landscapes, rediscovering or revisiting places where the autumn climate produces impressive transformations in the landscape. Here are six destinations or national parks to consider visiting this time of year.
ADVENTURE DESTINATIONS IN ARGENTINE PATAGONIA
El Chaltén
Located in Santa Cruz province, in southwestern Argentina, El Chaltén is an iconic destination known as the trekking capital of Argentina due to its impressive mountainous landscapes and outstanding hiking trails. The area is part of Los Glaciares National Park, home to Lake Viedma, one of the longest lakes in the country, several glaciers, such as Perito Moreno and Spegazzini, and the stunningly beautiful Laguna de Los Tres. The region is most famous thought for its iconic mountain, Mount Fitz Roy, also known as Cerro Chalten, which rises to 3,405 meters above sea level.
In autumn, the forests are painted in warm colors, offering a magnificent show, and revealing species of fungi such as the tongue of cow (Fistulina antarctica) and the forest gum (Heterotextus alpinus).
Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares National Park. Photo: Jorge LáscarLanín National Park
Lanín National Park is located in Neuquén province, in northern Argentine Patagonia, about 40 km northwest of the city of San Martín de los Andes. The park covers an area of 412,000 hectares and is characterized by its mountainous landscape, native forests and crystal-clear lakes, making it a popular destination for those seeking to enjoy and admire nature across lush forest landscapes and mountainous terrain.
At this time of year, a truly magical atmosphere prevails, where, within the Nothofagus forests more than 165 species of fauna can be seen, including the puma and the guanaco (Lama guanicoe), and more than 100 species of birds, such as the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) and the black woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus).
Lanín National Park is located in Neuquén province, in northern Argentine Patagonia, about 40 km northwest of the city of San Martín de los Andes. The park covers an area of 412,000 hectares and is characterized by its mountainous landscape, native forests and crystal-clear lakes, making it a popular destination for those seeking to enjoy and admire nature across lush forest landscapes and mountainous terrain.
At this time of year, a truly magical atmosphere prevails, where, within the Nothofagus forests more than 165 species of fauna can be seen, including the puma and the guanaco (Lama guanicoe), and more than 100 species of birds, such as the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) and the black woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus).
Andean condor. Photo: Cristián Pinto FernándezNahuel Huapi National Park
Nahuel Huapi National Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in Argentina, extending across the provinces of Río Negro and Neuquén. Covering 710,000 hectares, this park stands out for its striking Patagonian forests and alpine landscapes.
Autumn transforms the green of the park, the forest areas turning red and gold, their colors reflected in Lake Nahuel Huapi, one of the largest glacial lakes in the region. Moreover, the presence of endangered species like the alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides) trees and huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) deer, heighten the natural importance of this area.
Nahuel Huapi National Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in Argentina, extending across the provinces of Río Negro and Neuquén. Covering 710,000 hectares, this park stands out for its striking Patagonian forests and alpine landscapes.
Autumn transforms the green of the park, the forest areas turning red and gold, their colors reflected in Lake Nahuel Huapi, one of the largest glacial lakes in the region. Moreover, the presence of endangered species like the alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides) trees and huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) deer, heighten the natural importance of this area.
Nahuel Huapi National Park. Photo: Federico ValidoMUST-VISIT DESTINATIONS IN CHILEAN PATAGONIA
Conguillío National Park
Located in the Araucanía Region of southern Chile, Conguillío National Park is 148 km northeast of the city of Temuco and close to the Andean mountain range. The park covers 60,832 hectares and is home to a wide variety of ecosystems, including araucaria forests (Araucaria araucana), the Llaima volcano, which is one of the most historically active volcanoes in South America, and beautiful lakes and lagoons.
In autumn, the araucaria and Nothofagus forests turn golden and orange, making this park's landscapes a particularly dramatic destination at this time of year. The area's fauna includes the condor, puma, pudú (Pudu puda) and the guiña (Leopardus guigna), the flora includes the ancient araucaria as well as other trees species like the coihue (Nothofagus dombeyi) and the roble (Nothofagus obliqua). Also, you can find here diverse fungi such as the blue fungus (Mycena Cyanocephala) and the llao llao (Cyttaria hariotii), a species similar to the digüeñe (Cyttaria espinosae).
Conguillío National Park
Located in the Araucanía Region of southern Chile, Conguillío National Park is 148 km northeast of the city of Temuco and close to the Andean mountain range. The park covers 60,832 hectares and is home to a wide variety of ecosystems, including araucaria forests (Araucaria araucana), the Llaima volcano, which is one of the most historically active volcanoes in South America, and beautiful lakes and lagoons.
In autumn, the araucaria and Nothofagus forests turn golden and orange, making this park's landscapes a particularly dramatic destination at this time of year. The area's fauna includes the condor, puma, pudú (Pudu puda) and the guiña (Leopardus guigna), the flora includes the ancient araucaria as well as other trees species like the coihue (Nothofagus dombeyi) and the roble (Nothofagus obliqua). Also, you can find here diverse fungi such as the blue fungus (Mycena Cyanocephala) and the llao llao (Cyttaria hariotii), a species similar to the digüeñe (Cyttaria espinosae).
Rainbow Lagoon, Conguillío National Park. Photo: Natalia AltamiranoPumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park
Located in the Los Lagos Region, Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park is one of the largest and best-preserved areas in Chilean Patagonia. With 402,392 hectares and extending through the districts of Cochamó, Hualaihué, Chaitén and Palena, it is a protected area noted for its high natural value. The park is notable for its geographical diversity, including mountains, volcanoes, temperate rainforests, lakes, rivers and an extraordinary coastline.
In the fall, the picturesque landscape explodes with reds and yellows. This changing of the seasons is especially noticeable on the park's trails, such as the Los Alerces trail or the Cascadas Escondidas trail. It is an ideal place to admire the alerce trees, as this park is home to one of the largest remaining alerce forests in the country, or to marvel at species of fungi such as those of the Morchella genus.
Located in the Los Lagos Region, Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park is one of the largest and best-preserved areas in Chilean Patagonia. With 402,392 hectares and extending through the districts of Cochamó, Hualaihué, Chaitén and Palena, it is a protected area noted for its high natural value. The park is notable for its geographical diversity, including mountains, volcanoes, temperate rainforests, lakes, rivers and an extraordinary coastline.
In the fall, the picturesque landscape explodes with reds and yellows. This changing of the seasons is especially noticeable on the park's trails, such as the Los Alerces trail or the Cascadas Escondidas trail. It is an ideal place to admire the alerce trees, as this park is home to one of the largest remaining alerce forests in the country, or to marvel at species of fungi such as those of the Morchella genus.
Morchella esculenta. Photo: Gljivarsko Drustvo NisPatagonia National Park
Patagonia National Park, located in the Aysén region, is without doubt one of the more impressive natural areas in Chilean Patagonia. This 304,527-hectare protected area was inaugurated in 2018 with the support of the conservation group Tompkins Conservation, and has quickly become a popular destination for nature lovers and conservationists, as it is also considered one of the most important ecological restoration or rewilding projects in Chile and the world.
Its geography is extremely diverse, ranging from Patagonian steppes to lush forests, rivers and the Patagonian Andes.
In autumn, the park is transformed into a landscape filled with vibrant colors. The forests are tinged with shades of orange, red and gold, creating a stunning contrast with the open fields and the mountains covered with snow on the highest peaks. The biodiversity of the place is amazing, with species such as the endangered huemul deer or the black-chested buzzard-eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus).
Patagonia National Park, located in the Aysén region, is without doubt one of the more impressive natural areas in Chilean Patagonia. This 304,527-hectare protected area was inaugurated in 2018 with the support of the conservation group Tompkins Conservation, and has quickly become a popular destination for nature lovers and conservationists, as it is also considered one of the most important ecological restoration or rewilding projects in Chile and the world.
Its geography is extremely diverse, ranging from Patagonian steppes to lush forests, rivers and the Patagonian Andes.
In autumn, the park is transformed into a landscape filled with vibrant colors. The forests are tinged with shades of orange, red and gold, creating a stunning contrast with the open fields and the mountains covered with snow on the highest peaks. The biodiversity of the place is amazing, with species such as the endangered huemul deer or the black-chested buzzard-eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus).
Autumn in Patagonia National Park. Photo: Natalia Reyes EscobarPatagonia, in both Chile and Argentina, offers an endless array of landscapes and experiences that go beyond the standard fare, from important national parks to remote areas of untouched ecosystems, each one a jewel of biodiversity that attracts nature-loving travelers. This region is a constant reminder of the importance of protecting and valuing the last wild places on the planet.
