One of Patagonia's premier traveller magnets, this small and homely but fast-growing village is set in a pretty river valley. The reason travelers come are the extraordinary snowcapped towers of the Fitz Roy range, offering plenty of world-class hiking and camping along with some of the most stunning mountain scenery you'll ever witness.

Climbers from around the world are drawn here for their chance to summit Cerro Fitz Roy (3441m, 11,290ft), as well as other peaks. Pack for wind, rain and cold temperatures even in summer, when views of the peaks can be obscured. If the sun is out, however, El Chaltén is paradise on earth - but come see it soon, as the road to El Calafate is being paved and changes are sure to come. All water sources in the area are potable, so help keep them clean. Note that El Chaltén is within national park boundaries, and rules regarding fires and cleaning distances from rivers must be followed. El Chaltén mostly shuts down from April to October.

Few glaciers on earth can match the activity and excitement of the blue-hued Perito Moreno Glacier, the highlight of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Its 60m jagged ice-peaks shear off and crash-land with huge splashes and thunderous rifle-cracks, birthing small tidal waves and large bobbing icebergs - while your neck hairs rise a-tingling.

The Perito Moreno Glacier was born to be a tourist attraction. The ideally located Península de Magallanes is close enough to the glacier to provide glorious panoramas, but far enough away to be safe. A long series of catwalks and platforms give everyone a great view. Hanging around for a few hours, just looking at the glacier and awaiting the next great calving, can be an existential experience.

Argentina's Lake District offers deep blue glacial lakes, verdant mountains dusted with snow, gorgeous scenery and plenty of outdoor opportunities to enjoy it all. Bariloche is the region's heart and a vibrant city stunningly located right on Lago Nahuel Huapi, but there's plenty of smaller towns for those seeking tranquility.

Ski in winter, hike in summer and enjoy the area's riches all year-round - Argentines certainly do.

Lying on Argentina's barren eastern Patagonian coast, this oddly shaped peninsula is home to some of the country's richest wildlife. Elephant seals, Magellanic penguins, right whales, guanacos, rheas and foxes are almost guaranteed sightings during their high seasons. This is where orcas have been filmed snatching pinnipeds off the beach.

Mountains ablaze with mineral colour edge this barren yet stunning canyon, a historic trade route called the Camino Inca. Ancient adobe churches, photogenic traditional villages, crumbling old ruins and a rich indigenous culture provide highlights in the region. To top it off it's an UNESCO World Heritage Site.