Patagonia is the region in Argentina with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The UNESCO World Heritage List includes natural and cultural sites of global importance. These sites are symbols of our shared history and the commitment of nations to protect and pass them on to future generations.
So, what are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Patagonia?
Here are four amazing sites that have earned this recognition. Let’s explore them one by one.
Los Glaciares National Park
Los Glaciares National Park is located in southwest Santa Cruz Province. It covers 726,927 hectares and was created to protect:
A large area of continental ice
Glaciers
The southern Andean-Patagonian forest
Parts of the Patagonian steppe
It’s the largest park in Argentina’s National Protected Area System.
The park is divided into two zones:
North Zone – accessed from El Chaltén
South Zone – accessed from El Calafate
Along with its glaciers and mountains, the park features subantarctic forests filled with lenga, sour cherry, and shrubs like notro and calafate, which bloom with vibrant flowers.
Activities You Can Do All Year Round:
Trekking on the ice
Sailing
Hiking
Climbing
Fishing
These activities take you to unforgettable places such as:
Perito Moreno Glacier
Upsala Glacier
Spegazzini Glacier
Lake Roca
Cerro Chaltén / Fitz Roy
Viedma Glacier
Chorrillo del Salto
Patagonian Ice Field
Lago del Desierto
Ancient forests and crystal-clear streams
Perito Moreno Glacier is the park’s crown jewel—and a must-see in Patagonia.
Peninsula Valdés
Another incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site in Patagonia is Peninsula Valdés. Located in Chubut Province, it stretches into the Atlantic Ocean, forming the Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José.
Covering 4,000 km², the peninsula is home to some of the most diverse birdlife along the Patagonian coast. The Southern Right Whale is the star of this natural sanctuary, visiting between June and October.
But it doesn’t come alone. You may also see:
Dolphins
Orcas (killer whales)
Sea lions and elephant seals
Magellanic penguins
A wide variety of birds and land animals
This sparsely populated and arid land blends the deep blue sky with the intense blue sea. It’s the home of guanacos, choiques, and many seabirds. On the coast, cormorants spread their wings, and sea lions nap in the sun. Elephant seals move slowly over the rocks, and at the tip of the peninsula, orcas rule the waves.
A full-day visit is needed to explore Puerto Pirámides—the only town in the area—and several top wildlife viewing spots:
Bird Island (Isla de los Pájaros): About 800 meters from the coast, it’s home to flamingos, white herons, kelp gulls, cormorants, and black oystercatchers. Use binoculars and look for help from the local wildlife rangers.
Punta Norte: In spring, it hosts a large elephant seal colony. In summer, you’ll likely see sea lions, and between October and April, you might even spot orcas hunting near the shore.
Caleta Valdés: Another great site for elephant seal watching.
Punta Cantor: A key rookery for elephant seals, and also a great spot to see birds.
Punta Delgada: Nestled between cliffs, this beach hosts cormorants and other native birds, along with elephant seals.
Puerto Pirámides: An excellent place for whale watching in winter and spring. In summer and fall, it’s known for its fur sea lion colony.
The Cave of the Hands (Cueva de las Manos)
This unique site is located in Cañadón del Río Pinturas, within the Deseado River basin, between Perito Moreno and Bajo Caracoles in Santa Cruz Province. It’s accessible via National Route 40.
The area is home to archaeological treasures, the most famous being the rock paintings that are over 7,500 years old. This site remains mostly untouched, offering a glimpse into the life of ancient Patagonian people.
The walls and rock shelters show:
Hunting scenes
Ritual activities
More than 800 handprints
Guided tours take you through the Pinturas River Canyon, where you’ll experience this amazing outdoor gallery in a breathtaking landscape.
Los Alerces National Park
Los Alerces National Park is located in western Chubut Province, near the city of Esquel. The park covers 259,570 hectares and belongs to the Patagonian Forests ecoregion.
This park protects a thousand-year-old forest. The larch tree (alerce) is the second longest-living tree species in the world. Its global value lies in the untouched nature, exceptional beauty, and the presence of rare and endangered species.
You’ll find lush temperate forests, mountain grasslands, and rocky peaks of the Andes.
Must-see spots and activities in the park include:
Millennial Larch Tree
Lake Rivadavia and Lake Verde
Cerro Alto El Petiso and Cerro Alto El Dedal
Arrayanes River
Hidden Lagoon
Villa Futalaufquen
Irigoyen and Tío Mindo Waterfalls
Lake Krügger
It’s an incredible place for nature lovers.
Tours to Visit Patagonia
We offer many tours, because Patagonia is a must-see when visiting Argentina or Chile.
One of our favorites is:
Visiting Patagonia Tour
This itinerary starts in Buenos Aires and includes:
Peninsula Valdés
Ushuaia
El Calafate
Los Glaciares National Park
A perfect way to experience the best of Patagonia.
Another great tours to visit the glaciers in Patagonia are:
Other suggested tours to visit Argentina, including the Unesco World Heritage sites in Patagonia, Argentina
We have round 150 tours to visit Argentina and South America. In just 10 days, or more (or less). Take a look at our complete list by clicking on the image below. It´s our list of Tours to visit Argentina
