Patagonia is a word that sparks adventure, mystery, and awe. For expats living in Chile, it’s also one of the most fascinating regions to explore. But where exactly does Patagonia begin and end? Unlike a country with strict borders, Patagonia is a geographic and cultural region spread across southern Chile and Argentina. Understanding its boundaries can help travelers, expats, and outdoor enthusiasts plan their journeys into this breathtaking corner of the world.
Where is Patagonia?
Patagonia stretches across the southern tip of South America, shared between Chile and Argentina. While definitions vary, most agree that it begins south of the Bío-Bío River in Chile and the Colorado River in Argentina, and extends all the way to Tierra del Fuego, the windswept archipelago at the continent’s southernmost edge.
For Chile expats, this means Patagonia is closer than you think. Starting from Puerto Montt and heading south, you’re entering landscapes that grow wilder, greener, and more remote with every kilometer.
Chilean Patagonia
Chilean Patagonia is often considered the more dramatic of the two sides, thanks to its fjords, glaciers, and lush forests. It includes the:
Los Lagos Region – gateway to Patagonia, home to Puerto Montt and the Chiloé Archipelago
Aysén Region – known for its pristine wilderness, rivers, and hiking trails
Magallanes Region – including Torres del Paine National Park and Chile’s part of Tierra del Fuego
- And Los Rios and Araucania Regions - Many of the older maps include this area south of the Bio Bio River in the traditional Patagonian lands
This side of Patagonia is wetter and more temperate, making it a paradise for trekking, kayaking, and nature photography. For expats, it offers some of the most unique travel opportunities in Chile.
Argentine Patagonia
Across the Andes, Argentine Patagonia stretches south of the Colorado River, covering Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, Santa Cruz, and Tierra del Fuego provinces. Unlike Chile, Argentina’s Patagonia is famous for its vast Patagonian steppe, wildlife like guanacos and rheas, and stunning Atlantic coastline. The western edge, where the Andes rise, offers alpine towns like Bariloche and famous glaciers like Perito Moreno.
For expats in Chile, visiting Argentine Patagonia is as simple as crossing the border — an unforgettable way to experience both sides of this vast region.
Tierra del Fuego: The Edge of the World
At the southern tip lies Tierra del Fuego, split between Chile and Argentina. This subpolar archipelago is often seen as Patagonia’s final frontier. With dramatic fjords, penguin colonies, and the legendary city of Ushuaia (known as the “End of the World”), Tierra del Fuego is a bucket-list destination for adventurous travelers.
Why the Boundaries are Flexible
Patagonia’s boundaries are not officially fixed. Depending on whether you ask a geographer, a local, or a tour operator, the northern edge may shift slightly. What unites all definitions, however, is the shared sense of wildness, remoteness, and natural beauty that defines the region.
We often get into trouble with the locals on our Youtube Channel - Chile Expat Family. If Jim mentions that we live near Puerto Octay in Los Lagos region and we live in Patagonia someone south of Puerto Montt will tell us that we do NOT live in Patagonia! Some people get a little territorial about it! But the people who live in our region call it Patagonia and there are signs all around that say Patagonia this and that! So until the proper authorities make a statement about the borders of Patagonia, we will continue to say we live in Patagonia!
Patagonia for Chile Expats
For expat families living in Chile, Patagonia offers endless possibilities for exploration:
Hiking and Trekking – Torres del Paine, Cerro Castillo, and the Carretera Austral
Wildlife Watching – pumas, condors, whales, and penguins
Cultural Encounters – small fishing villages, gaucho traditions, and indigenous heritage
Adventure Travel – kayaking in fjords, glacier trekking, and overland road trips
Whether you’re based in Santiago, Valparaíso, or further south, planning a journey into Patagonia is one of the most rewarding experiences of expat life in Chile.
Conclusion
Patagonia is not a place defined by strict lines on a map. Instead, it’s a vast, shared territory between Chile and Argentina that invites exploration. For expats in Chile, discovering Patagonia means embracing both the adventure of the Andes and the mystery of the southern oceans. From Puerto Montt to Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia is the ultimate reminder of why you chose life in South America
