Patagonia in March - Everything to See & Do
Argentina’s Patagonia is a natural-lover’s paradise in March. With the first glimpses of Fall, national parks turn into a sea of reds and golds, creating the most enchanting setting to explore. Along with being aesthetically pleasing, March marks the beginning of the region’s shoulder season that bridges the period between the peak season and low season. So, it offers the best of both worlds, retaining the mild temperatures of the high season while offering the peaceful environment and lower prices of the less popular periods of the year.
To help you decide whether March is the best time to for a luxury Patagonia trip, we have gathered together some key information, including the best things to see and do and the weather to expect when doing so.
Weather in Patagonia in March
With Fall just coming onto the horizon, the weather in Patagonia in March gets a little colder. Temperatures tend to vary between highs of 72°F and lows of 43°F. Yet, these figures offer relatively mild conditions compared to the region’s winter. Plus, you’ll be able to explore the landscape in all of its glory, with less rainfall and more hours of daylight on your side.
Where to Go in Patagonia in March
Los Glaciares National Park
Located in the Argentinian section of Patagonia, on the border with Chile, Los Glaciares National Park is a glorious area of natural beauty that just so happens to be the largest national park in Argentina. In fact, it has been recognized as a wonder of the world and a UNESCO-protected World Heritage Site. The dazzling natural park is a mirage of snow-capped mountains, lakes, and woods. While the landscape is nothing short of breathtaking, one of its greatest accolades is being home to the only advancing glacier in the world, Perito Moreno.
Península Valdés
Península Valdés is another of the most stunning places to see in Patagonia. The nature reserve lies on the coast of Argentina and has made a name for itself on the world stage thanks to its magnificent marine inhabitants. Renowned for its conservation of marine animals, the peninsula is made up of a spectacular combination of coastal lagoons, mudflats, sand dunes, wetlands, and beaches.
The area is home to a host of sensational sea animals, including seals and sea lions. Yet, March in particular is one of the best times for seeing the animals in Península Valdés. Along with the usual suspects, there are colonies full of commerson’s dolphins, sea elephants and penguins. While this is not the best month for spotting the whales, you can still witness the orca from Punta Norte.
With so many much-loved residents, it is no wonder why many view Península Valdés as one of the best places to see in Patagonia. The area will also be graced by a profusion of birds, along with the marine species.
Explore the Landscape Around Bahia Bustamante
Bahia Bustamante is a remote seaside lodge located in the south-east of Argentina. While it is of course a wonderful place to stay, it also happens to be surrounded by a truly sensational display of natural scenery. The pristine white beaches are absolutely stunning with peaceful shores and azure waters. What’s more, for those of you wondering where to see penguins in Patagonia, this area is home to up to 100,000 of them. Thus, this is an excellent place to head to catch a glimpse of these adorable black and white creatures, who are easily some of the region’s most popular residents.
Beyond the penguins, you are also likely to bump into sea lions, cormorants and oystercatchers in an area that has been hailed as the Argentine version of the Galápagos Islands. Located on a private island, the area is incredibly tranquil. So, you will be one of the lucky few to greet these marvelous creatures and be able to enjoy their company in peace.
If you do choose to stay in Bahia Bustamante, you will also be able to enjoy a fantastic selection of guided activities, including boat trips to see wildlife and a 4×4 visit to a 60-million-year-old petrified forest.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is another of the best places to go in Patagonia in March. As one of the southernmost cities in the world, it is blessed with highs of 50℉ during March and a mild average of 48℉. Fondly referred to as the End of the World, the port town is in a tremendously remote and picturesque location. Prepare to be left spellbound by the scenes of spectacular snow-capped mountains converging with the electric-blue waters of the Beagle Channel.
What to Do in Patagonia in March
Explore Los Glaciares National Park
One of the best things to do in Patagonia is to explore the enchanting beauty of Los Glaciares National Park. Set off on a hiking tour across the untamed landscape or kayak along its pristine icy waters. To add an extra layer of adventure, embark on an ice trek to Perito Moreno and Upsala. These two enormous glaciers create the most striking setting, slicing into the milky waters of Lake Argentino.
In fact, Perito Moreno is an absolute must see in Patagonia as it is one of the most important glaciers in the region and one of the only advancing ones too.
Go Trekking Around El Chalten
El Chalten is a beautiful village that lies nestled between the Rio Fitz Roy and the Fitz Roy mountain range. One of the best ways to see Patagonia is by visiting this iconic hiking paradise in the month of March. With more hours of daylight, you’ll have more time to go trekking along the town’s untamed landscape.
A trip to El Chalten would not be complete without a hike to Mount Fitzroy. The glorious mountain stands at an incredible height of over 10,000 feet and is renowned for being one of the hardest peaks to climb on the planet. However, there are several trail options that you can opt for when hiking by Mount Fitzroy. Each takes a varying amount of time and caters to a different skill level. So, just because you aren’t a pro doesn’t mean you’ll need to sit out on the adventure!
For example, the hike to Laguna de los Tres is a fantastic option for those who aren’t tremendously experienced in the sport. The route starts northwest from the town and takes you on a wonderful 1-hour route to Mirador Fitz Roy viewpoint. Here you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping vistas over the magnificent landscape, including the iconic granite mountain. However, you’ll also not be left feeling disappointed if you choose to stick to seeing Fitzroy Massif from the comfort of ground-level. The shard-like pinnacle dominates the Patagonian skyline near El Chalten, forming one of the most glorious things to see in Patagonia.
Hike in Ushuaia
Many travel far and wide for a chance to hike in the spectacular surrounding landscapes of Ushuaia. Head to Tierra del Fuego National Park to be treated to a sensational range of walking trails in one of the must-see places in Patagonia.
Laguna Esmeralda is one of the most popular routes in the park. The stunning trail is moderate in difficulty, catering to those who fall somewhere in between the newbies and pros. After scurrying over the final rocks of the route, a bright blue lagoon will become visible below and create the most sensational view. One thing to bear in mind, however, is that the route can get very muddy as it involves traversing over a peat bog. However, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue if you’re completing the trek in March as there is hardly any rain during this time of year, making it one of the best times to visit Patagonia for its marvelous landscapes.
Alternatively, the Cerro Cortez trail is perfect for those looking for a challenge. The hike is very steep throughout so you’ll definitely work up a sweat. However, there are few better excuses for stopping for a break than to take in the glorious views over the magnificent Fall landscape below. Upon reaching the top, you will be greeted by one of the finest vistas you could find over the enchanting city of Ushuaia and its surrounding mountains.
Events in Patagonia in March
Fiesta Nacional de Trekking
The Festival Nacional de Trekking, or the National Trekking Festival, takes place in Los Glaciares National Park and commemorates the Argentine first attempt to conquer Mount Fitz Roy in 1948. If you’re on the athletic side, visiting Patagonia in March and attending the Fiesta Nacional de Trekking is a fantastic idea. The event includes rock-climbing, bouldering and woodcutting competitions along with running and mountain bike races.
Fiesta Nacional del Asado
Attention all foodies: the Fiesta Nacional del Asado, otherwise known as the Meat Festival, is definitely something to have on your radar. The event offers a completely unique experience for those visiting Patagonia in March by allowing you to completely immerse yourself in the food culture of the region. Huge crowds draw in from Cholila to grill and share delicious meat together. There are also craft stalls selling locally-made goods and music in the background to create a buzzing atmosphere.
Summary
You may be wondering what to do in Patagonia in March. Well, as the region edges into the Fall season, its landscapes are coming into some of their most beautiful stages and some of the region’s most fascinating animals can be found in abundance.
In regard to nature, you can explore the region’s sought-after glaciers or the marvelous trails of Tierra del Fuego National Park. This is also a fantastic period to visit the city of Ushuaia as you can see ‘the end of the world’ at its most peaceful and quiet. Of course, this is also a fantastic time to visit the best place to see Penguins in Patagonia, Peninsula Valdes as they gather in their masses. Yet, there are also several annual festivals to keep you entertained while offering a unique insight into local culture and heritage.
Thus, there are so many things to do and see in Patagonia in March that make it a wonderful time to visit this beautiful part of the world.
Considering spending March in Patagonia? Explore Ushuaia, the spectacular icy landscape of Los Glaciares National Park and more on a personalized Best of Patagonia itinerary. Feel free to get in contact to begin turning your bespoke vacation adventure in Patagonia into a reality.
