10 Incredible Facts about Patagonia

 

Patagonia is a place filled with wonderful nature, breathtaking landscapes, and unique and very interesting facts that are entirely unexpected. From the biggest Welsh population outside of Wales to real cowboys riding about, you will be surprised by what you might find when visiting Patagonia!

 

1. Two Halves of Two Countries

Although only 5% of Chile’s and Argentina’s populations reside here, Patagonia comprises about 50% of the territory of each country. It could undoubtedly be a country of its own! Due to how large it is, people often visit the area on different trips to make the most of each region. From the Perito Moreno Glacier to Bariloche and Ushuaia, there are many wonders to admire here. 

 

2. A Growing Glacier

While most glaciers are melting due to climate change, the Perito Moreno glacier is actually growing! That’s definitely a good thing considering a third of the fresh water reserves in the world are contained here.

 

3. Land of the Big Feet

Did you know Patagonia means “Land of the Big Feet”? It got this funny name after Ferdinand Magellan, the explorer that first explored the area found big footprints from the natives. He later stated that these people were huge and that their feet were 13ft long! This led to a widespread belief that there were giants in Patagonia.

 

4. Dino History

There might not have been gigantic humans but there were gigantic dinosaurs for sure! In fact, the remains of the biggest dinosaur in history was found in the Argentinian part of Patagonia. It has been determined that it was 137 feet high and it weighed 76 tons!

 

5. Land of Immigrants

It is well known that Argentina is a land of immigrants. However, this is especially true in Patagonia. Here, the largest Welsh population outside of Wales has called this region home for decades. Plus, there has been a large influx of Germans, Italians, Russians, and Yugoslavians. Imprints from their cultures can be seen everywhere, from the architecture in Bariloche to the afternoon tea customs in many areas of Patagonia.

 

6. Penguins Rule

There are almost as many penguins as there are people! The Magellanic penguin spends part of the year in this area. They breed and moult from September to April and in total, approximately 1.7 million penguins can be seen during this season. The number of people living in Patagonia? Just two million!

 

7. Maternity Whale

With wide expanses of nature often come large populations of animals. Whales choose this area to birth their babies every 2 or 3 years. This is a great opportunity for whale-watching and allowing yourself to be amazed at the beauties nature has to offer.

 

8. Russian Twin

Antipodes is the name used for cities that are exactly across from each other on the planet geometrically speaking. Such is the case between Puerto Natales in Chile and Ulan-Ude in Russia!

 

9. Border Wars

Wars about borders have been fought all around the world and Argentina and Chile are not the exception. Sharing Patagonia has not been a peaceful process. To this day, there is an area that continues to be debated between the two countries. This is an icefield located near FitzRoy Mountain.

10. Cowboys Are Real

There are still cowboys out and about in Argentina. They are called gauchos and they are experts at surviving in a region composed mostly by a wide expanse of desert. They have been around for centuries and are often compared to the American cowboys.

 

There are incredible places to discover in Patagonia and there are a lot more curious things to discover! If you are ready for an adventure get ready for Medtreks’ upcoming trip to Argentinian Patagonia!