Moment

Patagonia is a Photographer's Playground

Embark on a journey to the ends of the Earth, where the rugged beauty of Patagonia awaits.

An image without an alt, whoops

In the southernmost reaches of the world, where the wind whispers secrets of ancient explorers, begins an epic journey through the wilderness of Patagonia. Our adventure starts in Punta Arenas, a gateway to the vast, rugged landscapes stretching beyond the horizon. There, we'll get a campervan that will be our home for this journey.

Leaving Punta Arenas up north, we traverse the Patagonian steppe, a seemingly endless expanse of golden grasses swaying under the vast sky. The road ahead unfurls like a ribbon, leading us to the first breathtaking marvel on our journey: Torres del Paine National Park.

Here, the jagged peaks of the Torres del Paine massif pierce the sky, their granite spires cloaked in swirling clouds.

Guanacos graze peacefully, unperturbed by the majesty around them, while Andean condors soar on thermals high overhead.

An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops

As we continue north, the landscape transforms into a mosaic of ancient forests, crystalline rivers, and snow-capped peaks. The journey is a symphony of sights and sounds; each notes a reminder of nature's raw, untamed power.

Crossing into Argentina, we reach El Calafate, the gateway to Patagonia's most iconic wonders: the Perito Moreno Glacier. This colossal ice river stretching over 250 square kilometers is a living, breathing entity. We stand in awe as massive chunks of ice calve from its face, crashing into the turquoise waters of Lake Argentino with a thunderous roar.

An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops

From El Calafate, we travel deeper into the heart of Patagonia, where the landscape becomes even more dramatic. The road passes through never-ending vast plains.

An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops

Our final destination is the legendary El Chaltén, a small village at the foot of the Fitz Roy massif. Known as the trekking capital of Argentina, El Chaltén is a heaven for adventurers seeking to conquer the region's rugged trails and towering peaks. The

imposing silhouette of Mount Fitz Roy dominates the skyline; its sheer granite faces glowing pink in the dawn light.

An image without an alt, whoops

Here, you’ve got a ton of epic hiking options, with El Chaltén as your ultimate base camp. This chill spot is your gateway to some of Patagonia’s most jaw-dropping trails.

Laguna Torre

The Laguna Torre hike in El Chaltén is a stunning trek through Patagonia's rugged terrain. This 11-mile round trip trail takes you through dense forests, past roaring rivers, and offers breathtaking views of the iconic Cerro Torre. The hike culminates at the serene Laguna Torre, where you can witness icebergs floating on the glacial lake with the dramatic backdrop of towering peaks and glaciers. It's a must-do adventure for anyone looking to experience the raw beauty of Patagonia.

For this hike, we woke up at 1 AM to reach Laguna Torre by sunrise, capturing the stunning morning light on the iconic peaks. Alternatively, you can split the journey over two days by camping overnight at a site near Laguna Torre, allowing for a more relaxed pace and an unforgettable experience under the stars.

An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops

Laguna de Los Tres

The Laguna de los Tres hike is about 12 miles round trip and very tough but totally worth it.

You’ll hike through lush forests and rugged terrain, getting the best views of the Fitz Roy massif along the way. The final climb is steep and often covered in snow and ice, but the reward is epic.

We did this hike in two parts by camping overnight at the Poincenot campsite, which sits just before the final ascent. This way, you can tackle the steep, snowy climb to the laguna before sunrise, making the experience even more magical. This hike is a must for anyone wanting to soak in Patagonia's raw, wild beauty.

An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops

Laguna Capri

This scenic and relatively easy trek is perfect for all skill levels. Spanning about 4.5 miles round trip, the trail takes you through beautiful forests and offers stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy. The highlight is reaching Laguna Capri, a serene lake with crystal-clear waters, providing a perfect spot to relax and take in the majestic scenery. This hike is a great introduction to the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia.

We hit the trail before dawn to catch the epic alpenglow lighting up Fitz Roy at sunrise.

An image without an alt, whoops

Mirador Los Condores

This is another short but rewarding trek, spanning about 2 miles round trip. The trail climbs gently through the Patagonian steppe, leading to a breathtaking viewpoint. From the top, you'll get panoramic views of the town, the surrounding valleys, and the majestic peaks of the Fitz Roy range. Keep an eye out for condors soaring overhead, adding to the magic of this quick hike. It's a perfect way to soak the stunning scenery with minimal effort.

An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops

Road to el Chalten

The classic viewpoint on the road to see Fitz Roy is an absolute must-stop. As you drive towards El Chaltén, the jagged peaks of Fitz Roy dramatically rise against the skyline, creating an iconic and breathtaking view. This spot offers a perfect panorama of the towering mountain range, with the road leading straight towards the majestic Fitz Roy. It's an ideal place to snap some incredible photos.

This place is all about extremes, with nature’s raw beauty hitting you hard and leaving you stoked. Our trip from Punta Arenas to El Chaltén has shown us just how epic the natural world can be. It’s a solid reminder that, amidst all this grandeur, we’re just tiny specks in the Earth’s epic story.

An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops

What To Pack

Combine your clothing layers to adapt to Patagonia's ever-changing weather quickly. Start with a warm wool base layer, followed by an insulating mid-layer, and finish with a protective outer shell for maximum comfort and protection. Ensure your base layer is made of soft, warm wool to retain your body's heat.

It's crucial that both your pants and jacket are waterproof — keeping dry is essential in Patagonia's unpredictable climate! Waterproof boots with good ankle support are also necessary for any hikes you have planned. Wearing gloves and a hat is advisable, especially in colder months, so you can fully enjoy the stunning landscapes without being uncomfortable from the cold.

An image without an alt, whoops
An image without an alt, whoops

What Photography Gear to Bring?

This is very personal, and I tend to bring a lot of gear to split between me and my wife, who is my adventure partner. But I will tell you the basics for an adventure like this.

Cameras

I'll be taking my two reliable Sony Alpha A7IV bodies. These mirrorless cameras offer incredible image quality and versatility, perfect for capturing everything from wide landscapes to detailed close-ups and shooting video in every condition. It's the ideal hybrid camera for me. I always bring a backup body with me, just in case!

Also, my wife always brings the Fujifilm X100V to capture more intimate and casual moments.

Lenses

To cover a broad range of shooting scenarios, I'll pack a variety of lenses:

Tripods

Finding the ideal tripod can be challenging, as it often involves balancing weight with stability — the more stable it is, the heavier it tends to be. However, the Peak Design travel tripod strikes the perfect balance. It's compact enough to fit in your bag yet robust enough to provide the stability needed for your shots. Its design also makes it great for filming yourself, taking long exposures, and capturing time-lapses, ensuring you get clear, steady results in various shooting situations.

Backpack

With all this gear, it's essential to have a backpack that can handle the weight and keep everything organized while also being comfortable enough for those long, demanding hikes. A well-designed backpack should accommodate your camera bodies, lenses, and accessories and distribute the load evenly to prevent fatigue. Look for features like padded shoulder straps, a supportive hip belt, and adjustable chest straps to ensure maximum comfort and stability. A durable, weather-resistant material will protect your gear from the elements so you can focus on capturing stunning shots without worrying about your equipment.

I would say at least you need a 35L backpack. These are some options:

Drones

I always bring my Mavic 3 Pro drone along, as it provides a unique and expansive perspective that transforms how I capture landscapes. Its ability to soar above and capture sweeping aerial views adds a whole new dimension to my photography. Although I used it only a few times during this trip, its capabilities were invaluable. The drone’s zoom lenses allowed me to frame distant scenes with exceptional detail, making a significant difference in the quality and variety of shots I was able to capture. The flexibility to shoot from various altitudes and angles helped me to create a more comprehensive visual story of the landscape, showcasing the grandeur of Patagonia from a perspective that is often impossible to achieve with traditional camera equipment.

ND Filters

An absolute must-have for navigating the constantly shifting light conditions and capturing high-quality video is a reliable set of filters. In environments like Patagonia, where the lighting can change rapidly from bright sunlight to overcast skies, having filters such as ND (Neutral Density) filters is crucial. They allow you to manage exposure effectively, enabling you to achieve the desired shutter speed and depth of field, even in challenging lighting situations. These filters are indispensable for video shooting, maintaining smooth motion, and avoiding unwanted flicker or stutter. They help you achieve cinematic effects, such as motion blur, that enhance the visual appeal of your footage. Whether you're shooting dramatic landscapes or intricate details, these filters provide the flexibility needed to adapt to the dynamic lighting conditions of the region and ensure your video work remains sharp and professional.

Shop Alvaro's Picks

An image without an alt, whoops

💌 There's More!

Enjoyed this read? Subscribe now and receive all the latest and greatest articles straight to your inbox. All original. Community first. 100% ad-free.

SUBSCRIBE NOW