Patagonia Travel Advice

Patagonia has a long and unique history. While a breathtakingly beautiful corner of the world, the climate is unforgiving and hostile to survival. Early inhabitants would have faced some of the harshest weather in South America and daily life a struggle. There is evidence of human presence as far back as 12,000 years, however archeological experts believe nomad groups existed prior to this. Cave paintings provide great insight into the history of Patagonia, with Cueva de las Manos in Argentina being one of the most famous. The hand paintings found here date back to between 9,000 and 13,000 years ago, while other artwork has been carbon dated to about 7300 BC. Experts believe the cave system was last inhabited around 700 AD, most likely by ancestors of the Tehuelche people. These natives occupied pockets of Patagonia around the Negro River for around 14,000 years prior to the arrival of Europeans. The early inhabitants were called the Tehuelche people, who lived in both the North and South of Patagonia. They were divided into smaller groups, with their own dialect and societal hierarchy. They survived mainly by hunting guanaco and ostrich, using a bow and arrow. They were huntsmen, craftsmen and survival experts, using all the meat and skin from animals for both food and clothing. This remained until the arrival of Europeans many years later.

It is believed that the coast of Patagonia was first explored in 1520 by Ferdinand Magellan. Local inhabitants were described by him as “giants” as they were much larger than their European counterparts. In fact, Patagonia is named after the word Patagone, referring to mythological giants. Scientific exploration took place largely in the second half of the 18th century, with expeditions such as the HMS Adventure and HMS Beagle. In 1832 Robert Fitzroy lead the Voyage of the Beagle, which notably included Charles Darwin, who explored various areas of Patagonia.

Among the first official settlers were the Welsh, who reached Patagonia in 1865. Around 200 people made the journey from Wales to Puerto Madryn in South America, having heard tales of the green and fertile lands, much like that in Wales. They arrived to find barren lands, high winds from the Andes Mountains and little water. The following years proved challenging for the settlers, as the native Teheulche tried to teach them how to survive in such inhospitable conditions. The colony moved onto the Chubut Valley. By 1874, the settlement had a population of 270 people, new irrigation was dug and farms were created. In 1875, the Argentine government finally handed over the land to the Welsh settlers, which brought hundreds more over from Wales. While schooling was in Spanish, the settlers kept their native language and to this day continue to thrive and celebrate their heritage and unique home. Settlers from Italy, England, Spain and further afield started to arrive and brought with them cattle farming. They continued to live in peace with the Tehuelche people. Chilean and Argentinian independence occured in the mid 19th century and saw both countries expand into the south, confronting the indigenous communities that called it home. In 1848, the Chilean government moved their settlement to what we today know as Punta Arenas. This was the start of Chile’s claim to the Strait of Magellan. The indigenous inhabitants were largely defeated. The rise of the gaucho came hand in hand with the introduction of cattle ranches. These nomadic, skillful cowboys helped farmers tend to their cattle and remain an important symbol of life in the Patagonian wilderness.

In the early 20th century, mediated by the British crown, the border was established between Chile and Argentina. While traditionally livestock, mining and agriculture were all key activities to bring money into the economy, the second part of the 20th century saw the start of tourism. Modern day Patagonia still holds strong ties to the gaucho, and has slowly developed with large cities and various expat communities.