Chilean Patagonia is wild, windswept and breathtakingly romantic. Glaciers tumble into emerald lakes, fjords wind through ancient forests, and the jagged peaks of the Andes disappear into swirling clouds. It's no wonder this remote corner of the world drew Magellan, Darwin and even Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Patagonia covers roughly the southern third of Chile, so it pays to be selective. In the north, the Lake District stretches from Puerto Montt toward Aysen, with volcanoes, lakes and charming towns. Farther south, a rugged coastline of fjords and islands runs for hundreds of miles. At the bottom, southern Patagonia includes Puerto Natales, the gateway to the iconic granite towers of Torres del Paine National Park, along with Punta Arenas and Tierra del Fuego. Visit the Magellanic penguin colony on Isla Magdalena, hike among glaciers and mountains, and end each day at a cozy lodge with fresh seafood and good Chilean wine.

Distances are big and weather changes fast, so planning is everything. I'll build a route that fits your time, book the lodges and connections, and can combine Chilean and Argentine Patagonia in one trip.