Patagonia is a geographic region containing the southernmost portion of South America. Located in Argentina and Chile, it comprises the southernmost portion of the Andes mountains to the west and south, and plateaux and low plains to the east.

Enigmatic as few other regions in the world, Patagonia presents its first challenge when we try to decipher the origin of its name. There are many different versions that all point to the explorer Magellan as the initial creator of the name. One of the stories refers to the observation of the seafarer of large footsteps [Pata= feet] made by the Tehuelches, an indigenous people of the region, who were characterized by their large build and remarkable height. Another tale says that Magellan used the word "Patagón" making reference to a literary monster, a character from a well-known medieval novel.

The Argentine Patagonia includes the provinces of Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, Santa Cruz, and Tierra del Fuego, shelters nine National Parks and three National Monuments.
The Chilean Patagonia embraces the southern part of the region of Los Lagos, and the regions of Aisén and Magallanes.

Patagonia is dominated by the Andes, the longest mountain range on earth, running the length of South America from Colombia to the Strait of Magellan and across to Tierra del Fuego. It covers about one third of the land area of both Chile and Argentina, but less than 5% of either nations' population actually lives there.