Patagonia

Patagonia is a large region at the bottom of South America. It is shared by two countries, Argentina and Chile. Patagonia has sharp snowy mountains, huge glaciers, and open plains. It is known for its wild and empty land. Very few people live here compared to its size.

Mountains and Glaciers

The Andes Mountains run through Patagonia. Some of the peaks here are famous for their pointy tops, like Mount Fitz Roy and Torres del Paine. Patagonia also has many giant glaciers made of thick ice. The Perito Moreno glacier is one of the most famous. Huge chunks of ice often break off and crash into the water below.

Animals of Patagonia

Patagonia is home to many interesting animals. Penguins waddle along the coast and raise their chicks there. Guanacos, which look like small llamas, roam the grasslands. The puma is a big wild cat that hunts in the hills. Whales and dolphins swim in the waters nearby. The Andean condor, a giant bird, soars high above the mountains.

Fun Facts

• Patagonia is about twice the size of the country of Japan.
• The name Patagonia means 'land of the big feet' in old Spanish.
• Strong winds blow across Patagonia almost every day of the year.

Did You Know?

A huge dinosaur called Patagotitan was found in Patagonia, and it may have been one of the biggest animals to ever walk the Earth.