Patagonia has long been a dream destination for photographers—dramatic peaks, vast landscapes, and the raw beauty of nature. I had high hopes of capturing my own version of this rugged terrain, expecting to find inspiration in the remote landscapes and the challenge of shooting in unpredictable weather. After finally making the journey, I left feeling uninspired, frustrated, and disappointed. And honestly? I have no desire to go back. Here’s why.
Too Many People, Too Few Moments
When I imagined Patagonia, I pictured solitude—standing in awe at towering mountains all to myself. The reality? Crowds. Everywhere. Whether at Torres del Paine, Fitz Roy, or El Calafate, I was constantly surrounded by people, many of whom were there just to check it off their bucket list. The dream of capturing untouched landscapes was shattered when every viewpoint was packed with tourists taking selfies. Even reaching these locations required long and exhausting bus rides. These were usually filled with other travelers who had the same itinerary, making the journey itself feel like part of the tourist machine rather than an adventure into the wild.
It Didn’t Feel Like Chile or Argentina
One of the most rewarding parts of travel photography is immersing yourself in the local culture—learning the language, talking to locals, and capturing the spirit of a place. But in Patagonia, I only heard English. Hostels, restaurants, and even trail conversations felt more like a North American or European travel hub than South America. As someone trying to improve my Spanish, I felt like I missed out on a key part of the experience.
$45 a Day to Shoot Landscapes?
Let’s talk about the cost. National parks in Patagonia charge hefty entrance fees—up to $45 per day for Fitz Roy, and even more expensive in Torres del Paine. When you’re staying multiple days to capture different lighting conditions, it adds up fast. Unlike other wild destinations where you can freely explore, Patagonia feels like a pay-to-play experience, which took away from the sense of adventure.
The Photos Felt Unoriginal
Despite the stunning scenery, I struggled to create images that felt personal or unique. The reality is, Patagonia has been photographed to death. The classic sunrise shot at Laguna de los Tres? It’s been done a million times. The jagged peaks of Torres del Paine? Hard to make them look fresh when you’re standing in the same spot as dozens of other photographers. While I expected to be inspired, I instead found myself wrestling with the feeling that I was just replicating what had already been captured countless times.
Would I Go Back? Probably Not.
Patagonia is undeniably beautiful, but for me, photography is about more than just landscapes—it’s about the experience, the culture, and the feeling of connection to a place. While I don’t regret the trip, I left knowing that there are other, less commercialized locations where I can find that inspiration again. So, if you’re a photographer looking for solitude, unique shots, and deep cultural immersion, you might want to think twice before booking a ticket to Patagonia.
How dare other people show up to a locale that has been heavily marketed to attract tourism! How dare the countries require money to fund park upkeep and benefit their people! And ugh, the nerve of photographers taking pictures of the same mountains!
I know, right? I don't get how or why people just think everything should be free or that they are the only ones who are expected to be at these locations, as if the masses should not be there. I get it that some people don't like big crowds, but don't go to places where there will be big crowds. IJS
This mass phenomenon is not entirely unknown and now dominates not only the entire photography influencer scene. For years now, I have been deliberately visiting the "negative space" of mass tourism. The good news: it exists. The bad news: how long will it last?
I think Mr. Chandler has a basic understanding of Patagonia. He comments on his dissatisfaction because he went to the probably 3 most popular tourist spots in Patagonia and they were packed with people, and he couldn't find any angles or inspiration for his photos. It's like saying that I want to take pictures at EL Gran Capitan and complaining because there are too many people and the photos all end up looking very similar. And even worse, saying he wouldn't return to the Western Cost for that reason. Argentine and Chilean Patagonia is full of hundreds of places to photograph that have practically no tourists. Towns off the beaten track with great cultural value.
But of course that means doing a survey and research of the places and not just choosing them from the comfort of a travel agency.
Had the same experience at Angkor Wat. It was more like Grand Central Station in New York.
This article is lame AF.
I’m appalled that other people had the gall to go to Patagonia while you were there. Couldn’t they have gone some other time. Didn’t they know who you were? The entitlement of them. Do they think they are special or something? Disgraceful too they are charging money to be able to pay locals to upkeep the park. It should be free. Chilean and Argentina taxpayers should be more generous Photographers have to pay thousands for camera gear and they expect them to have 45$ to pay for entry to photograph. How inconsiderate is that. Yes if I were you I’d refuse to ever go back.
Couldn't disagree more with your take here. I spent a month there last autumn and loved every second. Backpacking leaves the crowds behind, which I thought were on the light side anyway. Rental car in Punta Arenas was crazy cheap, so avoid the buses. I guess anything is what you make of it. Sounds like you didn’t make much. That's your fault.
Thanks for this article. While I will at some point go to Argentina, I won’t be going to those places.
The first time I went was 2010 and it was not easy to figure out the trip and the W. You just had to be a bit brave and plan best you could and figure it out as you went. The same holds true now. You have to go to new places and be a little brave, adventurous means just that. Out of your comfort zone. The world has changed and I'm afraid we've lost a lot with the internet and bloggers. Much of the worlds mystery is just gone, just gone. I've lived through the change and it remarkable. Also many places are not as safe anymore. I hitchhiked over the Kyber pass in 1977 but you can't do that now. Now I still enjoy photography. I don't care how many people shot the same thing. I have a good time, enjoy the outdoors and take some awesome pictures. When traveling It's all about making the most of every day no matter what.
It is fair to be annoyed about the resources spent on an experience which did not meet expectations. However, like anywhere: you might have a more unique time if you struggle for it a bit more. People tend to go to THE spot for THE photo, and rarely stray far from the established path. If you want the hot-spot to feel a little more lonely you'll probably have to wait for another pandemic.
Yep. Thanks for sharing your experience (or lack there of). So many good photos undocumented to capture. Keep on keepin'!
Sooooo, you dont do any research and then feel entitled to complain? lame. Also, Patagonia is 3000km long and about 1000km wide. You went to the 3 most visited places. Have you been anywhere else? The moment you move to more remote places there are less people, and its cheaper. But then maybe you have to make an effort...
Well well well.... there are many problems here. I can give you my opinion as an argentinian thas has travel a bit of my country, including what you call Patagonia.
1) Patagonia is not Calafate and El Chalten. Andean Patagonia extends over hundreds of kilometers and there are a lot of places, including National Parks, that are lonely and unvisited yet. You could make some research and try and explore other places, too.
2) Patagonia is not Argentina. There are thousands of kilometers of the Andean mountains you could visit, with an overwhelming variety of landscapes. For example, last year I went to Jujuy (to the North of Argentina), where you can visit a rain forest and see the transition to the Puna (highlands). Completely different landscapes and as much as beautiful.
3) If you like to have a feel of Argentina, anyone knows that you should not go to Patagonia, which is overcrouded with tourists. Do your research! Culturaly speaking, Argentina is a very diverse country. Again: go to Calilegua region in Jujuy. Nobody speaks in English there (and good luck with that!).
4) I agree with the high access costs to trails. That was recently enacted by the new goverment, those f*** libertarians that turn everything a business for their own benefit.
5) If there are a lot of people beside you and you feel that the photos feel unoriginal, the problem is you. That means you are in the most accesible and popular spot, that obvioulsy has been photographed to death. Do your research!!! Go to unexplored placed. O even better: train your creativity to make an original picture of a well known place. That means mastering landscape photography.
My own two cents....
I get what the author is talking about.
They are not being critical of that tourists are there. The problem might be hie limiting thr pkacr could be.
Ive not been there, ive been to many US national parks. Ive seen how things have changed over 30 years.
I recall being in zion np in the virgin river narrows not far from when it starys. It was early august. The only number of others sering thus with me in thr immediate area was a couple snf kne ither person. Gling to that same area at the same time of year i would see 100+
Many tourists are doing the " griswald". In nany of thr parts you can wander a bit and get your view. Or you need yo be very patients with thr clods, sun, and wind.
I get whst the author us s as ying.
Ive bern doing dtiff for 30 yrs snd i have sern th he c rrg owds grow in dize.
Many of them are "griswald"s in thrir visits.
I have not been to south america. I dont know how restricting the park is to wandering
30 yrs sgo i was in zion narrows near where it starts. It ess mid summer. It was m.j e snd a fee other people. Same place at the samd time of year and its 100+
You went to the three most visited parks in one of the most famous locations in the world and were frustrated that you couldn't find anything original to shoot? If you were looking for something original, maybe get off the beaten path.
I had to check this wasn't an April Fools article. I traveled to Patagonia, lost my camera in a taxi on the first day, relied on my Pixel Pro 6 for the rest of the trip, and still took better photos than the ones in this article.
Patagonia is big. Like really big. If you want the sweeping vistas and isolate described in a book like "Surviving Patagonia" then guess what, you gotta earn them. Hop in a car and drive away from El Calafate. Keep driving. Eight hours later, you'll arrive at Perito Moreno National Park. Presuming you've done the appropriate preparation (scheduling, guides, etc) you'll be able to through-hike the park over multiple days in true isolation.
We did this, two weeks before the season formally started, so it was technically still winter. We were the only ones in the park, which meant we were the only people around (apart from the gate ranger) for 50km.