Patagonia is a vast region in the southern part of South America. It is at the border between Chile and Argentina. The region is known for its glaciers, fjords, and temperate rainforests. The land is surrounded with oceans such as the Atlantic, Pacific, or Beagle Channel. A large area of the region is under the authority of both countries.
The name of the region, Patagonia, is derived from a native tribe named the Patagonian tribe. Rodrigo de Isla was the first European to reach the vast Patagonian plain. He visited the region in 1535. The Spanish crown maintained de jure sovereignty over the region, although it was not keen to colonize it. Before the 1715 boundary treaty, there were several indigenous communities. These were the Tehuelches (and the Mecharnuekenk). Some indigenous communities survived the European invasion. Others perished. In the 18th Century, there were several settlements along the coast.
There are two main areas in the province. 90% of the territory is in Argentina Patagonia, also known as Patagonia Del Sur. The remaining 10% is shared by Chile. Both sides have their own climates and ecological zones. The Argentine side has deserts and grasslands, while the Chilean side has more temperate conditions with the Los Lagos region. The Andes Mountains are the dividing line between these two regions.
The highest mountain in the world, Cerro Chalten (also known as Monte Fitz Roy), is located in Patagonia. A number of tourists visit the area each year, and it is an ideal destination for trekkers, skiers, and nature enthusiasts. Other notable landmarks include the San Francisco volcano and the Magallanes glacier. Winter visitors should prepare for heavy snowfall.
Patagonia also has natural beauty. Many environmental activist campaigns have been launched to preserve the region in the past. They ranged from green tourism campaigns in the 1990s, to today's. It is a testament to this that the region has been a front runner in the fabled Living Wage movement.
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