Patagonia is a vast region in the southern part of South America. It is located at the border of Argentina, Chile and Peru. The region is well-known for its temperate rainforests, glaciers, and fjords. The oceans that surround the land include the Atlantic, Pacific and Beagle Channel. Both countries have jurisdiction over a large part of the area.
Patagonia is named after a tribe of natives called the Patagonian tribe. Rodrigo de Isla visited the area in 1535 and was the first European who crossed the Patagonian great plain. 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 groups survived the European invasion while others died. In the 18th century, several coastal settlements were built.
There are two main areas in the province. 90% of the territory is Argentine Patagonia. They have different climates. The Argentine side is more desert-like with its grasslands, while Chile's side has more temperate areas called Los Lagos. The dividing line between the two regions is the Andes Mountains.
The Patagonia area is home to the world's tallest mountain, Cerro Chalten, also called Monte Fitz Roy. A number of tourists visit the area each year, and it is an ideal destination for trekkers, skiers, and nature enthusiasts. Other landmarks include San Francisco's volcano and Magallanes' glacier. Winter visitors should be aware that heavy snowfall can occur in the region, which is why it has been called the Patagonian anomaly.
Patagonia's natural splendor is not only breathtaking, but also includes the Andes mountains and glaciers as well as the fjords, lakes, and fjords. 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 testament to this, that the region has been a leader in the Living Wage movement.
Patagonia is well-known for its products but also because it is one of most innovative brands in outdoor and sports clothing. The company actively participates in the 1% for Planet initiative and is a member to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. Its most recent innovation, the Wornwear concept, allows customers to see its wares in a new way.