The species is native to the southern tip of South America.

[2] D. darwinii is found in the Patagonian Desert in southern Argentina and Chile.

Darwin's iguana has a broad, triangular head and strong jaws.

[3] The preferred natural habitat of D. darwinii is the Patagonian steppes from sea level up to elevations of 700 m (2,297 ft).

[4] The IUCN has listed Darwin's iguana as being of "Least Concern" because of its wide range and the lack of any identified threats to the species.