Patagonia Guide
Patagonia is located at the southern tip of South America, spanning Argentina and Chile.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season: October to April is summer, the best time for hiking and adventure.
- Off season: May to September is cold, and some attractions and accommodations are closed, but you can enjoy the snow and experience extreme weather.
Visa
Visas are required for both Argentina and Chile. Travelers with a US visa can enter Chile directly and apply for an e-visa for Argentina.
Clothing Recommendations
Windproof and waterproof jackets, warm inner layers, and hiking shoes are essential. The weather is changeable, so be prepared.
Transportation
- Flights: You can fly from Buenos Aires in Argentina or Santiago in Chile to major cities in Patagonia, such as Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, and El Calafate.
- Buses: Chile has a comfortable and convenient long-distance bus service with many departures. There are also long-distance buses between some cities in the Argentine Lake District.
- Self-driving: Chile has flat and wide roads, making it suitable for self-driving tours. In the Argentine Lake District, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, but the roads are complex, so it is recommended to rent a four-wheel drive.
Main Attractions and Activities
- Chile:
- Torres del Paine National Park: With glaciers and icebergs from the Southern Ice Field, beautiful lakes, and towering granite peaks, it is a paradise for hikers. You can fly from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales and then drive to the park.
- Chiloé Archipelago: Known for its 150 18th-century Jesuit wooden churches and houses, you can fly from Santiago to Puerto Montt and then take a ferry to the islands.
- Argentina:
- Ushuaia: The southernmost city in the world, you can visit the End of the World Museum and Maritime Museum, take a boat trip to see penguins and sea lions, and hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park.
- El Calafate: The base for visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier, you can join glacier hiking tours and hike in the nearby Fitz Roy Mountain.
- Bariloche: Located in the Argentine Lake District, you can drive around Lake Nahuel Huapi to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, and visit Los Arrayanes National Park to see the primeval forest and lakes.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury hotels: Such as Singular, Rio Serrano, and Awasi Patagonia in Chile.
- Unique lodges: Bariloche in Argentina is famous for its handmade chocolate, and there are unique lodges in the city and hot spring accommodations in nearby towns.
- Campsites: There are campsites in Torres del Paine National Park and national parks in the Argentine Lake District.