patagonia trips december 2022

Patagonia Tours & Vacations

Sandwiched between two oceans and sprawled across two countries. Patagonia is as ‘end-of-the-world’ as it gets.

Advancing glaciers, gushing waterfalls, snow-topped granite pillars…it’s no wonder Chile and Argentina both stake a claim over this beautiful slice of South America . Where else can you hike past herds of guanaco, hear giant shards of ice crash into the sea, sail the Beagle Channel past unique flora and fauna, and drop by the world’s southernmost city? If anywhere makes you feel small, it’s Patagonia. Adventure to the end of the world and appreciate our planet at its most wild and spectacular. 

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Classic Hikes of Patagonia

Premium Patagonia

Articles of Patagonia

Travelling to Chile? Here’s the best time to go

7 different ways to see Patagonia with Intrepid

Travel is back and we just dropped 10 new Premium adventures

The top 9 destinations for travel in November 2024

8 awesome experiences you MUST have in Argentina

Hiking in Torres del Paine? Here’s what you need to know

Want to eat well in Patagonia? Read this

What it’s really like exploring Patagonia on a group tour

Patagonia travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Where is Patagonia?

Patagonia is a geographical region located at the southern tip of South America.

It spans the lower sections of Argentina and Chile and is governed by both countries.

Do I need a visa to visit Patagonia?

You will need to organize your visa. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information.

Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date information specific to your nationality.

Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

What is the weather like in Patagonia?

Patagonia is much cooler than the rest of South America. With diverse terrain ranging from glaciers to mountains and coastlines, the region sees extreme variations in weather.

Average temperatures range from 48-64°F in summer and 32-43°F in winter, but sub-zero temperatures are common.

The weather can be unpredictable at any time of year, and it feels much cooler when there are strong winds.

Snow is possible towards the end of autumn (May), and continues into winter with heavy snowfall down south and in the mountains.

When is the best time to visit Patagonia?

October to March (spring/summer) is considered to be the best time to visit Patagonia; this is when most of our trips run. During this period, daytime temperatures average up to 72°F, but it's a chilly 39°F at night.

Rain and strong winds are possible at any time of year and can make the temperature feel much cooler.

Is tipping customary in Patagonia?

Tipping in Patagonia is common, but only when you’re satisfied with the service.

Aim for 10-15% of a bill at a restaurant or cafe as a general guide (if it’s not included already).

It’s also common to give hotel porters, drivers and other staff a small tip.

What is internet access like in Patagonia?

You will find wi-fi in most hotels, cafes and restaurants in large towns and cities, but it can be harder to find as you venture to more remote areas.

You may wish to buy a local SIM card if you want to stay in contact with folks at home, but a phone signal can still be patchy in remote areas.

What are the toilets like in Patagonia?

You will find Western-style flushable toilets in Patagonia.

It is a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they’re not always provided.

Just note that while the toilets are modern, the plumbing isn’t and can clog easily, so you may see signs asking you not to flush toilet paper and use the bin provided instead.

What is ATM access like in Patagonia?

ATMs are available in larger towns and cities but are less common in small villages or rural areas.

Make sure you have enough cash before leaving urban areas.

Argentina uses the Argentinean Peso, while Chile uses the Chilean Peso. It might also be worth bringing some US dollars.

Can I use my credit card in Patagonia?

Credit cards may not be accepted in small towns and rural areas.

Make sure to carry enough cash when visiting rural areas in case credit cards are not an option.

What to pack for Patagonia

Please check your Essential Trip Information for a complete list of packing suggestions for your itinerary.

These are the basics you will need to bring for an active adventure in Patagonia:

• Closed-in, waterproof walking shoes/hiking boots

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)

Rucksack and day bag

Reusable water bottle

Thermal base layers

Hiking clothing

Waterproof/windproof jacket

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

Private Gaucho Show, where cowboys of the Argentine outback demonstrate their amazing riding and "horse whispering" skills

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

On-Tour A ir included (2 flights)

Cruise on Esperanza Sound and a walk overlooking Serrano Glacier

Visit to the workshop of the Draghi family, world-famous silversmiths of Argentina

A picnic lunch overlooking the awesome Perito Moreno Glacier in Glacier National Park

Tango show in Buenos Aires, where the passionate pas de deux was born

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Consistently robust – very full and active days, extended travel times, use of different modes of local transport, and a possibility of early starts.

Experiences of a lifetime

In the southern Andes mountains lies one of the most beautiful places on Earth… Patagonia. Astonishing landscapes of jagged Andean peaks and deep fjords carved by glaciers... panoramic vistas of living ice that changes shape and color by the angle of the sun, amid deep water lakes of emerald and turquoise. No wonder some local legends hold that extraterrestrials once lived here.

Cruising patagonia's fjords, glaciers galore in o'higgins national park.

Cruise Patagonia's fjords through Última Esperanza Sound, stopping for a hike in the interestingly named Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, which encompasses a large part of the Southern Patagonian Icefield, and is chock full of glaciers... including Pío XI, Chico, Jorge Montt, Chico, Témpano, Penguin and O'Higgins. The park, by the way, is named for Gen. Bernardo O'Higgins, the illegitimate son of an Irish-born Spanish officer, who became an independent Chile's first head of state in the 19th century.

The rugged Torres del Paine National Park

A spectacular nature preserve in patagonia.

Torres del Paine National Park, in Chile's Patagonian region, is an incredible collection of natural treasures dominated by a unique trio of granite peaks with serrated edges that jut dramatically skyward – the Torres del Paine – also known as Cleopatra's Needles. Against this rocky backdrop, the park's shimmering lakes are vivid emerald or turquoise – caused by the rock flour produced by the constant glacial grinding of the mountains. And for the record, "Torres del Paine" translates to "Blue Towers" – "paine" means "blue" in the region's Tehuelche language.

Gauchos and silversmiths

Gaucho and silver traditions combine in san antonio del areco.

The traditions of Argentina's gauchos (cowboys) run strong in the town of San Antonio de Areco. And so do the artisanal traditions of the Draghi family and its patriarch, Areco-born master silversmith Juan José Draghi, whose workshop, founded here in the 1960s, created world-famous customized silver pieces for folks ranging from local gauchos to US Presidents. Today, Draghi's work and traditions are carried on by his grown children. See examples of their exquisite silver and saddlery evoking the region's gaucho culture at their studio and museum; you may also see their work among the cowboys demonstrating their equestrian skills during your visit.

The Singular Patagonia

Nights 2, 3, 4 and 5

Nature and history meet at The Singular Patagonia

With a privileged surrounding of unparalleled natural beauty, The Singular Patagonia is a space of extreme sophistication, incredible history and the highest levels of personalized service at the so-called "end of the world," deep in the heart of Chilean Patagonia. Just over a century ago (1915, to be exact), the buildings that are now The Singular were built as the Bories cold-storage plant, which received sheep from local estancias and prepared the meat and wool for export. When the former factory was converted to the luxury hotel you'll stay in today, a museum was created to preserve the plant's original century-old industrial machinery, for which the factory was declared a historic monument in 1996.

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All the information you need for this journey at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights and more.

Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Overnight Accommodations

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Arrive Early

The ritz-carlton, santiago.

Santiago, Chile

Puerto Natales, Chile

Xelena Hotel & Suites

El Calafate, Argentina

Nights 9-10

Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Your Journey

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Chile and Argentina.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact a consulate or embassy of Chile and Argentina to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We strongly recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $700 per person

Final Payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Tauck Travel Protection Product

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $699  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

If You Have to Cancel

Cancellations Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Guests choosing to purchase Tauck's Guest Protection will incur loss of Guest Protection fee per person.

Guests choosing not to purchase Tauck's Guest Protection will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:

60 days or more before departure:

$700  per person – South America land tours;  Manitoba: Polar Bear Adventure

59-30 days before departure:

$1400  per person – South America land tours

$2670  per person –  Manitoba: Polar Bear Adventure

29-1 days before departure:

$2000  per person – South America land tours

$3560  per person –  Manitoba: Polar Bear Adventure

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  http://www.affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

90 days or more before departure = $700 per person

89-30 days before departure = $1400 per person

29-1 days before departure = $2000 per person

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico. 

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Besides the checked luggage limitations noted above, you are allowed to bring one piece of carry-on luggage aboard your intra-tour flights, weighing no more than 17 pounds (8 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 43 inches (115 cm).

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases in order to enter the country. These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is therefore crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.

For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here  and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking here . You may also wish to visit the web sites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting.  Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren't required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.

Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a web site. It is critically important that you consult with your personal physician prior to your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources.

Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective. Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive, and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).

Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Tauck. Tauck is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations.

If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries, or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided.

To enjoy this tour's itinerary, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES: This Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Tauck journey. Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters.

Guests should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues. The responsibility of the Tauck Director is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available on motor coaches and boats.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

South America has a wide variety of climates. The principal cities we visit receive very light to moderate rainfall and are warm year-round.

Santiago has a mild Mediterranean climate: relatively hot dry summers (November to March) with temperatures reaching up to 86 ºF (30 ºC) on the hottest days; winters (June to August) are more humid with cold mornings and with typical maximum daily temperatures of 60 ºF (16 ºC).

Buenos Aires has a temperate climate (considered as "humid subtropical") with average temperatures in the afternoon ranging from 83 ºF (28 ºC) in January to 57 ºF (14 ºC) in July. Rain can be expected at any time of year.

To determine current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov.us, by clicking here .

What To Pack

Your journey through South America is casual. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. During the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations in the Andes and at nights along the shore will require warmer, layered clothing. For the welcome and farewell receptions, casual resort wear is appropriate. It will be cold in the lakes region during October and November, so guests traveling during these months should bring layers including a sweater and a fleece or a warm jacket. Please leave all expensive or flashy jewelry at home.

Valet laundry service is available at all the hotels on this itinerary.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

We suggest that you pack the following items your journey to South America:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks and short-sleeve shirts
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• Water and wind repellent cold weather jacket
• Woolen hat and gloves
• One layer of long underwear, top and bottom
• Comfortable trekking pants or rain pants or ski pants
• Sweater and/or fleece jacket
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper lock bags, other waterproof bags or daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room or stateroom while traveling.

Please refer to the Necessary Gear website at www.necessarygear.com as one option available to you for renting and purchasing apparel, PPEs, and other items appropriate for your journey.

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• Warm Seasons - November to March: The optimal time for travelers who seek warmer temperatures and the activities that are best enjoyed during this time falls between November and March. During these months, Patagonia basks in warmth, and daylight extends generously across both the Chilean and Argentine sides. Nights are remarkably short, lasting just six hours, though occasional night frosts and sleet may still visit the highlands even during the summer months. For a quieter experience amidst the spring blossoms, mid-November to mid-December offers fewer crowds.
• Cold Season - June to August: Winter in Patagonia, from June to August, may not be the best time for outdoor adventurers seeking hiking and trekking experiences. However, it does offer its unique charm. This is the best time to visit Patagonia if you're drawn to the solitude of snow-covered landscapes and want to try your hand at winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing. The lack of crowds and the dramatic icy landscapes make it a special season for those seeking a quieter, more introspective Patagonian experience.
• Transitional Seasons - Spring (October to November) and Autumn (March to April): In the transitional seasons, Patagonia undergoes fascinating transformations. Springtime in Patagonia, from October to November, ushers in a sense of renewal as the region awakens from its winter slumber. This is one of the best times to go to Patagonia if you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds. Spring offers crisp air, blooming landscapes, and wildlife returning to their breeding grounds, making it an excellent season for hiking and trekking through the picturesque trails of Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks. As autumn arrives, from March to April, the landscapes transform into a tapestry of warm, earthy hues. You will find Patagonia at its most colorful, showcasing vibrant autumn foliage while ushering in fewer visitors. The northern regions maintain some warmth compared to the south's milder temperatures.This is the best time of year to visit Patagonia for photographers and travelers who relish tranquility, with pleasant weather and opportunities for outdoor pursuits. 
• Ushuaia, Argentina   - a 3.5-hour flight from Buenos Aires also has 1.5-hour flights to El Calafate (or a 24+ hour bus ride!). Only 4 flights per week to Punta Arenas or a 12-hour bus + ferry ride complicate international transport. Airport: Ushuaia – Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH)
• El Calafate, Argentina - a 3.25 hour flight from Buenos Aires is the access point for Perrito Moreno Glacier, El Chalten & Glacier National Park. With no flights to Punta Arenas, a 5 hour bus ride to Puerto Natales, then 3 hours to Punta Arenas. El Calafate's airport is Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE).
• Punta Arenas, Chile - located on the Strait of Magellan, is a 3.25 hour flight from Santiago. Buses/cars to Puerto Natales (2 hours) is the access point for Torres del Paine. Airport Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ).

Best Time of Year to Visit Patagonia

History and geography of patagonia, patagonia- the last refuge of nature.

• Wildlife and Natural Splendor: As you explore this part of Patagonia, you'll be treated to a mesmerizing display of wildlife, particularly seabirds. The coastal areas and surrounding waters teem with various species of birds, offering birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts a rich and rewarding experience.
• Glacier Explorations: For those in pursuit of an adrenaline rush and a close encounter with ice giants, glacier trekking is an absolute must in Tierra del Fuego. The region boasts several awe-inspiring glaciers, including the iconic Martial Glacier near Ushuaia. 
• Hiking and Trekking: The rugged mountain landscapes of Tierra del Fuego offer a myriad of opportunities for hikers and trekkers. Whether you're a seasoned mountaineer or a novice adventurer, there are trails suitable for all skill levels. These paths wind through pristine wilderness, taking you on a journey through lush forests, past glistening waterfalls, and along crystal-clear rivers. 

Tierra del Fuego- The End of the World

Bioregions of patagonia.

• Spectacular Scenery: The park's signature feature, the towering granite spires known as the Torres del Paine, loom majestically over the landscape, casting awe-inspiring reflections in the glacial lakes below. Their dramatic presence is just the beginning of the visual feast that awaits visitors. Verdant valleys, azure lakes, pristine glaciers, and rugged mountains form a canvas of unparalleled beauty.
• Hiking and Trekking: Torres del Paine is a mecca for hikers and trekkers. Its extensive network of well-maintained trails caters to all levels of expertise. Whether you embark on the famous W Circuit or the more challenging O Circuit, you'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas at every turn. Hiking through lush forests, past glistening waterfalls, and along crystal-clear rivers is an experience you won't soon forget.
• Glacier Adventures: The park also offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world's most magnificent glaciers. Glacier trekking and ice climbing are thrilling activities that allow you to explore the icy wonders of Grey Glacier, an otherworldly landscape of blue icebergs and surreal formations. Witnessing the calving of these colossal glaciers is a humbling experience that underscores the raw power of nature.
• Wildlife Encounters: Torres del Paine is not just about landscapes; it's a haven for wildlife enthusiasts too. While exploring the park, you'll encounter the hardy guanacos, graceful creatures reminiscent of smaller llamas. Keep a watchful eye out for the elusive pumas, the park's stealthy apex predators. Numerous bird species, such as Andean condors and Magellanic woodpeckers, grace the skies and forests.
• Torres del Paine National Park : Situated in the Magallanes Region, this park boasts dramatic landscapes with towering granite spires (torres), glaciers, lakes, and extensive hiking trails like the famous W Circuit and O Circuit.
• Puerto Natales : A charming coastal town in the Magallanes Region, Puerto Natales is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. It offers accommodations, services, and access to the park's trekking routes.
• Punta Arenas : The largest city in southern Chile, Punta Arenas has a rich history and is known for its maritime heritage. It's a starting point for exploring the region, including trips to Tierra del Fuego.
• Puerto Montt : Located in the Lake District, Puerto Montt is a major transportation hub for travelers exploring Chilean Patagonia. The region is known for its stunning fjords, lakes, and volcanoes.
• Grey Glacier: A massive glacier within Torres del Paine National Park, Grey Glacier offers boat tours and close-up views of the blue ice formations.
• Patagonia National Park: Situated in the Aysén Region, this relatively new park aims to protect vast wilderness areas, including pristine rivers, forests, and mountains.
• Lago Grey: This glacial lake is fed by the Grey Glacier and offers picturesque views of icebergs and surrounding landscapes within Torres del Paine National Park.
• Easter Island (Rapa Nui) : Although not geographically part of Patagonia, Easter Island is a Chilean territory in the Pacific Ocean, famous for its enigmatic moai statues and unique Polynesian culture.
• Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park: Located in Northern Patagonia, this park showcases diverse ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, fjords, and volcanoes.
• Chiloé Archipelago : Situated off the coast of Chile, Chiloé is known for its distinctive culture, wooden churches (some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites), and outdoor activities like kayaking and trekking.

Torres del Paine Geography

• hiking & glacier trekking
• penguin spotting
• horseback riding
• yoga hosted at the main lodge

Puerto Natales Highlights - What to do in and Around

Top parks to hike & explore in patagonia.

• Los Glaciares National Park (Fitz Roy Area):  Nestled in the southern Andes in Argentina, Los Glaciares National Park is renowned for the iconic Mount Fitz Roy. The park features stunning glaciers, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, and offers hiking trails showcasing breathtaking vistas.
• Tierra del Fuego National Park :  Located at the southernmost tip of Argentina, Tierra del Fuego National Park is a pristine wilderness where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel. Explore diverse landscapes, from dense forests to coastal beaches, and embark on scenic boat rides.
• Torres del Paine National Park : One of Chile's most famous national parks, Torres del Paine is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Marvel at the iconic granite spires (torres), glaciers, and pristine lakes. Wildlife, including guanacos and condors, adds to the park's allure.
• Lakes District :  The Chilean Lakes District is a captivating region with shimmering lakes, dense forests, and snow-capped volcanoes. Villarrica National Park, home to the active Villarrica Volcano, is a highlight. Explore charming towns like Pucon and Puerto Varas.
• Aysén Region : Aysén is a vast and sparsely populated region in Chile known for its remote wilderness and impressive glaciers. The Northern and Southern Patagonian Ice Fields contribute to the region's rugged beauty, with the picturesque Carretera Austral offering access.
• Patagonia National Park : This relatively new national park in Chile represents a significant conservation effort. It encompasses diverse ecosystems, from grasslands to mountains, and aims to protect wildlife while providing opportunities for sustainable recreation.
• Nahuel Huapi National Park: While not exclusively in Patagonia, Nahuel Huapi National Park in Argentina's Lakes District is worth mentioning. It features stunning alpine lakes, lush forests, and the iconic Andean-Patagonian landscape.
• Pumalín Park: Pumalín Park, also in the Aysén Region, is known for its biodiversity and lush rainforests. Visitors can explore trails, witness cascading waterfalls, and appreciate the park's commitment to conservation and eco-friendly practices.
• Perito Moreno Glacier

How do I get to Patagonia Parks and Reserves

• Los Glaciares National Park (Fitz Roy Area):  Fly to El Calafate and drive approximately 220 kilometers (137 miles) to the park entrance.
• Tierra del Fuego National Park:  Fly to Ushuaia and take a short 11-kilometer (7-mile) drive to the park entrance.
• Torres del Paine National Park:  Fly to Punta Arenas and drive around 250 kilometers (155 miles) to reach the park. Alternatively, consider available bus and transfer services.
• Lakes District:  Fly to Puerto Montt or Temuco, then drive to your destination. For example, from Puerto Montt to Pucon, it's approximately a 560-kilometer (348-mile) journey.
• Aysén Region:  Fly to Balmaceda Airport and drive about 55 kilometers (34 miles) to reach Coyhaique, the regional capital.
• Patagonia National Park:  Fly to Balmaceda Airport and drive roughly 340 kilometers (211 miles) to Cochrane, where the park is located.
• Nahuel Huapi National Park:  Fly to Bariloche, a major gateway, and drive around 20 kilometers (12 miles) to reach the park entrance.
• Pumalín Park:  Fly to Chaitén or Puerto Montt and take a ferry or drive to the park. From Chaitén to the park entrance, it's approximately a 20-kilometer (12-mile) drive.
• Los Glaciares National Park: Covering over 2,800 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage site features famous glaciers like Upsala, Viedma, and Perito Moreno, known for dramatic calving events into Lake Argentino.
• El Calafate : This lakeside town in Santa Cruz Province is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, renowned for the advancing Perito Moreno Glacier.
• El Chaltén : Nestled within Los Glaciares National Park, El Chaltén is Argentina's trekking capital, offering access to trails leading to iconic peaks Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
• Mount Fitz Roy: Also called Cerro Fitz Roy, this challenging peak in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field is a mecca for mountaineers and hikers, offering breathtaking vistas.
• Lago Argentino: Argentina's largest freshwater lake, spanning 1,415 square miles, offers scenic beauty and opportunities for exploration.
• Puerto Madryn : This coastal city in Chubut Province is a marine life hotspot and a gateway to Peninsula Valdés' abundant wildlife.
• Peninsula Valdés: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this wildlife paradise hosts southern right whales, elephant seals, penguins, and orcas in a crucial breeding ground.
• Cueva de las Manos: Found in Santa Cruz Province, this archaeological site boasts ancient cave paintings dating back 9,000 years, shedding light on Patagonia's indigenous history.
• Villa Traful and Villa La Angostura: Picturesque towns in the Argentine Lake District, surrounded by lakes, forests, and the Andes, provide tranquility and outdoor activities.
• Alerce Costero National Park: Situated in Los Ríos Region, this park is known for its ancient Alerce trees, some exceeding 3,000 years old.
• Pali Aike National Park: Located in Magallanes Region, this park showcases remarkable geological formations, including lava caves, craters, and archaeological sites.
• Ushuaia : As the world's southernmost city on Tierra del Fuego Island, Ushuaia is a base for exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park, offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and the famous "End of the World Train." It's also a significant departure point for Antarctic cruises.

Patagonia FAQs

Ushuaia airport & transportation.

• Stunning Natural Beauty: Travel to Patagonia to witness some of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes, including the Andes Mountains, the Perito Moreno Glacier, and the fjords of Tierra del Fuego.
• Outdoor Adventures: Patagonia travel offers a wide array of outdoor activities, from hiking in Torres del Paine National Park to kayaking in the Beagle Channel.
• Unique Wildlife Encounters: During your Patagonia tour you can discover diverse wildlife, including the Magellanic penguin colonies and the southern right whales.
• Photographic Opportunities: Capture the ever-changing scenery on your Patagonia trip, from snow-capped peaks to colorful valleys.
• Cultural Richness: Immerse yourself in Patagonia's indigenous cultures, like the Mapuche and Selk'nam, adding depth to your Patagonia travel experience. Learn about the local way of life, including the gaucho culture and the history of European colonization while visiting Patagonia.
• Diverse Weather: Patagonia's climate varies, mirroring its diverse geography. Its unpredictable weather, which can include experiencing "four seasons in a day," and its seasonal changes provide unique experiences, from spring blossoms to winter sports, on each visit.
• Adventure Opportunities: From trekking in Los Glaciares National Park to horseback riding in El Chaltén, Patagonia offers countless adventure options, making your Patagonia travel unforgettable.
• Eco-Tourism Initiatives: Responsible tourism initiatives in Patagonia focus on conservation and sustainable practices, protecting its fragile ecosystems during your Patagonia trip.
• Indulge in Local Cuisine: Sample regional dishes like roasted lamb and seafood, influenced by the unique culinary traditions of Patagonia.

Best Patagonia Cruise Lines for 2024-2025

• Silversea Cruises   - sail from Chile's Valparaiso to Argentina's capital Ushuaia and several more itineraries in Patagonia that offer all-inclusive Antarctica expedition cruises. This all-inclusive cruise comes with unlimited wine, cocktails, specialty beverages, daily high tea and canapés, Zodiac excursions with highly qualified naturalists onboard, all land tours, and local guides.
• Ponant  - subtly combines luxury, intimacy, and serene well-being. Patagonia evokes that exotic sense of distant lands on the far side of the world. On the  Le Boreal , travelers searching for a complete change of scenery are sure to be enchanted and delighted by the glaciers, the fjords, the vast plains, and the beautiful lakes surrounded by the serrated peaks of the Andes.
• Oceanwide Expeditions   - is a Dutch cruise line organizing polar voyages to the Arctic and Antarctica. Discover Patagonia's deep south, a spectacular landscape of natural beauty, where hiking paths reveal glacial lagoons, alpine meadows, and blue glaciers aboard the newest, most advanced vessel, Polar Class 6 cruise ship  MV Janssonius . 
• Aurora Expeditions   -   is an Australian-owned company with advanced, purpose-built expedition ships   Greg Mortimer  and  Sylvia Earle . Witness ice calving from Perito Moreno's 5km glacier front, watch the sunrise over the legendary Torres del Paine and enjoy breath-taking views from Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torres base camps. 
• Quark Expeditions   has seasoned veterans with rich backgrounds in marine biology, history, glaciology, geology, and more. Embark on a small polar vessel like the 172-guest  World Explorer , an all-balcony, all-suite expedition ship perfect for polar exploration, designed to navigate the fjords and waterways of Patagonia. 
• Lindblad Expeditions   - optimize your Patagonia experience with a land and sea expedition. Enjoy a three-day stay at the Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa or Explora Patagonia Hotel Salto Chico to fully appreciate Torres del Paine's famous vistas and wildlife. Then experience Patagonia's fjords, glaciers, and panoramic landscapes by expedition ship  National Geographic Resolution .
• Polar Latitudes  -   is a founder-owned and operated cruise company that offers a wide range of trips to Antarctica and Patagonian channels. Recent upgrades on the  MS Seaventure  ensure the latest safety and style, including state-of-the-art stabilization, ice-strengthened hulls, the newest communication systems, and beautifully designed rooms and common areas.
• Poseidon Expeditions   -   is a leading polar cruise operator with itineraries aboard the 114 capacity  Sea Spirit . This vessel has an ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smoother sailing on the Patagonian fjords.
• Hurtigruten   offers unique expedition cruises to some of the world's most remote and pristine waters. At home on  MS Roald Amundsen  your basecamp at sea, experience an informal, welcoming atmosphere, comfortable cabins, luxurious suites, and stylish interiors made from natural material on an all-inclusive Antarctica & Patagonia expedition.
• Skorpios Cruises  -  sail through fjords, gaze at glaciers and take in the spectacular landscape of Chilean Patagonia aboard the 160 guest  MV Skorpios II . 

Patagonia Travel Videos

Our Travel Stories

Elusive patagonia, tres amigos en patagonia, top patagonia travel destinations.

• Ainsworth Bay
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11 Day Patagonia Tour of Argentina and Chile

11 days, 2 countries and 10 cities

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10 Breakfasts, 1 Welcome Reception, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners, 1 Farewell Dinner

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Travel to the ends of the earth, from the flamboyant capital of Buenos Aires to the land of giants, roaming solitary steppes, the rugged Andes, and glacial lakes. Insider experiences including dinner with a Buenos Aires family and Patagonian cowboy cultural visit in Torres Del Paine enrich your Patagonia tour.

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11 days itinerary trip from Buenos Aires to Santiago visiting 2 countries and 10 cities

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Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, Los Glaciares National Park, Torres del Paine National Park and learn about the Patagonian culture from local vaqueros.

Visit Museo Maritimo y del Presidio

Scenic Cruise Cruise to the Balmaceda Glacier and Serrano Glacier

Scenic Cruise upon a boat ride up the Rio Serrano toward the Serrano Glacier

Scenic Drive from El Calafate to Torres del Paine National Park and from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas

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How to Travel to Patagonia: The Essential Guide for Visitors

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 24th January 2024

Turquoise lagoons perched beneath sharp, granite pillars and reached only by spellbinding hiking trails; chattering Magellanic and king penguin colonies; slow but magical boat journeys through untamed waters; glaciers towering higher than apartment blocks that calve house-sized bergs into icy waters below.

It’s fair to say that by choosing to travel to Patagonia, a wealth of unforgettable sights await.

Having found international fame as a truly beyond-the-beaten trail travel destination in recent years, Patagonia – a sparsely inhabited region that comprises the southern stretches of both Chile and Argentina – is increasingly finding its way onto travel itineraries and bucket lists .

Click to navigate this article:

A complete Patagonia travel guide

But, as with much of South America, this region can feel like a hard place to travel.

Planning a trip to Patagonia can be a challenge, due in part to just how big it is (at around one million square kilometers, it’s roughly the same size as Egypt or twice the size of Spain – although the exact definition of where Patagonia is is open to debate) and a lack of useful logistical information.

The vast majority of emails I receive each week revolve around questions about travel to Patagonia, with the nitty-gritty details of organizing a vacation in Patagonia or a longer-term trip something that my readers complain is hard to find online.

Patagonia is the place I’ve written most about over the last two years. I’ve spent around four months in the region, on three different occasions, the most recently on a research trip covering Chilean and Argentinean Patagonia for the new Moon Chile travel guidebook .

Need more inspiration?

You’ll find even more detailed itineraries, off-the-beaten-path gems, hiking routes and accommodation, restaurant and tour recommendations to suit your travel style in my brand-new guidebook, Moon Chile.

I’ve trawled the entire region, hiked many of its most acclaimed trails, slept beneath expansive, unpolluted night skies, and traveled by boat to almost the very tip of the South American continent.

All of this information has been used to inform this Patagonia travel guide and I’ve included links to plenty of other articles on Worldly Adventurer that have further details to help you in your trip planning.

In this guide, you can expect to learn about how to actually get to Patagonia , the best times and places to visit, and how to travel or backpack through the region on a budget . I’ve included as many details as possible to save you time, money, and stress on your trip.

If you’ve got questions, don’t hesitate to comment below or drop me an email .

Planning Your Trip to Patagonia?

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What previous clients have said:

“It’s refreshing to find someone with insider knowledge that can take you off the beaten track, away from the mainstream. I particularly liked the detail you give; where to stay and your favourite places. We stayed in some lovely places because of your knowledge, places that we would probably never have found. I also liked the fact that we could ask you questions whilst on the move. Lots to like Steph!”

Why go to Patagonia?

Patagonia is a hiker’s paradise.

Not only do you have the now world-renowned trails of Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, but across the border, Los Glaciares National Park is becoming an increasingly popular destination, particularly as visitor numbers to the Chilean national park rise exponentially each year.

But Patagonia is more than just hiking trails. Road tripping in Patagonia either along the Carretera Austral (Chile), through the wildernesses of Tierra del Fuego (Chile), or down Ruta 40 (Argentina) are equally memorable experiences.

Hitchhiking is another way of not only exploring Patagonia on a budget but also offers up incomparable chances to meet local people.

And then there’s the wildlife, ranging from elusive big cats to humpback whales and penguins and the vast glacier fields, where you can hike over millennial ice or even drink it in a cold glass of whisky.

As a region so far removed from the rest of both Argentina and Chile, life here is unique. A local saying, “el que se apura en la Patagonia, pierde el tiempo”, sums up everything you need to know about Patagonia: “he who rushes in Patagonia loses time”.

To truly get under the skin of this region, time is what you need. At least a month is recommended for seeing as much of Patagonia as possible (you can read my recommended three-week and one-month itineraries here ).

However, a shorter trip still offers some time to experience the region (these one and two-week itineraries can help you plan).

Just be aware that you visit Patagonia at your peril; it’s the kind of place that you find yourself returning to over and over again.

As they say in Patagonia, if you eat the local Calafate berry (it’s particularly delicious in a pisco sour), then you’ll be back in the future.

How to plan your Patagonia trip

The following information is the product of months of travel in Patagonia and I hope you find it useful for planning yours!

I often get asked: “Do I need a tour to explore Patagonia?”. As the information below highlights, then no, it isn’t necessary to have a tour.

Argentina economy update

The Argentine economy is a huge mess at the moment, with inflation expected to hit 200% this year. Using Argentine pesos can therefore be a nightmare – and mean you lose a lot of money. The blue dollar (an unofficial exchange rate that gives you a better conversion than the official rate) is around, but if you want to avoid carrying lots of cash, you can now pay using your credit card and get an exchange rate similar to the blue dollar rate. You must choose to pay in Argentine pesos (not USD!) to secure this rate.

Both Mastercard and Visa give you what is called the MEP rate, which is almost as good as the blue dollar rate. Mastercard will charge you the official rate but refund you the money a few days later; Visa will charge you the MEP rate from the beginning.

If you do want to have some Argentine pesos for paying in cash (which I highly recommend as you will need them for some restaurants and attractions), it’s best to use Western Union, whereby you send cash to yourself using the Western Union app and then withdraw it in Argentine pesos from one of their branches in Argentina. Bear in mind, those in El Calafate and Ushuaia can run dry of notes, so it can be easiest to do this in Buenos Aires.

Additionally, you can bring USD (unmarked and untorn hundred dollar bills), which you can exchange at “cuevas” (unofficial exchange houses). These will be able to give you the blue dollar rate and any hotel owner will be able to tell you where your nearest one is. Souvenir shops in most parts of the country will be able to give you pesos in exchange for dollar bills – although they might not give you the best rate.

Avoid cash machines. Currently, the maximum withdrawal is the equivalent of $15 USD in Argentine pesos and it will cost you $10 USD in fees.

While Patagonia is vast and the logistics of organizing your trip can be complicated, ultimately it’s far cheaper to do so alone.

I have a whole section of the blog dedicated to Patagonia travel , so you can head there for further Patagonia travel resources and guides.

However, if you want more guidance, there are various options available to you.

Firstly, I offer a Patagonia trip planning service , where I plan your full itinerary for your vacation in Patagonia using my expert knowledge of the region . I’ve had 150+ happy customers since I started offering the service in 2018 and can guarantee that the service will save you time, money and stress.

If leaving all of the planning and booking to someone else sounds even better, I have partnerships with local companies where you can get a discount for being a Worldly Adventurer reader:

• Chile Nativo can organize private trekking tours in Torres del Paine National Park (great if you’re struggling to book accommodation last minute) as well as across Patagonia. They offer a 5% discount and you need to use the discount referral code “Worldly Adventurer” when you book. Find out more here .
• EcoChile Travel run fully custom-made tours across Chile and Patagonia, organizing every step of the process. They also offer a 5% discount to Worldly Adventurer readers; just mention us when you enquire!

When to go to Patagonia

Patagonia’s extreme southern location means there are certain months of the year when it’s a better time to visit. However, when to travel to Patagonia depends a lot on what exactly you want to do there.

Although the exact limits of Patagonia remain debated (as it’s a region shared by two countries and not a nation), it theoretically starts at 41˚ south (Bariloche, Argentina) and ends at 56.5˚ south (Águila Islet, Chile).

As a result, snowfall is relatively common during winter, while blustering westerly winds are an issue throughout the year.

Patagonia in December through February: the Austral summer

The most popular time to visit Patagonia is during the Austral summer. Visiting Patagonia in December, January or February is when temperatures are at their highest, peaking at around 22°C (72°F).

However, because of the winds, which, are strongest in the summer and can hit up to 120 km/h (74 miles/h), the temperature can feel a few degrees cooler.

Weather systems also change rapidly, particularly in places such as Torres del Paine National Park, where you can often experience four seasons in one day: namely baking sunshine, cool breezes, rainfall, and even snow.

December, January, and February are also the best months for hiking and other outdoor activities in Patagonia, where it’s recommendable to wear layers, so you can layer up when it suddenly turns cold, or strip down if the sun comes out.

It’s also a good season for wildlife watching , as penguin colonies at Magdalena Island (Isla Magdalena) near Punta Arenas, Punta Tombo near Puerto Madryn and at Bahía Inútil on the island of Tierra del Fuego, arrive to nest from September until the end of March.

Humpback, minke and blue whales, Commerson’s and bottlenose dolphins, toninas (the Chilean dolphin), plus South American sea lions, and even otters can regularly be spied in the waters off the coasts of different parts of Patagonia.

Ferry journeys through Chilean Patagonia, such as the Navimag ferry from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales or the boat between Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams offer excellent opportunities for seeing marine mammals.

However, these months are when everyone travels to the region. Patagonia in January and February is particularly busy , as this is when most Chileans and Argentineans have their summer holidays.

As a result, buses and accommodations get booked up, trails are heaving with hikers and for those who like a bit of flexibility in their travel plans, it can be difficult to visit the region without having reserved everything a good few months in advance.

Patagonia travel tip: You’ll need to book your accommodation and campgrounds in Torres del Paine, at least four months before you plan to hike. Reservations theoretically open in June/July but if you email the companies directly, you can often get a reservation before this time. Get more information about organizing the Torres del Paine W trek without a tour .

Patagonia in September to November and March to May: fall and spring

I’ll admit that I’ve never traveled to Patagonia during the peak Argentinean and Chilean summer season.

Instead, I’ve always opted for the shoulder season: September through November and March through April.

The reason for this is that for me, the magic of Patagonia is in its sense of remote, untouched wildness – something that gets lost when it’s full of other tourists.

Personally, I think that the best time of the year to go to Patagonia is in the months that bookend the Austral summer.

Temperatures are still pleasant enough: in spring (October-November) temperatures hit up to 18°C (64°F) , while in fall (March-April) they hover around 10°C (50°F), although in my experience, when the sun’s out, it can feel a lot warmer.

Overnight temperatures can drop to below freezing during these months, so bring plenty of warm clothing if you’re going to be camping.

During both, rainfall is a possibility – but this is Patagonia: rainfall is always a possibility!

September and May are months that I would avoid if you’re planning on traveling independently, however . Both are just outside of the typical shoulder seasons and few, if any, tourist facilities are open during these months.

In Torres del Paine National Park, for example, you must hire a guide if visiting in these months, while trails in many other national parks are closed due to snow. The Carretera Austral can also be tricky because of snowfall and ice on the road.

In spring , the landscapes awaken to the prospect of a new year, with plants and greenery covering much of the mountainous west of the region, while in fall , it’s a great time for photographers as the lenga and Southern beech forests that cover much of Patagonia turn golden and orange with the approach of winter.

For both of these periods, crowds are fewer. Don’t underestimate the difference that this can make.

Following troops of hikers, 20-people deep, around the boardwalks of the Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate and elbowing them out of the way when you try and get a shot of the ice, isn’t personally my idea of fun.

Outside of peak season, accommodation and flights can sometimes be more inexpensive too and for the former, it’s often possible to even turn up without a reservation.

However, bear in mind that particularly in September and October and April and May, many restaurants, hotels and hostels, and tour agencies close for the year, meaning you might find yourself out of luck.

This is particularly the case along the Carretera Austral, where many of the towns seem to go into hibernation outside of summer.

Buses also return to their infrequent schedules, making a trip only possible if you have the time to wait sometimes a few days for the next one.

It’s also worth noting that winter sets in fast. On my first visit to Patagonia, I vividly remember shivering next to a wood fire in a hostel in Coyhaique despite wearing practically all of my clothes, so pack for cold weather.

Patagonia travel tip: Every time you arrive in a new place, you’ll want to double-check the bus timetables to be sure of when the next one is leaving. In spring and fall in Patagonia , you may find yourself waiting at least a few days for the next departure.

Patagonia in June through August: the Austral winter

Patagonia in winter is a unique experience. Heavy snowfall coats much of the region, particularly on the Chilean side, lending the landscapes a magical atmosphere.

As a result, traveling to and around Patagonia can be very difficult and you’ll find buses and even flights into the region have reduced timetables during the months of June through August.

What’s more, many hostels and hotels don’t have central heating and it can get seriously cold at night, even with access to a wood fire or gas heater.

Hiking trails can also end up being closed as snowfall and challenging conditions make them unsafe. In the last couple of years, Torres del Paine National Park has opened to tourists in winter, however, you must go with a licensed guide.

If you are planning to visit the park during this months, I recommend checking out Chile Nativo, a local operator who organize winter W treks (and give Worldly Adventurer readers a 5% discount if you use the discount referral code “Worldly Adventurer” when you book).

Los Glaciares and Tierra del Fuego national parks in Argentina are both open throughout the year, also be aware that trails often close due to snowfall and you can expect temperatures to drop to only a little above freezing during the day.

National parks along the Carretera Austral on the Chilean side are hard to visit in winter, mainly because much of the road (particularly south of Coyhaique) is unpaved and can be problematic after heavy rainfall or snow. Many of the lodgings outside of Coyhaique close for the winter.

However, Bariloche (theoretically the very northern tip of Patagonia – although this is debated ) is home to Cerro Catedral , Argentina’s top ski resort – and one of the best in South America. It has modern runs and lifts and plenty of places to stay during the night. You can expect snow between mid-June and September.

Patagonia travel tip: If you are planning on traveling to Patagonia in winter, I would recommend booking accommodation in advance, or at least confirming that hotels and other lodgings are available, as many close down when they don’t have guests.

How to get to Patagonia

The easiest way of getting to Patagonia depends on the side you wish to visit. Because Patagonia isn’t a country but a region divided between Argentina and Chile, there are various different ways to get to Patagonia.

Getting to Chilean Patagonia

Chilean Patagonia can be a bit of a headache to reach. Why?

You’ll notice if you look at the south of Chile on a map that the north of Patagonia (connected by the Carretera Austral – a road that goes from Puerto Montt in the north to Villa O’Higgins in the south) is actually separated from southern Patagonia by the Southern Patagonian Icefield.

This means it is virtually impossible to travel by road from Puerto Natales directly to the Carretera Austral.

There are ways – which I’ll discuss shortly – but bear in mind that if you want to see both Northern Chile and Southern Chile, you will likely have to cross into Argentinean Patagonia at some point. More on that later!

There are various different options for getting to Patagonia from Santiago. The cheapest way to get to Patagonia from Santiago is generally by flying – although it depends on when you book.

I always recommend comparing prices on Skyscanner.com and then booking directly with the companies themselves. This means that if there’s an issue with your flight or the timings need to change, you can communicate directly with the company rather than an intermediary.

Where to fly into Chilean Patagonia

Flying into Patagonia is often cheaper on the Chilean side than in Argentinean Patagonia, as Chile has more budget airline carriers.

• Jetsmart is the most inexpensive, although it operates fewer flights than other companies and you often have to pay an additional fee for hold baggage.
• Sky Airline is medium priced and has regular flights into Patagonia and again, you pay more for hold luggage.
• LATAM generally has the highest frequency of departures but they’re generally far more expensive. Hold luggage is normally included in the price.

Northern Chilean Patagonia and the Carretera Austral

The easiest way to get to Northern Patagonia and the Carretera Austral is via a flight or bus from Santiago to Puerto Montt (PMC) , the latter a city located just at the top of the Carretera Austral and from where there are plenty of onward connections south. The flight time to Puerto Montt is around one hour and 40 minutes.

Flights to this part of Patagonia are operated multiple times daily by the country’s three main providers: Jetsmart (very cheap but with fewer flights), Sky Airline (medium priced and with regular flights), and LATAM (highest frequency of departures but expensive).

Often, if you book at least a month in advance, you can get flights for as cheap as $15,000 CLP ($23 USD) one-way.

All three companies also fly directly from Santiago to Aérodromo Balmaceda (BBA), an airport about an hour’s drive south of Coyhaique , although Jetsmart only flies to this part of Patagonia between November and February (for prices as low as $7,000 CLP ($11 USD)). Be aware that the cheaper tickets may include a layover.

With the other two flight companies, there are only departures from Santiago to Aérodromo Balmaceda a few times per week and you can expect to pay anywhere between $22,000 CLP ($35 USD) and $66,000 CLP ($104 USD) one-way. Booking in advance is recommended for getting cheaper flights.

Southern Chilean Patagonia

Southern Chilean Patagonia has one main airport, Aeropuerto Presidente Carlos Ibáñez (PUQ ), a thirty-minute drive from the city of Punta Arenas .

There are normally around four flights daily in summer operated by LATAM, Sky Airline, and Jetsmart, and slightly fewer outside of these peak months, and the flight time to Punta Arenas is just under three hours 30 minutes from Santiago.

Flights can cost as little as $38,000 CLP ($49 USD) and up to $150,000 CLP ($164 USD) one way.

From the airport, it’s possible to pick up a direct bus to Puerto Natales or a transfer service into the city. The latter costs around $7,360 CLP ($8 USD) per person; minivans wait outside the arrivals hall for passengers.

A taxi should charge between $10,000 CLP ($11 USD) and $14,000 CLP ($16 USD).

Aeropuerto Teniente Julio Gallardo (PNT) is a smaller airport, six kilometers north of Puerto Natales.

LATAM have flights here from Santiago between two and four times weekly in the months of November through March; flights are more expensive than to Punta Arenas and start at around $73,000 CLP ($80 USD) one-way.

A taxi into Puerto Natales from the airport should cost around $10,000 CLP ($11 USD).

If you’re hoping to continue your journey into Northern Chilean Patagonia and the Carretera Austral, there are weekly flights (normally on Tuesdays) operated by the small airline Aeriovías DAP between Punta Arenas and Aérodromo Balmaceda (near Coyhaique).

Patagonia flights tip: Try and book Chilean flights directly through the Chilean version of the LATAM website, not the US version. You’ll notice substantial savings if you do this; unfortunately, the Chilean website is only in Spanish.

How to travel to Patagonia, Chile by bus

Northern patagonia.

Buses can often be the cheapest way to get to Patagonia, although flights can be even better for your budget if booked in advance.

To get to Patagonia from Santiago , take a bus from the Terminal Sur in Santiago, where you can find overnight buses to Puerto Montt ($18-27,000 CLP ($20-30 USD) semi-cama , $78,000 CLP ($85 USD) salon cama ; £95,000 CLP ($104 USD) Premium , thirteen hours), from where buses and boats continue south.

Food is not normally included in this service and if you want a better night’s sleep, shell out the couple of extra thousand pesos for a cama seat (a 160˚ recline and with more legroom) or the Premium (the new 180˚ recline) rather than for the semi-cama service (a 140˚ recline).

There are generally working toilets on board, although aim to not reserve a seat right next to one! It’s also wise to take hand sanitizer and spare toilet roll as hygiene can leave a lot to be desired.

You can generally find space on buses the day before or even the day or travel, although be aware that holidays and between January and February see a lot more locals using the buses – and fewer tickets available.

Southern Patagonia

It used to be possible to travel by bus to Southern Chilean Patagonia. Services used to leave Puerto Montt and travel the entire length of Patagonia (normally via the Argentinean side) and arrive in Punta Arenas , 32 hours later. They used to cost about the same amount you’d spend on the same plane journey. I’m not surprised that they’re no longer operating!

Patagonia bus travel tip : Most bus companies in Chile are bringing themselves into the 21st century with bus timetables published online and where you can even book tickets in advance. The main bus companies with the most frequent departures along this route include: Turbus , Pullman Sur, and Cruz del Sur . Websites that collate the bus information and through whom you can also book include Bus Bud , which is also in English, unlike the others.

How to travel to Patagonia, Chile by boat

My personal favorite way of traveling to Patagonia is by passenger and cargo ferry. Similar to arriving by bus, this way of getting to Patagonia is the slow journey – the contemplative way of travel that mimics the arrival of the first indigenous and colonial people to the region.

There are two main companies offering ferry journeys into Patagonia:

The Navimag

The Navimag has one route: departing from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales (four days/three nights; starting at $590 USD for bunk in shared cabin).

I’ve taken this journey and would strongly recommend it.

You can read up on the Navimag ferry to Puerto Natales for more price, itinerary, and general information plus a review of the experience.

The ferry is a cargo ship primarily and has been adapted to carry tourists so don’t expect a five-star, luxury cruise; instead, see it as a truly Patagonian adventure.

The Naviera Austral

The Naviera Austral has a selection of ferry routes that are used predominately by local people traveling around Northern Patagonia.

One leaves from Quellón in the south of Chiloé and travels down to Puerto Cisnes , about halfway down the Carretera Austral. This ferry leaves from Quellón on Tuesdays (6pm), Thursday (6pm) and Saturdays (5pm). You can  buy tickets online  or in their Puerto Montt office (Angelmó 1673). There are no cabins on this ferry, instead you purchase a chair, and you’ll need to bring your own food or make the most of the (limited) on-board cafeteria. It costs $29,000 CLP ($31 USD) for foot passengers and $170,000 CLP ($184 USD) vehicles and takes 12 hours.

Another ferry leaves from Quellón in the south of Chiloé and travels down to Puerto Chacabuco , further south along the Carretera Austral. This one stops at several small ports en-route, making it the ultimate ferry into Patagonia if you want to see the isolated fishing communities that still populate the edges of the fjords.

It’s cheap ($45,000 CLP ($48 USD) foot passengers, $290,000 CLP ($315 USD) per vehicle), long (31 hours), and you get a seat in the boat rather than a bed in a cabin. It leaves from Quellón on Thursdays and Sundays at 1am and again you can  buy tickets online  or in their Puerto Montt office (Angelmó 1673).

Read more about the Naviera Austral (scroll to about half-way down the article). Food is not included and you’ll want a sleeping bag or blanket to keep you warm overnight.

Patagonia boat travel tip : If you’re planning to travel to Patagonia in peak season (December through February), you’ll want to make reservations for these two ferries at least a couple of months in advance , particularly if you’re planning on taking a vehicle (both have space for cars). Bring plenty of warm, waterproof layers for time spent out on the deck watching the scenery and the wildlife pass; whenever you travel, the weather is likely to be changeable and often cold.

Getting to Argentinean Patagonia

Traveling to Argentinean is theoretically easier than getting to a lot of parts of Chilean Patagonia.

Well, on the eastern side of the Andes Mountains, the terrain is mostly pampa (flat grasslands). On the western side, it’s full of dense forests, mountains, glaciers, and fjords.

This means that bus travel from further north in Argentina is straightforward (if mind-numbingly long). Flights are also possible but generally more expensive than on the Chilean side.

Where to fly into Argentinean Patagonia

Unfortunately, flights in Argentina are expensive. However, if you’re on a short timeframe, they’re certainly worth it as they’ll save you from spending hours on the bus that could be used enjoying Patagonia.

From Buenos Aires to Patagonia you have three options of airports:

Aeropuerto Internacional Teniente Luis Candelaria (BRC) receives some five flights daily from the national airport, Aeroparque Jorge Newbury (note this is a different place than the international airport in Buenos Aires).

Your cheapest option is with Fly Bondi , a new low-cost airline in Argentina, who have two daily flights starting from $50USD. JetSmart often have similar prices.

Aerolíneas Argentinas , who are rubbish (they’re known for being delayed and losing luggage), also run this route and are the most regular carrier operating flights from Buenos Aires to Patagonia. LATAM also offers this route. Flight times are normally two hours.

El Calafate

Aeropuerto Internacional de El Calafate Comandante Armando Tola , just outside of El Calafate also has flights from Buenos Aires. The journey takes just short of three hours and costs from $114 USD one-way. LATAM also has flights but for around double the price.

Aeropuerto Internacional Malvinas Argentinas , a 15-minute drive from Ushuaia . Aerolíneas Argentinas and LATAM have five direct flights from Aeroparque Jorge Newbury to Ushuaia. One-way tickets cost from $140 USD.

From all three cities, there are plenty of overland travel routes into other parts of Patagonia (including the Chilean side) and flights.

Patagonia flights tip: Try and book flights directly through the Argentinean version of the LATAM website, not the US version. You’ll notice substantial savings if you do this; unfortunately, the Argentinean website is only in Spanish.

How to get to Argentinean Patagonia by bus

From Buenos Aires to Bariloche and the northern tip of Patagonia, it’s a 22-hour journey that can cost from $38,000 ARS ($108 USD).

From Bariloche, it’s a further 26 hours to 23 hours to El Chaltén ($62,000 ARS ($177 USD), where there are onward connections to El Calafate and Ushuaia.

Cama suites are the top of the range and include a 180˚ recline – like traveling business class. Cama ejectutivo or cama (160˚) and semi-cama (140˚ with little to no legroom) are the other two options and are progressively cheaper – and less comfortable.

When you book, double-check how far your seat reclines as these definitions vary between companies. A blanket and pillow are normally provided for cama suite and cama ejecutivo services.

Food (and even wine!) is normally provided on long bus journeys through Argentina but definitely check this when you book to avoid getting caught out – it can be a long time before you find yourself at a place where you can buy any food!

As with all bus journeys around Patagonia, take toilet paper and hand sanitizer as the bathrooms likely won’t be in the state that you would hope.

You can buy bus tickets in bus terminals in all cities, as well as online at Omnilíneas and Plataforma 10 . It’s worth booking a couple of days in advance for long-distance services.

Patagonia bus travel tip: Check before you buy how long the journey is as this can vary significantly between companies. Longer times indicate more stops along the route – something that can be a pain when you’re trying to sleep. It is worth noting that the Argentinian Peso exchange rate is very changeable so do double check prices closer to the time of your trip.

The best way to see Patagonia

So you’ve traveled to Patagonia; now what?

As we’ve already discussed, Patagonia is one hell of a big region and getting around (and planning how you do it) can feel like another mammoth task.

Let’s break it down into the easiest and best ways to see and get around Patagonia.

Best way to travel around Chilean Patagonia

Bus is the easiest way to get between cities in Southern Chilean Patagonia and also to cross into Argentina.

• Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales: Buses leave hourly between the two cities ($8,000 CLP ($13 USD); 3hrs 15mins) Bus Sur and Buses Fernandez have their own terminals in Punta Arenas and operate out of the Terminal Rodoviario bus station in Puerto Natales.
• Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park: Buses leave at 7.30am and 2.30pm from the Terminal Rodoviario bus station in Puerto Natales and take two hours 15 minutes to reach the first stop in the park ($8,000 CLP ($13 USD)). For more information, read this guide to Torres del Paine and the W hike .
• Puerto Natales to El Calafate: Buses leave at least once daily for El Calafate in Argentina, operated by Bus Sur , COOTRA and Turismo Zaahj . The journey costs $17,000 CLP ($27 USD) and can take anywhere between five and eight hours, depending on the queues at the border.
• Punta Arenas to Ushuaia: Bus Sur have three direct services per week to Ushuaia.

In Northern Chilean Patagonia , buses generally leave every day between towns and cities, although buses traveling longer distances (such as directly between Coyhaique and Futaleufú or Chaitén), often only have once-weekly departures.

That said, it’s normally possible to hop on a bus traveling to the next town (and then onwards) or hitchhike .

The main bus companies in Northern Chilean Patagonia are:

• Kemelbus : daily services between Puerto Montt and Chaitén.
• Buses Cárdenas (tel. 9/4268 0432): daily services between Futaleufú and Chaitén.
• Buses Becker : destinations from Coyhaique north.
• Aguilas Patagonicas (tel. 67/2112 88): daily services from Coyhaique to Cochrane south and from Cochrane to Villa O’Higgins (via Caleta Tortel).

Read on for more information about bus transport along the Carretera Austral or get tips about hitchhiking safely in South America .

Patagonia bus travel tip: Book at least the day before, even for short journeys, between December and February. You may need to even book a few more days in advance between Puerto Natales and El Calafate. Recorrido and Voy Hoy can be useful for finding up-to-date bus timetables.

Some of the activities in Patagonia that I’ve most enjoyed have been the ferry journeys. Aside from the Navimag and Naviera Austral services into Patagonia, there are also a handful of boats that ply the waters around Patagonia.

The Yaghan: Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams

Off all the boat trips I’ve taken in Patagonia, I can honestly say that the TABSA-operated Yaghan ferry from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams was my absolute favourite.

This 32-hour journey is aboard a converted cargo ferry that sets sail twice weekly from the Terminal de Ferry Tres Puentes in Punta Arenas, navigating south through the Strait of Magellan, into the labyrinthine, green-drenched Chilean fjords before joining the Beagle Channel and docking finally at Puerto Williams.

I boarded the ferry at the end of March and we had the most spectacular weather: blue skies and the calmest, crystalline waters that you can imagine.

Every few minutes we spotted more wildlife: Magellanic penguins floating atop the water; South American fur seals and sea lions shrugging their fins at us as they dipped in and out of the water; albatrosses cresting the boat; and finishing with a family of humpback waves leaping out of the water as we entered the Beagle Channel.

What’s more, the journey along the Beagle Channel is made even more spectacular by the fact that you pass mid-afternoon through Glacier Alley, a row of tidewater glaciers plunging down the edges of the Darwin Mountains and into the water.

Accommodation is more like a bus than a traditional boat. Foreigners booking in advance (something essential between December and March; aim for at least two months) pay $151,100 CLP ($237 USD) for a cama seat (180˚ recline with a separator between you and the person behind and in front).

Locals and those who snag a spot in the 24 hours before departure (obviously only if there is space left) pay $108,100 CLP ($170 USD) for a semi-cama (160˚ recline and a lot less space).

There are charging sockets on board, hot showers and three, three-course meals per day served in a poky downstairs dining area. They seemed able to cater to most dietary requirements as you’re required to indicate this when you book.

Be aware that while the return journey departing from Puerto Williams still promises stunning scenery, the boat passes through Glacier Alley late evening/in darkness. The journey from Punta Arenas south guarantees the best views.

Schedules change monthly and you need to book and pay online on the TABSA website . We left around 6pm in the evening from Punta Arenas and that meant that we were in front of Glacier Alley early afternoon, so bear that in mind when you book your ferry (later times may mean you pass the glaciers during the night).

The Cruz Australis: Puerto Natales to Caleta Tortel

Similar to the Yaghan, the Cruz Australis is a cargo boat that now carries passengers the 42-hour journey between Puerto Natales to Caleta Tortel, a town close to the southern tip of the Carretera Austral and terminating in Puerto Yungay, 43 kilometers east.

This vessel has faced few adaptations for tourists and is less comfortable: for example, the ratio of passengers to showers and toilets is somewhat lower and the food quality and quantity leaves a lot to be desired.

All seats are semi-cama (160˚ recline) and unfortunately, foreigners get to pay $125,160 CLP ($197 USD) per person, five times the cost for Chileans. Blankets are provided but it can get cold, so bring extra layers.

However, this trip feels similarly wild and provides an easy connection between Southern Chilean Patagonia and the Carretera Austral, particularly for those with a vehicle (at an additional cost) or who don’t fancy hiking with all their belongings between El Chaltén and Villa O’Higgins.

You also get to stop at Puerto Eden, a magnificent fjord-side settlement home to around 170 people, including the final members of the indigenous Kawésqar group.

The boat leaves weekly from Puerto Natales at 5am, although all passengers and those with vehicles are required to board the previous night. Three meals per day are included, although extra snacks are recommended as portion size and quality is not the best.

You can book and pay for this online directly through the TABSA website .

Patagonia boat travel tip: For both journeys, an eye mask and ear plugs to escape the pesky light and noise of the television screens, and a towel to make use of the hot showers in a small day pack is recommended; you’re required to leave luggage in a locked room off the main deck upon entry. You’ll get them back when you dock. You’ll also want warm, windproof, and waterproof clothes for time spent on dock watching the scenery go past.

Speedboats between Puerto Williams and Ushuaia

This journey isn’t exactly a ferry journey but is worth mentioning as it’s a useful way of getting between Chilean and Argentinean Patagonia.

Speedboats connect Puerto Williams (the southernmost Chilean settlement in Patagonia), with Ushuaia (the southernmost Argentinean settlement in Patagonia) by crossing the Beagle Channel, with a journey time of around 40 minutes and quite a high chance of spotting whales – we saw a group of humpback whales very close to our boat.

March 2023 update: No speedboats are currently operating between Puerto Williams and Ushuaia. I expect these to restart for the 2023/2024 season, however, I cannot currently confirm this.

The scenery is spectacular on a clear day because of the sharp, sky-spearing mountains that line both the Chilean and Argentinean sides of the channel.

Unfortunately, the journey is exceptionally expensive: $120 USD one-way, $220 USD return. It’s also really badly organized, particularly if you’re traveling from Puerto Williams to Ushuaia, not the other way around.

Boats leave daily Tuesday through Sunday, normally departing around 9am from the ports in Ushuaia or from the Gobernación building in Puerto Williams; boarding crossing formalities are conducted in both and you’ll be guided through the process by the boat staff.

Ferry tickets can be bought in Puerto Williams at Shila, a shop opposite the Gobernación building, or in Ushuaia from Seaboat , an agency located on the Muelle Turístic.

Ferries to Cape Horn

Finally, another popular boat trip in Patagonia is the journey to Cape Horn on Isla Hornos.

This island is mistakenly considered the southernmost point of South America, which is actually the Diego Ramírez Islands 104 kilometers south.

Either way, this trip has long appealed to adventurous tourists as the act of “Round the Horn” was considered the utmost test for sailors over the centuries when Cape Horn offered the fastest route around South America before the construction of the Panama Canal.

This barren, isolated island is inhabited by a member of the Chilean Navy and his family (although only for periods of up to a year) and you can visit with boats from Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, with the chance – if the weather conditions are optimum – to land on the island and visit the lighthouse.

There’s also the Cape Horn Monument, which was erected to honor all the sailors who died across the centuries by drowning in the fierce waves that lash the coastline.

Australis is the best-known company offering Patagonia cruise tours, with a focus on adventure over luxury – although their boats are notably more comfortable than the ferry journeys mentioned above.

However, they don’t come cheap and you can expect to pay $4,586 USD for two people sharing a twin room on a three-night, four-day cruise, including Glacier Alley, the penguin colony on Isla Magdalena, and Cape Horn.

If you’re more interested in a “local” experience (and still incredible views of Glacier Alley), I would strongly recommend the TABSA boat trip from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams at a significantly more affordable price.

If you’ve got a shorter trip or don’t fancy spending a few days on a boat or bus, you can also take internal flights around Patagonia.

Connecting Southern Patagonia with the Carretera Austral, there are weekly flights (normally on Tuesdays) operated by Aeriovías DAP  between Punta Arenas and Aérodromo Balmaceda.

This company also flies two times weekly (normally Wednesday and Saturday, only November through March) between Punta Arenas and Ushuaia and has daily flights (Monday-Saturday) between Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams.

Car rental in Patagonia

Renting a car or a campervan can be a useful way of getting around Patagonia at your own pace and having the chance to explore parts that few tourists see.

Car rental is generally cheaper in Chile than in Argentina and there are plenty of global companies here that add to the competition – and keep prices down.

One of the biggest issues I have faced with car rental in Patagonia and Chile, in general, is insurance. In this country, third-party, rather than fully-comprehensive, is the norm.

Some local rental companies won’t even allow you to add extra insurance on top of their basic policy – meaning that you’ll be required to pay anywhere from $700,000 CLP ($1,100 USD) to $950,000 CLP ($1,500 USD) as a security deposit (excess) when you book the car – and you won’t see any of that money again in the event of an accident.

This is perhaps more normal in the USA, but a shift from what you can expect if you’re used to renting in the UK or Europe.

I’ve previously used car hire excess insurance (sometimes known as excess damage waiver insurance) that protects you from having to use the security deposit to pay the excess if the car is damaged in any way.

This can cost as little as $50 USD a year (or less for one trip) and should prevent you from stumping up whatever excess is written into the insurance policy.

I’ve rented cars across Chile and I personally recommend using RentalCars.com  as I’ve found them to be the most reliable and consistently offer the cheapest rental, with prices often starting at around $12,000 CLP ($19 USD) per day.

RentalCars.com link you up to budget car rental companies across Chile and also allow you to add on fully-comprehensive insurance when you book

I’ve rented a car in Patagonia through Europcar and Budget as well, however, I’ve always ended up paying an elevated price as I’ve struggled to rent vehicles through their Chilean websites as you often need a RUT (a Chilean identity document) to book – through their international website, prices are often significantly higher.

As a result, I tend to now go through RentalCars.com as it’s a) in English so you can be 100% what insurance you’re getting and b) in the event of an accident and where you need to claim money back from insurance, you can speak to someone in English – rather than Spanish.

For more tips and tricks, head to my guide to car rental in Patagonia .

Campervan and motorhome rental in Patagonia

If you’re planning a trip for one month or longer in Patagonia, renting a campervan can be a good way of saving money on accommodation and transport costs and will also grant you a lot more flexibility.

In Chile, the main campervan rental companies include:

• Soul Vans : rent vans from Santiago and Punta Arenas
• Wicked : rent vans from Santiago, Punta Arenas, and Puerto Varas in Patagonia
• Condor Campers : pick-up from Santiago, plus Punta Arenas and Puerto Varas (the latter of which you’ll be charged $380,000 CLP ($597 USD) to do so).

For motorhomes and larger camper vans , check out:

• Holiday Rent : pick-up and drop-off in Santiago or Punta Arenas.
• Andes Campers : pick-up only from Santiago or from other cities for a fee and with a limit of 250 kilometers daily.

Patagonia car and campervan rental tip: One-way fees (where the pick-up and drop-off are in different places) can be crippling, particularly if you plan on hiring a vehicle in Punta Arenas and dropping it off in Puerto Montt, for example.

If you’re traveling out of peak season, it’s worth checking out one-way deals offered by campervan rental companies.

These normally come about when they need to shift vehicles at the start or end of the season from one side of the country, and they will give you a significantly discounted price if you drive it for them.

The only problem is you’ll need to fit around their dates – but they won’t charge you a one-way fee. Check out Soul Vans , who sometimes offer one-way deals.

Rental car and van insurance in Patagonia

Theoretically, you need an international driving license to rent a car in Chile, however, I have never been asked to show this in two years of hiring vehicles here.

In addition to the obligatory car insurance for your vehicle, if you plan to cross the border into Argentina you will need a notarized document from the car rental company to legally allow you to cross:

• This costs from $70,000 CLP ($110 USD) to $130,000 CLP ($200 USD) and normally needs to be arranged between seven and ten days in advance of picking up the hire car. This should include third-party insurance in Argentina but double-check exactly what your insurance is going to be when you cross the border.
• An extra security bond may also be required by the rental company.

Things to be aware of when hiring a car in Chilean Patagonia :

• You may not be covered to drive on some roads in Patagonia if you rent a small, 2×4 vehicle. I was told when I was renting in Coyhaique that I could take a Chevrolet Spark, but it wouldn’t be insured for driving on the Carretera Austral! Therefore, you may be required to upgrade (at a significant cost) to a 4×4 if you want to drive outside of cities in Patagonia and on gravel or unpaved roads.
• Few companies offer tow-truck assistance if you break down in Patagonia . When it happened to me in Tierra del Fuego, we ended up waiting by the side of the road for about seven hours until they managed to get a new rental car out to us.
• Always carry plenty of food and drink and warm clothes in case of breakdowns. A Chilean and Argentinean sim (or one that works abroad) in case of emergency is also essential. I recommend Entel in Chile and Claro in Argentina.
• In COPEC gas stations (the most common type in Chile), you can normally find the “Rutas de Chile” COPEC map, which all of the COPEC gas stations in Patagonia marked . It’s worth investing in this as it’s good for map reading but also knowing where you can next buy gas.
• Driving along the Carretera Austral is hazardous not only because of the poor state of the roads (we’re talking building-sized potholes) but also the lack of care shown by other drivers on the road. Take it slow to avoid crashing around tight bends and dislodging pesky pieces of gravel that can do serious damage to windscreens.
• Always have your drivers licence, insurance papers, and passport on you in case you get stopped by the police. Chilean cops are not corrupt, so don’t ever attempt to bribe them. Just be polite and follow what they ask you to do.
• Knowledge of some Spanish will make your life easier when hiring a rental car.

Rental car and van insurance travel tip : If you plan to take a Patagonia road trip away from the main cities and into mostly uninhabited territories, such as Tierra del Fuego or into isolated parts of the Carretera Austral, it’s always essential to fill up your vehicle before leaving as fuel can be hard to find in some parts.

An additional fuel container (plastic is the only type allowed) is also worthwhile and you can often request these from your car rental company before you depart.

Best way to travel around Argentinean Patagonia

The Argentinean pampa is a lot easier to navigate than the Chilean side of Patagonia and bus transport is more regular and often more comfortable, making this probably the best way to travel around Argentinean Patagonia.

El Chaltén to El Calafate: From the Terminal de Ómnibuses in El Chaltén, Cal-Tur , and Chaltén Travel have five daily departures to El Calafate (three hours, $600 ARS ($22 USD)).

El Calafate to Ushuaia: TAQSA has daily buses between El Calafate and Ushuaia (16 hours, $2,000 ARS ($75 USD)).

You can buy bus tickets in bus terminals or bus company offices in all cities, as well as online at Omnilíneas and Plataforma 10 . It’s worth booking a couple of days in advance for long-distance services.

Domestic flights in Argentina are expensive, however, they can be useful when you’re on a short trip to Patagonia.

From Bariloche, Aeropuerto Internacional Teniente Luis Candelaria (BRC), Aerolíneas Argentinas have one flight per day ($103 USD; one hour 45 minutes) to El Calafate and one daily to Ushuaia ($104 USD; five hours 50 minutes).

From Aeropuerto Internacional de El Calafate Comandante Armando Tola , just outside of El Calafate, there are normally two flights daily to Ushuaia. The journey takes one hour twenty minutes and costs from $94 USD one-way.

As mentioned above, Aeriovías DAP   has twice-weekly (normally Wednesdays and Saturdays, only November through March) between Punta Arenas and Ushuaia.

Car rental in Argentinean Patagonia

All admit that I’ve never rented a car in Argentinean Patagonia. Want to know why?

Well, several reasons:

• It’s expensive, particularly when compared with Chilean car rental prices.
• Distances in Argentinean Patagonia are vast and actually, once you get out of the main tourist hubs (Ushuaia, El Calafate, El Chaltén), there’s not an awful lot to see that you can’t reach by bus. Puerto Madryn is the real exception to this – although you can get there by bus, it’s just a lot of hassle.

The only place I would suggest it makes sense to rent a car in Argentina is in Ushuaia as it makes it significantly easier (and cheaper) to visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, as you’ll save cash on the $20 USD per person bus fare into the park from Ushuaia, and you can tack on a day trip to Estancia Harberton and Laguna Esmeralda too.

However, if you do want to hire a car when you’re in Patagonia, I again recommend going through RentalCars.com where you can get a vehicle from $55 USD per day.

Things to look out for when hiring a rental car in Argentinean Patagonia :

• Be sure to read your insurance policy carefully to see whether you have third-party or fully comprehensive insurance included – again, another bonus of going with an international company such as this as all of the documents are in English.
• You may not be covered to drive on gravel or unpaved roads so confirm this when booking.
• If crossing the border into Chile, you will need additional insurance from the rental company . See above for further information.
• Check if you have a limit on how many kilometers you can drive per day . This is often capped at 200 kilometers (after which you’ll be charged extra per kilometer).
• You may be able to negotiate a lower rental price when you arrive to pick up the car.
• It’s worth photographing pre-existing damage to the rental vehicle to avoid arguments when you return it.
• Always have your driving license, insurance papers, and passport on you in case you get stopped by the police.

If you want to rent a camper van in Patagonia, I’d recommend going with a Chilean company.

Patagonia by train

Although train travel is perhaps the most romantic way of getting around Patagonia, travelers will be disappointed to hear that few of the lines that were once used to carry freight remain in operation.

The most famous is the steam-powered La Trochita, aka the 1922 Old Patagonian Express that found fame in Paul Theroux’s eponymous travelogue.

Nowadays, it only travels the short 20 kilometers to Nahua Pan, the first station on the train’s old route and back again. It costs $900 ARS ($33 USD) for the return ticket.

In summer, it leaves every Saturday, while in winter, it’s generally once a month. You can find out more information on the official website .

Patagonia road trip itinerary

Many travelers opt to hire a rental car or even buy a vehicle as a way of exploring Patagonia and having the flexibility to visit beyond-the-beaten-trail destinations.

If you’re hoping to plan a Patagonian road trip, I would recommend setting aside at least one month – but preferably more.

This will allow you to see the region’s most unmissable destinations without feeling like you’re on a strict time limit.

Unless traveling with a motorhome or campervan, you’ll want to pack decent camping equipment.

This includes a tent that can survive both the fierce Patagonian winds and the unrelenting rains (find out why I love the Big Agnes Copper Spur ) and a good cooking kit that can withstand both of these weather conditions too.

A spare petrol can, sat nav or map (I use the free maps.me as it has always worked very successfully for hiking and driving in Patagonia) and knowing how to change a tire are other essentials for a road trip through Patagonia.

In terms of itineraries, it depends where you plan to visit in Patagonia and how long you have to hand. I strongly recommend the following:

• The Carretera Austral: Chilean Patagonia’s ultimate road trip is from north to south along the region’s most isolated road. Construction started during the dictatorship and is still underway as this serpentine road is finally being fully paved – although there’s a long way to go. Highlights include Patagonia and Pumalín, two brand-new national parks that were brought into being by Conservación Patagonica (the late Doug Tompkins’ foundation); Caleta Tortel, a village connected entirely by wooden boardwalks; and the glaciers of the Southern Patagonia and Northern Patagonia Ice Fields. Read on for my complete travel guide to the Carretera Austral .
• Ruta 40 : Argentinean Patagonia’s most famous road is Ruta 40, a highway that actually transverses the entire country from north to south. The Patagonian stretch starts in Bariloche, slicing through the pampas as it bypasses El Bolsón, Esquel, Perito Moreno, El Chaltén, and El Calafate, before ending in Río Gallegos. It’s not for the faint of heart, with blustery winds and poorly-maintained roads making it one where you can’t drop your concentration for a minute, but it does promises exceptional views of the Andes Mountains and takes you along the region’s most interesting tourist hotspots. For tips on driving it, take a look at this article and this blog post .
• Tierra del Fuego: Another Patagonia road trip that you can take, although few people do, is into Tierra del Fuego. Plenty of travelers drive along the eastern half through Argentinean Patagonia and Ushuaia; however, the scenery on the western side, as a lone, unpaved road heads south from the ferry crossing at Punta Delgada, is sensational. Comprising angular mountain peaks (the final stretches of the Andes) interspersed with crystalline lakes and lenga beech forests filled with guanaco and foxes, this is the place to go if you’re looking for wild, untouched Patagonia. There’s little written about this on the internet yet, so you’ll have to stay tuned for when I write a post about it or you download my one-month backpacking itinerary , which already contains some key information.

Crossing the border between Argentina and Chile

Most trips to Patagonia involve quite a lot of border crossings, as you’ll likely want to move from Puerto Natales over to El Calafate, or from Argentina onto the Carretera Austral.

It’s not unusual to sometimes even cross the border multiple times in one day!

This is all perfectly legal, although you must ensure that you’ve got the necessary visa or pay a reciprocal fee where required (see these lists for Chile and for Argentina ).

Upon entry into either country, you are issued a 90-day stamp, which is renewed every time you cross in and out.

As I’ve indicated above, crossing between Argentina and Chile is relatively straightforward, however, in some cases, it is something that needs to be pre-planned.

Crossing the border with public transport

Crossing the Patagonian border can be a quick, stress-free process (somewhere between 30 and 45 minutes) or a frustratingly long one (various hours). In summer, queues at popular borders, such as Paso Río Don Guillermo (near Puerto Natales) and Paso Integración Austral (near Río Gallegos), can be very long.

If you’re on a public bus, you’ll be guided through the process by the bus driver, who’ll drop you off on one side of the border, wait for formalities to finish, and then allow you to re-board the bus, before taking you across the border and repeating this process.

The time spent at the border can also be increased by the fact that all luggage entering Chile is checked firstly by sniffer dogs and then put through an x-ray machine.

This is because you are not allowed to bring fruit, vegetables, or animal products with you across the border. The customs authorities are very strict about this and you can face a fine if you do attempt to bring any of these items and don’t declare them.

Whenever entering Chile, it is much better to declare everything and face having it taken off you, than run the risk of a large fine.

Theoretically, the Argentinean border control should check the same, however, I’ve never seen this happen, so you are generally fine to take food items if crossing in that direction.

Crossing the border with a rental car

To be legally able to cross the border in a rental car, you will need:

• A notarized document from the car rental company to legally allow you to cross.
• In Chile, this costs from $70,000 CLP ($110 USD) to $130,000 CLP ($200 USD).
• It needs to be arranged between seven and ten days in advance of picking up the hire car.
• Your car hire and this document should, theoretically, cover third-party insurance in Argentina but double-check exactly what is included in your insurance when you confirm the car rental.

There’s a great overview of the different stages of the border crossing here ; it’s from 2012 but the main information is still valid.

Patagonia border crossing tip: Aim to arrive at borders as early in the day as possible (although they normally don’t open until 8am: you can check opening hours on the official border website here . The Aisén and Magallanes Regions are the ones you want for Patagonia border crossings). Public buses begin to arrive from mid-morning onwards and that’s when the queues start.

Patagonia trip itineraries

If you’re looking for suggested travel routes through Patagonia, this is a subject that I’ve written extensively about.

One week in Patagonia travel itinerary

Although one week certainly isn’t enough to get the best out of Patagonia, you can just about fly from Santiago to Patagonia and squeeze in the W hike in Torres del Paine National Park.

Alternatively, starting in Buenos Aires, you can fly to El Calafate to admire the Perito Moreno Glacier, and spend a couple of days hiking in Los Glaciares National Park near El Chaltén.

For full details, read my one-week Patagonia travel itineraries article .

Patagonia in two weeks

Two weeks is definitely a better amount of time to dedicate to a trip around Patagonia. With two weeks, you can sail by ferry down through the Chilean fjords, before visiting highlights of the Carretera Austral (including the Marble Caves, Parque Patagonia, and the Queulat Hanging Glacier).

For hiking aficionados, you can spend just shy of two weeks hiking the O Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park, a challenging but worthy trek through untamed scenery.

For full details, read my two-week Patagonia travel itineraries article .

Three-week Patagonia backpacking trip

With three weeks in Patagonia, you can hike the region’s best treks, including the O Circuit in Torres del Paine, various routes through Los Glaciares National Park near El Chaltén, and those in Tierra del Fuego National Park near Ushuaia.

Alternatively, you can day-trip into Torres del Paine, see the Perito Moreno Glacier, hang out in El Chaltén before hiking across the border to Villa O’Higgins in Chile, where you head north along the Carretera Austral, stopping at the Marble Caves, the Queulat Hanging Glacier, and Parque Pumalín en-route.

For full details, read my three-week Patagonia travel itineraries article .

One-month backpacking in Patagonia itinerary

Now we’re talking! With an entire month, you can just about see all of Southern Patagonia, both the Chilean and Argentinean sides.

You’ll arrive by ferry to Puerto Natales, hike the O Circuit, visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, hike in Los Glaciares National Park, head through Tierra del Fuego via a king penguin colony and explore the southernmost reaches of Chile before visiting Ushuaia and ending your trip with a visit to the volcanic landscapes of Pali Aike National Park.

For full details, download my one-month in Patagonia travel itinerary .

What to pack for Patagonia

Your packing list for Patagonia will depend a lot on what activities you plan to do on your trip.

• Your passport, with at least six months’ validity
• Your driving license (if you plan on hiring a car)
• Moon Chile and Lonely Planet Argentina
• In Patagonia

Day-to-day equipment

• Microfibre travel towel ; Check them out on REI | Amazon
• Flip flops or light-weight sandals;  I’m a convert of Teva sandals ; they are lightweight and so comfortable. Check them out on REI | Backcountry | Amazon
• Hat, scarf, and gloves; I love the Buff headband that doubles up as a scarf too, check it on  REI | Amazon
• Compression sacks for keeping everything ordered in your bag ; Check them out on REI | Backcountry | Amazon
• Universal adapter plug (Type C (Chile) and Type C and I (Argentina)); Check them out on Amazon
• Battery pack for charging your phone on the move ; Check them out on Amazon and REI
• Sturdy padlock for use with lockers in dorm bedrooms ; Check them out on  Amazon
• Steripen for use in Argentina or on the trail; Check it out on REI | Amazon or read my honest review of the Steripen Adventurer
• Extra batteries (they’re very specific for the Steripen); Get them on  Amazon
• Nalgene reusable water bottle ; Check them out on  REI | Backcountry | Amazon
• Medical kit for emergencies ; Check them out on  Amazon or  REI  or you can easily put one together yourself

Hiking equipment

• Sturdy hiking boots ; I have a pair of  Salomon hiking boots . Check them out on REI | Backcountry | Amazon or the men’s version on REI | Backcountry | Amazon
• “Inner” and “outer” socks to stop your boots from rubbing; merino wool socks are good as the thicker pair and they help to wick away moisture quickly from your feet: get outer socks on REI | Darn Tough | Amazon and liner socks on REI | Darn Tough | Amazon
• Trekking poles ; These can be invaluable as they can help take some of the pressure off your hips and feet when you’re walking. Check them out from Black Diamond on REI | Backcountry | Amazon .
• A lightweight but waterproof and windproof jacket; I love the Patagonia Storm10 Jacket as it’s an ultralight, easy-to-pack but fully waterproof jacket ( Patagonia ); the North Face Alta Vista Jacket ( Amazon | REI ) is significantly cheaper but offers good weather protection. For him: check out the men’s version of the Patagonia Storm10 Jacket on REI | Backcountry | Patagonia ; if you want something more affordable, the North Face Alta Vista ( Amazon| REI ) is a good shout. I’ve also heard great things about Arc’teryx ( REI | Amazon ) too
• Windproof and quick-drying pants if you plan on hiking in Patagonia ; prAna has a great range available on  REI | Backcountry | Amazon ; for men, check out Columbia’s Silver Ridge pants on  REI | Backcountry | Amazon
• A warm fleece jacket or down jacket ; Check fleece jackets out for women: Amazon  or REI ; for men: on  Amazon or REI . I also love my new Jack Wolfskin down jacket ( Amazon ), as it’s extremely warm and lightweight
• A day pack for day hiking ; I use the Lowe Alpine 22l day pack but for readers not from the UK, Osprey has excellent packs (for women REI | Amazon and for men REI | Osprey | Amazon )
• A 60-liter rucksack if you plan on hiking the O Circuit or other multi-day hikes ; I love Berghaus , but if you’re not in the UK, Osprey is again a far better option. You can check out Osprey rucksacks for women on  REI | Osprey | Amazon and for men on  REI | Osprey | Amazon
• Dry bags for keeping your electronics dry when it rains ; Check out Sea to Summit dry bags on REI | Backcountry | Amazon
• Hiking maps ; check out Trekking Chile : they have the best selection of hiking maps – something very difficult to find in Chile.

Camping equipment

• Headlamp ; Check them out on  REI | Black Diamond | Backcountry |
• A lightweight tent ; I recommend the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 ( REI | Backcountry | Amazon ). You can read my review of the Big Agnes Copper Spur  too. The North Face Stormbreak 2 ( REI | Backcountry | Amazon )and roomier Stormbreak 3 ( REI ) are cheaper alternatives.
• Sleeping bag ; I recommend the Rab Ascent 700 Women’s (UK or Canada only) but if you’re in the US, for women, I suggest the Marmot Trestles Elite 30 (find it on REI | Backcountry | Amazon ); for men, the cheaper Marmot Ultra Elite 30 ( REI | Backcountry ) and the expensive Sierra Designs Cloud 800 ( Backcountry | Amazon ) both have rave reviews.
• Sleeping pad ; I really love the Alpkit Cloud Base sleeping mat but it’s not made it to the US yet. Instead, Therm-a-rest have a good line of affordable pads ( REI | Backcountry | Amazon ) or their Prolite is a more expensive and more comfortable option ( REI | Backcountry | Amazon )
• Lightweight and easy to clean cooking equipment; I recommend the MSR pots : check them out on Backcountry | Amazon
• A cooking stove that can survive windy weather ; I recommend the affordable and lightweight MSR PocketRocket ( REI | Backcountry | Amazon )
• Collapsible Bowl;  Check it out on REI | Backcountry | Amazon
• Camping Mug;  Check them out on REI | Backcountry | Amazon
• Spork;  Check it out on REI | Backcountry | Amazon

Road trip equipment

• In car converter plug ; check them out on  Amazon
• Copec “Rutas de Chile” map ; you can pick this up in most COPEC gas stations.

Get a full download of this list, with extra information about my reasoning behind my recommendations over at the complete Patagonia packing list .

How much does a Patagonia trip cost?

One of the biggest concerns for travellers to Patagonia is the cost of the overall trip. Patagonia is a notoriously expensive destination to visit, particularly when compared to other parts of South America.

As a rule of thumb, it is possible to backpack Patagonia on a budget of around $50 USD per day .

Staying in budget, dorm accommodation, self-catering and taking public transport, per day you can expect to pay:

Two people, staying in budget, double accommodation, mostly self-catering and taking public transport can expect to pay:

However, don’t forget to budget in bus or boat transport or flying to Patagonia. Longer bus trips will cost more and you’ll need to budget for any tours that you take, which generally can be quite expensive. National park entrance fees vary, too.

If you plan on hiking in Torres del Paine, the cheapest you can expect to spend is $157,000 CLP ($190 USD): find out how to hike the W Trek without a tour and on a budget .

I’ve written a detailed article about traveling to Patagonia on a budget but these eight tips cover the main jist:

• Use cheaper, budget airlines such as Jetsmart, Sky Airline, and Fly Bondi for cheap flights into and around Patagonia
• Use the free Hopper app to find the best window of time for buying flights
• Hitchhike, cycle, hire a car between a group of you, or buy your own vehicle for the cheapest transportation in Patagonia
• Bring a tent and camp in local campgrounds or choose from budget hostales and residencials (basically local people who rent out rooms) or fully-equipped cabañas if you’re traveling in a group to bring accommodation costs down.
• Self-cater and buy food in big cities in Patagonia to make traveling to Patagonia cheaper – just don’t try and cross into Chile with anything fresh!
• Bring US dollars and make the most of a favorable exchange rate and discounts for paying in this currency
• Use Western Union for withdrawing money in Argentina. This allows you to get the best exchange rate (known as the “blue dollar”) and avoid Argentina’s rampant inflation. Full details here .
• Book in advance accommodation and destinations such as Torres del Paine National Park if traveling in high season
• Avoid unnecessary tours – just pack good quality equipment for your trip (see my recommended gear list for your Patagonia trip with a free checklist download)

For the full, in-depth guide, head over to my article about visiting Patagonia on a budget.

What to do and where to go in Patagonia

It’s probably become clear by this point that there’s a whole lot of stuff to see and do in Patagonia. I’ve spent months there and there remains a shit load that’s still on my list.

But I can condense what I think are the best, most unmissable things to do in Patagonia and so I’ve distilled my favorite destinations, organized by activity. You can also check out my guide to the best places to visit in Patagonia for further inspiration!

Where to go hiking in Patagonia

Torres del paine national park, chile.

Chilean Patagonia’s most famous park, it would be strange not to open this list with Torres del Paine National Park.

Although it’s possible to take a day trip into the park (either with a tour starting from $40,000 CLP ($63 USD) or by renting a car, both from Puerto Natales), hiking the five-day W or ten-day O Circuit is really the only way to appreciate the vast beauty of this dramatic national park.

I’ve hiked both, and for me, the O wins easily. With the popularity of the national park increasing exponentially each year (around 250,000 people now arrive annually), the W is frustratingly crowded and this definitely took away a lot of my enjoyment of the hike.

Instead, the O Circuit has a limit of 70 hikers daily and while it’s challenging to carry food for ten or eleven days plus your camping equipment, the actual hike is accessible to even those with little experience.

You can also visit for a couple of days and enjoy day hikes in the park – which is great if you’ve not got much time or have missed out on making campground/refugio reservations for the W.

For further information, check out:

• Everything you need to know about the O Circuit
• Learn about how you can hike the W without a costly tour
• Find out what food to pack for both treks
• Read about the 15 best day hikes that you can do in Torres del Paine
• I’ve also written a lengthy, info-packed post about how to book campsites and refugios in Torres del Paine
• As well as what to do if there’s no space at the campsites for the dates you want .

Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

Although it’s certainly lesser-known that its rival park across the border, Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina is a seriously beautiful place to go hiking in Argentina.

Part of the appeal – and what separates it from the increasingly more complicated-to-visit Torres del Paine – is the fact that this protected area has seventeen hiking trails. Many of these connect up and allow you to spend multiple days trekking through the park and camping at basic grounds, without having to return to nearby El Chaltén.

Alongside the challenging Laguna de los Tres, the most famous trek in the park, there’s also the increasingly popular Huemul Circuit, a 70-kilometer, four-day trekking that starts and ends in El Chaltén and affords spectacular views across the Southern Patagonia Ice Field.

The most detailed post I’ve found for those hoping to do this trek (I’ve not yet done it) is here .

This article from Lonely Planet is a more descriptive overview of what is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after Patagonian treks.

Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina

Another top hiking destination in Patagonia is Tierra del Fuego National Park . It’s only 12 kilometers west of Ushuaia at the very tip of Argentina, making it easily accessible for a day trip, although there are also a couple of campgrounds in the park if you choose to stay.

Hiking trails are less plentiful than in Los Glaciares National Park but the views from the Cerro Guanaco trail make it more than worth the visit.

It’s an eight-kilometer round-trip, but a grueling eight-hour hike in total because you ascend 973 meters in only four kilometers to reach a peak.

From here, expect panoramic views of the Beagle Channel below and views across to Puerto Williams, in Chilean Patagonia, when the weather is clear.

You’ll need to download a decent map (I always recommend the free maps.me where you can download maps for offline use) as the path sometimes disappears into a peat bog – and you’ll want decent hiking boots too!

The park is also a great spot for seeing the Southern Lights in Patagonia on a cloudless night.

Buses leave hourly from the terminal in Ushuaia, although, at $20 USD per round-trip ticket, if you’re in a group, it’ll wind up being cheaper (and faster) to rent a car in Ushuaia .

Pumalín National Park, Chile

A newly inaugurated national park, Pumalín was founded by billionaire philanthropist, the late Doug Tompkins (the former CEO of the North Face brand) and is possibly one of the best parks in Patagonia and proves that there’s more to hiking in Chilean Patagonia than just Torres del Paine.

Loads of investment has gone into the park’s infrastructure, with around seven hiking trails ranging from short, easy wanders to day hikes. My personal favorite was the climb up to the crater of the imposing Chaitén Volcano.

It actually erupted back in 2008, burying the nearby town of Chaitén under lahars of ash and mud and forcing thousands to evacuate from their homes. The views down into the crater and, when the sun is shining, out towards the ocean, are spectacular from the top.

There are plenty of campgrounds in the national park charging $6,000 CLP ($9.5 USD) per person. Be aware that there is no public transport from Chaitén, so you either need to hitchhike, bring a car down from Puerto Montt or take a tour.

You can find more information about this on the park’s English-language website .

I highly recommend Chaitén Excursions run by the wonderfully knowledgeable US-expat Nicolás, who runs flexible tours that start from as cheap as $10,000 CLP ($16 USD) per person. He’s based in Chaitén.

Cerro Castillo National Park, Chile

Further south along the Carretera Austral, Cerro Castillo is another newly-inaugurated national park that converted from national reserve status back in October 2017.

The area is best known for the spectacular Laguna Cerro Castillo which is dominated by the sharp, torrent-like spires of Cerro Castillo itself (“Castillo” means castle).

It’s a climbing, one-day hike up to the lagoon, although there’s a growing number of tourists choosing to opt for the 47-kilometer, four-day Cerro Castillo Traverse.

This starts in the east and cuts right through the park west, passing a series of viewpoints for glaciers and lakes, as well as the all-important Cerro Castillo itself.

The most complete guide to this four-day trek can be found via Adventure Alan and it’s a challenging hike but one you can do without a guide.

Patagonia National Park and Lago Jeinimeni National Reserve, Chile

I’m still debating over which is my favorite national park in Patagonia for hiking, but Patagonia National Park is definitely in the running.

Another Doug Tompkins-founded protected area, Patagonia has breathtaking scenery, covering everything from mountain-top lagoons to dusty, sun-scorched grasslands and even mountain traverses through river gorges.

I only had the chance to hike the spectacular Lagunas Altas Trail. It’s a challenging 23-kilometer day-hike that ascends the south side of the valley in which much of the park is located, climbing into lenga forests past beautiful azure lagoons, before looping back down to the campground where you start.

There’s also the three- to four-day, 52-kilometer trek, known as the Traversía Jeinimeni-Avilés or Sendero Valle Hermoso-Valle Chacabuco, that crosses from Patagonia National Park into the Jeinimeni National Reserve.

For more information, the park’s website is especially detailed and even in English.

Where to go for spectacular landscapes and natural landforms

Perito moreno glacier, argentina.

Patagonia’s most famous glacier, Perito Moreno is an astonishingly large glacier just a few hours’ drive from El Calafate in Argentina.

Although it’s certainly not the largest of the glaciers in Patagonia by any stretch, what is unique about this lump of millennial ice is how close to its snout you can get.

Not only are there wooden boardwalks that allow you to follow the main wall of the ice from left to right, just a few hundred meters from it, but you can also go via kayak or boat to see it from a completely different angle.

You can even join a trekking tour from $110 USD for an hour and a half on the ice, with one of the companies based in El Calafate.

It’s fair to say that the walkways get packed with visitors in the summer months, so if you want to avoid the hordes, plan to get the earliest public bus departing from the bus terminal in El Calafate ($24 USD return).

You’ll need $25 USD in cash (Argentinean pesos) for paying the entrance fee, too.

Find all the information you need about visiting in our guide to the Perito Moreno glacier .

Villa O’Higgins, Chile

It’s a three-and-a-half-hour drive or bus journey down to the very end of the 1,240-kilometre Carretera Austral to reach Villa O’Higgins.

This tiny, 600-inhabitant village is unremarkable; however, in the surrounding area, you can visit the bewitching snout of the O’Higgins Glacier, a 75,000-hectare and 38-kilometer-long slice of dense, compressed ice where spectacular bergs calve at frequent intervals.

Unfortunately, the local operator running these tours closed during the pandemic. We’ll update this article when we find out who’s now offering this tour.

Glacier Alley, Chile

With its row of tidewater glaciers that hang precipitously over the waters of the Beagle Channel, Glacier Alley is one of those places that you have to pinch yourself to believe you’re actually seeing.

I’d long heard about these beautiful ice giants that are only accessible by ship but thought that my chances of seeing them were nil, as the main cruises that pass by cost well over $2,000 USD for the trip.

However, on my ferry ride between Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams, I realised that this magnificent view was one that I could actually afford.

I’ve written above about taking this very ferry, which normally passes mid-afternoon when the light is perfect.

The captain even slows the boat to allow you to take photos as the glaciers spill water into the ocean below, leaving a trail of milky-coloured, glacial meltwater to create beautiful patterns when it mixes with the saltwater below. See the section “ Best way to travel around Chilean Patagonia ” above for more information about visiting.

Marble Caves, Chile

The swirling, technicoloured patterns of the Marble Caves in Lago General Carrera are probably the Carretera Austral’s most famous sight.

Formed when the winds whip up the spray of the lake and erode the softer limestone, these grottos go back deep back into the rock.

Surreal in their kaleidoscope colouring and only accessible by speedboat or kayak from the closest settlement of Puerto Río Tranquilo (which, in itself, is a good five hours in bus or car from the nearest airport), these caves feel even more special because of the lengths you have to go to experience them and definitely rank among the best places to visit in Patagonia.

The colour of Lago General Carrera changes with the light and pictures are best in the early morning. If you visit between April and June, when water levels are lower, you can pass right through the passageways in the caves and out the other side.

Expect to pay around $10,000 CLP ($16 USD) to go with one of the companies along the shoreline in Puerto Río Tranquilo.

Queulat National Park, Chile

Duck-egg blue and perched precariously on the edge of some mountains, the Queulat Hanging Glacier is an iconic sight along the Carretera Austral .

It’s accessed by an hour and a half’s hike from the entrance into the Queulat National Park, where you climb slowly through dense, evergreen beech forest to reach a mirador located directly across from the glacier – offering truly magnificent views.

31 kilometres further south on the way to Coyhaique, the Bosque Encantado (Enchanted Forest) offers equally splendid scenery.

A 2.3-kilometer one-way trail climbs through a magical woodland of beech trees that drip with moss, before opening out to a moraine ridge where there’s a short climb up to an emerald lake filled by glacial meltwater spilling from the surrounding mountains.

Unfortunately, this part of the park is closed indefinitely due to a landslide.

Covid-19 update: You MUST make a reservation in order to visit the park. You can do this on this website , but you will need to pay in cash (bring small notes) upon arrival. You can only enter the park between 9:00am and 14:30pm (Tuesday to Sunday; you can stay within the park until 16.30pm) and you must bring your reservation code on your phone or printed off to show at the park entrance. Don’t forget your passport, which you’ll need to show to prove you’re not a Chilean resident.

The Queulat Hanging Glacier can easily be reached from a daily bus that leaves in the morning from nearby Puyuhuapi*.

*Because of the pandemic, I am not sure this is still running. Contact Turismo Experiencia Austral who used to run this service to confirm.

Where to go because no one else does

Caleta tortel, chile.

Caleta Tortel is a magical, fjord-side village almost at the very end of the serpentine Carretera Austral.

There are no roads here; instead, the village is connected by a series of cypress-wood walkways that hang above milky blue meltwaters, which drain from both the Northern and Southern Patagonia Ice Fields. This village is as close as you can get to a fairy tale in Patagonia.

I fell in love upon arrival, as the sun lit up the pastel-hued waters and the morning dew sparkled on the wooden walkways.

From the town, local people run boat trips out to hanging glaciers and the mysterious Isla de los Muertos (“the Island of the Dead”).

Here, 33 crosses bear testament to the deaths of the first Chilean people who inhabited the region and who are thought to have been poisoned by the forestry company that employed them.

Again, Caleta Tortel is made more magical by the fact that it is so inaccessible. You can either take the ferry from Puerto Natales (described above) or arrive overland by frequent minibus services from Cochrane, the closest large town on the Carretera Austral.

Chilean Tierra del Fuego

Almost the polar opposite of the tourist-jammed Torres del Paine National Park, Chilean Tierra del Fuego is a true Patagonian wilderness. Practically empty of people – both locals and tourists – this is one of my absolute favourite places in Patagonia.

What makes Tierra del Fuego so tantalisingly refreshing for adventurous travellers is the fact that it’s very difficult to access.

To admire its king penguin colony (the only one in the Americas) you can get a tour from Punta Arenas, but to go deeper into its lagoon-dotted and peat-bog laden landscapes, where herds of guanaco shuffle through dense forests and beavers blink at you from road-side streams, you’ll need a vehicle.

Rent a 4×4 from Punta Arenas , pack a tent and enough food to keep you going, plus an extra fuel can, and you’re ready to go.

This is a subject that’ll I’ll be writing about in more detail in the future; however, in the meantime, if you want to learn more, you can download my one-month Patagonia itinerary .

Puerto Williams, Chile

Chilean Patagonia’s best-kept secret – in my opinion at least – is Puerto Williams. The world’s southernmost settlement (nope, it isn’t actually Ushuaia), this tiny community sits on the southern shore of the Beagle Channel on Navarino Island.

Puerto Williams is beautiful for its remote, wild feel. Horses roam the street aimlessly and most of the town’s residents belong to the Chilean Navy.

However, tourism is on the rise, helped in part by the excellent Museo Martín Gusinde , the most complete museum in Chile about the seafaring, indigenous Yaghan people who have all but been driven to extinction (the final clutch of remaining descendants still live here on the island).

But it’s also an increasingly popular place to go hiking in Patagonia, with the Dientes de Navarino trail picking up steam.

Certainly not for novice hikers, the 53.5-kilometer Dientes de Navarino is a difficult, five-day, four-night hike that circumnavigates the mountain range of the same name, passing through peat bog and bleak, exposed rockfaces.

Staggering views across Navarino Island and a feeling of being at the uttermost ends of the earth are included.

I didn’t get the chance to hike here and there’s still very little on the internet in the way of hiking guides. Wikiexplora have a pretty detailed guide, as do Best Hike .

If you want to hire a guide or just want some up-to-date information, get in touch with local trekking agency, Explora Isla Navarino .

Where to go for an extreme adventure

Futaleufú, chile.

In the north of the Carretera Austral and just on the border with Argentina, Futaleufú is one of Chilean Patagonia’s most picturesque towns.

Tucked within a river valley and surrounded by green-drenched mountains, this town, despite its remote location, is globally-renowned – all thanks to the Futaleufú River that rushes past.

This thunderous river actually tumbles through 47 rapids, including class III and IV and the IV+ and is considered one of the best places for white water rafting in the world and it’s a great spot for experts and amateurs alike.

You’ll want to visit between November through March, although the end of the season has more stable weather conditions and higher water levels, meaning the rapids are even more gnarly and fun.

In the town, there are plenty of agencies that run tours (from $60,000 CLP ($93 USD)), most of whom have international guides and all of which speak excellent English. For the less water-inclined, there are plenty of nearby hiking routes too.

Exploradores Glacier, Chile

Although Perito Moreno is the best-known destination in Patagonia for ice trekking, the Exploradores Glacier, 25 kilometres east of Puerto Río Tranquilo on the Carretera Austral, is perhaps an even better place to do it.

You’ll get a wide-reaching panorama of the glacier and the Northern Patagonian Ice Field beyond from the mirador (viewpoint) at the start of the trek (and accessible for those not ice trekking), before hiking onto the glacier for a six-hour experience, climbing moraine boulders and through dripping ice ravines.

You can book onto a tour with a qualified guide in Puerto Río Tranquilo at a cost of around $70,000 CLP ($110 USD).

Want more inspiration? Read about my other top Patagonia highlights .

Where to stay in Patagonia

Types of accommodations.

Accommodation in Patagonia varies across the region and across Chile and Argentina. These are the main types of accommodation that you can expect to find.

Camping is popular among Argentinean and Chilean tourists, so you’ll find plenty of campgrounds in Patagonia for putting up your tent. If you’re budget backpacking in Patagonia, this is your cheapest option.

You can expect facilities to include showers (most often hot, but not always), taps with clean water and, the most important thing (for the locals at least!), barbecue areas.

Most national parks in Chile and Argentina also have campgrounds, although the quality of services vary with those in Torres del Paine National Park among the best and those in Los Glaciares National Park pretty poor.

Prices start from upwards of $5,000 CLP ($8 USD).

You can also wild camp in Patagonia, and particularly on the Chilean side, although make sure to ask permission if you’re obviously on someone’s land (they’ll likely say yes) and don’t leave a trace .

In Argentina, the exposed nature of the pampa means there’s very little protection from the wind for your tent and you might not find it a particularly enjoyable experience being blown over in the night.

Wherever you camp, you’ll want a decent tent that’s lightweight enough for multi-day hiking trips.

I recommend the Big Agnes Copper Spur: read my honest review of the Big Agnes .

Hostales and Residenciales

Hostales and residenciales are some of the most common types of accommodation in Patagonia, although you’ve probably never heard of them.

Hostal doesn’t mean what we would call a “hostel”. It’s similar, in that it’s accommodation for travellers, although it’s rarely with shared bedrooms. Most are private, often with a private bath, and with access to communal areas and occasionally a kitchen. Breakfast is generally included in the price too.

A residencial is similar, but normally within the house of the owner and the facilities are often a lot more basic.

You can expect to pay from $12,000 CLP ($19 USD) for a single bedroom and $22,000 CLP ($35 USD) for a private in a residencial , and $18,000 CLP ($28 USD) for a single and $28,000 CLP ($44 USD) in a hostal , although outside of December through March, prices drop and you can often negotiate.

You rarely find these types of Patagonian accommodation on website such as Booking.com .

To reserve (something essential in summer), look for accommodation on Google Maps and contact the owners directly by telephone.

Cabañas

Among Chileans and Argentineans, cabañas (cabins) are the accommodation of choice.

Cabañas are normally pretty basic, wooden structures, comprising two or three bedrooms (they’re intended for large Chilean or Argentinean families), with a private bathroom, living room and well-equipped kitchen.

For a cabin for four people, you can pay anywhere between $40,000 CLP ($63 USD) and $80,000 CLP ($126 USD).

These make sense if you’re travelling in a group, although you’ll sometimes find owners open to a reduction in price for a couple, particularly if you’re travelling outside of December through March.

Again, an increasing number of Patagonian cabañas are appearing on Booking.com , but I’d recommend you also look up options in a given destination on Google Maps and, where possible, book directly with the owners for cheaper prices.

Hostels, in the traditional sense of budget accommodation with dormitory-style rooms, exist throughout Patagonia, although primary in the larger towns and cities.

They’re generally very comfortable, with facilities are as you would expect, with often a communal kitchen and communal areas available to guests.

You can expect to pay upwards of $13,000 CLP ($20 USD) for a dorm bed in a hostel. Privates start from anywhere above $25,000 CLP ($40 USD).

Hostels in Patagonia are best booked in advance in high season, as they can often be full with tourists. You can find them both on Booking.com and Hostalworld.com .

B&Bs and Hotels

There is a proliferation of increasingly comfortable B&Bs, and expensive hotels in Patagonia, with everything up to five-star properties in areas such as Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park, El Calafate and Ushuaia.

B&Bs and other small guest houses often start from $45,000 CLP ($70 USD), while hotels range from this upwards.

Again, if you’re heading on a short vacation in Patagonia, you’ll want to book hotels in Patagonia in advance in high season, at least a few months in advance for January and February. Again, you can find most on Booking.com .

Cost: $$$$+

Remote lodges have become a new trend in Patagonia and often offer the most exclusive, luxury accommodation and attention.

Properties such as Explora , Tierra Patagonia  and  Awasi (all in Torres del Paine National Park) offer complete services of hotel pick-ups, all-inclusive dining and private guides and transportation – but you’ll be paying at least $600,000 CLP ($940 USD) per night for this service, with a minimum of three nights standard.

Again, booking in high season is absolutely essential, as these properties are normally small and exclusive.

Booking accommodation in Patagonia

When I travel to Patagonia, I use a combination of advance booking through websites such as Booking.com (which I’ve found to have the most complete collection of accommodation in Patagonia advertised on it) and Hostelworld.com .

If you’re backpacking in Patagonia, you probably want to keep your plans flexible and this is generally possible, although be aware that you might struggle to find cheap or pleasant accommodation if you turn up to a town and start hunting then, rather than booking ahead.

When I’m travelling out of peak season (December through March), I’ll often book a couple of days in advance either through these methods or by finding properties on Google Maps and contacting lodgings directly by phone.

The issue with this latter form of booking is that you need to speak Spanish.

In peak season, I would recommend booking at least a week in advance for big Patagonia cities.

Be sure to bring US dollars with you as many types of accommodation offer tax discounts if you pay this way.

Where to eat or get food in Patagonia

Food in Patagonia is expensive, due to the fact that it needs to be transported down from further north in Chile and Argentina.

You can expect food to cost at 30% more than in other parts of the two countries.

Supermarkets in Patagonia

You can get most fresh fruits, vegetables and other goods in supermarkets in large towns or cities.

The best range and prices found in Punta Arenas and Coyhaique (and Puerto Montt before you enter Patagonia) on the Chilean side and in Ushuaia, El Calafate and Bariloche on the Argentinean side.

For places such as Puerto Natales, which does have a supermarket, but one that is poorly stocked, and El Chaltén, which doesn’t, stock up in the nearest city (Punta Arenas and El Calafate respectively).

In summer, supplies run out quickly and, particularly if you’re buying good for hiking the W or O in Torres del Paine, you’ll be surprised by how little you can find in Puerto Natales.

In smaller towns, such as those along the Carretera Austral, you will find mostly tinned goods, bread and some meat and cheese but you’ll struggle to find fresh fruit and vegetables.

You’ll also find prices significantly more expensive than in bigger supermarkets.

Large supermarkets generally always accept debit and credit cards and are normally open every day of the week until 9pm or 10pm, with shortened hours on Sundays.

Self-catering in Patagonia

If you want to keep costs down on your trip to Patagonia, self-catering is the easiest way. As I’ve mentioned above, you’ll want to stock up in bigger towns and cities.

Unfortunately, kitchen access is not a given with all types of accommodation, so I would recommend double-checking this before booking anywhere. Hotels very rarely have these facilities.

Campgrounds occasionally have stoves and cooking equipment, but this isn’t the norm; bring your own gear if you plan on camping.

If you’re after recommendations for light-weight cooking gear, check out my Patagonia packing list .

Remember that you cannot cross into Chile from Argentina with fresh fruit, vegetables or animal products, so avoid doing a big shop just before you cross the border!

Restaurants and dining in Patagonia

Dining on slow-roasted Patagonian lamb or a perfectly-cooked steak is the ultimate Patagonian dining experience, however it comes at a cost.

Restaurants are similar in price with those in Santiago and Buenos Aires, although quality is often much lower.

It’s not unusual to spend over $15,000 CLP ($23.5 USD) for a main and a drink in a medium-priced restaurant in cities across Patagonia and you can expect prices to not be much lower even in small, local restaurants in towns and villages.

However, cheap restaurants offering menu del dia (a fixed menu, normally of two or three courses and sometimes with a drink) can often be found for around $5,000 CLP ($8 USD).

You can always find empanadas in Argentina and Chile for around $1,000 CLP ($1.5 USD) too, which make for a cheap lunch.

Money and exchange in Patagonia

Making sure you get a decent exchange rate and can withdraw money are essential things to plan before you go to Patagonia.

Getting hold of money can be an issue, mainly in Argentina, and one that it’s worth considering before you leave home.

ATMs in Patagonia

You’ll quickly notice in Argentina that getting money out of ATMs can be a real pain in the arse.

I was in Ushuaia when practically all of the cash machines in the entire city stopped functioning for a few hours – not a good thing to happen when you’ve just crossed the border from Chile and have no money on you.

They also have tendency to run out of cash on weekends and bank holidays and can be petulant and not accept a lot of foreign cards.

There’s also a fixed $220 ARS ($8 USD) fee every time you withdraw cash and you’re only allowed to do so in batches of $2,400 ARS ($86 USD) making the whole process exceptionally expensive.

You’ll find that many hotels and tour agencies don’t accept credit cards.

In Chile, withdrawing cash can be costly too. Most banks charge between a $4,500 CLP ($7 USD) and $6,000 CLP ($9.5 USD) fee for using the ATM, although you can withdraw up to a maximum of $200,000 CLP ($314 USD) at a time.

For me (a UK bank account holder), I’ve found that Scotiabank is the only one that doesn’t charge me anything to withdraw cash; unfortunately, I don’t know if this only works for European cards. It’s also a bank that’s only found in cities.

I’ve never had an issue with Chilean banks in Patagonia not having money, although there always is the possibility of small towns running out of cash on weekends and holiday weekends in summer.

Money exchange

While the days of the “blue dollar” are long gone (when you could exchange US dollars for up to 40% higher on the black market in Argentina than the official rate), Patagonia is still a good place to bring dollars with you.

Not only is it exceptionally safe, so you don’t need to worry too much about carrying cash, you’ll find that plenty of hotels and even tour agencies on both sides of the border offer discounts if you pay in dollars.

This is particularly the case in Chilean Patagonia and Chile in general where foreigners should get a tax break of 19% anyway, although in practice, smaller lodgings only offer this is you pay in physical dollars, when they should offer it to you for having a foreign card.

Dollars can be exchanged for good rates in exchange houses around Patagonia.

I was surprised to find that no one wanted to give me a good rate on exchanging Chilean pesos when I was in Argentinean Patagonia in April 2018.

You’ll also struggle to find good rates on British Sterling and Euros.

If there’s anything you think I’ve missed, please add it via the comments below or if you have any further questions, contact me directly at [email protected] .

I promise I don’t send spam:  just tips, inspiration and the tools to make a South American adventure a reality , straight to your inbox! 

FAQs about visiting Patagonia

What is the best month to visit patagonia.

The best months to visit Patagonia are typically November through mid-December and March. Known as the shoulder season, these months see significantly fewer tourists in the region than the high-season months of late December through February and the weather is still pleasant enough for hiking and other outdoor activities. 

The weather in Patagonia is always unpredictable and it’s always possible to experience all four seasons in one day! However, typically in spring (October-November), temperatures hit up to 18°C (64°F), while in fall (March-April) they hover around 10°C (50°F). Wind speeds are also significantly lower than in summer, where they can read up to 120 km/h (74 miles/h) at their strongest!

Is Patagonia worth traveling to?

Yes, Patagonia is worth traveling to! It’s one of my favorite places on the planet and if you love hiking in beautiful national parks with a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks, are keen to spot endemic wildlife species such as guanaco, Andean condors, and pumas, or just want to go to “the ends of the Earth”, then Patagonia is a destination for you. 

Sure, it’s expensive to visit because of its distance from major cities such as Santiago de Chile and Buenos Aires, and it’s certainly now on the tourist trail (and not as remote and quiet as many expect), but you won’t regret visiting Patagonia.

Where do you fly into to go to Patagonia?

Where you fly into to go to Patagonia depends on whether you’re visiting the Chilean or Argentine sides of the country. Most people fly from Santiago de Chile into Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas (for southern Chilean Patagonia, including Torres del Paine National Park), while others fly from Buenos Aires in Argentina to El Calafate or Ushuaia (for southern Argentine Patagonia, including the Perito Moreno Glacier). 

If you want to visit other parts of Patagonia, there are alternative options. For the Carretera Austral in northern Chilean Patagonia, you’ll want to fly to Puerto Montt or Balmaceda. For Bariloche in northern Argentine Patagonia, you can fly directly there from Buenos Aires. 

Is Patagonia better in Chile or Argentina?

As someone who lived for three years in Chile, I’m a little biased in saying that Chilean Patagonia is better than Argentine Patagonia. However, I still think it’s true. Chilean Patagonia has a lot more variety of scenery, from the fjords, isolated national parks, glaciers, and lush vegetation of the Carretera Austral, to the spectacular mountain scenery and wildlife of Torres del Paine National Park, it’s an exceptionally diverse place. 

Argentine Patagonia also has its highlights, however. It’s incredible to get so close to El Perito Glacier, and the hiking from both El Chaltén and Bariloche is some of the best in South America. There’s also plenty of wildlife, from the penguin colonies and whales near Puerto Madryn to those accessible from Ushuaia. 

Want to save this epic Patagonia travel guide for later? Make sure you pin it!

Javier Buchanan

Thursday 15th of December 2022

Hi Steph! Congrats on your post, it certainly has plenty of information of all kinds. If I'm allowed a comment, I think you should have inlcuded Bariloche on the "must see" list. It's Argentinian Patagonia's largest destination, apart from the ski, it has hundreds of hiking trails, lakes, mountains and fairy tale forests. Certainly a must for me :)

Steph Dyson

Hi Javier, yes lots of people love it! I found it very busy when I visited and that spoilt the experience for me but I'm keen to return and see if that changes my mind! Steph

The Vandersons

Tuesday 18th of October 2022

I'm curious why you say the "blue dollar" days are long gone?

We're here in Argentina and even better than the blue dollar (280 to 1 USD) is using Western Union (310 to 1 USD today), and the official exchange if you use an ATM like you suggest is only 145 to 1 USD!

Thursday 19th of January 2023

You are correct - I haven't had a chance to update this article recently! Steph

Sunday 9th of October 2022

I would like to go to Patagonia end of Jan for 2 weeks, I want to see the highlights, hike, see wildlife , see the fjords, glaciers, and sea life. I would like help in planning the trip. Thank you

Wednesday 12th of October 2022

Hi Janet, you need to drop me an email at [email protected] and we can chat further about your plan. Steph

Thursday 7th of May 2020

Hello Steph, this is a wonderful article.

Is there a better way to visit Atacama along with Patagonia? I like to plan this starting next Jan 2020 for 2 weeks.

And I don't see any tours for Atacama along with Patagonia but itself.

Thanks Gabe

Thursday 14th of May 2020

Hi Gabe, you'll have to fly into Santiago from Patagonia and back out again to San Pedro (or vice versa) to see both as there's no easy connection between them unfortunately! Steph

Monday 28th of October 2019

Thanks a lot for this helpful guide! Would be interest in your view on this: due to time restrictions (6 weeks in Chile) we are thinking about two questions: 1) Should we include the very south around Ushuaia in our schedule vs. focusing solely on the far north (Lauca, Atacama) and the areas around Puerto Montt, Chalten, Calafate, Puerto Natales and Punto Arenas? Either at the cost of something else or at the cost of a bit of travel stress 2) We are considering both Navimag (Puerto Montt - Puerto Natales) and the Yaghan (Puerto Natales - Puerto WIlliams) ferries. You seem to have done both. What would you suggest: both or only one? If you had to decide for one of them, which one would you recommend?

Would be very thankful for your guidance! Christian

Thursday 7th of November 2019

Hi Christian, personally I would recommend trying to make sure you have enough time to see everything in as much detail as you want (I would personally plan out day-by-day the itinerary and see if the trip you are trying to do is realistic - this is something I do for my travel planning clients!). I personally enjoyed the Yaghan more than the Navimag but it really depends on if you have the time to get that far south. Have a fantastic trip! Steph

Green Mochila

Budget Backpacking in South America

How to Plan a Trip to Patagonia in 2022

Give me sharp mountains and frozen landscapes, demanding hikes and wild adventures! Patagonia fits the description and I’ve been willing to explore it since our backpacking trip in 2018/19. Now 2022 opens up traveling possibilities again so the time has come to reach the tip of the continent. Planning my trip to Patagonia wasn’t easy though, due to the multitude of contrasting and ever-changing regulations in 2022. So in this post, I list the steps I’ve taken, the things to know before traveling to Patagonia in 2022 and the entry requirements for both Chile and Argentina.

Jump to: Why Patagonia?   |  Landmarks in Patagonia   | Restrictions and requirements

FAQ: How long should I stay?   | How to get there?  |  How to get around?   |  Border crossing   |  Best time to go   |  Average cost

Planning a trip in the shadow of the coronavirus

The COVID-19 pandemic –especially its Omicron variant– brought a new twist to the travel world. I expected a great deal of difficulty in organising this trip and I wasn’t mistaken. Planning any trip abroad has become more tiresome, requires more considerations and guesswork.

Am I going to be let into the country with my current vaccination status? Will I be able to move freely within the country? Will COVID restrictions allow me to do the activities I want to?

Why travel to Patagonia in 2022?

Like me, you patiently endured being locked at home for several months. You carried on dreaming about wild landscapes while being restricted to your neighbourhood. When the time has come, you enjoyed (re)discovering your local nature spots. But truth be told, some need for foreignness and adventure is still pulsing, right?

Counting 9 National Parks, Patagonia is an absolute hikers’ paradise. It boasts the most extreme landscapes: snow-capped mountains, colourful highland lagunas, dramatic glaciers (that we might not be able to enjoy for long because of climate change) and overall a vast and constant remoteness, sprinkled here and there with adorable penguins.

But it also offers other outdoor activities such as sea kayaking, glacier walks and sailing amid the Patagonian fjords.

More of the fun: Get some Patagonia trip ideas from our previous travel in northern Patagonia Argentina  and Chile’s Los Lagos region.

Orientation in Patagonia

Patagonia is the very southern region of South America, shared between Argentina and Chile. In both countries, there’s an iconic road leading through the region. That road in Argentina is the RN 40; in Chile it’s called “Carretera Austral”.

Patagonia’s gigantic size means it takes several weeks to travel from north to south. Therefore the region in both countries is usually split into northern and southern Patagonia.

Northern Patagonia

Northern Patagonia in Argentina is called “ Lake District ” and stretches from San Martin de los Andes to El Bolsón. The main landmarks include also the town of Bariloche, Volcan Lanín and the Seven-Lakes Road. We visited this magical area in 2019, so check out our Patagonia trekking tips for the Lake District .

Chile’s northern Patagonia corresponds to the “ Los Lagos ” region, stretching along the Carretera Austral from Puerto Montt to Vila O’Higgins. The main landmarks are Cochamo, Hornopiren National Park, Queulat National Park, the Marble Caves (Catedral de Marmol) and Patagonia National Park.

The Carretera Austral ends in Villa O’Higgins; to go further south, you’ll have to take a ferry boat or a flight. For more info and links, check out the travel in Patagonia section below.

Southern Patagonia

Southern Patagonia in Argentina stretches from Esquel until the very southern tip, Tierra del Fuego , the “land of fire”. (Expensive) boat trips also reach the mysterious Antarctica.

The main landmarks in Argentina’s Southern Patagonia are: Perito Moreno glacier, Mount Fitz Roy, the small town of El Chaltén and Tierra del Fuego, with Ushuaia as its biggest town.

Chile’s Southern Patagonia is marked by Torres del Paine National Park , the single biggest hiking attraction in the Chilean South. You can reach it from the towns of Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas. Chile also has a share of Tierra del Fuego, but it’s a very remote place with little to no infrastructure.

The Perito Moreno Glacier is part of our collection of best treks in South America .

Most important things to know when planning a trip to Patagonia

1. patagonia travel restrictions: entry requirements for chile and/or argentina, current entry requirements to chile (as of feb 2022):.

• Register your vaccines well in advance (1 month before your trip) on Chile’s official vaccination page .
• Book a travel insurance with COVID-19 cover for minimum 30,000 USD.
• PCR test maximum 72 hours before flight
• Fill out the traveler’s form maximum 48 hours before your flight
• Upon arriving in Chile, you must do one more free antigen or PCR test (it’s really free, paid by Chile) and wait for the results in isolation (max 12 hours). With a negative result, you’ll receive your Pase de Movilidad (“Mobility Pass”), allowing you to travel freely within the country
• During 10 days, report on your health status daily online.

Apart from the above entry requirements, there are no other travel restrictions in Patagonia. To make sure, check the current requirements on Chile’s official health website .

Current entry requirements to Argentina (as of Feb 2022):

• Book a travel insurance covering COVID-19
• If you were spending the last 14 days prior to entering Argentina in neighbouring countries: show proof of full vaccination; no need to test or quarantine
• If you were not spending the last 14 days in neighbouring countries: show proof of full vaccination and PCR test 72 hours before the flight; or an antigen test 48 hours before the flight
• You must carry those documents with you at all times for 14 days after entering the country; no need to report your health status

Check the current requirements on Argentina’s official health website .

2. How long should my trip in Patagonia last?

Rather than staying within one country and travel lengthwise, it usually makes more sense to visit either the northern or the southern part of Patagonia and cross the border. At least it was so before crossing border became such a pain.

I recommend a minimum of 2 weeks to see the landmarks in the North. But Southern Patagonia in both countries is wilder and travels might prove lengthy; you want about 3 weeks to make the most of it.

If your goal is to see and hike both northern and southern Patagonia, you should count with 4 weeks minimum.

3. Do I want to/Can I see Patagonia both in Argentina and Chile?

My answer would normally be a definite yes; but in COVID times, border-crossing has become a lot of hassle, with several compulsory tests and regular health checks required.

Also, many border points are closed; so crisscrossing from Chile to Argentina can be time-consuming and tiresome and require too much planning.

Since February 2022 though, Argentina has loosened the entry requirements for those of us coming from neighbouring countries. It’s now easier to travel to Chile for at least 14 days and then cross over to Argentina. Check the border crossing section below before visiting Patagonia.

Check out some of the best national parks in Chile .

4. Is flying between northern and southern Patagonia an option?

In Chile, there’s no road between north and south Patagonia; so you can only choose between flight or ferry. About this and for links to the relevant companies, see the traveling through Patagonia section.

While in Argentina, you can stick to sustainable transportation as the RN 40 road runs through the entire Patagonia.

5. Should I see a lot of places or rather take more time hiking at each place?

Count with amazing multiday hikes, such as the 4-day W-trek or the 9-day O-circuit in Torres del Paine; but also in other, lesser-known national parks such as Cerro Castillo with a circuit of 4 days.

Take a look at the 16 best multi-day hikes in Patagonia , both Chile and Argentina

Also, traveling between destinations either in a car or on the bus often takes long hours or even a day. Given the vastness of Patagonia, it’s easy to spend too much time on the road instead of enjoying its nature. Having said that, the road is the goal and views during a Patagonia roadtrip are not the less stunning.

How to get to Patagonia

There are no/few international flights to Patagonia; so your entry will likely be from either capital city: Buenos Aires in Argentina or Santiago in Chile.

Patagonia airports in Argentina

• Bariloche (north)
• El Calafate (south)
• Ushuaia (south)

Patagonia airports in Chile

• Puerto Montt (north)
• Balmaceda (north)
• Punta Arenas (south)

Budgeting your transportation

If you are on a budget, an important consideration will be the price of flights to Patagonia. In Argentina there are no budget airlines, only the main Aerolineas Argentinas . If you are arriving from outside Argentina, your Patagonia trip is probably going to start from Buenos Aires flying with this national carrier.

If you give yourself time, road travel is an affordable solution, probably the best sustainable way to travel within Patagonia. The RN 40 road stretches all the way to southern Patagonia. You can then take a short ferry journey to Isla del Fuego and finish to Ushuaia on the RN 3.

Chile does have budget airlines – JetSmart and Sky Airline – which offer cheap fares from Santiago to Puerto Montt, Balmaceda and Punta Arenas. Your entry to Patagonia Chile will likely be from Santiago as there are virtually no international flights directly to Puerto Montt or Punta Arenas.

Since there’s no road all the way down in Chile, you’ll either fly or take a scenic ferry boat. Compare the prices well at the time of your Patagonia trip. The ferry can be cheaper than a low-cost airline, especially if you must pay an additional fee for hold luggage.

In general, both in Argentina and in Chile, bus transportation is much cheaper than renting a car.

How to get around Patagonia

Land travel on the Carretera Austral is a good option, either with a rented car, public buses or by hitchhiking. According to a local friend, hitchhiking still works in Patagonia as of January 2022. Unfortunately, information on public buses is not available online so that part of the trip remains open to improvisation.

Since that road doesn’t go all the way south, the more scenic and sustainable option is to take a ferry boat. It goes from Caleta Torel (north) to Puerto Natales (south) and lasts 1.5 days. Ferries travel only once a week, so good planning is of the essence.

Check out the local ferry company on their website (Spanish only). Alternatively, a company called Navimag offers a more luxurious ferry boat between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales lasting 4 days; check it out here .

In Argentina

In Argentina, the RN 40 travels throughout Patagonia, so a Patagonia road trip all the way is perfectly possible. Buses also cover the route, check out bus timetables here . And a few useful tips for bus travel in South America (from our travels in 2019).

Be inspired by our selections of the most beautiful National Parks in Argentina .

Border-crossing between Chile and Argentina

There are several borders between the 2 countries in Patagonia:

In the north

• Paso Fronterizo Pérez Rosales near Puerto Montt (currently open 8am-8pm; number of people who can pass is capped at 180 – as of Feb 2022).

In the south

• Paso Fronterizo Los Antiguos – Chile Chico, near Torres del Paine and El Calafate (currently open 8am-4pm; number of people capped at 100)
• Paso Fronterizo Río Turbio – Torres del Paine (no restrictions mentioned)
• Paso Fronterizo Río Turbio – Puerto Natales near Torres del Paine / Punta Natales (no restrictions on opening hours or number of people reported)
• Paso Fronterizo Río Gallegos – Punta Arenas, at Tierra del Fuego (currently open 10am-4pm; number of people capped at 200)

The state of the borders is as of Feb 2022, and remember that they may open or close any time. So please always check them on Argentina’s official site (in Spanish).

Best time to travel to Patagonia

This wild region offers a different landscape in almost every season. Snow lovers might choose the Southern winter months, from June to September. But keep in mind the drastic temperatures (3°C / 37°F on average) and many things can be closed, including roads.

Summer months (December-February) are of course much milder, with an average of 12°C / 54°F. But it’s also the busiest season, when prices go up and you’ll need to book campsites and tours in advance.

With this in mind, we advise the shoulder seasons, as for most places: Fall (March-May) or Spring (October-December) . Thinking of all the beautiful autumn colours, I’m so excited to travel there in March this year!

Average Patagonia trip cost

To give you a bit of an idea of what costs to expect, here’s the breakdown of the budget I actually spent for my 3-week Patagonia trip in Chile, in March 2022 (updated upon return from the trip):

• Flight return ticket Lisbon (Portugal) – Santiago (Chile): 800 USD
• Flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas (south Patagonia, Chile): 70 USD
• Bus from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales (gateway to Torres del Paine): 9 USD
• Torres del Paine entrance + campsites booked for the O-circuit (9 days): 120 USD
• Ferry from Puerto Natales to Caleta Torel: 128 USD
• Flight from Balmaceda (north Patagonia, Chile) to Santiago: 70 USD
• Other Patagonia national park entrance fees + camping: 54 USD
• Travel insurance: 140 USD
• Bus travel in north Patagonia: depending on the distance – on the Carretera Austral between towns it was 10 USD for a 4-hr journey
• Hostal accommodation (room for 2 people with shared bathroom): 42 USD

In total with 8 days in Torres del Paine, bus on Carretera Austral, and hostel for 13 days: 1768 USD

Are you planning a trip to Patagonia? Or have you been there recently? Tell us about your planning or traveling experiences in the comments!

Don’t miss any of our Patagonia travel tips!

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Anna is a world citizen, an avid traveller, a passionate environmentalist and a digital nomad. Writing about her year backpacking through South America, she tries to encourage everyone to discover this beautiful continent as a traveller or a digital nomad and pass on her love for responsible travel.

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This looks wonderful, Anna! I hope you have a great trip.

Thanks a lot, Kevin and many greetings to you!

Hi Anna, how was your trip? I’m looking to go in October and this post is really helping me!

Hi Marjo, happy to read that the post is helping you plan your trip!

The Patagonian part of my trip was very nice, especially loved the hiking and the scenery. Our tent broke in Torres del Paine, and it was also very cold at night (sometimes around 0 degrees) that our tent was not prepared for, so we decided to stay in the cheapest accommodation we found after camping: hostals. For a room for 2 people we paid 35,000 CLP (42 USD) on average. This increased the overall costs, unfortunately, but at least we managed to hitchhike sometimes on the Carretera Austral and save on the bus ticket. We just walked into hostals upon arriving in the town, as those hostals are not on any booking site. Since it was low season, many of the accommodations, restaurants and other businesses were closed – I expect the same for October. Covid didn’t shake the region though, people didn’t really care about mask or checking the mobility pass.

Are you planning to hike in Patagonia? I’ve just published a new post about the multi-day hikes in Patagonia , and feel free to ask any other questions. Have a wonderful trip, and please let me know how it went!

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El Chaltén to Ushuaia: Hiking in Patagonia

Chaltén -Calafate -Torres del Paine - Ushuaia

• Sail to see the Perito Moreno Glacier from close.
• Hike near the stunning Mount Fitz Roy and stay in Torres del Paine National Park.
• Travel to Ushuaia, the most southern city of the world and sail the Beagle Channel.
• Best time to travel: From October to April

Welcome to Your 2-Week Patagonia Hiking Trip - El Chalten

• Transfer from El Calafate to El Chaltén –  Day at leisure 

Upon arrival at the El Calafate airport, we will start our 4-hour trip to El Chaltén, the most famous hiking village in Patagonia. Let the adventure begin! 

You’ll travel along the famous Route 40, surrounded by the Patagonian steppe, and pass through La Leona River, which connects Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma, and where you’ll get to see La Leona Road house, where the famous thieves Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hid for a while. After discovering some other gems along your journey, you’ll reach El Chaltén and we’ll drop you off at your hotel.

El Chaltén is the top-rated hiking destination in Argentine Patagonia. This charming little village sits at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy and it’s surrounded by glaciers, lakes, rivers and forests. It’s also the jumping-off point for most hiking trails in the area. A paradise for sunny walkers and trekkers alike.

Enjoy your first afternoon of leisure in Patagonia by relaxing in the local brewery or strolling around a little waterfall…

Say Hueque Tips

• Our recommended hike for your first day in El Chaltén:

There is quick hike you can enjoy to warm up and discover El Chorrillo del Salto, just 1 hour away from the village. Reach its little waterfall encircled by native trees and flora, like the Patagonian Orchid.

First Hike Recommendation in Patagonia - El Chalten

• Recommended hike: Cerro Torre Viewpoint

Today, be prepared for an exciting journey into the wild. El Chaltén offers a wide range of hiking paths with varied difficulties. You can choose where and when to go since paths are self-guided and very well-marked and maintained.  

From the main door of your hotel, you can go for an easy 2-mile walk to Cerro Torre viewpoint — it will only take you around 1 hour. Enjoy the sounds of Rio de las Vueltas, take in some amazing views of the Lenga forest, and be prepared to see all kinds of birds—this is a great woodpecker-spotting opportunity!

Second Recommended Gike in Patagonia - El Chalten

• Hike to Laguna Torre (self-guided paths)

Today, we have a recommendation for true hiking lovers: trek all the way to Cerro Torre and Laguna Torre, one of the most famous hiking trails in the area. Step into the wild for about 8 hours and 12 miles. This is a moderate-difficulty hike, but there is no steep climbing involved, so no previous experience is required!

The journey starts at a notable wooden sign that reads ‘Laguna Torre’ and features a  woodpecker; you probably already saw the sign if you visited the Cerro Torre Viewpoint the previous day. From there, you will continue through a stunning, multi-colored landscape; snow-capped mountains will rein over the native forest of lenga and ñire trees.

You’ll pass by the De Agostini campsite and continue to the front moraine…you can hit the summit in 15 minutes! From here you can descend to the lagoon and watch the floating icebergs, or continue to the Mascardi viewpoint, 1 mile up the hill.

Third Hiking Recommendation in Patagonia - El Chalten

• Recommended hike: Laguna de los Tres and base of Mt. Fitz Roy

If you liked the Laguna Torre hiking trail, you’ll love our next hiking favorite: Laguna de los Tres and the base of Mount Fitz Roy. Go for a medium-difficulty, 9-hour hike to the most impressive views of Rio de Las Vueltas Valley. You’ll cross Del Salto Stream, with its icy waters cradled by orange-tinted rocks which frame the breathtaking views of Mount Fitz Roy.

And here’s a little secret: You can also reach Laguna Sucia from Laguna de los Tres… It’s only a 5- minute walk away. Though this hike increases in intensity during the last bit, it’s totally worth it. This is one of the best day hikes in the world!  

• A little secret to enjoy this hike

Seize the day, wake up early, and watch the sunrise at Laguna de los Tres (see Fitz Roy’s peaks turning red) — this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You can depart from the town of El Chaltén during the night or stay one night at Poincenot campsite, just 1 hour away from Laguna de los Tres.

Patagonia Hiking Trip - El Calafate

• Transfer from El Chaltén to your hotel in El Calafate – A day at leisure 

In the afternoon you will board your bus back to El Calafate. The 3-hour drive back will be a good opportunity to relax while enjoying the passing landscapes out your window.

Once you arrive in El Calafate, the bus will drop you off at your hotel. Now is your chance to try some tender Patagonian Lamb, or maybe a heavenly Calafate ice cream. In Calafate, food options are varied and plentiful; from veggie delicacies to the best demonstration of national steaks, there really is something for everyone. You can choose a fancy restaurant for dinner, or a more traditional local tavern to spend an unforgettable night.

Mayo Trek Spirit & Perito Moreno Glacier - El Calafate

• Mayo Trek Spirit & Perito Moreno Glacier

Start the day with a pick-up at your hotel, travel to Puerto Bandera, and embark on an 8-hour nautical safari to discover secluded glaciers and waterfalls of Glacier National Park that can be only reached by boat!

Sail Mayo Channel and disembark on Toro Bay to hike through the Patagonian forest; your specialized guide will tell you about the vegetation of this area (very different from other kinds inside the park) and show you the millenary cherry tree and its 3-meter-in diameter trunk.

Set sail again to reach the Cerro Negro (Black Hill) and make a half-mile soft hike to the base of the hill to admire the hanging Black Glacier. Enjoy your free time in this place that not many travelers have seen, before departing for our third stop, the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Our boat will pass by the immense icy wall -take your beanie and grab your camera, you may see a piece of ice breaking!- before stopping at Puerto Moreno. Enjoy your free time, wander the traditional catwalk circuit that surrounds the glacier before sailing back to Puerto Bandera, and be driven back to El Calafate.

Your Day at Leisure in El Calafate - El Calafate

• Optional tour to a Patagonian ranch

El Calafate has much more to offer than just its magnificent glaciers… we recommend that you complete this 2-week hiking trip to Patagonia by taking a day tour to immerse yourself in the rural culture of Patagonia.

Inside Glaciers National Park, at the end of National Route 15 and after a 1 hr 30 min drive over a rubble road, sits one of the oldest and most traditional Patagonian ranches in the area. It’s the only ranch that continues to maintain sheep and Hereford cattle breeding as its main occupation. You can take a day trip to visit its 30,000 acres of land, learn about its history, and witness a sheep-shearing demonstration and horse training. At the end of the day, a grilled lamb will await, sizzling on its traditional Patagonian rotisserie.

If you would like to add on this tour for your free day, just let your travel advisor know.

Patagonia Hiking Trip - Torres del Paine, Chile

• Travel to Torres del Paine National Park

In the early morning, we’ll pick you up from your hotel to start your trip to Chile and your full-day visit to Torres del Paine National Park.

First, we’ll drive through the Patagonian steppe for 2hr 30min (you might be able to see rheas, guanacos, Patagonian hare, and even condors!) until reaching the border of Chile in Cancha Carrera, where we’ll go through customs. 

We’ll keep traveling through isolated and windy landscapes, occasionally dotted by guanacos and native green-orange-tinted bushes; you’ll truly feel the momentous solitude that characterizes Patagonia. Torres del Paine is a gift that keeps on giving; it will unveil its enthralling natural beauties little by little… 

Along a winding road, we’ll make different stops to have a close-up view of various attractions like Cascada Paine (Paine Waterfall), Paine Range at Lake Sarmiento, and the Paine Horns at Lake Nordenskjold. Depending on the weather, we’ll depart on an hour-long walk to reach the lake and get closer to the striking mountain peaks. At midday, after having stopped by the Lago Pehoé Viewpoint to gaze at the vastness of the French Valley, we’ll have our boxed lunch with this mountainous backdrop. 

At the end of this dreamy excursion, we’ll leave you at Laguna Amarga, where your transfer will pick you up and take you to your accommodation inside the park.  

• Something to take into account

Things to take into account during your trip from Argentina to Chile: It is not allowed to take any fresh food, plants, seeds, etc. They are very strict, and fines can be high. If you are not sure whether something is allowed, please declare it (they will provide you with a form) and they will inform you if you can bring it or not. And please, don’t forget your passport!

Hiking Recommendation in Torres del Paine - Chile

• Hike to Base las Torres

Torres del Paine is one of the most beautiful protected areas of South America, and the best way to explore it is by foot. If you like hiking and nature, this should be one of the highlights of your trip. Depending on which area of the Park you are staying in, you will be able to explore different paths — please check with your travel advisor about which are the best options for your location.

Our recommendation is to make a solo hike to Base de las Torres del Paine. This is the most famous hike in the park since it takes you to the base of the Paine Horns (8500 f.o.s.l.), a challenge for climbers all over the world. It takes 8-10 hours round-trip. 

The first 2 hours of the trek are very tiring since you are walking up, leaving the valley where the Hosteria and Refuge Torres del Paine are located. You’ll cross Ascensio Valley, taking its winding path and gazing over Ascensio River until you get to the first stop, Refugio El Chileno. From here, you’ll continue for one hour through a lenga forest — the changing landscapes will combat any tiredness! 

You’ll finally get to the moraine; the last beat of the trek, and the hardest. The last hour will be an uphill climb, but take your time, you’ll definitely make it to the top! Every effort will be compensated with breathtaking views of these massive granite mountains that grow past a blue lake and up to the sky.

Lake Crossing and The French Valley trek

• French Valley – Hike into the ‘Heart of Torres del Paine’

Today, prepare to continue this hiking adventure on the other side of the park.  We’ll pick you up at your accommodation to take you on a 1-hour ride to the Pudeto area, where you will take a 45-minute navigation to the opposite shore of Lago Pehoé.

You can take a day pack with your valuables and the things you might need for today and tomorrow — for your convenience, our local operator can keep your heavier luggage until tomorrow. Please just let us know in advance.  Upon your arrival, you’ll go to Paine Grande Refuge (very close to the dock), where you’ll stay overnight. 

From here, we recommend that you enjoy the French Valley Hike (not included). This is a unique opportunity to visit one of the least-accessible areas inside the park since there is no road nearby. But, with your own two legs, you’ll definitely make it! 

What will you find in the French Valley? Hanging glaciers, pristine woods, and some daunting jagged peaks: the multi-colored Paine Grande and the forbidding Paine Horns. You can also cross the rope bridge over the French River to reach some stunning views of the French Glacier or continue to the French Valley Plateau, or down to the Pehoé River and the glacier.

Take into account that, these last two options, though amazing experiences, will demand an extra effort since you’ll have to hike a rocky path alongside the moraine. You will get back to the campsite by skirting Lake Skottberg.

Hiking in Patagonia - End of Your Travel Experience - Torres del Paine & Puerto Natales

• Boat trip to Glacier Grey

In the early morning, you will hike to the Grey Mountain Hut. This is an amazing hike that will lead you to the shores of Grey Lake and its floating glaciers, with stunning views of the massive Southern Ice Field and the Grey Glacier that blend together and extend their white cloak far beyond what the eyes can see.

You already have a boat scheduled for later this day. Right after the hike, you’ll embark on a cruise from Grey Lake’s beach, and after crossing the blue waters, filled with floating icebergs and dramatically framed by glaciers and snow-capped mountains, you’ll get to Hosteria Grey. 

• Transfer to Puerto Natales – Free evening

When you arrive, a transfer will be waiting to take you on a 4-hour trip through dry, mountainous steppes to finally reach Puerto Natales, where you’ll spend the night.

Hiking in Patagonia - Punta Arenas

• Bus to Punta Arenas – Day at leisure 

Today you’ll make your way to the bus station of Puerto Natales to depart to Punta Arenas. We advise arriving there 30 minutes before the departure time, in order to avoid any last-minute inconveniences. This is a 4-hour trip in a standard bus through the steppe, crisscrossed by mountains and fjords. Upon your arrival at the bus station in Punta Arenas, you’ll head to your hotel — you can walk or take a taxi for around $5-7 US dollars.

Punta Arenas is the southernmost city in Chile, located on the Magellanic Strait, and is the leading port for Antarctic cruises and scientific research. Before the construction of the Panama Canal, Punta Arenas was the most important maritime crossroad between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean, and thus, the city grew as a commercial center surrounded by European-style buildings. Its colorful houses, standing out from a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, are a site for sore eyes. 

• What to do in Punta Arenas?

You can enjoy the evening by taking a 3-hour city tour to learn about Chilean history, visit the Mirador Hill (and get the most gorgeous views of Magellan Strait), or stop by the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum to see the masterfully crafted pieces made by the Onas, Yaganes and other natives of the area.

Hiking in Patagonia - Ushuaia

• Bus to Ushuaia – Day at leisure

In the early morning, you will get to the bus station to embark on a full-day bus trip to Ushuaia, the last destination of your 16-day trip in Argentina and Chile. Take into account that you’ll be crossing borders again today!

This is a 12-hour trip in a comfortable bus, equipped with reclining seats, where you’ll cross the Patagonian steppe. Look out the window and you’ll see yellow and green grasslands with Chilean gauchos riding into the wild and grazing unbothered sheep until you reach the ferry crossing. It will take around 45 minutes to cross the mythical Strait of Magellan and hit the road again to cross the Chilean border, finally entering Tierra del Fuego Island on Argentine soil.

As the famous end-of-the-world city approaches, grazing sheep will turn into wild guanacos and horses, with snow-capped mountains and evergreen woods arising at the entrance of Ushuaia. Once you get your “Southernmost City” passport stamp, you’ll realize that this intrepid journey through remote Patagonian roads was absolutely worth it.

Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you will be transferred to your hotel. Ushuaia is a small town, and it is really easy to get around on foot.

Take the afternoon to explore the town, learn about the region’s rich history at the Prisoners’ Museum, or visit the Galleria of Fuegian History (it has a lovely restaurant as well!). Please, don’t forget the local gastronomy! Ushuaia has the best seafood in Argentina.    

• Something you should take into account

This bus trip allows you to see the landscape of other, lesser-known parts of Chile and will give you a much more complete perspective of the area. However, we understand that it is a long journey, and can be a very tiring day. For an additional cost, you can choose a less adventurous option; from Torres del Paine, you can drive back to El Calafate and then fly to Ushuaia.

Ushuaia Tour - National Park - Ushuaia

• Discover Tierra del Fuego National Park wildlands

Today we’ll pick you up from your hotel to start a 10-hour, moderate-difficulty, adventure in Tierra del Fuego National Park, just 7.4 miles away from the city and bordering the shore of the famous Beagle Channel.

Upon arrival at Ensenada Bay, you will have time to enjoy the view over the Beagle Channel before you start hiking along the coast. Four miles of trail await you, where you’ll discover native flora, wild fauna, and the remains left by the Yamanas , the native inhabitants of the area. After this 3-hour hike, you will reach Lake Roca, where lunch will be served.

After a full homemade picnic, you will start the second part of this adventure. Take your oar and plunge into a 1hr 30 min paddling trip along the Lapataia River (only available for children over 5 years old). Make it all the way to Lapataia Bay, where the Panamerican Highway and National Route 3 end at an awe-inspiring landscape.

After discovering the unique vastness of this stunning setting, we’ll take you back to your hotel to rest and enjoy another Patagonian evening. 

Beagle Channel Cruise - Ushuaia

• Beagle Channel boat trip – Tour Ushuaia’s famous islands

In 1833 Charles Darwin sailed the Beagle Channel and found something great. Today it’s your turn: become another explorer of this channel, primitively named Onashaga Channel since the Onas where its first discoverers.

  Make your way to the tourist pier (located downtown) to embark on a 4-hour Beagle Channel navigation in a fully equipped boat with a capacity for up to 26 people. With Argentina on your left and Chile on your right, you’ll sail this natural border until reaching the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, which is still in operation.

  On the way, enjoy uplifting panoramic views of Ushuaia Bay, crowned by the Martial Glacier’s diverse marine wildlife, such as cormorants (flying birds, closely related to penguins) and fur seals. Hop off on Bridges Island to explore its vegetation, and visit the archeological remains of the Yamanas (the native inhabitants) accompanied by a specialized bilingual guide. 

  During the trip, enjoy bottomless hot cocoa and cookies, or try the maté (loose herbal tea), which is every Argentinian’s favorite drink. Once we get back to the port, you can make your way back to your hotel or stop in a local cafe or brewery to enjoy an amber craft beer paired with a traditional Patagonian appetizer.

• Have you ever walked amongst penguins?

If not, Ushuaia is your chance to fulfill that bucket-list dream… You can switch out the Beagle Channel Navigation to take the Magellanic Penguin Rookery Tour on Martillo Island (available from October to April at an additional cost), or add one day to your Ushuaia itinerary so that you can do both. On Martillo Island, you will also see a very rare type of penguin that is typically only found in Antarctica: the yellow-crested penguin.

The End of Your Hiking Trip to Patagonia - Ushuaia

• Transfer from your hotel to Ushuaia airport

Today we’ll take you to the airport, where your 2-week hiking trip in Argentine and Chilean Patagonia will come to an end. But don’t be sad! You can return whenever you want (we’ll welcome you with open arms) or… continue your trip towards the North of Argentina , to beautiful Salta or the wine region in Mendoza. Argentina still has plenty to offer! Check out our travelers’ favorite trips to Argentina and Chile . 

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• Prices in US Dollars.
• Valid until April 2025 (ask for prices at Christmas and New Year).
• Prices are per person, based on 2 people in double occupancy. Single rates are available on request.
• Flights are not included in the price but can be arranged on request.
• 3-night accommodation in El Calafate
• 4-night accommodation in El Chaltén
• 3-night accommodation in Torres del Paine, Chile
• 1-night accommodation in Puerto Natales, Chile
• 1-night accommodation in Punta Arenas, Chile
• 3-night accommodation in Ushuaia
• Daily breakfast
• Meals according to the itinerary: boxed lunch on day 8; lunch on day 14
• Round-trip bus El Calafate / El Chalten / El Calafate
• One-way bus Puerto Natales / Punta Arenas.
• One-way bus Punta Arenas / Ushuaia.
• Transfers and tours mentioned in the itinerary
• Bilingual guide (English / Spanish).
• Torres del Paine National Park entrance fee
• National Park entrance fees
• International or domestic flights
• Please note- while in El Chaltén, hiking the mountain trails is a very popular activity. Most trails are clearly marked and well-maintained; however, if you would prefer to be accompanied by a local mountain guide, just let us know and we will be happy to arrange it (cost will be confirmed at the time of booking)
• Travel / Medical Insurance 

ESTIMATED COST FOR THE FLIGHTS ON THIS TRIP: Local flights cost from $150 per person per segment. We offer special rates on flights for this tailor-made itinerary.

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I wanted to express our gratitude for your exceptional assistance in planning our recent trip to Argentina and Chile. The experience exceeded all expectations, and we are incredibly thankful for your recommendations that played a significant role in creating lasting memories for our family.

Here are some highlights from our trip that we wanted to share: Glacial trek, Aldebaran Hotel - a unanimous favorite for its post-trek relaxation and rejuvenating massages, El Chalten hikes and the New Year's Eve dinner

We had an incredible journey, and your contributions made it truly special.

Thank you once again for your excellent planning and support. We look forward to working with you in the future.

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My brother and I had a fantastic time in Patagonia and are so grateful for everything you did to make this such an amazing trip!! The itinerary you put together for us was perfect and we especially enjoyed the Laguna de los tres hike and big ice trek on the Perito Moreno glacier. Thank you so much for squeezing us into all the activities and accommodations. We are already looking forward to coming back and I've attached a few pictures of us :).

The trip was absolutely fantastic. We had such a great time! The guides were all knowledgeable and enthusiastic and a lot of fun to spend the days with. I want to give personal recognition to the tours/groups in Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Puerto Madryn, Peninsula Valdes, and the jeep tour on day 1 of Rio de Janeiro. Thank you for your hard work and support for setting up this trip. The Vamos app is also fantastic and really helped throughout the trip!

I hope to keep in touch for any future trips!

Gracias y saludos a todos!

All very good I used you with my 14 year old in 2017. It is more money but there were a number of times we were impressed how on top of things your team and organization were. We forgot we locked up our money and passports in a hotel safe. Calmy people were contacted and a remedy was found. There was a definite feeling that you all were there, ready to help or to juist make sure things were going well. Really glad we asked to go to the coast; Valparaiso, Isla Negra and Nerudas house. Really no need to see Viña del Mar, too much hotel and vacationer feeling there, would have preferred something additional in Valparaiso. Peulla hotel Natura was wonderful, could have spent another night there, and done more than a small walk in that area. Glad we took the bus over the Andes and the lake crossing. Thanks much. All four of us loved it.

The most remarkable aspect of the expedition was, undoubtedly, the breathtaking wildlife. The landscapes were a sanctuary to an array of unique creatures. Majestic whales gracefully breached the icy waters, while adorable penguins waddled along the shores, seemingly unfazed by our presence. Observing these creatures in their natural habitat was an experience that words cannot fully capture. It's a memory that will forever be etched in my mind.

the service on the cruise was exceptional. The crew’s knowledge and passion for the region were evident in their informative lectures and their willingness to share their expertise. They ensured our safety while also going above and beyond to make our journey comfortable and memorable.

This cruise to Antarctica was an incredible expedition. Adventure, natural beauty, and wildlife encounters were the main stars. Luckily we enjoyed a smooth sail through the Drake Passage, so we could admire the astounding wildlife, and the outstanding service made this journey a once-in-a-lifetime experience that exceeded all expectations. If you seek an adventure that stirs the soul and leaves an indelible mark, an Antarctic cruise is an absolute must.

The opportunity to step foot on the untouched Antarctica was a privilege. The glaciers, the icy terrain, and the absolute stillness were both humbling and invigorating. Exploring via zodiac boats allowed us to get up close to the landscape and wildlife, providing an intimate experience of this raw, unspoiled wilderness. Thanks to every member of the crew that made this adventure an unforgettable experience!

Working with Say Hueque was great.

Everyone at the company was responsive and thoughtful, even when I sent that "emergency" message they solved my problem very fast . When I'm traveling in a foreign country, it's important to me to know that there's someone I can contact that will help me figure things out. I appreciated Say Hueque's service.

Thank you again for all of the help in planning, specially Sol and Andrea.

We had a wonderful time in the desert! If I ever plan to go to Argentina or Chile in the future, I'll be sure to contact you.

I specially want to thank Antonella and Lucia for their hard work and dedication towards our very successful holiday. Your dedication and eye to detail was very much appreciated.

Celia our guide for our two days at Iguazu falls was exceptional.

We will definitely recommend Sayhueque to our friends back in Australia.

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El Calafate

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Puerto Pirámides on the Valdés peninsula – and nearby Puerto Madryn to an extent – is a veritable year-round water wonderland, a sanctuary for elephant seals, sea lions and fur seals, often frequented by pods of orcas, and even calving Southern right whales between the winter months of July and September. When summer arrives, head south to Punta Tombo to find the world’s largest colony of Magellanic penguins who are resident from September to March, and continue down the coast to Puerto Deseado for a frivolous festival of flippers, fins, feathers and fur, as you witness charismatic rockhopper penguins, five species of cormorant and Commerson’s dolphins in the estuary and a huge fur seal colony at the Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve. Finally you’ll reach the end of the world – well, its southernmost city – Ushuaia, the gateway to the dramatic Tierra Del Fuego National Park , a fossil-rich land of superlative natural beauty filled with waterfalls, forests, mountains and glaciers.

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Luxury Cruises to Patagonia

Embark on a luxury cruise to Patagonia to uncover the untamed beauty and unique culture of this remote South American region. From Ushuaia to the rugged landscapes of Tierra del Fuego, you'll be mesmerized by the pristine scenery at the very tip of the continent. Visit penguin colonies, take a scenic hike through dense forests, or go whale watching while on this unforgettable South America cruise .

Patagonia cruises will bring you to awe-inspiring destinations like Ushuaia, gateway to mountain scenery and wooded islands. Join a whale-watching safari in Puerto Madryn, and explore the Chilean fjords of Tierra del Fuego. Visit a penguin colony from Punta Arenas, and in Punta Montt, take in the breathtaking scenery of glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls.

Patagonia Cruise Highlights

Naturalist Charles Darwin spent four years in and around Patagonia in the 19th century, an experience that helped shape his theories on evolution. See Patagonia in his eyes through the abundant wildlife. The nutrient-rich waters of the south Atlantic attract humpback and southern right whales to the region. You could also spot seals basking on the rocks. From Punta Arenas, take a trip to Magdalena Island to watch thousands of enchanting Magellanic penguins going about their business.

No trip to Patagonia is complete without marveling at mighty glaciers. The islands and fjords of Chilean Patagonia are dotted with vast rivers of ice, including the Grey Glacier, which can be seen from your ship or up close on an excursion. With its creaking, blue-white face, the Serrano Glacier is another great option for viewing, especially when chunks of ice calve off into the water where the glacier meets the sea.

Argentina and Chile share the region of Patagonia, and both have influenced the local cuisine. Try dishes like fresh-caught Chilean sea bass, Argentine "bife de chorizo", and delicious minced meat and egg empanadas while you're in port. The most prized local dish is spit-roast lamb, slow cooked and full of flavor. You’ll see asado restaurants in every port offering this delicacy. You'll also have the chance to sample award-winning wines from both countries.

Featured Patagonia Cruise Ports

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Patagonia Cruise Itineraries

Patagonia cruises embark in Buenos Aires or Valparaiso, and sail for either 12 or 14 nights, depending on the itinerary. You’ll visit beautiful ports in Chile and Argentina including Puerto Madryn, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas, and Ushuaia.

Itineraries

Why cruise to patagonia with celebrity cruises.

A Patagonia cruise offers plenty of time to relax and enjoy all the incredible amenities Celebrity offers. Unwind in The Spa with a massage or body treatment. Start the evening at the Martini Bar, and after dinner, take in a spectacular Broadway-style show. Choose The Retreat, a luxurious experience that gives you a spacious suite, exclusive lounge access, fine dining at Luminae, and much more.

Visit penguin colonies, explore glaciers, and sample the best of Argentine and Chilean wine and cuisine. Watch out for migrating whales, and take in the vast skies and open landscapes of this unspoiled region at each port. With a winning combination of adventure and luxury, a cruise to Patagonia makes for the perfect vacation choice.

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Patagonia Botanical Tour

Wildflowers at the end of the world, next departures: dec 9 to 15, 2024 | dec 9 to 15, 2025, 7-day trip from punta arenas, chile | group size: 3-7.

Nature journey exclusively designed for botanists, plant enthusiasts and flower photographers willing to discover the surprising diversity of flora and vegetation of the southernmost regions of Patagonia .

On this trip you will visit southern Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park and the wind-swept steppes, sub-Antarctic forests and Andean moorlands of Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego, at the southern end of South America’s mainland. We will explore a wide range of habitats, amidst stunning landscapes and pristine areas, and will enjoy of the great chances of seeing other remarkable and unique wildlife of this part of the world.

Join us this southern spring (from late October through early January) to see the fantastic blooming and diversity of wildflowers of the End of the Earth: Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego . Patagonia Botanical Tour. 

On this trip we will visit the best spots, with the highest and more representative plant diversity of Patagonia, including habitats such as Deciduous and Evergreen Nothofagus sub-Antarctic forests, pre-Andean scrub communities around the impressive Andean peaks, with mesophytic and xerophytic characteristics, the vast and productive windswept Patagonian Steppes and the Andean Desert, which holds many floral surprises. On this programme, you will be amazed by finding endemic species of the genus Adesmia , Alstroemeria , Gavilea , Nassauvia , Primula or Senecio . We will visit the impressive and world-famous Biosphere Reserve of Torres del Paine and will extend our journey along the coast of the Straits of Magellan down to the vast Tierra del Fuego Island, searching for species with highly restricted distributional ranges.

This botanical trip has been designed to allow plant enthusiasts to experience the Patagonian wilderness in an intimate way through its Flora.

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Mataguanaco in sierra baguales © susanne widmer, far south exp, trip highlights.

• A wealth of Flora endemic to Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego.

• Orchid species with very restricted distribution ranges.

• The southernmost forests of South America, the  Nothofagus  or Southern Beech.

• A comprehensive visit to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Torres del Paine National Park.

• Program designed and led by botanists.  Patagonia Botanical Tour

Itinerary in Brief

Day 1 • Laguna Parrillar – San Juan Bay – Punta Arenas (1 night)

Day 2 • Pali Aike road – Puerto Natales (2 nights)

Day 3 • Puerto Natales surroundings

Day 4 • Torres del Paine (western sector) – Torres del Paine (2 nights)

Day 5 • Torres del Paine (eastern sector)

Day 6 • Torres del Paine – Drive to Punta Arenas – Punta Arenas (1 night)

Day 7 • End of the tour  patagonia botanical tour

Anagallis alternifolia © Claudio F. Vidal, Far South Exp

Detailed itinerary and activities, day 1 • laguna parrillar – san juan bay – punta arenas.

After our arrival, we will explore some localities south of Punta Arenas and along the coast of the Straits of Magellan, a truly interesting experience as we will discover several species present in the wet shrubbery and deciduous forests. Visit to Laguna Parrillar Nature Reserve.

Overnight at Hotel Diego de Almagro or similar, Punta Arenas. (Lunch)(Guide).

Day 2 • Pali Aike road – Puerto Natales

Exploration of peat bogs and deciduous and evergreen  Nothofagus  forests. We will go in search of truly botanical targets such as Sundew,  Drosera uniflora ,  Geum parviflorum , Sea Cabbage,  Senecio candidans  and the endangered and local King’s Orchid,  Gavilea kingii . We will appreciate this highly restricted assemblage of species, praised by truly “botanical” souls.

Overnight at Weskar Lodge or similar, Puerto Natales. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)(Guide).

After our arrival to Puerto Natales we will drive though the vast Patagonian steppes and look for a great array of plants endemic to this dry region of Patagonia as well as surrounding regions of southern Argentina and the Falkland Islands.

Overnight at Weskar Lodge or similar, Puerto Natales. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)(Guide).

Day 4 • Torres del Paine National Park (western sector) – Lake Grey

Our first encounter with this stunning place will lead us to find striking species such as various Lady’s Slippers in genus Calceolaria including  C. biflora  and the striking  C. uniflora . We will visit low-growing patches of Antarctic Beech,  Nothofagus antarctica  and arid sectors with the presence of the endemic shrub Paramela,  Adesmia boronioides . We will find a very interesting array of species.

Overnight at Hotel Serrano or similar, Torres del Paine (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)(Guide).

Day 5 • Torres del Paine National Park (eastern sector) – Laguna Amarga and Laguna Azul

Along this journey we will discover highly representative species of the Patagonian steppes. We will try to find, among several others, the tiny Patagonian Alstroemeria,  Alstroemeria patagonica  or the conspicuous Oxalis,  Oxalis enneaphylla , both having a very restricted range. Along this hike we might also enjoy the abundance of wildlife including Andean Condor, camel-like Guanaco and Southern Grey Fox.

Overnight at Hotel Serrano or similar, Torres del Paine. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)(Guide).

Day 6 • Sierra Baguales – Drive to Punta Arenas

Today we will travel across vegetation formations with the highest plant diversity of the whole region of Magallanes, in southern Chile. This is the Pre-Andean Mesophytic Scrub. Extensive shrubby areas hold stunning species such as the Chilean Fire-Bush,  Embothrium coccineum  or the fragrant Escallonia,  Escallonia rubra . Here we will be delighted in trying to find the most beautiful array of orchids of the region including  Chloraea magellanica ,  Codonorchis lessonii  and  Gavilea littoralis . The grandeur of the scenery around this vegetation community will make this day one of the most sublime of our whole expedition to this magnificent Biosphere Reserve.

Overnight at Hotel Diego de Almagro or similar, Punta Arenas. (Breakfast, Lunch)(Guide).

Day 7 • End of the tour

End of the trip after breakfast. Connecting flight to Santiago de Chile for extensions or flight back home. (Breakfast).

Dates & Rates

Scheduled departures.

Departures from Punta Arenas, Chile

Private Trips

You Choose the Date! (Available from October through March). Ask for rates.

What the trip price includes/excludes

The trip price  includes : All accommodations, meals and guide services as stated in the itinerary, private ground transportation during the tour, and park entrance fees. Single supplement will be added if single accommodations are requested. The trip price  excludes : Domestic flights (Santiago – Punta Arenas – Santiago or other route), tipping, travel insurance, entrance tax to Chile, excess baggage charges, private excursions, à la carte dishes, snacks, drinks, laundry, telephone calls and anything else of a purely personal nature.

Do you want us to arrange your flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas?

Domestic flights Santiago (SCL) – Punta Arenas (PUQ) – Santiago | Duration of the flight: 3-4 hours.

Gavilea supralabellata © Claudio F. Vidal | Far South Exp

Take a look to our  botanical trip to Mediterranean Chile .

Read more: Patagon Journal article on Orchids of Patagonia by expert Dr. Osvaldo Vidal

Tour Registration

To book this tour, please fill in our online registration form . We will process your booking and will send you a note with space confirmation and a transfer invoice with payment instructions within 24 hours. The transfer amount is 500 USD per person. Full payment of the tour fee is due 90 days prior to tour departure.  patagonia botanical tour

NOTE: Inquiries received on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays will be replied to during the following working day.

Cancellation Policy

Notice of cancellation can only be accepted IN WRITING from the person who signed the booking form and takes effect on the day such noticed is received by us.

Refunds are made according to the following schedule:

• If cancellation is made 120 days or more before departure date, the transfer amount minus 200 USD is refundable. • If cancellation is made between 120 and 60 days before departure, the transfer is not refundable, but any payments covering the balance of the fee will be refunded. • If cancellation is made less than 60 days before departure date, no refund is available.

This policy and fee schedule also applies to pre-trip and post trip extensions, as well as any transfers from one tour to another. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself.  patagonia botanical tour

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• South America Tours
• Chile Tours
• December 2024 Tours

Tours and Trip Packages to Patagonia in December 2024

Traveling to Patagonia in December 2024? We offer 17 tours, trips and vacation packages to Patagonia in December 2024. Our Patagonia in December 2024 tour packages and trips have 91 customer reviews. All the Patagonia December 2024 tour packages and trips are carried out by hand-picked, qualified local and international Patagonia tour operators.

• Chile Travel Guide

17 Trips in Patagonia during December 2024

• Starts Santiago, Chile
• Ends Santiago, Chile

Discover Chile

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Adventure Cultural, religious and historic sites , Adventure & Explorer 'data-more-tripid='7455'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Boat & Flight
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Operated in English
• Dec 16 Only 5 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Puerto Natales, Chile
• Ends Puerto Natales, Chile

Torres del Paine O Circuit - TOP Trekking!

• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities Trekking and Hiking
• Accommodation Tent, Guest House, Camping & Hotel
• Transport Boat
• Age Range 18-79 yrs
• Operated in English, Spanish

• Starts Punta Arenas, Chile
• Ends Punta Arenas, Chile

Dientes de Navarino Wilderness Trek

• Tour Type Private and Group Tour
• Accommodation Tent, Guest House, Hotel & Camping
• Transport Flight

• Starts El Calafate, Argentina
• Ends Ushuaia, Argentina

Argentina & Chile: Amazing Patagonia-13 Days

• Trip customizable
• Activities Trekking and Hiking & National parks Trekking and Hiking , National parks , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Kayaking and canoeing 'data-more-tripid='14826'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Camping & Tent
• Transport Bus, Boat & Ferry
• Age Range 5-79 yrs

Torres del Paine Circuit

• Accommodation Camping, Tent & Hotel
• Transport Boat & Bus
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Dec 08 10+ seats left

• Starts Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Ends Buenos Aires, Argentina

Sightseeing in Argentine & Chilean Patagonia

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & National parks Natural landmarks sightseeing , National parks , Cruise , Culture shows and excursions , Glaciers , Trekking and Hiking & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='15118'>+5 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Tent
• Transport Flight, Boat & Bus

• Starts Tierra Del Fuego, Chile
• Ends Tierra Del Fuego, Chile

4-Day Ushuaia Tour

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Local boat rides
• Age Range 1-95 yrs
• Dec 01 Only 10 seats left
• Dec 02 Only 10 seats left

Patagonia Short Break - Torres Del Paine

• Activities Getaways and short breaks
• Transport Private Vehicle & Bus
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Dec 01 10+ seats left
• Dec 02 10+ seats left

4-Day Ushuaia Luxury Tour

• Activities Luxury & Natural landmarks sightseeing
• Dec 01 Only 3 seats left
• Dec 02 Only 3 seats left

• Starts Ushuaia, Argentina

5-Day Ushuaia Adventure Tour

• Activities Adventure & Natural landmarks sightseeing
• Transport 4WD Jeep & Minibus

Tierra Del Fuego National Park

• Activities National parks
• Accommodation No Accommodation
• Age Range 1-99 yrs

• Starts Balmaceda, Chile

Great Patagonian Traverse

• Accommodation Hotel, Lodge, Camping, Villa & Home-stay
• Transport Bus, Boat & Private Vehicle

Tierra del Fuego & Patagonia Adventure Tour

• Accommodation Hotel, Tent, Guest House & Camping
• Transport Boat, Flight & Bus

Small Group Ushuaia National Park with Trekking & Canoes Tour

• Age Range 5-99 yrs

Traveling to Chile? Chat with a local travel specialist in Chile who can help organize your trip.

Patagonia Tour Reviews

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Popular Activities

• Trekking and Hiking tours

Upcoming Departures

• Spring 2024/2025
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• October 2024
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• January 2025
• February 2025
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• October 2025

Patagonia Durations

• 1-day Patagonia Tours

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Patagonia: Torres Del Paine ‘O’ Trek – 8 Days

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes
• Fully Guided
• Personalized
• Christmas & New Year

Ready-to-book adventures, personalized

Make your adventure more you

Enjoy a tour focused solely on your travel group

Professional

Access our Travel Experts’ insider knowledge

Travel within your own bubble

• Introduction
• Day 1 Transport to the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine and Trekking to Camping Serón
• Day 2 Trekking to the Dickson Glacier
• Day 3 Trekking to Los Perros
• Day 4 Trekking to Sector Grey
• Day 5 Trekking to sector Francés
• Day 6 Valle del Francés
• Day 7 Sector Central
• Day 8 Trekking Base Torres

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Operated by unu raymi expeditions.

At Unu Raymi Expeditions; we'll always keep our commitment to deliver the best customised experience created from your own personal & group requirements. We'll provide as many available options for planning your ideal trip; operating & incorporating many off-the-beaten path experiences for your trip or expedition. Before your trip begins we'll work with you to ensure you are fully prepared and happy before setting off; we'll continue this once you're inland with us responding to your individual needs & requirements. Throughout your time and experience with us; one of our main goals is to help you expand your own boundaries both physically & spiritually. We want you to go away feeling as though you have been challenged to achieve optimal success and enjoyment from your trip. COVID-19: We have our own on-call nurse available in Cusco and the Sacred Valley to care for you during your time with us. For high-altitude expeditions you will also have health assistance available from our nurse on these trips for your own health & safety.

Sustainability Initiatives

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.7
• Itinerary Excellent 5.0
• Guide Excellent 4.7
• Transport Excellent 5.0
• Accommodation Excellent 5.0
• Food Excellent 4.7
• Tour Operator Unu Raymi Expeditions 4.3

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 1 Oct, 2024 Tuesday 8 Oct, 2024 English, Spanish €2,398 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Wednesday 2 Oct, 2024 Wednesday 9 Oct, 2024 English, Spanish €2,398 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 3 Oct, 2024 Thursday 10 Oct, 2024 English, Spanish €2,398 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Friday 4 Oct, 2024 Friday 11 Oct, 2024 English, Spanish €2,398 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 5 Oct, 2024 Saturday 12 Oct, 2024 English, Spanish €2,398 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 6 Oct, 2024 Sunday 13 Oct, 2024 English, Spanish €2,398 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 7 Oct, 2024 Monday 14 Oct, 2024 English, Spanish €2,398 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 8 Oct, 2024 Tuesday 15 Oct, 2024 English, Spanish €2,398 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Wednesday 9 Oct, 2024 Wednesday 16 Oct, 2024 English, Spanish €2,398 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 10 Oct, 2024 Thursday 17 Oct, 2024 English, Spanish €2,398 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

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Good to Know

• Currency $ Chilean Peso Chile

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, L.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Chile. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Chile. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Chile. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Chile. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 6th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 6th July 2024, a minimum payment of 30% is required to confirm your booking with Unu Raymi Expeditions. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Unu Raymi Expeditions will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Unu Raymi Expeditions" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Unu Raymi Expeditions. Please familiarise yourself with the Unu Raymi Expeditions payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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December in Moscow: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Moscow in December is not for the faint of heart. Despite the fact that it's downright frigid, though, seeing the Russian capital's ornamental sites cloaked in snow is worth going in the colder months.

Whether you're eager to watch the famous ballet perform or more interested in admiring the incredible architecture of Saint Basil's Cathedral (and other landmarks), Moscow has something to offer just about everyone, as long as you bundle up.

The city's winter begins in November and lasts through February. In December, the weather is unusually cold and wet with snow. On average, Moscow sees .7 inches of snow during the whole month, but it isn't the type that clears up after a day or so. With temperatures lingering below freezing, the snow typically sticks around until the big springtime thaw.

The average temperature for this time of year is 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 degrees Celsius), although it could dip into the teens at times. Wind chill is a major factor to consider when traveling around Moscow, as it can make the city feel much colder than what it actually is. Winds in December average 12 miles per hour. The city is quite dark during this time of year, too, averaging just seven hours of sunlight per day.

What to Pack

Prepare for the freezing conditions simply by packing as warm as possible. Winter travel is tricky because warm clothes are so bulky and they weigh so much. Rest assured, though, you'll be happy you used your suitcase space on clunky boots and big coats rather than an abundance of cute sweaters when your toes are toasty and dry. Don't forget to bring:

• Hats, gloves, and scarves
• A high-quality coat
• A waterproof shell
• Wool base layers
• Waterproof boots

December Events

Even though Moscow doesn't celebrate Christmas until January, the city still feels festive throughout the month of December with plenty of winter performances and celebrations to ring in the season.

• The annual Winter Festival kicks off in the middle of December and continues until early January. Ice skating, winter markets, and amusement park rides are all part of the fun. 
• " The Nutcracker" originated in Russia, so watching this world-famous ballet in Moscow is a major cultural experience. The Royal Moscow Ballet does the famed Tchaikovsky work justice with 32 dancers, 80 sumptuous costumes, and a visually stunning set.
• On December 31, New Year's Eve celebrations take over Red Square. Consider watching the fireworks display from another vantage point (such as Tverskaya Ulitsa or the Balchug Kempinski Hotel) if you can't handle standing for hours in the cold.

More Travel Tips

• Christmas in Russia takes place on January 7, but the time between Christmas and New Year's is usually a time of rest and vacation for Russian families, many of which jet off to warmer destinations.
• Head to Red Square to see the New Year's Tree and look for decorations at GUM, Arbat Street, and other well-known locations.
• Moscow's outdoor ice skating rinks provide the opportunity to enjoy one of Moscow's most popular cold-weather activities.
• A Moscow museum visit is the perfect way to escape the cold outside. You can easily spend hours in the Tretyakov Gallery, the State Armory Museum, or the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts.
• Some businesses such as restaurants and family-owned stores may close or have reduced hours during the holiday period between Christmas and New Year's.
• While you might be tempted to imbibe the copious amounts of Russian vodka available, consume in moderation: Drunkenness causes heat loss.

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25 Best Things to Do in Moscow

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• Moscow Travel and City Excursions

Our 20 Best Moscow Day Tours of 2022

See all that Moscow has to offer by choosing one or more of our incredible Moscow day tours. Visit Red Square , St. Basil’s , the Kremlin or perhaps a vodka museum and the fantastic Moscow metro system , we have it all. Our expert, informative and fun guides will help you get to know Europe’s largest city. Please click on the day tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page.  You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre, and the former KGB headquarters...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 20:00
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Walking tours Transportation is not included
• PRIVATE TOUR This is a private tour, there won't be other people in your group

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will escort you on a route that includes Vorobyevi...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 18:00
• Tours by car Transportation by private car/minivan is included

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious life of different Jewish families, as well...

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 11:00 - 20:00 Friday 10:00 - 14:00 Saturday not available

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened to two and a half times its original size,...

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to the victims of the repression. You will then...

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the street’s many craftsmen....

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury and the workplace of the Russian President....

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday not available

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and 19th century including works by Rublyov, Karavak,...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 - 20:00

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure served as a convent for women of noble birth...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 17:00

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians themselves and for visitors from abroad....

• Schedule Daily 10:00 - 17:00

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was here that Donskoi celebrated his victory over...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Saturday 11:00 - 18:00

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra) was built in the first half of the 1340s by...

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic gothic style. The complex includes a landscape...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 11:00 - 17:00 Saturday 11:00 - 19:00 Sunday 11:00 - 18:00

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history dates back to 1715, when the village of Kuskovo...

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday not available Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 18:00

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone centuries. You will get to know the story...

• Schedule Daily 10:00 - 19:00

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy and his family including books and personal...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday 12:00 - 19:00

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's collection includes more than three thousand...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12:00 - 19:00 Thursday 14:00 - 21:00

Express to Russia specializes in Moscow city excursions, an essential part of your Moscow travel itinerary. We offer a large variety of day excursions throughout Moscow and its suburbs. From  Red Square  and the  Kremlin  to a city tour of Moscow’s  Old Arbat Street  or the  Moscow metro , an excursion specializing in Stalin and the KGB and much more. No travel to Moscow is complete without taking a few of our day tours that most meet your interest in Russia.

Moscow City Tours

Our Moscow day excursions can be organized on foot or with transport. All of our excursions are led by an experienced guide, specializing in the subject matter of the tour. Excursions are privately run and can be booked for 1 traveler all the way up to large groups of travelers. We run our Moscow city tours in every season. This is because travel to Moscow is excellent in any season. In the summer take a stroll through  Gorky Park  or take a riverboat tour along the Moskva River. In the winter, see Moscow’s winter wonderland of ice and snow and then settle in for a cozy lunch or dinner with a hot bowl of borsht. In winter, spring and fall, you can beat the crowds at all of Moscow’s main attractions and museums. Regardless of when you come, Express to Russia will make sure that your trip is one of your best vacations ever.

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

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Join our own Russian Travel, Culture and Literature Club on Facebook. The club was created to be a place for everyone with an interest in Russia to get to know each other and share experiences, stories, pictures and advice. To join our club, please follow this link .

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Moscow Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 60 most popular moscow trips. compare tour itineraries from 45 tour companies. 308 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular moscow tours.

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Winter

• Explore the majestic St Petersburg & Moscow on private city tours
• Admire the rich Russian history, art and architecture
• Travel to Moscow on a highspeed train
• Enjoy the local cuisine in stylish restaurants

Lower Volga Voyage

• Visit magnificent Red Square and Kremlin and examine the collection at theKremlin’s State Armory.
• Experience Russia’s diverse musical traditions at lively folk music performances
• Explore Volgograd, the site of the decisive battle of World War II’s eastern front

Volga Dream Russian River Cruise

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Summer

White Russian - 7 days

• Discover Moscow's UNESCO-listed Red Square, home to spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum and the historic GUM Department store
• Explore the grounds of Moscow's mighty Kremlin, with its numerous governmentbuildings, gold-domed cathedrals and the giant tsar bell
• Celebrate New Year's Eve in Moscow!
• Take in the highlights of St Petersburg including a guided tour of the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the remarkable Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace

Vodka Shot - 6 days

• Explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg, including the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt
• Marvel at the dazzling array of art and exhibits in the world-famous Hermitage Museum, at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg
• Discover a lavish residence of the tsars on a day trip to Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo (winter: mid-October to April) or Peterhof Palace and gardens (summer: May to mid-October)
• Take in the highlights of the capital on a walking tour, visiting Moscow's famous Red Square, home to the historic GUM Department Store, Lenin’s Mausoleum and spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the Moscow Kremlin, Russia’s political power house. Stroll around the grounds of this fortified complex, visit the Kremlin's cathedrals and see the mighty Tsar Bell

Route of the Romanovs - 10 days

• Learn about the last days of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, visiting the sites where Tsar Nicolas II and his family were assassinated and buried
• Straddle two continents at the famous obelisk Europe/Asia border marker in Yekaterinburg
• Experience the Trans-Siberian railway on an overnight train journey from Moscow to Yekaterinburg

New Year's in Moscow - 9 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo on Christmas Day and marvel at the incredible Amber Room
• Spend a night in Novgorod, an ancient city by the Volkhov River - explore the kremlin, cathedral and other sights and enjoy a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

All Moscow , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Moscow

Small Group Moscow Tours

Back in the USSR - 7 days

Russian Revolution - 9 days

• Visit historic Novgorod, an ancient city which straddles the Volkhov River. Explore the attractive riverside kremlin and experience a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

The Snowball - 6 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo and marvel at the incredible Amber Room

Mood for Moscow - 4 days

• Head underground to visit a Stalinist-era Soviet Bunker on an optional excursion
• Stroll to the vibrant Izmailovo Market, which lies behind the walls of an ancient Kremlin, and shop for an array of souvenirs

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Moscow reviews & ratings, capitals of the north.

some hotels could have been better

It was jam packed with every place I wanted to go and see. I especially love my photo of us setting out on the night time river cruise in St Petersburg and the Peter...

I really did not buy much and what I did buy was small gifts for others .

Johanna-Marie

Good hotels, some better than others. Interesting itinerary

Too rushed. Optional tour rather too short

See all Moscow reviews

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe wins planning row to keep honey factory at £6m holiday home

Billionaire faced accusation he was turning his waterside New Forest property into an ‘industrial site’ after building two huge barns

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has won an 18-month planning row over a honey factory at his £6 million holiday home after he was granted permission to keep two barns erected on his estate.

The billionaire had faced accusations he was turning his seven-acre waterside property in Hampshire’s New Forest into an “industrial site” after he built two huge barns, a tennis court and a pergola without consent.

Sir Jim, 71, who owns chemical giant Ineos and recently bought 25 per cent of shares in Manchester United , applied for retrospective permission from the planning authority in 2022.

Ranked as Britain’s second wealthiest man with an estimated worth of £29 billion, the petrochemicals magnate has now successfully argued his case after a protracted process and will not be forced to abandon his beekeeping facility at the estate near Beaulieu.

Sir Jim’s passion for the apiary is spelt out in planning documents submitted by his agent.

“The applicant places very great value on home produced garden produce and as part of this he has commenced beekeeping at the site and has established a number of beehives in order to supply himself and his family with honey,” it says.

“Whilst beehives are distributed within the surrounding grounds the beekeeping activities also necessitate the provision of an indoor storage area for processing of honey and the storage of beekeeping equipment.

“The applicant respectfully suggests that the outbuildings will not result in any adverse harm to the ability of future generations to meet their own needs and that the development should therefore be accepted as sustainable development.”

According to the document, one of the two unauthorised sheds houses the “bee factory”, tractor, soil roller compactor, forklift, wood chipper, Turf Gator, lawn-mower, hedge-cutters and leaf blowers.

The other is used for storing a cherry picker, trailer, tractor flail, fertiliser spreader, three chainsaws and a leaf sucker.

“It is acknowledged that the additional proposed storage buildings are larger and provide more storage accommodation than a standard domestic shed within a standard domestic property,” the agent said.

“Effectively, this is a seven-acre garden and the sheer size of the garden means that there is an inevitable requirement for significant amounts of garden equipment and a consequent and significant need for substantial amounts of storage accommodation to house this equipment and the materials used by garden staff.”

The report said the application “seeks consent to regularise” works that had already taken place at the site, including a tennis court, pergola, works to a walled garden, associated landscaping and external lighting.

Objecting to the plans in November 2022, Mr J Harrow of nearby Lymington made a dig at Brexiteer Sir Jim’s 2020 relocation to Monaco , a move that was said to have saved him an estimated £4 billion in tax.

Mr Harrow said: “Yet more development from an industrialist who seems intent on turning this stretch of the Hampshire coast into an industrial site.

“And, as we have come to expect from billionaire elites, the belief that he can do what he wants with impunity as he can afford to pay more lawyers and fight local authorities.”

He urged the New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA) to “stand up” to wealthy owners who “seem intent on buying small houses and then by hook or by crook massively overdeveloping them”.

“And all to be used on a very occasional basis by the owner (Monaco is simply just more appealing)”, he added.

Despite the objection, the plans were approved last week by the NFNPA subject to a number of conditions.

Of the external work, a planning officer stated: “Whilst these works perhaps appear somewhat incongruous in a New Forest setting, they are confined to a small part of the overall site, in a location where they are not visible in the wider landscape and are not uncommon features in some of the other larger properties in the vicinity.

“The paths along the shore frontage are grassed over and although there is a helicopter landing area, this is de-marked by a spiral of small rocks set into the ground, ensuring that the extent of hard surfacing that would be visible from the Solent, which is the most public viewpoint available of the site, would be minimal.”

Despite the two outbuilding sheds being “substantial” in size, they were also granted permission because they “occupy a relatively minor area” of the site.

‘Concerns’ about ecology raised

Whilst “concerns” about ecology were raised, the proposed levels of lighting had been amended to alleviate them, alongside other measures such as bat tubes and boxes, sparrow and swift boxes integrated into the buildings, bee bricks and hives and insect blocks.

This latest application is the most recent of a catalogue of efforts by Sir Jim to make changes to the property, after he won a six-year battle to build a summer building on stilts in 2020.

Sir Jim, who grew up in a Manchester council house, bought BP’s chemicals division in 1992, renaming it Inspec and later Ineos.

The entrepreneur increased his wealth by more than £15 billion in 2017, catapulting him to the top of the Sunday Times Rich List. He was knighted in 2018.

Ineos sells 60 million tons of petrochemicals a year, used in industries from food packaging to car manufacture, with 17,000 employees in 16 countries.

In 2019, he rode to the rescue of British cycling, buying Team Sky and promising £40 million a year investment in the team which then won the Tour de France with Egan Bernal, the Colombian rider.

Sir Jim, a keen triathlete and sailor, bought Swiss football team Lausanne in 2017 and invested £110 million in a British challenge for the America’s Cup with Sir Ben Ainslie in 2018. Last December it was announced he had bought 25 per cent of shares of Manchester United , from the Glazer family, which was completed in February.

• Sir Jim Ratcliffe,
• New Forest,
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