patagonia wild travel

PATAGONIA WILD

Marcel Vitório

@marcelvitorio

A melhor experiência que vc possa ter em Bariloche! Alencar e Jéssica são extremamente atenciosos e preocupados em deixar sua viagem ainda mais especial! Desde o primeiro contato até a despedida eles foram incríveis! Foi a melhor experiência da minha vida! Indico, recomendo e com certeza iremos voltar para uma outra experiência no inverno!

Gastão Ponsi

@gastaoponsi

A consultoria são serviços que vão desde os preparativos para a viagem até o acompanhamento pelos caminhos da exuberância selvagem da região de San Carlos de Bariloche. Seguindo pela recepção do visitante ao chegar; elaboração dos roteiros adequados (que são muitos e esplêndidos); acompanhamento em trilhas, acampamentos, canoagem...

Tudo sob a orientação de pessoas que conhecem a exótica e extraordinária Patagonia Argentina e sabem ajustar o seu tempo de permanência na região. Conheça os serviços da Patagonia Wild. Você vai gostar e, com certeza, voltar.

Eduardo Lopes

@edulopesnogueira

O lugar é fantástico, a natureza se apresenta de uma forma magnífica. O atendimento da Wild Travel é realmente diferenciado, desde o translado até o final da expedição. Um domínio de conhecimento da região excelente e também um conhecimento técnico ótimo. Estrutura, conhecimento e ótimo atendimento não faltaram. PARABÉNS.

EMPRESAS QUE SONHAM JUNTO COM A GENTE

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Latin America

Patagonia Hiking Tours

Hiking journeys to the end of the world.

Patagonia is a land of superlatives. Stretching over the vast wilds of southern Argentina and Chile, it is a land heralded for its singular beauty. For over four decades, we’ve been exploring this masterpiece of nature and crafting unique itineraries that show you the best of the region’s most dramatic realms—with hikes on magnificent trails you’ll have practically to yourself and overnights in renowned estancias. Experience the end of the earth in WT-style!

All Trips to Patagonia

Small Group Adventure

Ultimate Patagonia

Chile, Argentina

From $11,595

Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia

From $9,295

Patagonia: Tracking Pumas and Cruising the Fjords

From $13,295

Private Journey

Argentina Private Journey

From $5,695

Argentina Family Private Journey

From $4,095

Chile Private Journey

From $5,995

Cruise Collection

Darwin’s Route: Cruising through Patagonia

From $4,236

Tierra del Fuego Cruise, Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

Argentina, Chile

From $2,375

What Makes Our Patagonia Trips Special?

• The Absolute Best of Patagonia — We’ll take you to the most iconic places including Fitz Roy, Torres del Paine, and Tierra del Fuego, hiking by day and being welcomed at boutique hotels and heritage estancias by night.
• The Right Pacing to Truly Experience Patagonia — Patagonia is vast, and its weather is notoriously changeable—you can’t rush this trip, or you may never see the mountain views, much less truly experience its amazing parks.
• Insider Access to Exclusive Accommodations — Our decades-long relationships in Patagonia give you special access to some of Patagonia’s most renowned estancias and lodges. We usually have sole access to each of these boutique accommodations.
• Superb Trip Leaders and Expert Local Guides — Our Trip Leaders have decades of experience and incredible knowledge to share. You’ll be introduced to countless locals along the way and given a wonderful insider’s experience.
• Comfortable Travel — Travel here requires a few long drives, but we do it in comfort, with a redesigned bus that has half the seats removed, doubling your legroom—and we make plenty of stops for photography and wildlife spotting.

Everything You Need to Know

We time our trips for Patagonia’s ideal hiking weather, from late November through early March, when we can enjoy the mildest temperatures and 16 hours of daylight.

An immense, wild territory covering over 400,000 square miles of Chile and Argentina, Patagonia spans the entire southern tip of South America, and has endless wild territory to explore. Our trips allow you to experience the best regions of this vast wilderness area: Tierra del Fuego, Los Glaciares, and Torres del Paine. 

Patagonia offers everything from long through-hiking treks to short leisurely walks. Our team of experts hand-pick the very best parts of these trails that show you the most magnificent vistas while staying away from the crowds. See here for just a few of our top picks.

Not sure which Patagonia adventure is best for you? See below for a side-by-side comparison of our itineraries to help make your decision easier. Still unsure? Our Latin America Area Specialists are happy to answer any questions and explain the journeys in greater detail.

Our long-term relationships in Patagonia give you the privilege of insider access. The boutique, family-owned lodges and estancias we partner with are a highlight of our Ultimate Patagonia and Estancias of Patagonia journeys for many guests, welcoming us in at the end of each day with a glass of Malbec and a roaring fire. In many of the lodges, we will have the whole property for our group alone, and as Patagonia becomes more and more popular as a destination, this kind of special access is increasingly hard to find.

We’ve been staying at some of the estancias for 30 or more years. They know us, and we know the wonderful families, hosts, and long-time staff members who make these accommodations feel like home in the wilderness. They are not “fancy” per se, but instead are genuine, inviting, secret hideaways that you will long remember. We start with a bang at El Pilar, a storybook lodge on the edge of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, where Fitz Roy is framed by the dining room window and the home-cooking is superb. El Pilar sits right on the trail of one of the best hikes in the park, and is run by a wonderful couple, Guillermo and Cristina. Estancia Helsingfors is way off the road, exclusive to our group, and has the most magnificent setting imaginable (we even have the trails to ourselves here).

Experience Patagonia

Extend Your Trip

Patagonia Family Extension

From $2,795

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

You could not have designed a better itinerary. Every day, every lodge, every meal, every experience was (unbelievably) better than the day before. Thank you for making this a phenomenal travel experience that I’ll remember for a lifetime.

We were so well taken care of—lovely hosterias, in unbelievable settings, always comfortable, and fantastic food.

The trip design was brilliant. Each day we thought we had captured “the prize” but the next day was even better. How did you do this?

The trip totally surpassed my expectations. Patagonia was absolutely breathtaking and one of the most spectacular travels I have had so far.

A fabulous itinerary, with spectacular scenery and hiking opportunities, wildlife, lodge comfort, quality dining, and no altitude—wow!

A 5-star experience—unforgettable, well organized, planned, paced.

Our Patagonia experience seemed surreal. Breathtaking views, outstanding Trip Leaders, and excellent lodging.

Of all nine of our wonderful WT adventures, Patagonia is one of our most memorable. The combination of outstanding WT staff and a truly magical place (plus the good fortune of great weather) made this trip a ‘life list’ experience for us!

This was a trip of a lifetime. I loved, loved, loved the hiking, the views, the corners turned to find a spectacular glacial lake, towering rocks, a glacier swooping down, a waterfall. What more could a person want??

Impeccable itinerary and outstanding implementation. Every day delivered a new ‘oh my’ because of the variety of the scenery and experiences. Thanks, Wilderness Travel!

Loved the variety, from penguins and glaciers, to high deserts and craggy mountains.

This was a truly exceptional trip where we felt that we were able to fully experience the Patagonian wilderness but from the relative comfort of some wonderful small hotels and estancias.

Talk to an Expert

Our Latin America Specialists know every detail about our Patagonia trips. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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How to Travel to Patagonia

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Patagonia, including the best treks and places to stay.

Stretching across Chile and Argentina, Patagonia has long lured travelers to what is very nearly the end of the world. Here, in the countries' national parks, are snow-capped mountains, cobalt fjords, and old-growth forests. At the southernmost tip of the Americas, icebergs rupture with a dramatic roar from ancient, massive glaciers.

Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina are two of the region’s top highlights, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors per year. For a complete Patagonian travel journey, consider visiting both. Of course, doing so requires a lot of logistical planning — especially during the high season. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you maximize your travels in this wonderfully remote corner of the planet.

Though most hotels in the region remain open year-round, you might find amenities and activities that keep tourists comfortable and entertained throughout the busy season are unavailable during winter in the Southern Hemisphere, which is from April to September.

To avoid the crowds and still experience good weather, visit during the spring when the flowers are in bloom, or fall when the leaves are a fiery mosaic of red, orange, and yellow. The summer months (December to February) have the mildest weather, but keep in mind that temperatures average below 70 degrees and winds are strong.

Travelers should be aware that the weather in Patagonia is highly unpredictable, particularly in spring and early summer. Weather and temperatures can fluctuate without warning, and violent storms can sweep in from the Pacific. It’s helpful to pad your schedule with additional days in case you encounter inclement weather.

How to Get to Patagonia

Because distances are quite long in Chile and Argentina, you will probably want to fly to Patagonia (unless you have several days to spare for a road trip from Buenos Aires or Santiago). Airline seats fill up quickly during peak season (December to February), so you should purchase tickets as far in advance as possible: Six months is ideal. For other months in the high season (October until early May), book at least three months ahead to avoid steep fares and limited options.

In Chile, LATAM Airlines serves southern Chilean Patagonia year-round with daily flights between Santiago and Punta Arenas, a common jumping-off point for Patagonia travel, with a flight time of three and a half hours.

Sky Airlines, Chile’s low-cost provider, also flies between Santiago and both Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales — another jumping-off point to Punta Arenas' south — often stopping at Puerto Montt, though passengers usually get to stay on the plane. Sky Airlines generally offers lower fares than LATAM.

Puerto Natales fares are cheaper the earlier you book. And as for driving time, it's three hours between Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas, two hours between Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park, and four to five hours between Punta Arenas and the park.

In Argentina, Calafate and Ushuaia are the primary entryways, both less than a four-hour flight from Buenos Aires. These destinations are serviced by LATAM Airlines and Aerolineas Argentinas. Los Glaciares National Park, home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, is an hour's drive from El Calafate Airport. Another popular destination in this region is the trekking mecca El Chaltén, which is a three-hour drive from El Calafate Airport, where you can rent a car.

How to Get Around

Many of Patagonia's luxury hotels include transfers to and from the airport, as well as transportation for daily excursions. Traveling between Chile and Argentina can be done easily by land or sea. Unfortunately, there are no flights from Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas to El Calafate or Ushuaia.

By sea, Australis cruises run from the end of September to the beginning of April, connecting Punta Arenas and Ushuaia. Expeditions lasting four to eight nights navigate fjords, the Avenue of the Glaciers, the Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, and Cape Horn. Daily Zodiac rides get passengers up close to the ice and wildlife including penguin colonies and elephant seals.

For an overland trip, you can rent a car, organize a private transfer, or catch a bus. The bus company Bus-Sur connects Puerto Natales, Chile, and El Calafate, Argentina, daily during the tourist season and several times a week during the low season. The transfer takes five hours or longer, depending on how long it takes to clear customs. Book online at least a month in advance to guarantee a seat, especially during the high season.

Traveling by bus or organized tour is the most convenient way to cross the border because guides and drivers handle many of the logistics, but self-driving tourists travel between Chile and Argentina in private vehicles all the time. Do your research on the process before attempting a border crossing on your own.

What to Pack

In Patagonia, travelers will need to be ready for all kinds of weather. Since temperatures can go from freezing to 70 degrees over the course of a single day, it’s crucial that travelers pack layers. A waterproof jacket and trekking boots are essential, as are sunscreen and a pair of quality sunglasses (the sun can be extremely bright).

If you’re staying in upscale lodges, it's fine to bring a suitcase, but a backpack is needed for multiday trekking. Smaller backpacks are ideal for full- or half-day excursions. Many upscale hotels provide personal water bottles and trekking poles.

Packing Essentials

• Long thermal underwear that wicks perspiration
• Water-repellent hiking pants
• Light pullover or sweatshirt
• Fleece or down liner
• Waterproof parka or weatherproof jacket
• Hat for sun protection
• Liner or wind-stopper gloves
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Long hiking socks
• Neck gaiter
• Hiking backpack or day pack

Chilean Patagonia Travel Tips

Chile's portion of Patagonia is smaller and more rugged — i.e., less touristy — than Argentina's. Head to the Chile side to get off the beaten path and go beyond the major highlights.

Travelers flock to Patagonia to experience the otherworldly beauty of Torres del Paine National Park and spot Patagonia’s wildlife, including the Big Five: pumas, llama-like guanacos, South Andean deer known as huemul, Andean condors, and the ostrich-like rhea (or ñandú). There are also flamingos, foxes, penguins, and more than 100 species of birds. Several tour companies offer multiday puma-tracking safaris through the park.

Visitors will also want to explore the park’s old-growth forests. In the canopies of primeval southern beech trees (lenga, coihue, ñire) you can spot Magellanic woodpeckers and Austral parakeets.

Full- and half-day treks along the famous W Circuit (named for the shape of the route) offer one-of-a-kind vistas of sweeping freshwater lakes, teal lagoons, ice floes, and glimmering glaciers. The W Circuit is a roughly 50-mile trail that takes four or five days to walk and showcases major attractions. Trekkers settle into refugios (basic dorm-style shelters) or campsites for overnight stays.

Less remote, you can stroll through the colorful fishing town of Puerto Natales, or explore the region’s labyrinth of scenic fjords, where immense glaciers and marine life can be admired from the deck of a boat. On the shores of Punta Arenas, visit penguin colonies at Seno Otway or Magdalena Island and look out for sea lions and whales that populate the waters. You can also kayak the Strait of Magellan.

Where to Stay

Patagonia's luxury lodges offer all-inclusive packages that cover airport transfers, a wide range of full- and half-day excursions, and three gourmet meals per day with premium wine and cocktails. Explora is a pioneer in this category, offering dozens of expeditions led by experienced guides in Patagonia and Torres del Paine national parks. Besides that, 14 exclusive villas are the signature of Awasi , where guests have their own private guide and four-wheel drive vehicle to explore the scenery at their own pace.

Overlooking Lake Sarmiento and Paine Massif, Tierra Patagonia subscribes to an adventure spa philosophy. Guests are encouraged to unwind after jam-packed days of exploration with a massage or a session in the open-air hot tub.

For glampers, the sustainable EcoCamp is a geodesic dome hotel inside Torres del Paine National Park. Accommodations range from basic to over-the-top heated two-story tents that boast private terraces, bathrooms, and windows facing upward to the Patagonian sky. Assisted camping experiences on the trekking circuit are arranged by operators like Las Torres , Cascada Expediciones , MT Sobek , and Swoop Patagonia .

A number of upscale properties are located in and around the colorful fishing town of Puerto Natales, too. The Singular Patagonia , a property situated on the banks of the Last Hope Sound, is an early-20th-century national monument that’s been refurbished with industrial-chic accents.

At Lakutaia Lodge , on Navarino Island next to Cape Horn, guests are deeply immersed in the surrounding glaciers and fjords. But the real draw for adventurers is the opportunities to helifish and heliski.

What to Eat and Drink

Most of the lodges on private reserves offer full room and board, employing talented chefs who take advantage of locally sourced ingredients like white strawberries, rhubarb, seaweed, Patagonian honey, and gamier specialties like guanaco and Patagonian hare.

From the sea, try South American king crab, snook-and-hake ceviche, conger eel, choritos (mussels), and oysters. Wash it all down with a Chilean pisco sour or bottle of local wine.

Day Trips From Chile

Hotels in Chilean Patagonia offer a staggering array of full- and half-day excursions for just about any interest and fitness level: mountain trekking, horseback riding, cycling, kayaking, sailing scenic fjords, and glacier cruises, among others. For avid hikers, hiking to the base of Torres del Paine ("Mirador Las Torres") is a must-do. It’s a challenging, full-day out-and-back trip, but a clear view — weather depending — of the granite spires rising from the turquoise glacial lake is an ample reward.

You can take a Zodiac voyage to get up-close views of ancient, glistening glaciers. Grey Glacier is a popular destination, as are the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers, accessible from the wharf in Puerto Natales. Otherwise, spend the day with Chilean cowboys at the family-run Estancia Mercedes for horseback riding along fjords.

General Tips for Visiting Chile

• When visiting during Chile’s summer months, beware of biting midges. Spray yourself with natural insect repellent at regular intervals and wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves, as these small flies are attracted to dark colors.
• If you are an avid hiker, avoid heavy crowds of backpackers in Torres del Paine National Park by traveling in November or April. ​ ​
• On challenging treks, opt for two trekking poles. They will save your knees on the descent.

Argentine Patagonia Travel Tips

Argentina's portion of Patagonia is larger and more geographically diverse than Chile's portion. Another potential benefit is that the Andes Mountains leaves Argentina in a rain shadow, meaning it stays dry while the Chilean side takes the rain that rolls in from the Pacific.

The 97-square-mile Perito Moreno Glacier — a declared UNESCO World Heritage site in Los Glaciares National Park — attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. Located near El Calafate in one of the world’s most exceptional ice fields, it’s a must-see on the Argentine side of Patagonia. Boat cruises on Argentina's largest freshwater lake, Lake Argentino, will take you close enough to witness colossal icebergs fall from the glacier into the water. Some tours give visitors a chance to hike out onto the glacier wearing metal crampons.

Visiting the area’s historic estancias offers travelers a glimpse into the rural life of Patagonian ranchers. Estancia Cristina and Nibepo Aike (see below, Where to Stay) are destinations in their own right. Unspoiled landscapes and opportunities to hike, horseback ride, and visit the area’s stunning glaciers are abundant.

Three hours north by car from El Calafate is the laid-back hiking hamlet of El Chaltén, famous for its towering Fitz Roy mountain peak. The tiny frontier town is dotted with picturesque chalets and a network of scenic trails that suit every skill level.

You’ll travel to the “end of the world” in Tierra del Fuego. Its capital city, Ushuaia, is a port of arrival or departure when traveling by sea between Argentina and Chile. Take a boat cruise or catamaran trip to see penguins, sea lions, and cormorants inhabiting the legendary Beagle Channel made famous by naturalist Charles Darwin on his Beagle voyage in 1831.

Tierra del Fuego National Park offers a lush sub-Antarctic rain forest shaded with beech trees, while Glacier Martial offers a panoramic view of Ushuaia and the channel. International anglers make pilgrimages to the banks of the Rio Grande in the hope of hooking a record-breaking brown trout.

Two pleasant hotels offering relatively affordable accommodations right on the southern shore of Lake Argentino are Esplendor El Calafate Hotel and Xelena .

EOLO , 30 minutes west of El Calafate, is built on 10,000 acres of arid steppe and pampas grass with lake views. Antiques, heavy wooden furniture, and mismatched dishware give the lodge a cozy country atmosphere. Nearby, guests can take guided treks, go horseback riding, mountain biking, and bird-watching. The hotel can also arrange excursions to the Perito Moreno and Upsala Glaciers. Book one of the corner suites for an especially good view.

Further out of town is Estancia Cristina , an early-20th-century sheep ranch accessible only by the resort's boat across Lake Argentino. Set on 54,000 acres of wild Patagonian terra firma, the preserved estancia offers a menu of excursions including trekking, horseback riding, and sailing among icebergs near the Upsala Glacier.

Meanwhile, Estancia Nibepo Aike on the shore of Lake Roca is a working ranch founded by a Croatian pioneer at the turn of the 20th century. The estancia still raises cattle and sheep, granting guests the opportunity to see sheep be sheared, learn cowboy skills on horseback, and sample a traditional prepared asado (barbecue) of Patagonian lamb. Guests can also take day trips from here to explore the lesser-visited glaciers Cubo, Frías, and Dickson.

Between El Chaltén and El Calafate, you can stay at Helsingfors Lodge , a former ranch set on the shores of Lake Viedma with great food and stunning mountain views. On Lake San Martin, several hours north of El Calafate, there's also the pristine private nature reserve that houses Estancia El Cóndor , named for the nearby condor nesting sites.

Los Cerros , located on a hilltop providing epic views of El Chaltén, is the most luxe option in a backpacking haven brimming with hostels. And the exclusive Aguas Arribas Lodge , about an hour's drive north of El Chaltén, is a secluded lakeside retreat looking upon the north face of Mount Fitz Roy.

In Ushuaia, luxury properties Los Cauquenes and Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa both overlook the Beagle Channel and offer guided wilderness hikes and excursions on the water.

Most estancias offer full board with three meals per day, but there are some local delicacies you must check off your list.

El Calafate gets its name from the calafate berry (barberry), and there is a local legend that says whoever eats one will return to Patagonia. Try calafate gelato, calafate liqueur, and delicious jams made from chaura (prickly heath) and zarzaparrilla (wild currant).

Experiencing a Patagonian asado is a must at one of the estancias . Watch the asadors cook local lamb on an iron cross over a live fire and enjoy it with a glass of Patagonian pinot noir in hand. One of the best restaurants for grilled cuisine is La Tablita in El Calafate. In Ushuaia, dine on classic Argentine seafood at the restaurant Kaupé , considered one of the best in the country.

While you're in Argentina, be sure to try Beagle , a beer brewed using meltwater from nearby glaciers. However, arguably the most important and culturally significant of all Argentine drinks is mate. It's a longstanding social ritual to drink yerba mate tea, a caffeine-rich blend of dried herbs steeped in hot water, from a hollowed gourd or wooden mate cup. Of course, you must use a bombilla (a traditional straw) for the full experience. Try adding a little sugar if the taste is too bitter for your palate.

Day Trips From Argentina

UIG/Getty Images

A trip to Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park is one of Patagonia’s most iconic excursions. Book an ice trekking adventure — big or small — with Hielo & Aventura .

Another guide company, Marpatag , takes guests on multiday glacier adventure sailings along Lake Argentino, visiting the Upsala, Spegazzini, and Perito Moreno Glaciers.

A full-day excursion to Estancia Cristina includes a boat ride past glaciers and waterfalls, too. Cañadon de los Fosiles is a 4.5-hour trek from the estancia providing views of Lake Guillermo and the Upsala Glacier before descending through a valley of ancient fossils.

El Chaltén offers a variety of scenic day hikes including the Cerro Torre Trek, which takes about six hours, and the more challenging Mount Fitz Roy Trek, an eight-hour hike to Laguna de los Tres. You can also ice hike atop the Viedma Glacier.

In Tierra del Fuego, look for marine wildlife in the Beagle Channel or visit panoramic lookout points on hikes through Tierra del Fuego National Park.

General Tips for Visiting Argentina

• Perito Moreno Glacier’s ice treks have strict age limits — typically from 18 to 65 years old — that differ by tour.
• If you plan to spend a night at Estancia Cristina, you should overnight in Calafate before and after, as the boat departs early in the morning and returns in the late afternoon.
• Avid hikers should visit El Chaltén in November or April to avoid heavy crowds.
• Outdoor equipment is expensive in Argentina, so be certain you’re well equipped before traveling.

Do Americans Need a Visa to Visit Patagonia?

The capital cities Santiago, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, both serve as gateways to Patagonia. Americans do not need a visa or to pay a reciprocity fee to enter either country.

Which side to start on is a matter of personal preference. However, if you plan to visit both countries, you can start in one city and finish in the other, so you have the opportunity to experience both.

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Wildlife in Patagonia: All You Need to Know

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Patagonia is famous for its rugged landscapes, with ice fields and granite spires that evoke the most epic fantasy movies you’ve seen on TV. This area of 1.043 million km2 (402.734 sq. mi) split between Chile and Argentina is incredibly diverse, with dry plains called “pampa” in the east and the world’s third freshwater reserve – the southern Patagonian ice fields - in the west.

But Patagonia isn’t only a matter of landscapes. Over the last few years, it has gained popularity among wildlife photographers and animal lovers for its incredible fauna. Today, you can even do a Wildlife Safari (the southernmost on Earth!) or a Puma Tracking to search for South America’s big cat.

National Geographic, BBC and Netflix helped a little with some spectacular wildlife movies . However, the truth is that with over 500 animal species, Patagonia made its reputation alone. In addition to the famous pumas, whales and penguins, the region is home to some of the world’s most endangered deer, the rarest wild cats and the most bizarre rodents. Patagonia is one of the most unique and rich wildlife regions on Earth , and here is everything you need to know to go wildlife spotting at the bottom of the planet.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Why is Patagonia's wildlife so unique?

2. Where can I spot wildlife in Patagonia?

3. When should I go wildlife watching in Patagonia?

4. What animals can I see in Patagonia?

5. what dangerous animals live in patagonia, 6. what tours are recommended to spot wildlife in patagonia.

1. Why is Patagonia’s wildlife so unique?

Throughout the geological history of Patagonia, the forces of nature have shaped the appearance of the landscape and of the animals that inhabit it. The geological dynamics mixed with both tropical and temperate influences were a powerful engine for all species in the territory. And while the biological diversity (amount of animal species) in Patagonia is relatively low compared to other south American regions, the isolation of the region allowed a high endemism – which means there are lots of animal and plant species you’ll only find here.

Also, spotting wildlife in Patagonia is, for the most part, surprisingly easy . In some places like Torres del Paine National Park, you will see more guanacos than human beings. Patagonia has one of the lowest densities of population on Earth, with only 2,2 inhabitants per square kilometer. You’ve got it: you’ll have plenty of space for yourself in this vast wilderness.

Finally, animals adapted themselves to the great diversity of climates within the region. There are several ecoregions in Patagonia, each of them with its unique biodiversity. So if you plan a wildlife vacation in Patagonia, you’d better have time.

ATLANTIC PATAGONIA

Argentina’s coastline is heaven for travelers looking for marine life. Its landscape is defined by continuous cliffs, interrupted at times by areas of vast dunes. If you go inland, it is basically a desert as there are very few precipitations in the region. However, the water temperature in the south is low, due to the cold streams from the Malvinas Islands that support the life of incredible animal species.

The best place to spot wildlife in Argentina’s Atlantic coastline is the Valdes Peninsula , an area of around 3,623km2 (1,400 sq mi) in size. It is an important nature reserve that was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. The nearest large town here in Puerto Madryn, but you’ll want to spend more time sailing in the sea than wandering in the city.

What can I do in the Valdes Peninsula? Well, plenty of epic things!

The area may be the best place for whale watching in Argentina, with great options of day trips (an experience of up to 12 hours). You may also spot orcas and sea lions on the way! Other popular tours include snorkeling with sea lions in the Punta Loma nature reserve and a day trip to spot the Magellanic penguins of the Punta Tombo Nature Reserve, where penguins come to mate and give birth every year. Here, you can also spot the only colony of continental sea lions, whose length can reach more than 5 meters (yes, that’s huge).

TIERRA DEL FUEGO

Tierra del Fuego (translate into “Land of Fire”) archipelago is the southernmost part of South America and is sometimes described as the “uttermost ends of the Earth”. This vast area of 21,263km2/8,210 sq mi is remote, yet it has been inhabited for more than 12,000 years by tribes of indigenous people, namely the Yámana, Alakaluf, Selk´nam and Manek’enk. There were more than 10,000 indigenous people living in the area when the first Europeans reached the territory in 1520.

Today, only about 350 native remain, after endemic diseases carried by European settlers killed most of them and a genocide was committed against the Selk’nam. The troubled history of Tierra del Fuego shouldn’t be ignored on a trip to this wonderful part of Patagonia, split between Chile and Argentina. Most travelers aim to Ushuaia , Argentina’s southernmost city that is surrounded by some beautiful snowcapped mountains and is a great starting point for sailing through the Beagle channel and spot some marine wildlife.

A sailing experience through the Beagle channel is a cool way to meet Patagonia’s breeding penguins, such as the huge colony of Magellanic penguins of Martillo island. The area is also renowned for the observation of seabirds and sea lions.

The Chilean side of Tierra del Fuego is famous for Cape Horn , the southernmost headland of the archipelago that marks where the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans meet (with fury!). It is less famous for its colony of King Penguins, the second-largest colony of penguins on Earth! You can see them on a full day, leaving Punta Arenas at early morning. This amazing excursion will make you cross the Magellan strait on a ferry and drive through the grasslands of Tierra del Fuego.

But the landscapes of the archipelago are diverse , and you’ll meet another type of wildlife if you travel inland to the mountains and forests of Yendegaia National Park or the Karukinka Nature Park! In these wild areas, you can meet beautiful animals like the Magellanic woodpecker, guanacos and the Culpeo fox.

MAGELLAN STRAIT

If there’s a place on Earth where the wind rarely stops blowing, it’s the strait of Magellan in Chile! Patagonia’s most famous navigable sea route separates mainland South America to the north and Tierra del Fuego to the south. The strait was discovered and traversed by the Spanish expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520, after whom it is named.

Today, you will still feel like an explorer while sailing through the Magellan Strait , locally called “ Estrecho de Magallanes”. The area is vast with some unpredictable weather conditions, so getting to the nearby channels or islands to spot wildlife may be an adventure you’ll never forget!

However, there are plenty of accessible options leaving Punta Arenas - the capital of Chile’s Magallanes region – on a daily basis. You can go for a Magellan Strait Penguin Adventure and take a cool zodiac boat ride through the strait to meet the 150,000 penguins of the Magdalena island . This small island near Punta Arenas (it’s a half day excursion) may be the best place in Patagonia to spot Magellanic penguins, though it is only available from November to March. You will also sail to Marta Island and meet the local sea lions, and might even spot the beautiful commerson’s dolphins that live in the strait.

If you’re looking for something wild and epic, you should definitely opt for a Humpback Whale Watching experience , the best full day any whale lover could ever dream of. The excursion departs Punta Arenas at 4am – yes, it's a long day – so you can start sailing at early morning and aim to Francisco Coloane Marine Reserve, the biggest marine reserve in Chile. You will take a boat past Cabo Froward, the southernmost point on the mainland of South America.

And while the superstar here is the giant Humpback whale, there is plenty of wildlife in the reserve, including albatross, penguins, sea lions and even orcas. Not to mention to beauty of the surrounding landscapes, which are the true definition of “pristine”. Don’t forget your binoculars.

TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

Torres del Paine del Paine National Park is considered by many as “Patagonia’s finest national park” and not for a good reason, but for many reasons. Chile’s most famous national park may just be the most beautiful place in South America, with landscapes encompassing spectacular mountains, glaciers, blue lakes, grasslands and subpolar forests. The Torres del Paine are 3 distinctive granite peaks, which extend up to 2,850 meters (9300ft) above sea level. But there are plenty of other incredible spires you can use as a backdrop for your wildlife photography.

This UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve (since 1978) is also famous for its high density of wildlife. Here, you’ll see the highest density of pumas in South America, and condors and guanacos are (almost) everywhere. You can even focus on wildlife photography on a 6-Day Patagonia Puma Tracking .

In just a one-hour drive, you’ll go from the dense nothofagus forests to the grasslands, with foxes and Darwin’s Rhea hanging around. And while there are some beautiful trails to go wildlife watching, you can even spot animals just by driving through the park’s main road. Here, you can do a Wildlife Safari and mix hiking with nature observation to make the most of your stay in Torres del Paine (and spend your nights at EcoCamp Patagonia , the world’s 1 st geodesic hotel).

In the eastern side of the park, there is a herd of around 100 wild horses that inhabit a private reserve and which you can observe a full-day wild horse tracking . And if you go west (near Grey Glacier), you might meet the South Andean Deer (Huemul), an endangered deer very few people were lucky to see. There’s no doubt why the best wildlife films about Patagonia were shot in Torres del Paine!

CARRETERA AUSTRAL

The Carretera Austral (in English: southern way) is an epic highway that winds through 1240 kilometers (770 mi) of raw beauty . The road starts in Chile’s southern Lake District (Puerto Montt) in the north and ends in the extreme south of the Aysén Region (Villa O’Higgins). While driving through the Carretera Austral, you’ll travel through areas that are sparsely populated and despite the length of the road, there are only about 100,000 people inhabiting the region. Saying you’ll meet more animals than humans is not joke!

The road is a dreamt opportunity to go deep inside this incredible wilderness and spot some beautiful bird species, like the austral rail, the chucao tapaculo, the magellanic oystercatcher or the many-colored rush tyrant. The dense forests of the Aysén region are a great refuge for the endangered south Andean deer, especially around the Cerro Castillo Reserve, and you might also meet the southern Pudu, the world’s smallest deer .

The most beautiful national parks for wildlife watching around the Carretera Austral are Pumalin National Park, Queulat National Park and Patagonia National Park . You can also venture into Patagonia’s remote fjords while sailing to Isla Magdalena National Park, an area that is famous for the Magellanic penguins and the southern river otter, an endangered medium-sized otter.

3. When should I go wildlife watching in Patagonia? 

It depends on the wildlife you are willing to spot . While some animals can be seen all year round, some species can be seen during specific months only . It’s especially the case with marine life. For instance, the best time of the year for whale watching in Chile’s Patagonia goes from December to March. However, in Atlantic Patagonia whales can be seen from September to December. As for penguins, they start to arrive along Patagonia’s coastline in September and stay until mid-March. The best time to see penguins is December/January (summer), when fuzzy little chicks are still feeding in the nests.

When it comes to mammals and birds, it is hard to find a good answer. Some behaviors are unique, like the guanacos’ breeding season that occurs once a year in December and January. But these animals can be seen all year round. Those looking for wild encounters tend to avoid peak season (December to February) when there are crowds in places like Torres del Paine National Park. Autumn (April/May) and Winter (June to September) are a great time to spot wildlife in Torres del Paine National Park, with less people around and animals like pumas getting closer to the roads. However, most hotels are closed in the region in Winter and days are short.

Also, you should consider the weather conditions. In summer (December to February), days are long (up to 17 hours of daylight a day) with more sunshine but also more wind whereas in autumn, there are more precipitations but also less wind. Whenever you come to Patagonia, the weather can change in the blink of an eye. Check out our post for more information on that topic.

There are plenty of animals you can see in Patagonia. In Torres del Paine National Park alone, there are 118 bird species and 26 mammal species. Some travelers come to see “Patagonia’s Big Five” , namely the puma, the guanaco, the huemul, the Andean condor and the Darwin’s rhea. But there are plenty of other incredible animals, and here’s an overview of Patagonia’s most fascinating fauna.

MAMMALS OF PATAGONIA

GUANACO ( Lama guanicoe )

Where can I see them? All around Patagonia, especially in grasslands

When can I see them? Year round

One of Patagonia’s most common animals, the guanaco is a camelid native to South America . Guanacos are widely spread (estimates place their numbers at 400,000 to 600,000) and can be seen in parts of Peru and Bolivia. Baby guanacos are called “chulengos”. Guanacos are curious animals that spend most the day grazing and live in herds composed of females, their youngs and a dominant male. They weigh up to 140 kilos (310 lb) and are therefore considered one of the largest terrestrial animals in South America.

PUMA ( Puma Concolor )

Where can I see them? Torres de Paine, Carretera Austral

The puma is a large cat native to the Americas the lives from Alaska to Patagonia, making it the most widespread of any large terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere . This ambush predator particularly enjoys eating guanacos, though it also hunts animals like hares and Darwin’s rheas. Males can weigh up to 100 kilos (220 lb). While it can be seen in most parts of continental Patagonia, it is more frequent to encounter pumas in Chile’s Magallanes and Aysén Region, where the population is protected. But the best place to see pumas is by far Torres del Paine, as they live in open areas with plenty of food and a protected habitat.

Other wild cats in Patagonia include the Geoffrey’s cat and the Colocolo cat , both of them small and very hard to spot.

CULPEO FOX ( Lycalopex culpaeus )

Where can I see them? Carretera Austral, Torres del Paine, Tierra del Fuego

The second largest native canid on the American continent after the maned wolf, the Culpeo Fox is similar in appearance to a red fox and enjoys eating rabbits, birds, lizards and rodents. You will mainly find it around the broadlees Nothofagus temperate forests (it is common to see it around EcoCamp) though it lives in a wide variety of habitats, including deserts and high plateaus

The other fox in Patagonia is the Gray fox (Lycalopex griseus) that is often seen in Patagonia’s grasslands.

SOUTH ANDEAN DEER ( Hippocamelus bisulcus )

The southernmost deer in the world, the South Andean Deer – also known as “Huemul” – is an endangered deer that can be found in some forests of Chile (75%) and Argentina (25%). Uncontrolled hunting brought this beautiful deer to the brink of extinction and today, it is estimated that less than a thousand deer remain in the wild. This great deer can weigh up to 100 kilos (220 lbs) and feeds on leaves, tender shoots and sometimes grass.

The other famous deer in Patagonia is the tiny southern Pudu , classified as near threatened and that inhabits the forests of northern Patagonia.

HUMBOLDT’S HOG-NOSED SKUNK ( Conepatus humboldtii )

Where can I see them? Torres del Paine, Carretera Austral, Atlantic Patagonia

This cute hog-nosed skunk is indigenous to the open grassy areas of Patagonia. They use their long claws to locate prey, mainly insects but also rodents and carrion during winter. They are active at dawn and twilight and are a prey for bigger mammals such as foxes and pumas.

DWARF ARMADILLO (Zaedyus pichiy)

When can I see them? September to April

The only armadillo to hibernate , the Dwarf Armadillo – also called “Pichi” – is a solitary animal that lives in Patagonia’s arid and semiarid grasslands. Pichis are omnivorous with a special taste for invertebrates like beetles, scorpions and ants. They are considered near-threatened as they are hunted in some places, both for sport (the skin is used is some handicrafts) and subsistence.

PATAGONIAN MARA (Dolichotis patagonum)

Where can I see them? Atlantic Patagonia

This weird (and cute) herbivorous only inhabits in Argentina (you can see them around the Valdes Peninsula). They are somehow similar to the Jackrabbit and mainly feed on green vegetation and fruit. Maras doesn’t only have a peculiar physical appearance: they also have a unique behavior. They are monogamous; the pairs of maras stay together for life, and the replacement of partners only occurs after one’s death. Did you say “faithful”?

BIRDS OF PATAGONIA

ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus)

Where can I see them? Torres del Paine, Carretera Austral, Atlantic Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego

This New World Vulture is the largest flying bird on Earth by combined measurement of weight and wingspan (a max. wingspan of 3.3 meters / 10.10 ft). This huge scavenger feeds on carrion and likes to nest at high elevations (up to 5000 meters/16,000 ft). It can live up to 70 years, which makes it the world’s longest living bird. This famous bird is featured on the coat of arms of several countries, including Chile, Bolivia and Colombia. Torres del Paine National Park may be the best place on Earth to spot condors, and they are often seen flying in circles above carcasses.

DARWIN’S RHEA (Rhea pennata)

Where can I see them? Carretera Austral, Torres del Paine, Atlantic Patagonia

The Darwin’s rhea – also known as lesser rhea and ñandu – is a large flightless bird that is commonly seen in Patagonia’s grasslands. Their feathers resemble those of ostriches. They are mainly herbivores, even though they sometimes eat small animals like grasshoppers, lizards and beetles.

MAGELLANIC WOODPECKER (Campephilus woodpecker)

Where can I see them? Tierra del Fuego, Carretera Austral, Torres del Paine

This very large woodpecker (up to 45 cm/18 in in length) inhabits the nothofagus forests of Patagonia where they feed on insects like beetles, spiders and wood-boring grubs. The male is easily recognizable with its elegant red head , while the female has a thin red layer near its beak.

CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis)

Where can I see them? Carretera Austral, Torres del Paine, Atlantic Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego

Who said flamingos only inhabit warm places? This large flamingo (up to 130cm/51in) can be found in Patagonia’s salt lakes, lagoons, estuaries and fjords. Compared to other similar flamingos like the American flamingo, they have a larger amount of black on the bill.

AUSTRAL PYGMY OWL (Glaucidium nana)

The smallest owl in Patagonia (21cm/0.6ft), the austral pygmy owl – locally known as “chuncho” – inhabits the temperature forests of Patagonia where it feeds on mice and insects, but also on small birds and reptiles. Its small size and silent flight make it hard to spot, though it can be seen during the day. Other owls in Patagonia include the lesser horned owl – the largest in the region – and the strix rufipes.

KING PENGUIN (Aptenodytes patagonicus)  

Where can I see them? Tierra del Fuego

When can I see them? Year round, preferably from September to March

The king penguin is the second largest species of penguin after the emperor penguin and can measure up to 100 cm/39in. These beautiful penguins can be seen in very few places in Patagonia, namely near Ushuaia (Argentina) and at Bahía Inutil (Chile). In winter (April to August) the population drops as the largest chicks are raised, though they can be seen all year round.

MAGELLANIC PENGUIN (Spheniscus magellanicus)  

Where can I see them? Magellan Strait, Tierra del Fuego

When can I see them? Year round, preferably from October to March

Magellanic penguins are cute and numerous penguins that were first spotted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520 – hence their name. These medium-sized penguins (up to 76cm/30in) have black backs and white abdomens. During the breeding season, they gather in large nesting colonies at the coasts of Argentina and in some islands in southern Chile (for ex. Magdalena Island near Punta Arenas).

MARINE ANIMALS OF PATAGONIA

HUMPBACK WHALE ( Megaptera novaleanglia )

Where can I see them? Magellan Strait, Tierra del Fuego, Atlantic Patagonia

When can I see them? October to March (Magellan Strait), September to December (Atlantic Patagonia)

These incredible creatures measure up to 19 meters (62 ft) and weigh up to 35 tonnes and are famous for their spectacular breaching displays. Humbpack typically migrate up to 25,000 km/15,500mi every year, an odyssey through seas and oceans around the globe. They feed in polar waters. They travel to tropical and subtropical waters to breed and give birth, living off their fat reserves. Seeing them in the fjords and channels of Patagonia may be the most beautiful marine life experience you can dream of!

Other whales in Patagonia include the southern right and the blue whale (the largest on Earth!).

COMMERSON’S DOLPHIN ( Cephalorhynchos commersonii )

The Commerson’s dolphin is one of the most peculiar dolphins on Earth , with names as fun as “panda dolphin” and “skunk dolphin”. French naturalist Philibert Commerson first described them in 1767 after he spotted a group of dolphins in the Magellan strait – hence their common name. They have a black head, dorsal fin and fluke with a white throat and body. It is one of the smallest of all cetaceans, growing to around 1.5 meters (5 ft).

The other common dolphins in Patagonia are the Dusky dolphin, the Risso’s dolphin and the peal dolphin.

SOUTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL ( Mirounga leonina ) 

When can I see them? August to March

This massive elephant seal is the largest extant marine mammals that is not a cetacean . A bull southern elephant seal can be up to 7 times heavier than a polar bear. Males are typically five to six times heavier than females, with a maximum weight of 4 tons. About 20.000 elephant seals com to Peninsula Valdes ever year – from august to march – to reproduce and shed their skin.

SOUTH AMERICAN SEA LION ( Otaria flavescens ) 

The South American sea lion – also called Patagonian sea lion – can be found in the fjords, islands and coastline of Patagonia. The male is the most “lionesque” of the eared seals, with a very large head and a well-developed mane. Males weigh up to 350 kilos (770 lb), twice the weight of females.

The other seal that inhabits Patagonia’s coastline is the South American fur seal.

MARINE OTTER ( Lontra felina )

Where can I see them? Carretera Austral, Magellan Strait, Tierra del Fuego

The marine otter – locally known as “chungungo” – is also referred to as “marine cat”. It is a rare mammal that is now protected but was extensively hunted for a long time, both for its fur and due to perceived competition with fisheries. They are diurnal animals but are difficult to see as they tend to swin low in the water. The marine otter is one of the smallest otters on Earth, with a maximum size of 115 cm (45 in).

The other otter you can spot in Patagonia is the southern river otter , that is also endangered and inhabits both marine and freshwater environments.

ORCA (Orcinus orca) 

Where can I see them? Atlantic Patagonia, Magellan Strait, Tierra del Fuego

The “killer whale” is technically not a whale. Instead, it is the largest member of the dolphin family that is easily recognizable with its huge dorsal fin, which can reach up to 2 meters high. They can measure up to 9 meters (29ft) and weigh up to 10 tons. Despite their name, killer whales are not considered a threat to humans and no fatal attack on humans has ever been documented.

They inhabit Patagonia’s fjords and channels, though it is not easy to spot them. The best place to see orcas is Peninsula Valdes, where they come to hunt sea lions, especially between February to May.

Unlike Africa, Patagonia is a very safe place for the observation of wildlife . Animals here are not considered dangerous to humans, even though travelers should take safety precautions, especially when it comes to puma tracking. Pumas here have enough food and space to live peacefully near humans. Attacks on humans are extremely rare in Patagonia, though travelers should always maintain a good distance from pumas – and in fact, from any other animal. If you respect wildlife, nothing bad should ever happen to you.

If you want a good mix between hiking and wildlife, you should consider doing a Wildlife Safari in Torres del Paine National Park , that can be couple with a full day puma encounter to look for the elusive puma. You can also spend 6 days looking for Patagonia’s famous predator on a Puma Tracking.

If you want to spot some sea life, we recommend you to do the humpback whale watching , an epic marine adventure that starts in Punta Arenas (Chile). From Punta Arenas, you can also meet the king penguins of Tierra del Fuego on a King Penguin Viewing Excursion and the smaller Magellanic penguins of Magdalena Island on a Magellan Strait Penguin Adventure . Finally, you can also explore the incredible marine life of Tierra del Fuego while traveling to Ushuaia and opting for a Tierra del Fuego & Ushuaia Explorer !

And if you want to organize your own tailor-made wildlife adventure, contact us !

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• A More Personalized Nature Experience We limit our group to approximately 12 travelers—and just 10 on photography departures. You'll enjoy quieter encounters with the natural world and plenty of personal attention from our Expedition Leader.
• Varied Angles to View and Photograph Patagonia's Famous Glaciers The Southern Patagonian ice fields are some of the largest on Earth, and glacier sightseeing is a highlight. In Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we do some light hiking near Perito Moreno, which unlike most glaciers is still advancing. We also view it from the water on a private boat trip on Lago Argentino, and watching icebergs calve from its 200-foot-high face is a matchless thrill. View Upsala Glacier from Estancia Cristina, too, an equally impressive sight.
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Hiking in Patagonia: Your Ultimate Guide to Scenic Trails & Multi-Day Treks

Everything you need to know about hiking in Patagonia, from Torres del Paine to El Chalten: when to visit, best hikes, how to plan and what to pack.

Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Patagonia beckons hikers from around the globe. Situated in the southern regions of Chile and Argentina, this remote corner of our planet boasts awe-inspiring landscapes, challenging trails and unique wildlife. From the iconic Torres del Paine to the hidden gems of Ushuaia, Patagonia has something for everyone.

Whether embarking on a scenic trail or multi-day hike, you can expect a treasure trove of windswept landscapes, jagged granite spires, immense glaciers, and some of the largest ice fields on Earth. In this ultimate guide to hiking in Patagonia, we’ll equip you with all the information you need to plan your dream trek. 

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The Best Time to Go Hiking in Patagonia

Before we dive into the specific treks, let’s talk about the best time to visit Patagonia. Each season offers a unique experience, and your choice will depend on your budget, tolerance for different weather conditions and other travel plans. In this section, we’ll delve into the weather patterns, seasons, and the ideal months for hiking in Patagonia.

Generally, the period from early November to late April is considered ideal for hiking. If you prefer milder temperatures, aim for February and March. For the full spectrum of Patagonian beauty, visit in late March to mid-April when the region is painted in stunning autumn colours. However, Patagonia’s weather is known for its unpredictability, so be prepared for sudden changes.

Weather in Patagonia

The weather in Patagonia is famously unpredictable, and understanding its patterns is vital for planning your trek. You can experience all four seasons in a single day, any day of the year. As Patagonia’s weather can change rapidly, you must come prepared with appropriate gear for all conditions.

Proper preparation is key to a successful hike. While the information below acts as a useful guide, local ranger stations will be an invaluable resource for up-to-date weather forecasts and safety advice.

Summer (December-February)

• Summary: December through February marks the peak hiking season in Patagonia. This period is considered the most favorable time for travelers to explore the region due to milder weather and longer daylight hours. Fierce winds are common, sometimes reaching up to 120km/hour.
• Weather: During this time, temperatures are at their warmest and typically range from 15°C to 24°C (60°F to 70°F). The weather is relatively more stable and less extreme.
• Daylight: The days are long, providing ample daylight for exploration. This is especially important for trekkers who need sufficient daylight for their adventures.
• Crowds: Patagonia can get crowded during the peak season, especially in popular national parks and trekking areas. If you prefer a quieter and more secluded experience, you might want to explore less-visited regions or consider visiting during the shoulder season.
• Precipitation: Occasional precipitation, but typically less frequent and intense than in autumn. There are also reduced chances of snowfall.
• Trail accessibility: The majority of the trekking routes, including popular ones like the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park, are fully accessible and well-marked during the peak season. Trails are less likely to be affected by snow and ice, making hiking conditions more manageable.
• Wildlife: Peak season coincides with the breeding and nesting seasons for many of Patagonia’s wildlife species. It’s an excellent time for birdwatching and observing animals like guanacos, foxes, condors, and even penguins along the coast.

Autumn (March-April)

• Summary: Autumn offers a quieter alternative to the bustling summer season. Hiking in Patagonia over this shoulder season will provide a quiet and unique experience.
• Weather: Slightly cooler temperatures than summer, with daytime temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F) on average. The wind is also milder. However, temperatures can still drop significantly at night, so packing warm layers is essential. 
• Daylight: Daylight hours start to decrease as autumn progresses. You can expect around 10 to 12 hours of daylight in March and slightly less in April. While this means shorter daylight for activities, it can also lead to stunning sunrise and sunset opportunities.
• Crowds: One of the significant advantages of traveling in Patagonia during March to April is the reduced number of tourists. The peak season crowds have mostly dissipated, making it easier to find accommodations and enjoy the wilderness in a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere.
• Precipitation: Higher levels of precipitation are possible, so waterproof gear is advisable. Additionally, some areas may experience the first snowfalls of the season, particularly in late April.
• Trail accessibility: Many trekking routes and trails remain accessible during March and April, but the conditions can be more challenging due to cooler temperatures and potential rain or snow. Some higher-altitude trails may become less accessible as snow accumulates.
• Wildlife: Patagonia’s wildlife remains active during the autumn months. You may have opportunities to see animals like guanacos, foxes, and birds as they prepare for the winter season. Additionally, this time of year can be ideal for birdwatching, as migratory species pass through the region.

Spring (September-November)

• Summary: Spring is an excellent time to explore Patagonia, as the region awakens from winter but before the tourist rush. During this time, you’ll witness the landscapes coming to life with blooming flowers and newborn wildlife. However, the weather can be quite variable and trails may still have some remnants of snow and mud.
• Weather: Spring in Patagonia is characterized by gradually warming temperatures. Daytime temperatures typically range from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F) in September and can reach 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) in November. However, be prepared for chilly nights, especially in September when temperatures can drop significantly.
• Daylight: Daylight hours increase as spring progresses. In September, you can expect around 11 to 13 hours of daylight, while in November, there are approximately 15 hours of daylight. Longer daylight hours provide more time for outdoor activities.
• Crowds: Traveling during spring allows you to avoid the peak summer crowds. While some tourists may start arriving in November, the region remains relatively uncrowded compared to the December to February period.
• Precipitation: Precipitation levels can vary, but spring tends to be less rainy than the autumn months. You may still encounter occasional rain showers, especially in September, so having waterproof gear is advisable. As the season progresses, rain becomes less frequent.
• Trail accessibility: Trail conditions in early spring can be challenging, with some lingering snow and muddy sections in higher-altitude areas. As the season advances, trails become more accessible and drier. Popular trekking routes like the W Trek are generally open, but it’s essential to check trail conditions and be prepared for variable terrain.

How Many Days Does it Take to go Hiking in Patagonia?

Determining the ideal duration for your Patagonian adventure depends on several factors, including your interests, fitness level, and the specific trails you plan to hike. Patagonia offers a wide range of hiking options, from day hikes to multi-day treks. Here’s a general guideline to help you plan:

• Day Hikes: If you have limited time or prefer a more relaxed experience, day hikes can be incredibly rewarding. Many of Patagonia’s iconic trails, such as Laguna de Los Tres in El Chaltén or Mirador Las Torres in Torres del Paine, can be completed in a day.
• Multi-Day Treks: For a more immersive experience, consider embarking on multi-day treks. The duration can vary significantly depending on the trail. The popular W Trek in Torres del Paine typically takes 4-5 days, while the more extensive O Circuit can span 6-9 days.
• Combination: To make the most of your visit, consider a combination of day hikes and multi-day treks. This approach allows you to explore the highlights while also delving deeper into the wilderness.

Remember that travel times between hiking destinations, rest days, and acclimatization are factors to consider when determining the duration of your Patagonian adventure. It’s advisable to plan for some flexibility in your itinerary, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and unexpected discoveries that Patagonia has to offer. 

Building in extra days also allows you to adjust your plans based on adverse weather conditions. Spending an extra night or two in a warm hostel, instead of braving the rain on a multi-day hike to ensure you keep to your itinerary, can make all the difference!

Getting to Patagonia

Patagonia spans both Chile and Argentina, and its vast wilderness is located in the southern reaches of these countries. Here’s a guide to help you reach Patagonia efficiently:

1. International Airports:

• Santiago, Chile: Many travelers fly into Santiago, Chile, for international arrivals.
• Buenos Aires, Argentina: Buenos Aires, Argentina, is another common international gateway to Patagonia.

2. Domestic Flights:

• Punta Arenas, Chile: If arriving in Santiago, consider taking a domestic flight to Punta Arenas, Chile, to minimize travel costs and time.
• El Calafate, Argentina: If departing from Buenos Aires, domestic flights to El Calafate, Argentina, offer convenience.

3. Bus Transportation:

• Connecting to Main Trekking Areas: Upon arriving in southern Patagonia, efficient and affordable bus transportation is readily available to connect you to the main trekking areas.

Hiking In Torres del Paine National Park

Now that we’ve covered essential planning aspects, let’s dive into the heart of Patagonia: Torres del Paine National Park. This iconic destination offers some of the most breathtaking hikes in the region. You can access the park via Puerto Natales .

Hiking to Mirador Las Torres

• Time Required: 8 to 9 hours
• Distance: 18km
• Difficulty: Moderately challenging with steep sections
• Start / Finish Points: Hotel Las Torres
• Highlights: Witness the famous Torres del Paine towers mirrored in the glacial lake

One cannot speak of hiking in Patagonia without mentioning Torres del Paine National Park. A must-visit for any trekking enthusiast, the Mirador Las Torres trail offers a challenging but immensely rewarding day hike. The path spans 18 kilometers and leads to the iconic Towers – three jagged peaks overlooking a turquoise lake. The last leg of the hike is steep, but the views are absolutely breathtaking. If you’re an early riser, consider starting before dawn to witness the iconic granite spires bathed in the fiery glow of sunrise.

Lago Grey (Grey Glacier)

• Time Required: 3 to 4 hours
• Distance: 11 kilometers
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Start / Finish Points: Mountain Lodge Paine Grande to Refugio Grey
• Highlights: Get up close to Grey Glacier’s stunning ice formations and ethereal blue glacier

For those craving a more relaxed hike with stunning glacier views, the Lago Grey trail is perfect. This 11-kilometer route takes you along the W Trek, offering glimpses of the awe-inspiring Glaciar Grey and its floating icebergs. The terrain is relatively easy, with a few tricky sections. If you’re in the mood for camping, you can spend the night at Mountain Lodge Paine Grande or Refugio Grey and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Valle del Frances (The French Valley)

• Distance: 12km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Start / Finish Points: Refugio Los Cuernos
• Highlights: Jaw-dropping vistas of the granite peaks and hanging glaciers

Prepare to be mesmerised by the beauty of the French Valley, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Paine Massif. This moderate hike takes you between Cerro Paine Grande and Cuernos del Paine, following the Rio Frances. The highlight of this trail is the frozen waterfalls, a sight to behold. Although the path can be challenging, the rewards are ample. The Mirador at the end provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and tarns reflecting the scenery.

Los Cuernos Trail

Offering a fantastic day hike, the Los Cuernos Trail winds its way around the stunning Lago Nordenskjold. You’ll be treated to incredible vistas of Cuernos del Paine and the lake’s clear waters. For those with extra energy, consider exploring the Valle del Frances, an additional 12-kilometer section known for its beauty. Camping options are available on the south side of Cuernos Del Paine if you want to extend your hike.

• Time Required: 6 hours
• Distance: 22km
• Start / Finish Points: Hotel Las Torres to Refugio Los Cuernos
• Highlights: Diverse landscapes and stunning views of the Cuernos del Paine

• Time Required: 4 to 5 days
• Distance: Approximately 50-70 kilometers (31-44 miles)
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, with steep ascents and variable weather.
• Start / Finish Points: Typically, the trek begins and ends at the administrative center of Torres del Paine National Park, near Laguna Amarga.
• Highlights: The “W” Trek in Torres del Paine National Park encompasses Mirador Las Torres, Lago Grey, the French Valley, and Los Cuernos, making it a comprehensive hiking experience.

Hiking the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park is a bucket-list adventure for nature enthusiasts, offering a chance to immerse yourself in Patagonia’s pristine wilderness and witness some of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. You can also go ice hiking on Grey Glacier , a unique and unforgettable experience. Various accommodation options are available along the route, including campsites and mountain lodges (refugios). Reservations should be made in advance, especially during the high season. Plan ahead, pack appropriately, and embark on this unforgettable journey through Chile’s breathtaking landscapes. 

The O Circuit

• Time Required: 6-8 days
• Distance: 135km
• Difficulty: Hard
• Highlights: In addition to the sights of the W Trek, you will also see John Gardner Pass, Grey Glacier Peninsula, Paso los Perros

Considered one of the world’s best treks, the O Circuit is a must for adventurous souls. It is an extension of the W Trek, following the same trail for 4-5 days before continuing in a loop. It is a more remote, immersive wilderness experience that takes you deeper into Torres del Paine National Park.

This 135-kilometer circuit encompasses pristine forests, meadows of wildflowers, grand peaks like Cerro Paine and Cuernos del Paine, and even the iconic Las Torres. Starting at Hotel Las Torres and heading to Campamento Seron, you’ll encounter ever-changing landscapes and breathtaking scenery. Side trips to the French Valley and Las Torres are highly recommended, and you can finish your journey at Mountain Lodge Paine Grande or Lago del Toro.

Hiking in El Chalten

While Torres del Paine is undeniably stunning, El Chalten has its own charm. It is a beloved destination for backpackers, offering unparalleled hiking opportunities amid stunning landscapes. Here are some of the best hikes in El Chalten .

Short Hike to Condor Lookout

• Time Required: 1 hour
• Distance: 2km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Start / Finish Points: El Chalten
• Highlights: Panoramic vistas and potential condor sightings

A short but sweet hike, the Condor Lookout offers unexpected views of Viedma Lake framed by snow-covered peaks. This is an excellent option for a sunrise hike, allowing you to witness the alpine glow on the mountains. The trail is gradual, making it accessible for most hikers.

Day Hike to Laguna de Los Tres (Base Of Mt Fitz Roy)

• Time Required: 8 hours
• Distance: 26km
• Start / Finish Points: Northwest end of El Chalten
• Highlights: The incredible sight of Mt Fitz Roy mirrored in the lake

You cannot go hiking in Patagonia without visiting Mt Fitz Roy. For those seeking an up-close encounter with Mt Fitz Roy, the Laguna De Los Tres hike is a must. Starting early is advisable to catch the morning alpine glow. The trail begins gently, passing through forests, but the last hour involves a steep ascent. Your reward? The mesmerising Laguna De Los Tres with Fitz Roy towering above. If you’re up for it, consider climbing Cerro Madsen for even better views.

Day Hike to Laguna Suica

• Time Required: 1-2 days (can be done as a day hike)
• Distance: 19km
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, with some scrambling and rock climbing required
• Highlights: Scenic views of Mt Fitzroy and surrounding mountains, looming over a sparkling blue lake, with no crowds!

If you’re looking for expansive views of Mt Fitz Roy without the crowds, this is the hike for you. Instead of taking the ascent to Laguna de Los Tres, veer off the beaten path to Laguna Suica. This option offers arguably better views, and you’re likely to have the whole lake to yourself!

Day Hike to Cerro Torre

• Highlights: Views of Cerro Torre and its surrounding spires

Cerro Torre, reaching 3102 meters into the sky, is a sight to behold. This 2-day hike takes you through lush meadows, ever-changing glaciers, and offers stunning views of Cerro Torre and its neighboring peaks. A side trip to Mirador Maestri adds even more beauty to your journey. Return the same way you came, or camp at Campamento de Agostini for an immersive experience.

The Huemul Circuit

• Time Required: 4 days
• Distance: 63km
• Difficulty: Difficult, for advanced hikers
• Highlights: Panoramic views of Southern Patagonia, including Laguna Toro, Paso del Viento, Paso Huemul and Lake Viedma

The Huemul Circuit is not for the faint of heart, but it rewards intrepid hikers with a unique Patagonian experience. This trek takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including the majestic Mount Huemul and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. It is known for its challenging terrain, river crossings, and rugged paths. 

It’s a trek for those seeking adventure, and the relative isolation of the route ensures a sense of solitude and connection with the wilderness.

While hiking the Huemul Circuit, you may encounter a variety of wildlife, including guanacos, condors, foxes, and numerous bird species. The trek also takes you through diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to alpine meadows.

Be prepared for a difficult hike, but the views are worth every effort. Hiring a local guide is advisable for this demanding trek.

Best Hikes in Ushuaia

Located at the southernmost tip of Argentina, Ushuaia is known as ‘the end of the world’. It is the furthest of your options when hiking in Patagonia, but the views are totally worth it. Besides being a gateway to Antarctica, it offers some fantastic treks.

Laguna Esmeralda

• Distance: 9km
• Start / Finish Points: Refugio Valle Los Lobos
• Highlights: The stunning emerald-colored lake and surrounding landscapes

For a short but sweet hike, Laguna Esmeralda is a striking turquoise lake nestled amidst snow-capped peaks. This 9-kilometer trail leads to the base of Glaciar Del Albino, with an option to continue onto the glacier if you’re up for it. The refugio near the lake allows you to soak in the stunning views.

Glaciar Vinciguerra

• Time Required: 5 to 6 hours
• Distance: 13km
• Start / Finish Points: Tubera Valle Andorra
• Highlights: Close encounter with a glacier and pristine alpine scenery

The Glaciar Vinciguerra trek takes you to a series of glacial lakes with steep ascents, making it a satisfying challenge for a day hike. You’ll encounter Laguna Encatada, surrounded by lush meadows and rugged peaks. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb Cerro Esfinge for even better views.

Sierra Valdivieso Circuit

• Distance: 48.5km
• Difficulty: Demanding
• Start / Finish Points: Ruta Nacional 3 or Posada del Peregrine
• Highlights: A multi-day trek encapsulating all the highlights of Ushuaia

Deep within the Fuegian Andes lies the Sierra Valdivieso Circuit, one of the most challenging treks in Argentina. This trek takes you through snowy peaks, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. The trail is less traveled, so good navigation skills are essential. Due to unpredictable weather, carry extra supplies.

Best Hikes Along the Carretera Austral

While Patagonia’s most famous hiking destinations are often found in the well-known national parks and reserves, the Carretera Austral offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the region’s less-traveled trails. This remote highway stretches over 1,240 kilometers, running through the heart of Chilean Patagonia. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of off-the-beaten-path hiking experiences.

Laguna Tigre Sur

• Time Required: About 4 to 5 hours
• Distance: 8km
• Start / Finish Points: Villa O’Higgins
• Highlights: Remote and pristine landscape with the chance to spot wildlife

Located in the pristine Pumalin Park, the hike to Laguna Tigre Sur is a hidden gem. This relatively short trail takes you through lush temperate rainforests, offering glimpses of Patagonia’s diverse flora and fauna. The reward at the end is the serene Laguna Tigre Sur, a tranquil lake surrounded by ancient forests. The area’s remoteness ensures a peaceful and immersive experience.

Valle Rio Moscu

• Time Required: About 5 to 7 hours
• Highlights: Lush valleys and beautiful river views

Deep within the Aysen region, Valle Rio Moscu offers an enchanting trek through pristine wilderness. This valley is known for its stunning scenery, including dramatic waterfalls, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers. The trail takes you along the Moscu River, surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers. Be prepared for challenging river crossings, but the breathtaking views make it all worthwhile.

Cerro Castillo

• Time Required: 3 to 5 days, depending on the route
• Distance: 62km
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Start / Finish Points: Las Horquetas Grandes to Villa Cerro Castillo
• Highlights: Stunning mountain scenery and pristine wilderness

While Cerro Castillo is often associated with its well-known reserve, you can also explore its lesser-known and equally spectacular trails. The Cerro Castillo trek takes you through lush forests, across pristine rivers, and up to high alpine meadows. The reward is the stunning view of Cerro Castillo’s jagged peaks and glaciers. This trek is a fantastic alternative for those looking to avoid the crowds while still enjoying the beauty of the region.

Pumalin Park – Cascadas Waterfalls Hike (Escondidas)

• Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
• Distance: 3.5km
• Start / Finish Points: Caleta Gonzalo
• Highlights: Remarkable nature reserve with cascading waterfalls

Pumalin Park is a true wilderness paradise, and the Cascadas Waterfalls Hike is a prime example of its natural beauty. This trail leads you through dense forests, alongside pristine rivers, and to a series of cascading waterfalls. The lush vegetation, combined with the sounds of rushing water, creates a magical atmosphere. While the hike itself is not particularly long or strenuous, it offers a peaceful escape into the heart of Patagonia.

Planning Your Hike in Patagonia

Can you hike patagonia on your own.

Choosing between independent or guided trekking depends on your experience and personal preferences. If you’re an experienced backpacker tackling a well-traveled route like the W Trek or hikes around Fitz Roy, independent hiking is entirely feasible. These trails are well-marked, and with proper planning, you can have a successful journey. However, meticulous preparation is essential, including booking campsites in advance.

For those seeking a more guided experience or exploring less-traveled routes, organized tours provide valuable support and expertise. Guided tours handle logistics, navigation, and safety measures, allowing you to focus on enjoying the scenery and adventure. Let’s explore the pros and cons of both options.

Hiking in Patagonia Independently (incl. Solo Hiking)

• Freedom: Hiking independently allows you to set your own pace and explore as you wish.
• Cost: It’s generally more budget-friendly than guided tours.
• Self-Discovery: You’ll gain valuable wilderness skills and self-sufficiency.
• Navigational Challenges: Patagonia’s trails can be challenging to navigate, and weather conditions can change rapidly.
• Safety: In remote areas, getting help in emergencies can be difficult.
• Logistics: Planning routes, permits, and accommodations can be time-consuming.

Hiring a Guide for Patagonia (incl. Group Tours)

• Expertise: Guides offer in-depth knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna, and local culture.
• Safety: They are trained in wilderness first aid and can respond to emergencies.
• Logistical Support: Guides handle permits, accommodations, and meal planning.
• Cost: Guided tours are more expensive due to the added services.
• Less Freedom: You’ll follow a predefined itinerary.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your experience, comfort level, and objectives. Experienced hikers with wilderness navigation skills may relish the freedom of independent trekking. However, if you’re new to Patagonia or prefer a structured experience, hiring a guide can enhance your adventure and safety.

Is Hiking in Patagonia Difficult?

Patagonia’s hiking trails offer varying levels of difficulty, from relatively easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks. The difficulty of your hike depends on factors such as trail conditions, terrain, and weather. Here’s a breakdown:

• Easy Hikes: Short, well-marked trails with minimal elevation gain, suitable for beginners and families. Examples include Laguna Esmeralda and Condor Lookout.
• Moderate Hikes: Longer day hikes or multi-day treks with moderate elevation gain and varied terrain. Trails like the W Trek and Cerro Torre fall into this category.
• Challenging Hikes: Multi-day treks with significant elevation changes, steep ascents or descents, and unpredictable weather. The O Circuit and Huemul Circuit are more challenging options.
• Technical Hikes: Some routes may involve technical climbing or glacier travel, requiring specialized skills and equipment. Seek guidance from experts for these adventures.

It’s crucial to choose hikes that match your fitness level and experience. Beginners can enjoy many fantastic trails in Patagonia with the right preparation and gear.

Can Beginners Go Hiking in Patagonia?

Yes, beginners can certainly enjoy hiking in Patagonia, but it’s essential to plan appropriately and choose suitable trails. Here are some tips for novice hikers:

• Select Easy to Moderate Trails: Start with shorter and less challenging hikes that match your fitness level. Laguna Esmeralda, Condor Lookout, and the short hikes in Torres del Paine are excellent options.
• Prepare Physically: Begin a fitness routine that includes cardiovascular and leg-strengthening exercises to build endurance for hiking.
• Acclimate: If possible, spend a day or two in a nearby town like Puerto Natales or El Calafate to acclimate to the altitude and climate.
• Gear Up: Invest in proper hiking gear, including waterproof and insulated clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and trekking poles for stability.
• Travel Light: Keep your backpack as light as possible to reduce the strain on your body.
• Plan Adequate Time: Allocate extra time for rests and adjustments to the pace, especially if you’re not accustomed to hiking.
• Stay Informed: Check trail conditions, weather forecasts, and park regulations before embarking on your hike.
• Travel with a Group: If you’re uncertain about your hiking abilities, consider joining a guided tour or traveling with experienced hikers.

Remember that safety should be a priority, and it’s better to start with easier hikes and gradually progress to more challenging trails as you gain confidence and experience.

Cost of Hiking in Patagonia

It’s important to note that Patagonia is not a budget-friendly destination compared to other South American locations. Expect higher costs for lodging, food, and various amenities. However, there are options to save money. Some factors influencing the cost of your trip include duration, accommodation preferences, and whether you hire a guide. Here’s a breakdown of potential expenses:

• Flights: International and domestic flights to Patagonia can be a significant expense, so booking in advance and searching for deals is advisable.
• Accommodation: Options range from camping (cheapest) to hostels, cabins, and luxury lodges (more expensive). Prices increase during peak seasons.
• Park Fees: Most national parks in Patagonia charge entrance fees. The costs vary, so check with each park for updated prices.
• Food: Dining out in Patagonia can be pricey, especially in remote areas. Consider bringing some of your own food for longer treks to save money.
• Gear and Equipment: Investing in quality hiking gear, clothing, and camping equipment can be expensive upfront but pays off in comfort and safety.
• Guides: Hiring a guide or joining a guided tour adds to the cost but provides expertise and logistical support.
• Transportation: Transportation within Patagonia, such as buses or boats, will contribute to your expenses.
• Miscellaneous: Budget for additional expenses like permits, travel insurance, and souvenirs.

It’s possible to go hiking in Patagonia on a tight budget by camping, preparing your own meals, and choosing less expensive accommodations. Conversely, those seeking more comfort and convenience can opt for guided tours and upscale lodging. Careful planning and budgeting will help you make the most of your Patagonian adventure within your financial means.

How Safe is Hiking in Patagonia?

Hiking in Patagonia offers incredible experiences, but it’s essential to prioritise safety due to its remote and challenging nature. Here are some safety considerations:

• Weather: Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Carry adequate clothing, rain gear, and layers to stay warm and dry.
• Navigation: Trails can be poorly marked, and getting lost is a risk. Carry maps, a compass, and a GPS device, and know how to use them.
• Wildlife: Patagonia is home to various wildlife, including pumas. Understand how to react if you encounter animals and store food securely.
• Altitude: Some hikes reach high altitudes. Acclimatize gradually and be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness.
• Water: Water sources can be contaminated. Use water treatment methods to ensure safe drinking water.
• Emergency Contact: Inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time. Cell phone coverage can be limited.
• Health: Ensure you have any necessary medications and a basic first aid kit. Be prepared for minor injuries and know basic first aid.
• Group Travel: Traveling with others or hiring a guide can enhance safety, especially for beginners.
• Local Advice: Seek advice from local rangers and experts who can provide up-to-date information on trail conditions and safety concerns.

Hiking in Patagonia Packing List

Before you embark on your Patagonian adventure, it’s essential to have the right gear and supplies to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here’s a comprehensive packing list to help you prepare for trekking in Patagonia:

• Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom)
• Insulating mid-layers (fleece or down jacket)
• Waterproof and windproof outer layer (jacket and pants)
• Quick-drying hiking pants
• Sturdy and comfortable hiking boots
• Warm gloves
• Wool hat or beanie
• Moisture-wicking socks and sock liners
• Gaiters (for keeping debris out of your boots)
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Bandana or buff (for sun protection)
• Swimsuit (for swimming in thermal pools or lakes)

Backpacking Gear

• Hiking backpack with rain cover (40-70 liters, depending on your trip)
• Tent or lightweight shelter (if camping)
• Sleeping bag suitable for cold weather
• Sleeping pad or mattress
• Cooking stov e and cookware (if camping)
• Lightweight utensils, cup, and bowl
• Headlam p or flashlight with extra batteries
• Multi-tool or camping knife
• Lighter or waterproof matches
• Trekking poles (optional but recommended)
• Dry bags or stuff sacks (for organising gear)
• Navigation tools (maps, compass, GPS)

Personal Items

• Passport and any necessary visas
• Travel insurance information
• Cash in local currency (ATMs may be scarce)
• First-aid kit with essential medications
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)
• Microfiber towel
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• Personal identification (ID or driver’s license)
• Camera and accessories
• Charging cables and portable power bank

Food and Water

• High-energy snacks (nuts, energy bars, dried fruit, etc.)
• Dehydrated or freeze-dried meals (if camping)
• Reusable water bottle or hydration reservoir (3+ liters)
• Water purification filter or water purification tablets

Miscellaneous

• Travel itinerary and emergency contact information
• Travel adapters and chargers
• Travel-sized sewing kit
• Ziplock bags (for organizing and waterproofing)
• Trash bags (for packing out waste)
• Local guidebooks or trail maps
• Notepad and pen
• Entertainment (book, playing cards, etc.)
• Solar charger for electronics
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Travel pillow
• Camp shoes (lightweight sandals or camp slippers)
• Down booties for keeping feet warm in camp

Leave No Trace Principles

When hiking in Patagonia, it’s crucial to adhere to Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. These principles include:

• Plan ahead and prepare: Research your route, obtain necessary permits, and pack appropriately to minimize waste and resource use.
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Stick to established trails and campsites to prevent soil erosion and damage to fragile ecosystems.
• Dispose of waste properly: Pack out all trash and waste, including biodegradable items like food scraps and toilet paper.
• Leave what you find: Preserve the natural environment by not picking plants, disturbing wildlife, or removing rocks and historical or cultural artifacts.
• Minimize campfire impact: Use a camp stove for cooking instead of making fires, as fires can scar the landscape and deplete limited wood resources.
• Respect wildlife: Observe animals from a distance, avoid feeding them, and keep a safe distance to prevent stress and harm.
• Be considerate of other visitors: Keep noise levels down, yield the trail to others, and maintain a friendly and respectful attitude towards fellow hikers.

By following these principles, you can help protect the fragile ecosystems of Patagonia and ensure that this pristine wilderness remains a natural wonder for generations to come.

Hiking in Patagonia is a journey into the heart of one of Earth’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. From the towering peaks of Torres del Paine to the hidden treasures of the Carretera Austral, this region offers a diverse range of trails for adventurers of all levels. Whether you choose to hike independently or join a guided tour, careful preparation, respect for the environment, and a sense of wonder are essential companions on your Patagonian trek.

As you embark on your adventure, take the time to savour the beauty of Patagonia, listen to the whispers of the wind, and marvel at the sheer majesty of nature. In this remote corner of the world, you’ll discover not only breathtaking landscapes but also a profound connection to the wild and untamed spirit of Patagonia. So lace up your boots, shoulder your pack, and set out to explore this magnificent land – Patagonia awaits your footprints, and the adventure of a lifetime awaits your spirit.

Hiking in Patagonia offers a range of difficulty levels. Some trails are suitable for beginners with minimal elevation gain, while others are more challenging, requiring experience and endurance. Choose trails that match your fitness level and goals.

Yes, beginners can hike in Patagonia. Many trails are beginner-friendly, such as short day hikes and well-marked paths. However, it’s essential to prepare physically, choose appropriate trails, and be equipped with proper gear for varying weather conditions.

The duration of your hike in Patagonia varies greatly depending on the trail and your itinerary. You can enjoy short day hikes or embark on multi-day treks that last from a few days to several weeks. It’s flexible and depends on your preferences.

Yes, you can hike in Patagonia independently. Many trails are well-marked, and with proper preparation, navigation tools, and safety precautions, solo hiking is possible. However, some remote and technical routes may require guides or group travel.

Hiking in Patagonia can be safe if you prioritize safety precautions. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and wildlife is present. With proper gear, navigation tools, and knowledge, you can minimize risks. Traveling with others or hiring guides can enhance safety, especially for beginners.

The cost of hiking in Patagonia varies depending on factors like accommodation, transportation, gear, and whether you choose guided tours. Budget-conscious travelers can camp and cook their meals to save money, while those seeking more comfort might spend more on lodging and services.

The best time to visit Patagonia depends on your interests. For milder weather and more accessible trails, consider the spring and summer months from November to March. However, each season offers unique experiences, so plan based on your preferences.

Both Chilean and Argentine Patagonia both offer breathtaking landscapes and hiking opportunities. Argentina offers similar views at a much lower budget: you can even camp for free. Chile has more developed infrastructure, which comes with bigger crowds and higher cost. But it is also arguably (ever so slightly) more beautiful than Argentina. Your choice may depend on specific destinations, visa requirements, or the type of experiences you seek.

Determining the most beautiful part of Patagonia is subjective, as it offers diverse landscapes. Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina are often considered among the most stunning areas. Each region has its own unique charm.

Patagonia is rich in wildlife, including guanacos, foxes, condors, red-headed woodpeckers, and if you’re fortunate, elusive creatures like pumas, huemuls, or pygmy owls. The marine life is abundant, with whales, seals, and penguins along the coast. Patagonia’s biodiversity is a highlight for nature enthusiasts.

Lucas is a travel writer with deep experience exploring South America. He enjoys hiking through mountain ranges, cycling across deserts and paddling down rivers.

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Patagonia Wildlife Safari

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Torres del Paine National Park’s magnificent and unrivaled flora, fauna and stunning vistas are at your fingertips with this customized Patagonia trip, allowing you to handpick daily activities such as cycling, hikes and nature walks, returning home to EcoCamp at the end of each day for cozy dome accommodations and sublime meals. We’ve listed the full details for the 7-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari, but this trip may be booked as a 4-, 5- or 6-day trip as well.

Patagonia is a vast and diverse region, with scenery ranging from dramatic mountain formations and smoky volcanoes to flat barren pampa and expansive ice fields. At the far south of the Andes is the Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most impressive sights in the Southern Hemisphere and home to the Patagonia Wildlife Safari and EcoCamp. The dramatic mountain formations here are crowded with glaciers, lakes, fjords, ancient forests and wildlife such as guanacos, flamingos, condors, ñandus and huemules. There’s also some of the most magnificent trekking and nature in the world. With custom levels of activities to choose from – easy or active – the Patagonia Wildlife Safari adventure is outdoor recreation at its best!

Read on for details about this trip, or view all of AdventureSmith’s Patagonia tours and Patagonia trips .

Patagonia Wildlife Safari Itinerary

This customizable 7-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari begins and ends in either Punta Arenas (PUQ) or Puerto Natales (PNT).

The Patagonia Wildlife Safari starts in Punta Arenas early morning, either at your hotel or at the airport. You’ll be picked up from Punta Arenas and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park, for briefing and your first night’s stay. On the way, stop at Puerto Natales, a small but lively town on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza, “Last Hope Sound,” to enjoy a hearty lunch* with delicious local food. The journey is very scenic, with plenty of wild birds and wonderful landscapes. The day ends with your overnight stay at EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of the park with a view of the Torres. During summer, the sun sets around 11:00pm, so upon arrival there’s plenty of light to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon.

*Please note: Buses leave El Calafate at 11:45am in October, rather than the typical 7:00-8:00am, and thus October departures do not stop for lunch and instead drive straight to EcoCamp for the briefing and dinner. This may affect Monday connections in November, please confirm with your Adventure Specialist upon booking.

lunch or box lunch and dinner

During your Patagonia Wildlife Safari you can choose between easy or active excursions – depending on your mood, weather conditions and travel companions’ preferences. Detailed below are the activities, which vary in availability depending on the day of the week and local conditions. Each day ends back at EcoCamp for dinner and relaxation:

Estancia Day & Horse Riding (EASY) – WED

After breakfast at Ecocamp, head towards the enchanting Estancia Dos Elianas and be greeted with a brief but informative session on horse riding. Begin with a thrilling 2-hour ride to the breathtaking Sierra Ballena. Around noon, enjoy lunch before embarking on a captivating tour of the Estancia. Witness the arrieros in action, tending to their flock, shearing wool and gracefully riding horses. Gather for another delightful meal using local ingredients. Then bid farewell to this mesmerizing haven and head back to Ecocamp, arriving around 5:00 pm. Activity: Horseback Riding. Distance: 3.7 miles. Riding Time: 2 hours. Altitude: 501 feet. * Please note: Available horses are limited. During September and May, this excursion will be replaced with Condor & Salto Grande Lookouts.

Towers Base Trek (ACTIVE) – MON, WED, THU, SAT

After a hearty breakfast, walk from EcoCamp towards Hostería Las Torres and join the uphill path to Ascencio Valley on the Tower’s eastern face. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. The big challenge comes on the climb up the steep moraine, leading toward one of the world’s most famous views overlooking the Towers. The famous Torres del Paine (9,350 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After an uphill slog, the Towers eventually come into full view, with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view and your picnic box lunch, backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp. Activity: Demanding Hiking. Distance: 14 miles. Walking Time: 9 hours. Altitude: 2,880 feet.

Pehoe Lake Boat Ride & French Valley Hike (ACTIVE) – MON, THU, SAT

After breakfast, drive toward the Pudeto dock, on the shores of Pehoe Lake. Board the catamaran, then disembark on the northwest shore of the lake to begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) along a steep trail into the very heart of the Paine Massif. How deep you go depends on the group’s rhythm. An active walk leads to the hanging bridge over the French River, at the foot of the Massif’s southeastern face. Continue to the valley’s upper section to admire the area’s entire group of geological formations, then enjoy a picnic rest. This day’s adventure ends with a descent through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest at Refugio Paine Grande, located on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. From here, board the catamaran back to Pudeto, where you will be transported back to EcoCamp. Note that the catamaran does not operate in May, and this excursion will be replaced by a 9-mile trek to Los Cuernos. Activity: Demanding Hiking. Distance: 13 miles. Walking Time: 7 hours. Altitude: 1,640 feet. *Note: In May, the catamaran is out of service and therefore the French Valley excursion is replaced by a 7.5-mile hike to Valle Encantado (Seron Woods).

Drive & Walk Western Lakes & Grey Glacier Boat Ride (EASY) – TUE, FRI

Drive across the Park, admiring the view of snowy Paine Grande and Los Cuernos with its black, granite horn-like spires. Stop at various viewpoints on the way to enjoy observing and photographing herds of guanacos, Andean condors and interesting flora. Walking along the shores of Lake Pehoe, see the furious Salto Grande waterfalls and enjoy a spectacular lookout point. From here, drive up to Grey Lake and wander along the beach. Here enjoy a tasty box lunch by the lake before embarking on a boat ride across the icy waters to the towering blue walls of Grey Glacier. After this incredible up-close look at the glacier, drive back to EcoCamp. Activity: Nature Walk & Boat Trip. Distance: 1 mile. Walking Time: 2 hours. Altitude: 660 feet.

Please be aware that the Grey Glacier boat trip is subject to availability, so please confirm your reservation in order to participate on the day of your arrival. During the shoulder season months of September, October and April, the boat trip to Grey Glacier may be canceled as the boat requires a minimum of 15 passengers to sail, which might not be reached in some cases. If this is the case, an alternative excursion in the park will be planned. *Note: In May, the catamaran is out of service and therefore the Grey Glacier boat ride is replaced by a 5.6-mile Pingo Trail Nature Walk.

Western Lakes Drive & Cerro Ferrier Hike (ACTIVE) – TUE, FRI

Drive across the Park to Grey Lake, then pause and raise eyes to the huge peaks of the east. This windswept rock monster is Cerro Ferrier which, standing at 5,246 feet, makes a rewarding (but intense) hike. First, pass through a forest that gives a fascinating insight into the diversity of austral trees. Here meet all the classics, lenga, coihue, ñire, and with luck meet the famous South American deer, the huemul, which is a national natural monument (keen-eyed watchers will remember it from the Chilean coat of arms) Activity: Hiking. Distance: 7.5 miles. Walking Time: 4 hours. Altitude: 2,106 feet.

Lazo Weber Hike (ACTIVE) – TUE, FRI

Start the day at 8:30am with breakfast at EcoCamp and a moment to prepare your box lunch before boarding your bus at 10:00am. Drive past the Lazo Weber Estancia where you’ll enter the National Park via Laguna Verde and begin this active hike. The Lazo Weber Trail is packed with native flora and wildlife, so have your cameras ready to snap pics of the guanacos, owls, eagles, condors and caranchos, another bird of prey, all with the mountainous Paine range on your right. The hike is rather easy, and apart from a few hills, the trail remains rather flat. Stop a moment to refuel by the magical Laguna Honda, and enjoy the sights and sensations of the gorgeous landscape and fresh breeze. On your way, hike through one of the quietest forests in the national park, a fantastic opportunity to observe native trees such as the lenga and the coihue. From here, continue to a lookout point (El Toro Lookout) where you’ll be wowed with a 360-degree view of the Paine mountain range, the Patagonian Andes and a suite of rivers and lakes (including the Paine, Grey and Serrano Rivers, and Lake Toro, the largest in the region). An hour’s descent towards Paine River will reunite you with your van. On your way home, search for more animals to photograph and take a final moment to enjoy the scenery. Activity: Hiking. Distance: 7.5 miles. Walking Time: 6 hours. Altitude: 2,300 feet.

Sarmiento & Sarmiento Chico Lakes (EASY) – MON, SAT

This peaceful, predominantly flat hike features incredibly diverse natural landscapes and offers the opportunity to delight in a strikingly blue lake, which is isolated from all other aquatic systems in the area. There will be plenty of opportunities to spot many elegant guanacos and grebes along the way. We will first examine the geology of the area’s turbidite rock folds, before descending the isthmus that separates Lake Sarmiento from Lake Sarmiento Chico (the two lakes were once a single body of water), walking along a slight slope and wandering along the eastern edge of Lake Sarmiento Chico. You will eventually reach a stunning bay on the western side of Lake Sarmiento, admiring a stunning view that could easily be mistaken for a work of art. Here you can also study the calcium deposits characteristic of the area. Then your ascent back to the van begins, and along the way you will come across a stunning panoramic view of Lake Sarmiento from its western shore, looking towards its eastern shore shining on the horizon. Activity: Nature Walk. Distance: 3 miles. Walking Time: 2 hours. Altitude: 501 feet.

Wild Horse Tracking (ACTIVE) – SUN

After a buffet breakfast at EcoCamp, head towards the Laguna Azul sector. Begin your journey by 4×4 through the folds of the Cordillera Masle, to experience the Cordillera Baguales, Salto Las Chinas and Barranca de Los Toros pass. After about 40 minutes, arrive at a typical puesto where Patagonian gauchos would take refuge while caring for their livestock. Here, hear a short but interesting introduction to the area’s history and the evolution and characteristics of its wild horses. With the help of satellite tracking equipment, coupled with your guide’s experience and knowledge, begin your trek, searching for the 100 untamed horses that remain isolated in this sector surrounded by mountains, lakes and plains, in the most pristine and untouched terrain of Torres del Paine. Depending on the location of the horses, choose a lunch spot and share stories and experiences. Tracking, observing and analyzing the horses in such natural surroundings is incomparable. Additionally, enjoy fantastic views of Lago Stokes, the Cordillera Dickson and the imposing Towers. After 7-8 hours, return to EcoCamp, ready to enjoy an aperitif before settling down to a warm meal. Activity: Nature Walk. Distance: 4 miles. Walking Time: 6 hours. Altitude: 984 feet.

*Please note: Wild Horse Tracking is not available during May and September (low season), when the excursion will be replaced by a short nature walk close to EcoCamp.

breakfast, box lunch and dinner

Board an early-morning vehicle, sit back, relax and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas on time to catch the evening flight to Santiago. Those heading to Argentina board an earlier transfer heading to the border.

breakfast and box lunch

Accommodation at EcoCamp; transportation to/from El Calafate (this includes public bus tickets and van transportation between hotels and the bus terminal); meals as indicated, including daily box lunches and house wine with dinner; all ground transport as indicated in the itinerary; English-speaking escort guide; park fees for Torres del Paine National Park; boat crossing ticket over Grey Lake and/or Pehoe Lake.

Airfare; insurance (it is mandatory that you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip); voluntary tipping to guides and staff; soft drinks or snacks not served with the meals included at EcoCamp; extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine National Park (bringing cash in US$ is suggested); items of a personal nature.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure: Up to 91 days – 100% of deposit 90 to 50 days – 50% of total trip cost 49 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations  Terms and Conditions . Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Patagonia Wildlife Safari begins and ends in either Punta Arenas (PUQ) or Puerto Natales (PNT). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. There are two daily arrival transfers: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Plan flights to arrive to Punta Arenas on Day 1 before 11:00am for the morning transfer, or before 3:00pm for the afternoon transfer. For pick up in Puerto Natales, plan flights to arrive on Day 1 before 2:40pm for the morning transfer, or before 4:30pm for the afternoon transfer. There is one daily departure transfer. Plan flights to depart Puerto Natales no earlier than 12:30pm on the final day. For drop off in Punta Arenas, plan flights to depart on the final day no earlier than 3:30pm . Transfers between Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales/El Calafate and EcoCamp are provided (inquire for details on arrival from or departure to El Calafate). Earlier, private or semi-private transfers can be arranged for a fee. I f  you would like assistance with international flights, please visit  our   Booking Flights  resource page.

Optional, added-cost activities may include: spa & massage services on site. Included activities have a typical group size of 8-12 travelers, plus guiding staff. Maximum group size is 16 people. Guide to passenger ratio: 1:12.

Room Configuration

All domes may be booked for single occupancy at an added cost; Suite Domes may also be booked for triple or quad occupancy. If you are a solo traveler then you will be expected to share a dome with another traveler of the same gender. If there is availability at EcoCamp, most likely in low season, you may be allocated your own dome. EcoCamp follows this sharing policy in order to keep dome numbers to a minimum and preserve the surrounding wilderness as much as possible. Of course, you are entitled to pay for the whole dome to avoid sharing. Contact AdventureSmith for single rates at EcoCamp. Please note Standard Domes do not have electricity or a heater.

Families & Children

Children 6 to 12 years old sharing a dome with 2 adults receive a 50% discount. Minimum age 6 to participate in program. Children aged 6 to 9 are welcome to participate in nature walks. Children aged 10 to 12 may participate in trekking excursions, but the family must hire a private assistant guide. Children aged 12 and up are welcome to participate in all activities and are treated as adults.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details.  Learn more about travel insurance  or  get a free quote .

Itinerary Notes

The operator may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife and unplanned discoveries. The ability to be spontaneous makes this style of adventure travel unique.

Trip Rates & Details

Trips run daily, September through May. In addition to the rates and dates listed below, 4- and 6-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari itineraries are available. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for pricing and more information.

2024-25 Season: Low: Sep 7-30, 2024; May 1-4, 2025 Shoulder: Oct 1-31, 2024; Apr 1-30, 2025 High: Nov 1-Dec 14, 2024; Jan 15-Mar 31, 2025 Peak: Dec 15, 2024-Jan 14, 2025

Learn About the Lodge on Your Itinerary

EcoCamp is situated in the very heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile, and provides the region’s first fully sustainable accommodation, complete with green technology and individual geodesic domes.

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

See what it's like to hike to the Towers Base in Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park, and why EcoCamp lodge is the best basecamp for this famous trek.

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

I loved the EcoCamp in Patagonia--every evening, you can decide with the help of staff and fellow travelers what you'll be doing the following day, depending on how you're feeling. Every choice of activity level is top-quality. The EcoCamp represents a good balance between sustainable adventure travel and comfort, and the staff succeeds in quickly building a sense of community.

Smooth trip, great guides. Patagonia is obviously one of the most beautiful places on earth. Torres del Paine is almost terrifying in its beauty. The (reasonably) close contact with wildlife/birds is extraordinary.

Note that this review also includes comments on the traveler’s post-trip Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake cruise with AdventureSmith Explorations. 

I loved the EcoCamp in Patagonia--every evening, you can decide with the help of staff and fellow travelers what you'll be doing the following day, depending on how you're feeling.  Every choice of activity level is top-quality. The EcoCamp represents a good balance between sustainable adventure travel and comfort, and the staff succeeds in quickly building a sense of community among visitors and between visitors and its staff--even after just 3 days at camp, I was already saying goodbye to people who already felt like good friends (including, in particular, fabulous guides Franco, Sebastien and Pablo). 

Meals Review

Unbelievably top-quality service and amazing food, both at the EcoCamp and on board Quark's Sea Adventurer. In fact, all of us guests spontaneously cheered the chef during one of our EcoCamp dinners, and the service on board the Sea Adventurer was on par with any Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City (where I live). Both venues did an excellent job managing my dietary restrictions (pescatarian).

Crew & Guides Review

Franco, Sebastien, and Pablo were simply extraordinary, with a passion for Patagonia and a genuine desire to make every guest's experience extra-special. Franco even dived after my backpack as it was rolling off a cliff; Sebastien made time to get to know each guest over dinner and drinks deep into the evenings; Pablo has an encyclopedic knowledge of local flora and fauna that turned every day trek into an unforgettable experience.  

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Andrew was great at providing advanced reading materials, packing lists, and answering all manner of pre-trip questions quickly and accurately. He had great advice and I consider Andrew to be primarily responsible for ensuring that this 2-in-1 trip combo worked so beautifully.

Traveler Advice

Bring twice as much camera film as you think you'll need. Prepare to be stunned by your fabulous surroundings.

Featured in this Traveler Review

• EcoCamp Patagonia
• Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
• Quark Expeditions
• Andrew Browning

Smooth trip, great guides. Patagonia is obviously one of the most beautiful places on earth. The boat trip to across the glacier lake and up to the glaciers (the second day of our safari) is exciting, reasonably safe, and breathtakingly beautiful. Torres del Paine is almost terrifying in its beauty. The (reasonably) close contact with wildlife/birds is extraordinary.

Accommodations Review

The Hotel Orly is excellent. EcoCamp is a bit rough (even in the "suites") but that is to be expected. This would not pull down our rating from excellent.

Plainly, the chef at EcoCamp takes great pride in his or her work.

Our guides in Santiago were extraordinary. The first day of our safari was beyond our physical abilities, but our guide had assured us that it would not be. Your materials had made the difficulty fairly clear, and we had decided to take the "easy" routes, but there was fairly strong pressure from our guides (and others in our group) to do this "hard" trek on our first day, when we really had no reference point to know how hard "hard" would be. We (now) understand that "trekking" is serious exercise, but that was not explained to us (I think everyone just assumed that we knew what "trekking" means; but for folks over 50, that is a relatively new concept of which many of us are not really aware). Otherwise, the rest of the safari was absolutely fabulous! (We went "easy" after that first day!) Claudio was an outstanding guide on our third day.

Clothing requirements for EcoCamp could have been clearer due to the stark changes from cold to hot (and vice versa), even within a few hours. Transportation was very smooth.

This was a trip of a lifetime (particularly because we tacked it onto the a cruise around Cape Horn, which is equally wonderful). But we are being candid about the problems mentioned above simply to offer what we hope is constructive criticism to help you improve a truly wonderful adventure even more for folks like us.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Land Tour

The 5-day Fjords of Tierra del Fuego cruise aboard the 210-guest Stella or Ventus Australis begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina. Explore Glacier Alley, Darwin Mountains, Magellanic penguins in Tucker Islet, elephant seals in Ainsworth Bay, plus Wulaia Bay, Cape Horn and more.

Spend 5 days cruising Patagonia aboard 210-guest Stella or Ventus Australis from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Punta Arenas, Chile, and visit remote fjords, penguin colonies on Magdalena Island and the rarely visited Condor Glacier in Agostini Sound.

Enjoy a 3-hour flight before setting foot on the 7th Continent. This 8- or 11-day Antarctic air cruise aboard the 138-guest Ocean Explorer or 172-passenger World Explorer flies above the Drake Passage before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.

Trips You Might Also Like

The trails amongst the famous Torres del Paine craggy mountains are among the world's classic trekking routes. By day, explore nature in its raw form while winding through these exceptional mountains. By night, enjoy the cozy luxury of EcoCamp's unique dome accommodations, or camping.

This 5-, 6- or 7-day lodge-based trip in the center of Torres del Paine National Park offers over 40 unique explorations to choose from, including Base Torres and Grey Glacier. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Paine Massif and Salto Chico waterfall from home base.

Cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas, plus enjoy 2 full days exploring Torres del Paine National Park on this Chile cruise aboard 199-guest Ultramarine. Spend 15 days retracing Charles Darwin's epic "voyage to the edge of the world," with a modern twist: an included flightseeing excursion by helicopter, right from the ship.

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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?

Save time, stress & money with a customized travel itinerary planned for you by a Patagonia expert

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 Adventurer, but aren’t required for the rechargeable Steripen UV Ultra); 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

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Visiting Patagonia – Everything You Need To Know

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WHY VISIT PATAGONIA?

Contemplating heading south on an adventure? Endless opportunities await in picturesque Patagonia. Home to glaciers, volcanoes, deserts, fjords, temperate rain forests, petrified forests, hot springs galore, and the amazing Andes mountain range, the expanse occupies approximately 402,000 square miles nestled between Chile and Argentina. This mass of land offers enjoyment, challenges and enchantment for all.

Get up close and personal to sheer jagged granite peaks in the heartland of the Andes. Reflect upon the deep blues of countless lakes.  Watch monumental glaciers shift and transfigure before your eyes. At night, settle in with a plethora of stars encompassing the silhouettes of megalithic peaks. Embrace the incredible vastness of a truly wild, remote, and rugged region.

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Unique PATAGONIA FACTS

• The name: Patagonia, derived from the word patagón (meaning “giant feet”) was given to the area in 1520 by explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew. The indigenous people were thought to have large statures, hence big feet.
• Dinosaurs roamed here: The area was once home to one of the world’s largest herbivore dinosaurs, the Argentinosaurus Huinculensis.
• Growing Glacie rs: It features two of the few glaciers left in the world which are still ascending, the Bruggen and Perito Moreno glaciers.  Additionally, Perito Moreno is the 3rd largest freshwater reserve in the world.
• Collided worlds: Patagonia resides in both Chile and Argentina, and sits along two coastlines- The Atlantic and The Pacific oceans.   It was once called the end of the known world. Many sea voyages  which attempted to reach the area unfortunately failed in doing so due to the dangerous and treacherous waters.
• It’s unexplored: Few settlements and minimal contact with outside civilizations since the early 1500’s make the region one of the most unexplored areas on earth.
• The residents: The graceful Andean Condor, the magnificent Magellenic Penguins, exquisite wild Guanaco (Llama), or one of the world’s largest rodents, the Patagonian Mara; these are among 500 species which reside in this spectacular region.
• It’s far South: The southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, sits at the very southern tip of Patagonia, which happens to be the gateway for many Antarctica expeditions.
• It’s wild: One of the last remaining wild horse herds roams freely in Cape Horn. The herd went for nearly over a century without any human contact.
• It’s remote: Getting to Patagonia is half the fun.

How to Get to Patagonia

• Plane: If you have limited time, the most efficient form of travel to Patagonia will be to fly. Most visitors will book the first in-country flight into either Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile. From those major cities travel onward to Patagonia by daily domestic flights can be arranged to Bariloche, San Martin De Los Andes, Trelew, El Calafate, Ushuaia, Valdivia, Osorno, Puerto Montt, Balmaceda, and Punta Arenas. Domestic flights are becoming frequent, popular, and relatively inexpensive. As with all methods of travel throughout Patagonia, be sure to book far in advance during peak seasons.
• Boat: Ferries which can be embarked upon by foot, car, bike, motorcycle, or camper may be arranged through the Patagonian Fjords route, which is a scenic and historic journey. Luxurious cruise lines, adventure eco-tourism cruise lines, and sailboats can also be arranged with tours throughout Patagonia which explore various destinations.
• Bus: For ground transportation, buses in both Argentina and Chile are safe, scenic, and comfortable. Seek out premium style buses Semi-Cama (In Chile) and Coche-Cama (In Argentina) for optimal comfort.
• Train: Some of the historic Patagonia Express Railway still operates today. Known as the La Trochita, embarking upon this journey will allow you to visit two of Patagonia’s stunning National Parks. Alternatively, from Ushuaia you can travel by train to the Parque Naccional Tierra Del Fuego.
• Vehicle, campervan, or motorcycle: If you are in search of independent travel, renting a vehicle may be an ideal option. Be sure to obtain an authorization from the rental company if you intend to cross borders, and an international driver’s license is recommended. Check road conditions, gas station locations, and drive times before departures. Some tourists will even drive or ride their personal vehicles entirely to Patagonia.

Other methods:

For other means of travel, if time is on your side, you enjoy the road less traveled, and you don’t mind the extra legwork so to speak.

• By foot: The Great Patagonian Trail is a journey that crosses over 1,300 miles through the wild, rugged, and vast landscapes. A thru-hiker’s dream, but definitely not everyone’s cup of Mate’ (the classic highly caffeinated drink which you won’t be able to avoid in Argentina and Chile).
• Horseback riding: Riding by horse is a traditional way of travel and can be a peaceful transit into or around Patagonia. Staying at Estancias (cattle ranches) along the ride can certainly immerse yourself into the true Gaucho (skilled horseman) culture which is still abundant today throughout the region.
• Bike-packing: Riding a bicycle with all of your gear through Patagonia is another amazing way to absorb the beauty of this land. Traveling by bicycle , you have the ultimate freedom and flexibility within.

All-inclusive Torres del Paine Treks

When to Visit Patagonia

When to visit Patagonia depends upon what activities you wish to seek out and which regions you’ll explore. From rafting, horse-back riding, sight-seeing, hiking, climbing, sailing, photography, bicycling, kayaking, glacier travel, wildlife watching, skiing, and so much more, there is a season for it all here. The Atlantic region of Patagonia receives roughly an average of 8 inches per year rainfall, whereas the Andean region of Patagonia receives a median of 80 inches annually.

THE SEASONS

• Patagonia begins to blossom as spring begins around September and follows through until mid-November. Daytime temperatures are very pleasant this time of year, especially for trekking, but you can anticipate having a few breezy days.
• Summer is the best weather window to visit Patagonia between late November-February. This also is peak season, so tourism is at full swing in these months. Be sure to book things well in advance.  Winds are still capable in some areas of reaching over 70 miles per hour, so pack plenty of layers and always be prepared. Patagonia is known for encountering four seasons in a day.
• The fall leaves are marvelous here, peak season slows, and photography pops with the splashes of color throughout as the region prepares itself for winter. An amazing time of year to visit this zone.  The wind typically dwindles down, but there becomes a fall chill in the air. Fall season is March-May.
• Winter from May to mid-September beckons few visitors to Patagonia. Many tourist attractions and roads can be closed at this time of year. It often contains many days of below freezing temperatures and snow blankets the region. This is when hiking season is extremely low, but ski season is at its best by May. Days are shorter, but if you can embrace the cold, Patagonia’s snow-capped peaks are at their finest this time of year.

AVERAGE HIGHS, LOWS, AND WIND SPEED IN PATAGONIA

Deeper dive: top events in patagonia by month.

• La Regata Del Rio Negro: This a 340 mile kayak race, one of the longest kayak races in the world.
• Festival Nacional de la Esquila: An Argentinian festival held every year featuring merino wool and guanaco (llama) shearing competitions. They even crown the national sheep-sheering queen at this festivity.
•   Muestra Cultural Mapuche: Six days of events including indigenous music, ritual dance, and artisans.
• The Festival Nacional del Lúpulo: Held in El’ Bolson annualy, this event has an immense amount of beer tasting, activities, food, and live music.
• Carnival: Celebrated heavily throughout South America, a festivity not to be missed. Vibrant, colorful, historical, full of energy, and passions. Dancing, shows, music, food, live theatre, parades, and many other festivities.
• Fiesta Nacional De Trekking: El Chalten brings in adventurists world-wide to compete in wood cutting, rock-climbing, mountain biking, running, and bouldering. An amazing event occurring annually in this beautiful area.
• Festival Nacional del Chocolate: A chocolate festival held in Bariloche which holds record to the world’s largest chocolate bar. If you love chocolate, don’t miss this.
• National Trout Festival: A fishermen’s paradise. Within the first two weeks of April, outings, lectures, specialists, and other activities are held in Argentina’s lake district.
• Fall colors: The stunning fall colors begin to drench the scene creating ultra picturesque sights.
• Rosehip Binational Festival: The rosehip queen is elected here. Held in Bariloche which is an important local event.
• National Festival for the Longest Night of the Year: Located every June in Ushuaia, these festivities generally carry on for nine nights. Music, shows, and minimal sleeping during these events.
• Patagonian Native New Year: The Patagonian Native New Year is January 24th and celebrated widely throughout the area.
• Festival de la Lluvia: A Festival celebrating rain arranged in Chile’s Lakes District in early June. Live music and a parade of eccentric umbrellas.
• Ski resorts: The ski resorts are open now fully for the winter season. Dog sledding, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing arise.
• Bariloche Snow Festival: Bariloche hosts this annual event great for families and plenty of activities to go around.
• Carnaval de Invierno: Carnival is just too good to only have once a year. Winter carnival celebrated primarily in Punta Arenas at the start of the season.
• Dia de la Independencia: Argentina’s Independence day which is July 9th and celebrated thoroughly nationwide.
• National Nordic Ski and Biathlon Festival: Events and competitions are held in Ushuaia along flatlands.
• Memorial Federico Graeff: Competitive racing at Chapelco Ski resort in Argentina. Competitors come worldwide to partake in the these sport trials.
• One of the quietest months: A very peaceful time to visit in Patagonia in the off-season. Some restaurants, hotels, and rentals close this time of year however. Winter road conditions may exist, and roads may also close during this time.
• Provincial Snow Festival: Watch a parade of torches flicker through the mountains. Competitive ski tournaments, dancing, theatre performances, handicrafts, and dancing.
• Whale watching: Whale watching in Patagonia is best this month.
• Chilean’s Independence Day: A giant Fiesta celebrated throughout Chile.
• National Ski Festival: An annual gathering held at the La Hoya Ski Resort. The events range from kayaking, mountain biking, shows, and most definitely skiing.
• National Environment and Ecology Festival: Located in Ushuaia, this festival boasts mindfulness of habits, corrections, and ways we can help the environment.
• Patagonia International Marathon: Held inside Torres Del Paine National Park, many international competitors join the 60, 42, 21, or 10 kilometer races.
• The Penguin Provincial Festival: Held in Trelew, Argentina. All about the penguins. What is not to love?
• Bariloche a la Carta: A week long food festival held in beautiful Bariloche, Argentina representing the lake region’s finest culinary skills.
• Festival Internacional de Ushuaia: The southernmost town in the world puts on a festival every year hosting an extravaganza of classical music.
• Cultural diversity day: Observed every second Monday in October. Celebrating the mélange of cultures, this observance also falls on the same day as Columbus Day.
• Puerto Montt International Jazz Festival: Come Jazz out and listen to some amazing tunes in Puerto Montt.
• Puerto Madryn Lamb National Festival: A culinary delight, come indulge on this amazing feast.
• The Goat, Dancing, and Singing Festival: Held the second week of November in Nequén Argentina. The Goat, Dancing, and Singing Festival is one of the most important cultural events in the region.
• Peak Season: The start of summer season and the peak of tourism begins.
• New Year’s Eve: Fireworks, dancing, music, ,and parties throughout the region.
• Penguins: Best time of year to see Penguins and their chicks.
• Long days: Enjoy up to 18 hours of daylight this time of year.

Things to do in Patagonia

Patagonia has something for everyone. A  trekking and climbing mecca and outdoor lover’s paradise full of wild and diverse landscapes. Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the area and discover the beauty. In addition to amazing hikes, Patagonia has become a great playground for a wide range of water sports, wonderful museums, horse back riding, hot spring soaking, mountain biking, fly fishing, bird watching, and so much more.

Embark into one of the 9 National Parks to discover fascinating flora, fauna, and dramatic landscapes. Don’t forget to indulge in the delicious local cuisine and soak in the friendly southern Chilean and Argentinian cultures. Below is a list of some must see destinations.

Parque Nacional Patagonia

Patagonia National Park is absolutely breathtaking. Located in the Aysen region, this expanse features Chile’s highest level of protection status due to the unique biodiversity and endangered species within. The zone holds a simple way of life, and boasts a wide range of rivers, glaciers, mountains, and forests. This is one of the lesser visited National Parks, so you surely steer away from some of the crowds here during peak season.

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and El  Chaltén

El Chaltén is known as the trekking capitol of Patagonia. Located in the Santa Cruz region of Argentina, this is the gateway to Patagonia’s largest National Park. Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is an UNESCO world heritage site and consists of 30% ice. Within the park, you will find the famous and stunning Fitz Roy Range. This is an absolute hiker and camper paradise. Popular hikes include Laguna Torre, Laguna de los Tres, or Lago Toro. A small boat ride in this park can an get you up close and personal to some of the parks largest glaciers in area. The Fitz Roy spire which jolts into the sky at 11,171 feet brings climbers from all over the world to scale these shear granite skyscrapers.

Home to an amazing winter skiing scene, this charming mountain town is well worth a visit. Sitting in the foothills of the Andes, it is known as the “American Switzerland”.  Located nearby Bariloche is  Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, where you can camp, hike, raft, ski, and fish.

Parque Nacional Torres Del Paine

The most famous and sought out National Park in Patagonia, and understandably so. This stunning park boasts diverse landscape, days of hiking, massive glaciers, bright blue lakes, forests, grasslands, incredible wildlife, panoramic mountain views, and up close shear granite peaks. Kayaking, horse back riding, boating, and hiking adventures are wonderful forms of viewing the beauty within the park. Join on a guided hiking adventure through this incredible region, or plan a DIY visit

Home to one of the best whitewater rafting trips in the world, this is a superb base for adventure lovers. If rafting or kayaking  doesn’t suit your fancy, mountain biking, fishing, canyoning, and hiking are also available.

El Bolson’

Filled with local artisan crafts, food, and a solid community, El Bolson’ is a charming mountain town equipped with hiking and stunning local scenery. Chase waterfalls, stroll around the artisanal market, visit the carved art forest, or enjoy a local craft beer.

Ushuaia and  Tierra Del Fuego

The world’s southernmost city, known as “The End of The World”. Colorful houses, delicious fresh cuisine, unique history, and the main gateway to Antarctica.

Peninsula Valdez

Along the peninsula, spot elephant seals, dolphins, whales, giant penguin colonies, and rheas. This is an excellent area for spotting wildlife. A world heritage site, you can explore this area by submarine, boat, kayak, foot, bike, or plane.

Punto Tombo

Usually combined with travel to Peninsula Valdez, here you can visit the beautiful penguin colony from September to April. Amazingly, up to one million Magellanic Penguins can be seen breeding here. Punto Tombo has a reserve to visit these beauties at. It is extremely important here to stick to the designated trails at all times, and always give the penguins space- they do bite.

What to Eat and Drink

Below are some beverages and food which are local staples to the area. Experiencing a region’s cuisine is a fantastic way to journey into the culture itself. Whether you are dining out or cooking in, here are some items you should certainly grasp a sample of.

• Seafood – When it is close to the source, you will find simply amazingly fresh seafood.  Salmon, trout, sole, bass, hake, swordfish, and ling are commonly found on menus, or can be purchased fresh from a local market. The Peruvian staple Ceviche is also enjoyed further south.
• Meat – South America in general is known for their delicious meats. Lamb and beef in particular. Tender, flavorful, and melt in your mouth. You will quickly understand why Argentinians and Chileans boast about the quality of it. You can also find wild boar in Bariloche, and occasionally llama on a menu.
• Dulce De Leche – A decadent treat for those who enjoy sweet. A slowly cooked sweetened milk in which you can find on many desserts and spread on top of baked goods in the mornings.
• Mate’ – This Argentinian caffeinated beverage you will find throughout South America . Made from Yerba leaves, and known to have a bitter after taste. Served with hot water, and enjoyed typically from a hollowed out gourd with a filtered metal straw. Added sugar is optional. Shared often.
• Ice-Cream – Argentina is known for the creamy, rich, and unique flavors of ice-cream.
• Wine – Both Chile and Argentina hold a great amount of wineries. Even the cheapest of wines are said to be enjoyable.
• Cider – In southern Chile, you will find home-made ciders a hot menu item.
• Pisco Sour – The traditional Chilean spirit. A mixture of lime or lemon, grapes, and soda.
• Berries – Look for Lúcuma, Maqui Berry, Chilean Strawberries, cherries, Calafate berry, and blueberries.

Deeper Dive: What Souvenirs to take Home

• A postcard from ” The End of The World”
•  A mate’ gourd, metal bombilla (straw), and satchel with thermos
•  A bag of Yerba Mate’
•  Hand-made wool or leather products
• Gaucho Knives (checked baggage only of-course)
• Ceramics and Basketwork
• Wine (check with airline first)
• Pictures and memories from a journey of a lifetime

Deeper Dive: Where to Stay in Patagonia

There is a copious medley of options when it comes to where to stay in Patagonia. From luxury hotels, to cabins in the woods, to dome eco-yurts, to your own tent- there’s plenty of options to suit everyone’s wishes.  With such a wide range of budgets and desired comforts, some good resources to begin looking ahead at accommodations is booking.com and hotels.com. You can search reviews, price, location, and book in advance.

Many of the properties have free cancellation and you can even book over a year in advance. Larger tourist destinations hold more options, but smaller towns and areas off the beaten path may be limited. Don’t feel up to booking your own lodging? Let Wildland Trekking do that work for you by joining one of the amazing tours!

• Hoste rías – These are typically smaller arrangements providing around twenty rooms at most. They are conventionally run by families and found to be of good value.
• Refugios – Refugios or refuges are similar to backcountry huts for hikers in the National Parks in Patagonia. These are simple, amenities vary widely, and some are bunk style rooms. Many have kitchens, cook staff, dining rooms, and showers.
• Camping – For the experienced backpacker, bringing your own camping equipment on a backpacking journey can be an extremely rewarding and empowering ordeal. Transporting the equipment around between flights and transits though can be a little daunting at times. Alternatively, you can go on a backpacking trip with a guided company which provides all of the large camping gear, logistics, safety, and knowledge of the area.
• In some of the national parks here they have semi-permanent tents stationed in different areas for hikers to trek to. Glamping as they call it, is also available in Torres Del Paine through Eco-camp.
• Campervans –  Campervans or RV’s can be a great combination to include your transportation and lodging together in one. This allows freedom and flexibility within.
• Estancias – Estancias are giant sheep and cattle ranches found all over Patagonia. A unique and authentic cultural experience, and a scenic way to see more rural areas. Meals, adventures, and wine are usually included in the price. These are usually off the beaten path, so it is ideal to settle in and stay for a while. If you love horse-back riding, estancias are definitely for you. Come see what Estancias are all about.
•  Resorts – All inclusive lodging can be a wonderful and relaxing way to settle into the region. Ski resorts tend to be higher priced during the ski season, but can be a great alternative during the off season with cheaper rates.
• Hostales – The cheaper, budget, and backpacker friendly hostel style offerings with dorm style rooms, occasionally private rooms, and typically shared common areas.
• Hospedajes and Residenciales – S imple accommodation, in most cases with full board offered. One of the more affordable options for stays.
• Cabañas – These are self-catered style accommodations possibly with a few less amenities, but are commonly found in stunning locations. These are popular with locals and a great option if you have your own transport.

Essential Information

Patagonia holds no mandatory vaccinations , but there are a few advised. Additionally, if you intend to travel in other areas of South America certain vaccinations are required, or highly recommended. It is always ideal to check in with a travel Dr. at least 6 weeks prior to traveling abroad and ensure you are up to date with all immunizations.

The travel Dr. can also recommend and prescribe specific medications/antibiotics for aftermath or preventative measures. Be aware of potential environmental hazards: Heatstroke, cold exposure, hypothermia, altitude sickness, insect bites, food borne illnesses, and sun exposure. Self care is essential here, as with any travel. Know your limits, hydrate more than usual, rest well, keep re-fueled, and dine only at reputable establishments.

You will mostly hear Spanish being spoken throughout Patagonia. Español will sound slightly different in Argentina and Chile. Many of the common tourist areas you will find that a majority of locals do speak English. Welsh is another language you may hear, especially along the coast where Welsh settlements are.

As people travel from all over the world to visit Patagonia, you can listen to an immense amount of different languages being spoken, especially on the  hiking trails.

In Chile, the main currency is the Chilean Peso. In Argentina, it is the Argentine Peso. Call your bank prior to travel to leave a travel notice on all of your ATM cards. Check the currency exchange rate, and get to know the coins so you can be certain you are given back proper change when you shop.

ATMS in addition to credit or card transactions are becoming more and more widely available down south, but certainly check prior to arriving in various towns. It is always a good idea to carry a small amount of your country’s currency on you, but it is advised to never carry large amounts of money at any given time when traveling. Try to obtain small bills and change before traveling in less populated areas.

Electricity

Electricity in both Argentina and Chile is 220 Volts. Outlets in Chile have two round parallel prongs, and in Argentina contain two flat V-shape prongs. It is best to bring a multi-adapter.

Crime in Patagonia is extremely low. Families and solo travelers can typically feel safe and comfortable. Similar to any country when traveling abroad, do travel smart and with caution. In particular if you are flying into one of the bigger cities. If you go hiking or on another active adventure, do inform someone of your intentions.

Never pet, feed, handle, or approach any stray or wild animal. An exception would be domestic animals that have been vaccinated. Stray dogs in particular have bitten many tourists, which lead to a long series of discomforts, Dr. visits, and fear of rabies.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, it is advisable to wear an ID band or bracelet. If you are on a guided tour, inform the guide prior to departure.

Be up to date with current travel advisories for Patagonia.

Emergency  Services Numbers:

• Coast Guard- 106
• Fire – 100
• Forest fire – 103
• Hospital – 107
• Police – 101

If you are with a guided company, they will most likely have satellite phones or in-reach devices. If you are traveling solo and intend to be in the backcountry, it is recommended to carry one of these devices as well.

There are no visas required to enter into Argentina or Chile for US, Australian, Canadian, and European citizens. Always check prior to departure however on visa updates . You may need to provide an onward ticket or on going travel intentions while visiting Chile.

Argentina and Chile waived their reciprocity fee for all US citizens . Please check with your country of residence any updates on reciprocity fees.

International postal rates can be costly, may take a long period of time to arrive, and in some cases may never arrive. Go with a registered or certified office should you require shipping items. The contents typically must be inspected prior to sending. Mailing postcards is simple in comparison, just ensure you have the proper stamps if sending internationally.

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months prior to travel. Verify that you hold at least two pages left in your passport for stamps, especially if you intend to cross borders a few times. Make copies of your passport, credit cards, ID, travel insurance, etc.

Always bring another form of photo ID with.

Deeper Dive: Travel Responsibly

Be a part of protecting this beautiful place. Assist in keeping it wild, rugged, and clean. Over the years, tourism has left a harsh impact mark on some of Patagonia’s most pristine areas. Together we can help in doing no further damage to these fragile eco-systems when visiting.

Leave no trace principles are an essential part of responsible travel.

•  Plan Ahead And Prepare
•  Travel And Camp On Durable Surfaces
•  Dispose Of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
•  Respect Wildlife
•  Be Considerate Of Others

In addition to the 7 Leave No Trace Principles, here are a few tips for Patagonia specifically.

• Cook only in designated cooking areas when camping. Several fires have been caused in Patagonia due to cooking stoves.
•  Bring your own water bottles to refill. The water from the rivers, creeks, streams will be amazing water to drink. Water treatment is always recommended regardless of where the water source is from.
• Packing and purchasing food with little or no packaging helps minimize impact upon landfills.
• Purchase local products and food. Getting to Patagonia is quite the journey. Transportation of imported goods to that region take on a long transit. In many cases, purchasing local goods will be better for the environment and your wallet.
• Travel with eco-conscious companies or stay in eco-accommodations.
• Consider purchasing sustainable products such as re-usable zip-lock bags, bamboo utensils, plant-based sun block, a recycled paper travel journal, solar lights,  solar chargers, and biodegradable soaps/shampoos.
• Bring a re-usable shopping bag or two along.
• When photographing locals, always obtain permission prior. Or, even better if you have a Polaroid camera you can print them a copy.
• Be respectful to the local culture, customs, beliefs, and rules.
• Rideshares or group trips are an excellent way to reduce motor vehicle impact.
•  Research companies, road conditions, weather, and logistics prior so that there won’t be any ill planned incidents.
• Purchase medical travel insurance prior to your trip.
• Know where the largest, best, and closest Hospitals are in location to your travel destination.
• Check to see where your country’s embassy is located.
• Hike Patagonia with a guide: Guided Patagonia trekking adventures are available, and are a stress-free, exciting way to do this trip. The tour company handles permits, gear, transportation, meals, and provides a professional guide so you can focus 100% on enjoying your adventure while traveling responsibly.

OTHER RESOURCES

• In Patagonia- Bruce Chatwin
•  At Home with the Patagonians- George Chaworth-Musters
•  Motorcycle Diaries- Ernesto Che Guevara
• The Uttermost Part of The Earth – Lucas Bridges
• Lonely Planet- Trekking In The Patagonian Andes

Deeper Dive: What to Pack

A pack list will definitely vary by season or by activities in which you partake, but below is a broad-based list of what to bring. Of course, if you plan to backpack, climb, cycle, scuba dive, raft, etc., your pack list will need to incorporate those items on a more comprehensive pack-list.

•  Most importantly, your Passport.  A neck wallet, money belt, or passport holder is a great way to keep your important items together and can be worn under your clothing for safety.
• Pertinent medication, contacts, glasses, extra contact solution, and check with your travel doctor on recommendations for remedies on common food and travel illness antibiotics/medications.
• Rain jacket, poncho, and/or a wind breaker.
•   A Camera. Spare batteries, extra memory cards. Waterproof case, small tripod, and extra lenses optional.
• Headlamp with extra batteries and/or solar light.
• A Buff® or a bandana for protection against wind on the face.
• Re-fillable water bottles.
• Re-usable shopping bag and zip-locks 
• Socks, pants, shorts, shirts, and underwear 
• Sandals. Comfortable shoes. Hiking shoes or boots. 
• A dry bag is great if you plan to be out in the elements often.
• A Scrubba wash bag or laundry bag .
• Toilet paper. It is an item you will always want to have on you.
•   Language Book.  If you don’t speak the local language already, it is great to bring along a Spanish book or app even on a guided trip. This allows for you to communicate to the locals, which is an excellent way to immerse into the culture.
•  Copies of passport, credit cards, ID, medical insurance, travel plans, etc.
• A fleece jacket , and depending on the time of year a down or heavy weight jacket. 
• A sun hat (wide-brimmed and with a synch cord is nice for the wind)
• S un glasses (floating ones with a holder are great to have )
• Glacier glasses if you intend to be in snow and ice often.
• Sunscreen  and bug spray 
• Toiletries 
• A well equipped first-aid kit .
• Lotion and Chapstick are wonderful to have.
•  A solar charger  or power bank. 
• Hand sanitizer 
• A Beanie or wool hat , long underwear, and gloves  if you will be in the mountains or travel during winter.
•   Trekking poles if desired.
• A small pack towel 
•  A Universal adapter 
• A travel journal 
•  Room for adventure and flexibility !

Patagonia on your own or with a Tour Company?

You can certainly visit Patagonia on your own, especially if you have the spare time. If you enjoy independent travel, planning, coordinating, and arranging logistics, a DIY style trip is for you. Patagonia is typically a safe and friendly region for travelers. Going with a tour company, you can have an ultimate experience shared with other like-minded travelers.

With a guided trip, every logistic is planned, everything is prepared, and the itinerary is arranged so that you don’t have to do the extra legwork. In peak season, booking for in-country flights, ferries, buses, rental cars, and accommodation in advance is necessary. Booking with a company gives you peace of mind as you traverse through the country with a professional, expert guide with impeccable risk, safety, and time management. If you don’t speak the local lingo, going with a guide is a breeze.

A guided service will also be a window to providing you information about the culture, history, flora, fauna and geology of the area.

JOIN A GUIDED HIKING ADVENTURE

Patagonia is a bucket list, journey of a life-time destination. The scenery is jaw dropping. The wildlife is remarkable. The hikes are extremely rewarding. Come explore this absolutely incredible region on a hiking adventure with Wildland Trekking! Backpacks, trekking poles, emergency equipment, and other Wildland gear is provided, depending on which trip style you choose.

Wildland International trips offer guest liaison in the highest level, safety, fun, and an amazing well planned out journey. All transportation, meals, and lodging are included. Focus 100% on enjoying the experience in Patagonia and not the logistics. Have you ever wanted to walk on a glacier, kayak next to an iceberg, or ride horses through remote wild areas beside glacier capped peaks? These are included on some of the Wildland Torres del Paine treks! Check them out today to plan your next dream adventure.

PATAGONIA ADVENTURE TOURS

Guided backpacking adventures.

In Nacional Parque Patagonia join us on a hiking adventure that will take you through temperate rainforest, to rolling grasslands, beside amazing granite peaks, and along braided rivers with majestic blue hues. Join us on this challenging, remote, beautiful, and rugged journey through this very special park in Patagonia!

LODGE BASED TOURS

Complete a majority of the famous W-Trek in Torres Del Paine National park, while having comfort, convenience, and multi-sport thrills. Come see the giant granite pillars stacked next to glacial fed lakes surrounded by beautiful wind-blown landscapes. Be awe-inspired and captivated by the amazing beauty this region has to offer.

CULTURAL ADD ON

Experience and immerse yourself in a unique and amazing culture. Explore an entirely different lifestyle in a remote area of Patagonia on a true working ranch! This adventure can be added onto any of Wildland’s Torres del Paine trips , or can be done as a stand-alone tour. Enjoy horseback riding, hiking, jet boat riding, local cuisine, and incredible scenery.

REFUGIO TREKS

Complete The Torres Del Paine circuit or the famous W-Trek . Choose from either a 7 day adventure or 11 days with 2 nights of camping in beautiful spots to complete the entire circuit!

Hike Patagonia With A Guide

Guided Patagonia Trekking Tours are available, and are a stress-free, exciting way to do this trip. The tour company handles permits, gear, transportation, meals. A professional guide is provided so you can focus 100% on enjoying your adventure.

About Jeanelle Carpentier

Jeanelle Carpentier is an ambassador of the world. She has resided in 4 countries, 7 states and has been guiding with Wildland for over 5 years. When she is not sharing her passions while working, she spends her time traveling, volunteering, and exploring. Nature has always been strong to her heart and loves being able to write about it, work in it, help protect it, and dwell in it as often as possible.

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A NEW EXPERIENCE IN EXPEDITIONS

YOU CHOOSE THE WAY

CONNECT YOURSELF WITH NATURE

LIFELONG MEMORIES

COVID-19 information

We, like you, are concerned about the current situation we are going through as a world community, and we are integrating the arising issues to our operation.

Patagonia is a place far from contamination, and for this reason we invite you to disconnect from the crisis at hand and come to reconnect with wild nature. Our trips seek the most wild and remote places, with all our experiences characterized by their isolating qualities.

At Into the Wild we always ensure to meet the most rigorous of sanitary standards, and because our trips are customized and private we can assure that your trip will be free of contamination. We sanitize our vehicles and provide masks and alcohol gel if necessary.

• We require a health passport from all of our clients.
• Drivers and guides are required to wear masks at all times inside vehicles.
• Vehicles are sanitized daily with Hypochlorite Disinfectant and alcohol.
• Masks, alcohol gel and gloves are available upon request.
• Our picnic lunches are prepared with the most rigorous of sanitary standards.
• Fishing equipment is sanitized daily with alcohol, and after every individual use.

Our cancellation policies are flexible due to the extremity of the situation. Don’t hesitate to contact us to plan your next trip with Into the Wild.

And don’t forget, fish your dreams!

We are inspired by the passion to explore., enjoy the wild.

Sep 26, 2023 • 7 min read

In an area known for natural beauty, the Perito Moreno Glacier stands alone © Oleh_Slobodeniuk / Getty Images

The word Patagonia conjures dreamy images of wide-open spaces, remote natural beauty, massive glaciers, soaring Andes, outdoor adventures and iconic wildlife on land and at sea. The Patagonia region of Argentina , which includes the southernmost third of the country all the way south to Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world, delivers all of that and more. 

Travel to Patagonia – a geographic area divided between Argentina and Chile  at the bottom of South America – can be tricky to plan and confusing to navigate. These tried-and-true tips and need-to-know facts about when to go, top activities, insider favorites, what to expect and more ensure that first-time visitors make the most of a trip to the wild, rugged and breathtaking Patagonia region of Argentina. 

When should I go to the Patagonia region of Argentina?

It’s important to remember that South American seasons are opposite those in North America or Europe. In the Patagonia region of Argentina, summer (roughly December through February) is the busiest season, with warmer temperatures and all hotels, restaurants, parks, tours and other forms of tourism infrastructure open for business . Note that the infamous Patagonian wind can also be at its fiercest in the summer months. 

South American autumn (roughly March through May) brings spectacular fall color as the leaves of local beech trees change to yellow, orange and red with the season. Though some hotels and restaurants close when the summer season ends, travel to the Patagonia region of Argentina is still possible during South American fall and winter (June through September), when temperatures drop, snow falls and winds tend to ease up.

How long do I need to stay in the Patagonia region of Argentina?

The main highlights of the Patagonia region of Argentina are spread over a large area, so this destination requires more than just a long weekend. If you want to hit the main sights from top to bottom, allow at least two weeks – even longer for travelers who want to spend time hiking and camping  instead of just rushing from place to place.  

If your time is limited (or you prefer slow travel), choose a region of Argentinean Patagonia (north, central, south) and focus on the activities and points of interest there. 

Is it easy to get in and around the Patagonia region of Argentina?

The Patagonia region of Argentina is vast, and distances between destinations are great. A handful of flights from  Buenos Aires or Mendoza serve a handful of Patagonian cities and towns. From there, buses are the only form of long-distance public transportation. 

This makes group tours that include van transportation a very popular and hassle-free way to explore the Patagonia region of Argentina. Self-driving is also an option for those looking for more autonomy and adventure , and the number of 4X4 and RV rental companies offering appropriate vehicles and support in the region is growing.

Top things to do in the Patagonia region of Argentina

In an area known for natural beauty, one natural wonder stands alone. The Perito Moreno Glacier , one of the most visited destinations in the Patagonia region of Argentina, is 31km (19 miles) long, 5km (3 miles) wide, and up to 171m (560ft) deep. 

While most other glaciers are shrinking, scientists say that this massive hunk of ice – which is part of the massive Southern Patagonian Ice Field and calves regularly – is maintaining its equilibrium.

Whether you take a boat tour to its face, spend time walking on the network of pathways facing the glacier or even hike on its icy surface, a visit to Perito Moreno Glacier combines signature Patagonian landscapes with outdoor adventure . Bonus: El Calafate , the gateway town for Perito Moreno Glacier tours, is served by numerous domestic flights.

One of the most visited areas of the Patagonia region of Argentina is the picturesque stretch between Junín de los Andes and El Bolson, which includes world-class fly fishing, horseback-riding opportunities, national parks, the famous Seven Lakes Drive and the city of Bariloche . 

Neuquén province, in the northern part of Argentinean Patagonia, is much less visited but offers the chance to explore a burgeoning wine region and see dinosaurs up close – the area is a paleontological hotbed, with some of the rarest and largest finds happening here. 

One of the best ways to experience nature in Patagonia is on foot. El Chaltén , created as an adventure-tourism hub inside Parque Nacional Los Glaciares , is known as the Hiking Capital of Argentina and serves as the basecamp from which to hike and climb in the park. If it’s coastal beauty and wildlife you’re after, the Península Valdés protected area  delivers rugged shores and marine life galore, such as whales, penguins, sea lions and orcas. 

The Patagonia region in Argentina is also home to one-of-a-kind attractions, including Ushuaia , a rough-and-tumble port (and gateway to Antarctica) that’s the southernmost city in the world, and La Trochita, a historic train immortalized in Paul Theroux’s book The Old Patagonian Express . 

My favorite thing to do in the Patagonia region of Argentina

As the Patagonia region gets more and more popular, many destinations are getting more and more crowded. Not so in spectacular Perito Moreno National Park . Not to be confused with the Perito Moreno Glacier, this remote and windswept park delivers steppe grasslands; milky, glacier-fed rivers; forests of hardy, small-leafed beech trees; and snowcapped peaks, including San Lorenzo Mountain – the second-highest peak in Patagonia at 3706m (12,159ft). 

The hiking trails are varied and well-maintained, and the park offers a handful of well-crafted wood cabins. Campsites are also available, and there’s a homey guesthouse that operates inside the park as well.  

Andean condors are regularly spotted here. Herds of guanacos (the wild cousin of the llama) are common as well, and their main predator, pumas, have also been seen here. What won’t you see? Too many other people. 

How much money do I need for travel in the Patagonia region of Argentina?

At the time of writing, the Argentinean economy is in freefall, and inflation is rising astronomically. Prices in the country are volatile with some changing daily. This makes quoting specific prices impossible. It’s fair to say, however, that hotel, restaurant and tour prices in the Patagonia region of Argentina veer toward the more expensive side when compared to prices in other regions in the country. This is due to Patagonia’s remoteness, popularity with tourists and brief tourism high season. 

Frequently asked questions

What should I pack for a trip to the Patagonia region of Argentina?

The weather in Patagonia is infamous: it can (and will) change on a dime, so be ready for cold, windy and wet conditions at any time. Pack lots of layers, and be prepared whenever you’re outside. 

There are some opportunities to purchase outdoor clothing, gear and equipment in the Patagonia region of Argentina, but these options are few and far between. It’s best to come with all you need to stay warm and dry while traveling, hiking, touring and camping.

Do I need to speak Spanish for a trip to the Patagonia region of Argentina?

Of course it’s always a plus for locals and for travelers alike when a visitor is able to communicate in the local language. In the Patagonia region of Argentina, however, you can expect English to be spoken by many people in many places, especially in the most popular destinations. The more remote you get, the more you’ll be hearing Spanish only. 

What kind of food will I find in the Patagonia region of Argentina?

Larger towns and areas where tourists linger offer a range of restaurants, from pizza joints to brewpubs to temples to traditional Argentinean asado (wood fired barbecue). These days you may even find a few vegetarian or vegan eateries. 

High-end hotels in Patagonia are increasingly offering chef-driven restaurants serving gourmet takes on Argentinean classics and international favorites. Unlike the rest of Argentina, where beef rules , in the Patagonia region you’re more likely to see lamb on the menu. Sheep farmers were the region’s first non-Indigenous settlers, and massive sheep farms formed the economic and cultural backbone of modern Patagonia. 

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5 big travel lessons from an accomplished conservationist

Former Patagonia CEO Kristine Tompkins says to look out the airplane window and don’t sweat the flat tire.

Kristine Tompkins has lived a life shaped by two Patagonias.

Her first was the outdoor apparel company that she helped mountain climber Yvon Chouinard launch in 1973. For 20 years, she served as Patagonia’s chief executive. Then, in 1993, she left the company for the other Patagonia — the South American region at the end of the world.

Kris and husband Doug Tompkins, co-founder of the North Face, famously quit the corporate world to focus on the natural one. While building their first park, Pumalin, the conservationists lived in a rustic area without electricity, roads or telephones. As they amassed swaths of land to conserve and sometimes rewild, they learned critical lessons about how travelers can help protect the environment for generations to come. Kris, now 73, is still sharing them.

“There are a jillion ways to be conscious and to make a contribution to these places that we want to visit so badly,” she said. “But you have to decide that that’s the kind of traveler you’re going to be and that you’re serious about it. … I don’t think we have the luxury of being mindless anymore.”

After restoring the land of Patagonia and building public infrastructure, the Tompkinses would donate their projects to the governments of Argentina or Chile. The vast expanses are now national parks visited by hundreds of thousands of people a year.

“We wanted them to be economic drivers for the country and local communities, and we like participating in the protection of the jewels of a nation, which has nothing to do with us personally,” Kris Tompkins said.

In 2015, Doug died on a kayaking trip in Patagonia. Though grief-stricken, Kris persevered with their mission. Over three decades, the nonprofit Tompkins Conservation has helped create or expand 15 national parks encompassing roughly 14.8 million acres of land, plus two marine national parks totaling 30 million acres. Their organization spawned Rewilding Argentina and Rewilding Chile, independent nonprofits that have worked to restore such species as Darwin’s rhea, an ostrich look-alike; the giant river otter; and the huemul deer, Chile’s national animal.

Today, Kris Tompkins’s call to action is instructive and accessible. Even the softest adventurer can incorporate her travel advice.

During a recent stay at the Watergate Hotel, she shared with The Washington Post nuggets of wisdom mined from her decades of conservation work and adventures in Patagonia.

Connect and contribute

Tompkins admits she is not good at playing the casual tourist; she prefers trips to survey conservation projects or identify animal species.

But, regardless of your agenda, Tompkins urges travelers not to glide over a destination but to connect deeply with it. Seek out its natural features, even in cities, and pay attention to the bigger picture: how your actions affect your immediate surroundings as well as the wider world.

“ I think everybody should be focused on the state of the natural world, whether you’re going to Paris or Mozambique,” she said. “And be mindful of where you’re going, what’s taking place … and what’s going on with the planet.”

Tompkins encourages visitors to give back to the environment and the local communities whose livelihoods depend on the region’s natural resources.

“Support communities by learning more about them. What are the issues they face?” she said. “Going to places and just having a jolly time, given the circumstances that the Earth is in and the communities around the world are in, is passé. It’s over. Or it should be over.”

Gaze out the airplane window

To survey the large expanses of terrain in Patagonia, Kris and Doug Tompkins flew for hours in tiny planes. Kris described these excursions as some of their toughest — and most joyous — times.

Doug, who piloted a two-seater Husky or Cessna, would slalom through the mountains instead of flying up and over them. In addition to his daring feats, the weather was temperamental and could change while they were aloft. But in his pre-Google Earth era, they had no other option.

“It is the way to understand the land, from the peaks of the border of Argentina out to the Pacific Ocean,” she said. “Those are the most telling and emotional times, by far.”

Tompkins recommends studying the view out the airplane window, especially in smaller planes that cruise at lower altitudes. Memorialize the land below through aerial photography or videography.

“By shooting photographs and taking video, you can become connected to what you’re looking at,” she said.

Cut your dependence on gadgets

Overreliance on technology can lead to trouble, Tompkins said, especially when traveling in remote areas without a cellphone signal. Travelers should sharpen their old-fashioned navigation skills. Learn to interpret a map or ask a stranger for directions.

“The more people get away from paper maps, the less they really understand where they are, because they’re just looking at a blue dot on a screen,” she said.

When I told her about the time I became paralyzed after the Montreal cold zapped my phone’s battery, she retorted, “You need to go to rehab.”

Embrace the scary

Patagonia’s weather is mercurial. Storms would swoop in, forcing Kris and Doug Tompkins to hunker down till the skies cleared. Tompkins learned to pack for the worst-weather scenario. She always carried food supplies, such as carrots and apples, as well as a tent and sleeping bags — “the stuff you need if you get stuck for three days.”

In the moment, she found pleasure in the hardship. “ Now I look back and think, ‘Oh, my God, what were you thinking?’” Tompkins said. “But at the time it seemed fine. It was romantic.”

She recommends embracing the challenges that might trigger your survival instincts but also stir your soul.

“Those are the ones we remember in our lifetime, the days we were miserable or scared. Those are the stories we tell ad nauseam,” she said. “Because you feel something.”

Don’t let Patagonia intimidate you

The region might seem impenetrable, but Tompkins said it has become easy to bounce between countries and hop around the multiple parks. She said that family members and friends who “can’t find their way out of their driveway” have navigated Patagonia with aplomb.

“I know people who have developed these quite ornate plans for their trip through Patagonia, going back and forth over the border, and it’s not scary,” she said. “There’s no real way to get stuck on a border.”

New infrastructure is helping narrow the gaps between destinations. For instance, the Route of Parks , her late husband’s vision, links 17 national parks across 1,700 miles in Chile. In and around the parks, visitors can find food and accommodations, even glamping. Last month, Tompkins Conservation and its partners announced a new protected area, Cape Froward National Park , about 60 miles southwest of Punta Arenas, Chile.

Tompkins said her favorite time of the year to visit is April, when fall is around the bend. The summer winds slacken, and the temperatures are still mild. Avoid May through September, when Patagonia is at its most unforgiving.

The locals are far more accommodating. If your car breaks down, Tompkins said, they usually will stop to help.

“It’s a lot like the Midwestern states, where you have small towns,” she said. “It is a culture of: If you see somebody who’s stuck, you stop and get them on their way again.”

Even a flat tire is a chance to commune.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

Passing Thru Travel

15 Best Places in Patagonia To Visit in 2024

Posted: February 24, 2024 | Last updated: February 24, 2024

Patagonia, a region shared by Argentina and Chile, is a land of awe-inspiring natural beauty. Known for its rugged landscapes, towering mountains, and pristine glaciers, Patagonia is a haven for adventurers and nature lovers alike. This guide takes you through the most breathtaking destinations in Patagonia, each offering a unique experience of this wild and untamed region. Patagonia’s diverse landscapes promise an unforgettable journey from the iconic Torres del Paine to the remote Tierra del Fuego.

1. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park, a highlight of Chilean Patagonia, is renowned for its dramatic peaks, bright blue icebergs, and vast pampas. The park’s network of trails, including the famous W Trek and the O Circuit, offers some of the world’s best trekking experiences. Hikers are treated to stunning views of the park’s namesake towers, the Paine Massif, and the Grey Glacier. The diverse ecosystems within the park, from steppe to subpolar forests, are home to an array of wildlife, including guanacos and condors.

Insider’s Tip: Book refugios or campsites well in advance if you plan to trek.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from November to early March.

How To Get There: Fly to Punta Arenas in Chile and then take a bus or a rented car to the park.

2. Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

The Perito Moreno Glacier, part of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, is one of the most accessible and dynamic glaciers on the planet. Visitors can witness the awe-inspiring sight of ice calving from the glacier into Lake Argentino. The park offers various viewing platforms and boat tours for different perspectives of this natural wonder. Unlike many other glaciers worldwide, Perito Moreno is one of the few still growing, making it a particularly fascinating site for glaciology enthusiasts.

Insider’s Tip: Take a guided glacier walk on the ice for a memorable experience.

When To Travel: Visit between October and April for milder weather.

How To Get There: Fly to El Calafate in Argentina, and then it’s a short drive to the glacier.

3. Fitz Roy Mountain, Argentina

Fitz Roy Mountain, near the small town of El Chaltén, is a paradise for experienced hikers and climbers. The mountain’s iconic jagged peaks present one of the world’s most challenging and rewarding climbs. For those seeking less strenuous activities, numerous trails like Laguna de los Tres offer breathtaking views of Fitz Roy and the surrounding Patagonian landscape. The town of El Chaltén itself is a charming base for exploring the region, with cozy accommodations and local eateries.

Insider’s Tip: Start your hike early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views.

When To Travel: Trekking season runs from November to April.

How To Get There: Fly to El Calafate and then take a bus to El Chaltén.

4. Tierra del Fuego, Argentina and Chile

Tierra del Fuego, an archipelago off the southern tip of South America, is a land of stark contrasts and extreme beauty. Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, is the gateway to this remote region. Here, visitors can explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park, take boat trips along the Beagle Channel, or embark on expeditions to Antarctica. The region’s unique flora and fauna, including Magellanic penguins and Andean foxes, make it a fascinating destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the End of the World Museum in Ushuaia to glimpse the area’s history.

When To Travel: The best time is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Ushuaia from major cities in Argentina or Chile.

5. Marble Caves, Chile

The Marble Caves on Lake General Carrera are a breathtaking natural formation. Millennia of waves washing against calcium carbonate have sculpted these caves into stunning formations. The caves’ walls, with their swirling patterns of blue and grey, are a photographer’s dream, especially when reflected in the lake’s azure waters. Accessible only by boat, the caves offer a serene and otherworldly experience.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat or kayak tour for the best views of the caves.

When To Travel: Visit between September and February for the best weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Balmaceda, then drive to Puerto Río Tranquilo, where tours to the caves are available.

6. Valdés Peninsula, Argentina

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Natalia Di Marco The Valdés Peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its unique marine wildlife and rugged coastline. It’s one of the best places in the world to see Southern Right Whales, which come close to shore between June and December. The peninsula also hosts large colonies of sea lions, elephant seals, and various bird species. Its steppe-like interior and dramatic coastline offer stunning landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Insider’s Tip: Take a whale-watching tour between June and December to see Southern Right Whales.

When To Travel: Wildlife viewing is best from September to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Puerto Madryn or Trelew, then drive to the peninsula.

7. Cerro Castillo, Chile

Cerro Castillo, less crowded than Torres del Paine, offers equally stunning scenery for those willing to venture off the beaten path. The trek around Cerro Castillo takes you through diverse landscapes, including forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes, with the castle-like peaks of Cerro Castillo as a constant backdrop. The trek is challenging but rewards hikers with incredible views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the Patagonian wilderness.

Insider’s Tip: Pack for all weather conditions, as the weather can change rapidly.

When To Travel: The trekking season is from November to April.

How To Get There: Fly to Balmaceda and then drive or take a bus to Villa Cerro Castillo.

8. Cape Horn, Chile

At the southernmost tip of the South American continent, Cape Horn is a legendary location known for its challenging sailing conditions and rich maritime history. Cruises to this remote area offer a unique opportunity to experience the wild beauty of the southern seas and the sense of adventure that comes with reaching the “end of the world.” The area is also significant for its unique flora and fauna adapted to harsh conditions.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a cruise that includes lectures on the region’s history and wildlife.

When To Travel: Cruises run during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March.

How To Get There: Cruises to Cape Horn typically depart from Ushuaia.

9. Los Alerces National Park, Argentina

Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Argentina, is known for its ancient Alerces trees, some of which are over 3,000 years old. The park’s lakes, rivers, and forests offer a serene setting for hiking, kayaking, and fishing. The park is a testament to Argentina’s commitment to conservation, with well-maintained trails and minimal-impact tourism practices. The park’s diverse ecosystems are home to various wildlife, including deer, pumas, and several bird species.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Arrayanes Forest for a magical walk among unique cinnamon-colored trees.

When To Travel: Visit from October to April for the best weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Esquel and then drive to the park.

10. Pumalín Park, Chile

Pumalín Park, one of the largest private parks in the world, is a testament to conservation efforts in Chilean Patagonia. Created by conservationist Douglas Tompkins, the park spans over 400,000 hectares of temperate rainforests, fjords, and waterfalls. Visitors can hike through pristine forests, kayak along untouched fjords, and witness the park’s commitment to environmental preservation firsthand. The park’s infrastructure, including trails and campgrounds, is designed to minimize human impact on the environment.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the park’s environmental information centers to learn about its conservation efforts.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is from December to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Puerto Montt, then drive or take a ferry to the park.

11. El Chaltén, Argentina

El Chaltén, often called Argentina’s trekking capital, is the gateway to some of Patagonia’s most iconic trails. The town offers a range of trekking options, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day expeditions. The surrounding landscapes of glaciers, lakes, and mountains provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. In addition to trekking, visitors can enjoy rock climbing, horseback riding, and fishing.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Los Condores viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view of the town and surrounding peaks.

When To Travel: Trekking season is from October to April.

12. Laguna San Rafael National Park, Chile

Laguna San Rafael National Park is home to the San Rafael Glacier, one of the largest and most actively calving glaciers in the Chilean Patagonia. The park offers boat tours that provide close-up views of the glacier and the icebergs in the lagoon. The park’s remote location and stunning ice landscapes make it a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore the surrounding rainforests and spot wildlife such as sea lions and dolphins.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat tour that includes visiting the hot springs at Quitralco Fjord.

When To Travel: The best time for boat tours is from October to April.

How To Get There: Access is mainly by boat or plane from Coyhaique or Puerto Chacabuco.

13. King Penguin Colony, Tierra del Fuego, Chile

The King Penguin Colony on the Chilean side of Tierra del Fuego offers a unique opportunity to observe these majestic birds. Located at Parque Pingüino Rey, the colony is one of the few places outside Antarctica where you can see king penguins in their natural habitat. The park provides a respectful and sustainable way to observe the penguins, with designated viewing areas to minimize disturbance.

Insider’s Tip: Respect the penguins’ space and observe them from a distance to avoid disturbing them.

When To Travel: Penguins can be seen year-round, but the best time is during the breeding season, from September to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Punta Arenas, take a ferry and drive to the park.

14. Bariloche, Argentina

San Carlos de Bariloche, known simply as Bariloche, offers a unique combination of stunning natural landscapes and a lively city atmosphere. Bariloche is located in Argentina’s Lake District, a hub for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. The city’s Swiss-style architecture and renowned chocolate shops add to its charm, making it a popular destination year-round. In winter, Bariloche transforms into a ski resort, while the summer months are perfect for exploring the surrounding lakes and mountains.

Insider’s Tip: Take the cable car to Cerro Campanario for one of the best views in the region.

When To Travel: Visit from December to March for outdoor activities and pleasant weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Bariloche Airport, with regular flights from Buenos Aires.

15. Aysén Region, Chile

The Aysén Region in Chilean Patagonia is a secluded paradise for adventurers. Less crowded and largely untouched, it offers a wilderness experience that includes the Northern Patagonian Ice Field and numerous fjords. The Carretera Austral, a scenic route through the region, leads to remote beauty spots ideal for hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Aysén’s rugged terrain and pristine landscapes are perfect for those seeking an immersive nature experience away from tourist trails.

Insider’s Tip: Plan a road trip along the Carretera Austral for a unique way to explore the region’s diverse landscapes.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Balmaceda Airport and rent a car for the best exploration experience.

The Bottom Line

Patagonia is a land of endless natural wonders, offering experiences that range from witnessing colossal glaciers to trekking through pristine forests. Each destination in this vast region presents an opportunity to connect with nature and witness the raw beauty of one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. As you plan your journey through Patagonia, remember that the true essence of this place lies in its wild and untamed spirit, inviting you to explore and discover its many treasures.

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The post 15 Best Places in Patagonia To Visit in 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Olga Danylenko.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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National Nurses Week 2024: Chipotle's free burrito giveaway, more deals and discounts

Nurses should be celebrated every day, but they do have a special week: national nurses week, which runs may 6-12. restaurants like chipotle and buffalo wild wings have specials during the week..

Chipotle is giving away 100,000 burritos for National Nurses Week. And you don't necessarily have to be a nurse to get in on the deal.

From Monday, May 6, to Friday, May 10, healthcare workers can sign up for a chance to win a free burrito e-card on the Chipotle website . At the end of National Nurses Week, 100,000 healthcare workers will be randomly selected to get an email asking them to verify their employment status via ID.me. Those who successfully verify that within 48 hours will get a free burrito e-card.

Customers can get in on the action, too, by purchasing limited-edition Chipotle Healthcare Heroes E-Gift Cards online; 10% of the proceeds from the gift card purchases will be donated to the American Nurses Foundation. And throughout the month of May, you can round up your online or app orders to the nearest dollar amount. 100% of those proceeds will go to the foundation.

National Nurses Week 2024: A RN reflects on the state of the profession, calls for change

When is National Nurses Week?

National Nurses Week is observed annually May 6 through May 12.

What is National Nurses Week?

National Nurses Week grew out of a congressional resolution and proclamation signed by President Reagan in 1982 deeming May 6 as a National Recognition Day for Nurses.

The American Nurses Association board of directors expanded this to a National Nurses Week in 1990. The permanent dates for the week were designated in 1993 to be officially observed starting in 1994.

The week includes National School Nurses Day on May 8 and May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, which has been celebrated as International Nurse Day since 1974.

More ways to save: Visit USA TODAY's coupons page for deals from thousands of vendors

National Nurses Week 2024 freebies, deals and discounts

Here's a roundup of freebies, deals, discounts and other specials for National Nurses Week.

• Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza: Nurses get a 20% discount on all orders with a valid ID from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12.
• BurgerFi: Nurses get a 20% discount on all orders with a valid ID from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: From Monday, May 6, to May 12, nurses get 20% off their orders with valid IDs on dine-in, call-in, and walk-in orders.
• Buzz E-Bikes and Huffy Bicycles : Both United Wheels -owned companies give nurses 20% off online purchases year-round when verifying their ID.me at checkout.
• Create Amor: Through June 7, get 25% off orders for scrubs (use the code NURSE25) and $1 per set (top and bottom) will be donated to the American Nurses Foundation. The scrubs brand will also donate 100% of proceeds from each Iris Five Pocket Top sold directly to the foundation.
• Dunkin': Nurses can get a free medium hot or iced coffee, no purchase necessary, on Monday, May 6. (The deal excludes Frozen Coffee, Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew. Espresso shots, flavors, dairy alternatives & cold foam may be an additional charge.)
• Firehouse Subs: The sandwich chain has a week of specials available starting Monday through its Firehouse Rewards loyalty program and app including (on Wednesday) BOGO Hook & Ladder Subs and (on Friday) two medium sandwiches for $12 or two large sandwiches for $18.
• Free Rein Coffee Company: Nurses, first responders and medical providers get 20% off all year long from "Yellowstone" star Cole Hauser's brew brand by verifying with ID.me. Also eligible for the 20% discount: military members.
• The Good Feet Store : The retailer, with more than 250 locations, will give nurses a complimentary pair of Architek Comfort Slip-Ons and three pairs of OS1st Comfort socks with the purchase of at least a Good Feet Store 3-Step Arch Support System. (Note: if Architeks are not available, a pair of Brooks running shoes will be provided. Valid nurse's ID is required.)
• The Greene Turtle: All nurses and healthcare workers with a valid ID get a free meal (value of up to $15) on Monday, May 6.
• Happy Joe’ s Pi zza & Ice Cream: Nurses get a 10% discount at participating locations from Monday to Friday, May 6-10.
• honeygrow: Nominate a nursing team for $250 worth of catering from the fast-casual chain with 33 locations in the eastern U.S. Submit your nomination on the honeygrow website before Wednesday, May 8. Five winning teams will be announced on May 10 via honeygrow's social media platforms.
• HTeaO: The iced tea chain will give healthcare personnel 50% off cups of tea from Monday, May 13, to Sunday, May 26, with a valid hospital, doctors office, and school nurse ID.
• Insomnia C ookies: The Philadelphia-based late-night bakery chain with more than 240 locations is giving nurses a free Classic cookie in-store, no purchase necessary, all week beginning Monday, May 6. (Just show a valid ID; availability varies by location.)
• KIND Snacks: Nurses get 15% off their purchases on the website all year long. Customers just verify with ID.me at checkout.
• Landing: The flexible rental firm, with sites especially practical for travel nurses, is giving away prizes including three months' rent. Nurses can enter to win by submitting a 60-second video and others can nominate a nurse, too.
• Logan's Roadhouse: Nurses get 20% off their entrée this week. Just show your badge.
• McAlister’s Deli: Nurses can get free tea – either one big Sweet Tea, Unsweet Tea, ½ Sweet & ½ Unsweet Tea, or ½ Lemonade & ½ Sweet/Unsweet Tea (flavor shots excluded) – at McAlister's Deli from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12, with their badge or ID. Offer valid in-store only; no purchase necessary.
• Moe’s Southwest Grill: Cater a Moe's Southwest Grill meal for nurses from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12, and when you spend $300 or more, get a $50 E-gift card (use code THANKYOU24). Good at participating locations; not valid with other offers or third-party delivery. Doesn't include tax, tip and fees.
• Pancheros: Nurses can buy one entrée and get one free on Wednesday, May 8, at participating restaurants. (Offer good in-restaurant; just present a valid hospital badge at checkout.)
• The Parking Spot: The parking company is giving healthcare workers 25% off parking during their trips; just signup with an associated healthcare email account .
• Peter Piper Pizza : Nurses can get a free personal pizza every day Monday through Friday (May 6-10). Redemption is limited to once per day; valid nurse ID/credentials must be shown.
• Postino: The restaurant chain, with more than 25 locations in five states , will give nurses its $25 Board and Bottle (bruschetta board, plus a bottle of wine) all day every day during the month of May with badge/ID. (The special is usually only available Monday and Tuesday 8 p.m. to closing.)
• Potbelly Sandwich Works: Nurses get a free cookie or fountain drink with the purchase of an entrée by showing their ID Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12. Also, all customers can get free delivery on a catering order over $150.
• Salata Salad Kitchen: On Monday, May 6, Healthcare workers get 20% off their order when they present their badge at checkout. Also from Monday to Friday, get 20% off catering orders of $200 or more, and get free delivery on orders through DoorDash.
• Shipley Do-Nuts: Nurses who belong the chain's Do-Happy loyalty program can get a free half-dozen box of glazed do-nuts with any purchase on Monday, May 6.
• Skechers: Nurses get a 10% discount on all styles during the month of May on the Skechers website (valid ID or form of employment required). Online shoppers can also round up the purchase price of May purchases to the nearest dollar with proceeds going to the American Nurses Foundation; donate $5 or more and get $10 off your next $100 purchase in June.
• Smoothie King: Get $2 off your on Monday and Tuesday via Smoothie King’s Healthy Rewards App (use code THANKS2024). The promo code may be used multiple times. Also, Friday, May 3, to Friday, May 10, when you buy $25 or more in gift cards online, get a bonus of 2,000 Healthy Reward points.
• Sockwell: Nurses get a free pair of socks when they buy three pairs at full price May 6-12 on the Sockwell website (excludes closeouts and 3-packs).
• Yogurtland: Through May 14, the frozen yogurt chain is offering free delivery on orders of more than $15 made through the website or mobile app (use the code FREEDELIVERY).
• Zaxby's : Nurses can buy one Boneless Wings Meal and get a second one free on May 7 at participating locations (redeemable through the Zaxby's app or website for Zax Rewardz members, while supplies last).
• Zips Car Wash:  Nurses can get a $5 "Pro" Wash at any Zips Car Wash or Rocket Express location across the country through May 19 with wash code 3687.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads:  @mikesnider  & mikegsnider .

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More From Forbes

Sober tourism: where to go for an active alcohol-free vacation.

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Hiking on the famous Tour du Mont Blanc near Chamonix, France is a bucket list adventure.

It’s not uncommon for many folks to start their vacation with a celebratory cocktail or glass of wine: at the airport lounge, on board the flight, or as a welcome nip at the hotel check-in counter. This ritual can also flow throughout the day with meals and as a night cap before bed. Many sober-curious travelers are thinking about holidays in a newfangled way, eschewing alcohol for a “dry tripping” experience, which enables them to revel on a getaway without the inevitable dreaded hangover, fully lucid for the next day’s activities.

Sober tourism can definitely transform how you think about a vacation. While pub crawls and brewery tours can be fun, there’s a whole world out there to explore that doesn’t revolve around drinking. Hotels are taking note of this promising trend as well—many offer a mocktail menu with fun and fizzy alcohol-free drinks, so you don’t have to sit at the table with just a water with lemon.

Well beyond a “Dry January” or a “Sober October”, here are wild vacations that will help you thrive and feel good in your body, from start to finish whether you’ve given up alcohol for good or you just prefer to travel with less of it. From seaside hiking trips to paddling expeditions to exciting road races to romps around European mountain tops, these exciting adventures will leave you recharged with plenty of stories to tell when you return home. Here, sober travel is synonymous to power travel.

Go Hiking in Greece

Santorini, with its traditional houses and blue-domed churches, stretching out of the Caldera in the ... [+] Aegean sea, is worth seeing on foot.

If the timeless terrain of Greece has always been on your bucket list, then now is the time to lock in an exciting adventure. Explore the footsteps of Gods and important philosophers in Athens, visit gem-colored islands in the Mediterranean, and soak up the sun on an easy-going hiking adventure to usurp all others.

For a week-long outdoor journey that goes at a leisurely pace, Exodus Adventure Travels offers a guided trip called Walking on the Greek Islands , which includes visits to Santorini, Naxos, and Paros islands. You’ll discover the natural beauty of the local villages, leafy valleys, and distinct beaches while learning about Greek history, culture, and archeology along the way.

Samsung Issues Critical Update For Millions Of Galaxy Users

How to watch real martha baby reindeer interview with piers morgan, drake kendrick lamar feud timeline attempted intruder arrested at drake s toronto home police say, experience a multi-adventure trip in argentina.

The landscapes of Patagonia are breathtakingly beautiful.

If you’re someone who wants a little bit of everything on your active vacation, then look no further than the Ultimate Argentina small group trip with Flash Pack, an experience designed specifically for solo travelers between the ages of 30—49.

For this inimitable adventure, you’ll explore Buenos Aires on a bicycle tour, go hiking in Patagonia, kayak down Rio de las Vueltas, dine inside a cave with new friends, and go hiking on the Perito Merino Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. And, while alcohol is available along the way, including on a wine tour in Mendoza, this 10-day trip focuses on active outdoor adventures that inspire relationship building with fellow travelers.

Raft on an Expedition in the Canadian Wilderness

Virginia Falls at South Nahanni River in Canada's Northwest Territories is a sight to see.

If you’ve gone rafting before and truly loved it, and you wished that it was lengthier and more hands-on to give you that “I’m alive!” feeling, then give a seven-day rafting trip on the Nahanni River in Canada’s Northwest Territories a try.

Located in one of the world’s most beloved national parks, the Nahanni National Park Reserve , guests can expect to witness spectacular sights on this once-in-a-lifetime wonder-filled adventure like thundering waterfalls, colossal multi-hued canyons, and natural hot springs. Love wildlife? If you’re lucky, you’ll spot Yukon moose, mountain goats, beavers, caribou, Dall sheep, black and brown bears, and numerous varieties of songbirds along the way as you travel over 150 miles from Virginia Falls to Nahanni Butte. Hikers will have plenty of opportunities to revel in the natural landscapes once at camp. Bonus: someone else does the cooking!

Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions have led guided wilderness trips since 1972. If you’re looking for a big bucket list adventure, this is it!

Run to the Finish Line

Despite all the deep dish pizza, Chicago is a runner's paradise.

When you sign up for a 10K or half marathon, you’ll likely have to physically, mentally, and emotionally prepare in order to have an enjoyable experience. The challenge of training, building a consistent workout routine, and paying attention to your health and wellbeing is a gift that pays off in more ways than one.

If you’ve always wanted to explore the Windy City, then consider adding the Life Time Chicago Spring Half Marathon or 10K to your upcoming travel plans (now or in the future). You’ll start in Maggie Daley Park and continue south on this looped course that ends with you getting a medal placed around your neck.

Pro tip: book accommodations at Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park , which is within walking distance to the start of the race. Plus, you can book a spa treatment for post-race bliss at Leaf Spa .

Visit Three Countries on Foot

Wildlife viewing in a hiking highlight on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Western Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, is one of the most beautiful and accessible mountains for hikers. Wilderness Travel offers a spectacular natural sightseeing adventure where travelers will flow through diverse ecosystems and local villages on the well-planned Tour du Mont Blanc tour. Consistently named as one of the greatest hikes in the world, this journey, led by an expert guide, begins and ends in Chamonix, France.

Wilderness Travel has been in the shining limelight, leading tours all over the globe, since 1978. When you read the reviews, you’ll see that the proof is in the pudding. Hikers will see flower-dotted valleys, massive snow-capped peaks, and charming villages on this challenging hiking adventure where, on average, nine miles and 3,000 feet of elevation gain and loss are crushed each day. Now, what could be more dialed in than that?

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Watery, Peaceful, Wild: The Call of the Mangroves

On Curaçao, visitors can explore the trees’ habitat, where colorful birds roost on tangled branches and trunks, and small paths through the greenery beckon.

The Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park offers guided tours, elevated boardwalks, programs for local schoolchildren and a tiered entrance-fee system for residents and overseas visitors. Credit... Frank Meyer for The New York Times

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By Elisabeth Goodridge

Elisabeth Goodridge is the deputy editor for travel at The New York Times.

• May 8, 2024

It was a sunny afternoon in February at the height of the high season on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, but my partner, Aaren, and I were far from lounging on a white-sand beach, snorkeling over a coral reef or strolling among the Easter-egg-colored buildings of Willemstad, Curaçao’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site — typical activities for travelers to this former Dutch colony.

Instead, on a kayak tour with Serlon St Jago, a guide from the Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park , we were learning about the country’s mangrove restoration, and the vital role mangrove habitats play in coastal resilience, protection for marine and bird species, and fighting the effects of climate change.

No poisonous snakes, alligators or large predators live on Curaçao, Mr. St Jago said, reassuring information as we paddled toward a forbidding wall of mangroves lining Piscadera Bay. Up close, the trees were magnificent and cheerful. Colorful birds roosted on tangled branches and trunks, and small paths under the green and occasionally yellow leaves beckoned us to explore. With our kayaks beached, Mr. St Jago pointed out fiddler crabs and mussels, and described differences of the local mangrove species — the red, white and black — and how they adapted to live and propagate where water meets land.

“There’s so much life here,” he said with infectious enthusiasm.

We were the only tourists on the water, but getting more visitors like us interested in mangroves, perhaps even persuading them to replant some of the vital trees themselves, has been a priority of scientists, activists, park rangers and tourism operators on Curaçao in recent years.

The island isn’t alone in its efforts: Similar mangrove-focused work has started around the world, in places like Indonesia , Australia , Belize and Florida , as fragile destinations balance tourism’s growth with the conservation — and restoration — of the natural resources that captivate visitors.

“Coral reefs get all the attention. But mangroves are probably a lot more important,” said Gabby Ahmadia , a vice president with the oceans program at the World Wildlife Fund who oversees the organization’s mangrove science and restoration programs. “My favorite analogy about mangroves is that they are Swiss Army knives, because they do provide so many different benefits and they can do so many different things.”

Though these forests are one degree of separation from the sights and the activities that traditionally draw visitors to the ocean, changing perceptions might be hard. To protect the environment, mangrove kayak tours can be — as are most snorkel, fishing and bird-watching tours offered in other destinations — limited by number, and visitors must be interested in the first place. With their summer reads and beach toys, family traditions and limited vacation days, most tourists might simply agree with the old saying “Life is better at the beach.”

A foundation of life

The twisty branches, trunks and distinctive aboveground roots of mangroves are a stark, complex repudiation of how a child’s drawing portrays a common tree. The roots can arch up, pop up spikelike from the water or form stilts above and under the surface. Adapted to oxygen-poor soil, high salinity and the ebb and flow of an intertidal zone, coastal mangroves thrive where other trees and shrubs would perish. Unless they are yellow, the leaves are green, and some, if you lick them, taste salty.

Mangrove forests can appear impenetrable, muddy, smelly and swampy. For centuries, they have been cleared for firewood, farmland, urban development, aquaculture and, yes, tourism. On Curaçao, mangroves are now found on only 0.012 percent of the island. Globally, more than half of the mangrove forests have been cut down or otherwise destroyed in the past 50 years. Deforestation has slowed — but not stopped — in recent years, and rising sea levels and increased storm activity have done further damage.

But coastal mangroves — there are some 60 species worldwide — are the foundation of life above and below the water. With intricate root systems, they act as nurseries for juvenile fish and other marine life. Mangrove branches and trunks make safe feeding and nesting sites for yellow warblers , tricolored herons and other bird species, reptiles like iguanas, and insects aplenty.

Those strongly anchored roots also protect from flooding, erosion and tidal surges by slowing down seawater and trapping dirt and debris. More crucially, mangrove forests are extraordinary for decreasing the effects of global warming, by absorbing and storing carbon annually at a rate 10 times as great as tropical rainforests. Mangroves, along with other coastal wetlands, “sequester enough carbon each year to offset the burning of over one billion barrels of oil,” according to the Nature Conservancy .

Surreptitious beginnings

Ryan de Jongh, a 53-year-old Curaçao native, activist and tour guide, is the living embodiment of regenerative tourism. He’s an important reason we encountered a lush, thriving ecosystem in Piscadera Bay, and demonstrates how one person can make a difference.

Mr. de Jongh grew up swimming in the bay and watched the area’s mangroves being cleared for fuel and construction. In 2006, he surreptitiously planted the first mangrove tree — a single seedling can mature in around 15 years and lead to an entire thicket — and now, he said, more than 100,000 trees are growing. He made similarly stealthy plantings at other inlets and bays, making himself a local hero in the process.

Mr. de Jongh, who gives kayak tours himself , now works on widespread government-sanctioned restoration projects.

His aim is to eventually plant 1.3 million trees on the island. “I have to transform literally a desert back to green,” he said.

The interior of Curaçao certainly looks like a desert, with a dry, dusty landscape of cactus and other succulents. Along with its closest island neighbors, Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao is outside the Caribbean’s hurricane belt and receives minimal rainfall. People on the island drink desalinated seawater.

The trade winds bring cooler temperatures. In the 16th century, they also brought Europeans who enslaved and deported the Indigenous population and turned Curaçao into a slaving port. The colonists also planted oranges, sugar cane and other nonnative species, with varying degrees of success, and developed giant salt pans for export, but it was the construction of an oil refinery in 1918 and growing tourism that finally brought widespread jobs. The refinery shut down in 2019 — nine years after Curaçao voted to become a semiautonomous nation from the Netherlands — an event that only emphasized tourism’s importance for Curaçao’s economy. Last year, the island, only 40 miles long, welcomed 1.3 million visitors .

Aaren and I gladly did our part to support the economy: In Willemstad, that meant eating at Plasa Bieu , the Old Market, where individual vendors cook and sell local cuisine. We fought with each other over the fried wahoo and an arepa di pampuna — pumpkin pancake — but we were warned off the cactus soup. “I live here,” said another diner, “and I don’t even eat that.” We also snapped photos, like so many other visitors, while crossing the floating Queen Emma Bridge , and watched it open and close for marine traffic.

We waited in an hourlong, locals-heavy line at De Visserij Piscadera Seafood restaurant (“slaying and filleting” since 2017), where diners choose and purchase their fish fillets before sitting down; we drank oregano punch for the first time (think mint ice tea, but oregano and oh so refreshingly delicious); and we inhaled grilled shrimp and raw fresh tuna.

Further north, we ate “williburgers” — goat burgers — at Marfa’s GoodHangout in Sint Willibrordus, which overlooks an old salt pan that, sadly, the resident flamingoes absented that day, and delighted upon coming across a coral nursery while scuba diving right off the jam-packed Kokomo Beach.

Coral reefs are crucial to Curaçao’s tourism and fishing industries and valued at more than $445 million annually, according to a 2016 economic assessment published by the nonprofit Waitt Institute. And coral reefs, which support roughly 25 percent of all marine life, are enduring cataclysmic bleaching and disease brought on or compounded by climate change.

In the last 10 years, scientists have better understood the symbiosis between coral reefs and mangroves: They don’t need each other to exist, but proximity brings benefits to both ecosystems.

“Working in this field of conservation, you might come in from one entry point and then you realize everything is connected,” said Dr. Ahmadia of the W.W.F. “We can work on coral reefs, but we should be thinking about sea grass beds and mangroves, because they are all really connected. And then of course, they are connected to the human environment.”

One morning, Aaren and I walked through the 30-acre Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park , a short stroll from the center of Willemstad and a shorter one from the island’s cruise ship terminal. Open since 2022, the park offers guided and audio tours, elevated boardwalks, programs for local schoolchildren and a tiered entrance-fee system (guilders and U.S. dollars accepted) for residents and overseas visitors. Some 17,766 people came in 2023, an increase of 14,687 from 2022.

Manfred van Veghel is the new director of the Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity Foundation, which oversees the mangrove park and five other national parks. Working with the government of Curaçao, local travel operators and activists like Mr. de Jongh, Dr. van Veghel aims to expand park access, construct an elevated bridge and add a visitor center, among other goals. The efforts are part of his desire to transform Curaçao into more of a nature-based tourist destination.

“We had a record last year and they are pushing to get more,” Dr. van Veghel said of Curaçao’s number of annual visitors. Yet, he said, the beaches are getting full. “So we need to get activities other than going to the beach — and the mangrove park is an excellent activity.”

Mark Spalding is a senior marine scientist with the Nature Conservancy and lead scientist of the Mapping Ocean Wealth initiative , an online tool that applies economic value to coastal ecosystems.

Dr. Spalding said a draw of mangrove activities, like boating and hiking, is that “without having to trek through the Amazon for hours and hours, you can get that sense of wilderness and experience, and also the peace and tranquillity very quickly and very easily.”

“It might only be two hours of your entire holiday,” he said, “but it’s the thing you take home with you — the story you tell.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this story misidentified an nongovernmental organization. It is the World Wildlife Fund, not World Wildlife Federation.

How we handle corrections

Elisabeth is the deputy editor for the Travel Desk at The New York Times. More about Elisabeth Goodridge

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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14 best travel carriers for dogs, according to editor reviews

We’re celebrating National Pet Week at NBC Select by sharing our favorite pet products. Shop puppy supplies , kitten essentials and more on our pets homepage .

We all want our dogs by our side as much as possible, and that might include them tagging along on vacations and holiday trips. But traveling with a pet usually involves a range of safety considerations, including gathering the right health paperwork , keeping treats and water on hand and making sure they’re comfortable. Since most airlines and other transportation methods will require taking your dog in some kind of enclosure, the pet carrier you choose is crucial in keeping your dog safe and comfortable. 

We spoke to veterinarians, vet technicians and travel safety experts about what to look for in a travel carrier for your dog and how to shop for one that’ll keep them safe. We also compiled a list of carriers either tested by NBC Select staff or recommended by our experts to consider.

SKIP AHEAD Best dog travel carriers | How to shop for a dog travel carrier | How to help your dog feel calm in a travel carrier

Selected. Our top picks

How we picked the best dog travel carriers

When shopping for the best travel carrier for your dog, our experts recommend considering the following factors:

• Size: Pick a carrier that’s big enough for your pet to comfortably stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. The carrier should be as long as the tip of the dog’s nose to the base of the tail, says veterinarian Dr. Kristen L. Nelson . Carriers will usually come in a variety of sizes to fit different breed types (though keep in mind that airline-approved carriers have very specific dimension requirements that will usually only fit small dogs under 20 pounds, according to our experts). 
• Materials and build: Carriers are usually soft-sided and made of polyester or nylon, which are easy to clean and water- and tear-resistant, according to our experts. Choose one with mesh sides to provide a good amount of ventilation. Most importantly, you should opt for a carrier that can stand up on its own and not collapse around your pet or deform easily, says Dr. Christina Carlo , a veterinarian and medical director at VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital. Hard plastic carriers are usually designed for airplane cargo holds, but they’re a safe and durable option for car rides, too, says Carlo.
• Airline requirements: Commercial airlines will usually have certain dimension requirements for carriers that go in the plane’s cabin (with the passenger) and crates that travel in the cargo area of the plane. Most airlines like United Airlines , Jetblue and American Airlines have varying dimension requirements, so be sure to visit their site before traveling. 
• Crash testing: Look for carriers and crates that have undergone independent crash testing by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), which gives your pet the best possible chance of survival if a crash occurs, says Dr. Wendy Hauser , a veterinarian and special advisor to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.

Best dog travel carriers of 2024

Below are the best dog travel carriers based on experts’ guidance and NBC Select staff experience. We also include top-rated options and key factors to consider, including the carrier’s material, weight capacity and dimensions. 

Best overall travel carrier: Away The Pet Carrier

Away Pet Carrier

• CPS certified
• Mesh sides and top
• Removable and washable bedding
• Recommended for smaller dogs

This Away travel carrier, an NBC Select Pet Award for best overall travel carrier, is designed for both car and airline travel. It has zip openings on the top and front with see-through mesh to help your pet see out of the carrier (if you prefer to avoid this, there’s a piece of fabric that rolls down to cover their view).

I use this carrier to fly with my 16-pound havanese and bichon frise mix, Bella, because it’s sturdy and makes her feel safe and supported thanks to its durable nylon and leather construction. The mesh gives her enough visibility to know what’s going on outside and helps me keep tabs on her, too. It also comes with machine-washable bedding on the inside that’s soft to the touch, and multiple pockets that keep my belongings and pet essentials accessible during the whole flight. If you’re traveling by car, the carrier has latches on one side that securely fasten to a car’s seat belt system. The Away carrier comes in black and blue colors and you can also personalize it with your initials for an additional $35.

Pet weight: Up to 18 lbs | Dimensions (LxWxH): 18.7 x 10.8 x 10.75 in. | Material: Water-resistant nylon

Best airline-approved carrier: Sherpa Pet Carrier

Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier

• More affordable option
• Very well ventilated
• Removable and washable liner
• Recommended for smaller pets

Another NBC Select Pet Awards winner, this Sherpa carrier is a favorite of CPS founder Lindsey Wolko, who has used it for years to travel with her own pets. She specifically recommends it for air travel because it fits under the passenger seat (it meets the dimensions for most airlines, but always check your specific airline’s requirements before traveling) and has a large zip pocket to store pet supplies like water bowls, leashes and treats. However, it’s not the best pick for car travel because you can’t strap it in using your vehicle’s seat belt system — you’re better off placing it on the floor behind the driver’s seat for safety and to avoid the stitching or zippers to fail, says Wolko. 

NBC Select manager of editorial operations Shari Uyehara uses this carrier to fly with her 20-pound cavalier King Charles spaniel, Loki, and says it’s a great affordable option. Loki can comfortably shift positions during the flight, and the carrier itself is structured enough to maintain its shape while under the seat, says Uyehara. The sides are made of see-through mesh that allows your pet to easily see out of it. Available in medium and large sizes, the carrier also has shorter top handles and a longer shoulder strap to fit your carrying preferences. 

Pet weight: Up to 16 lbs | Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 10.5 in. (medium size) | Material: Polyester and mesh

Best hard-sided carrier: Gunner Kennel G1

Gunner Kennel G1

• Can't be used as carry-on

This crate earned a 5-star safety rating from the CPS in both the crate and carrier class (the only product to earn a dual certification), and it’s a favorite among our experts. The crate has a thick exterior layer for impact protection, which keeps your pet safe if there’s a crash or a fall, according to the brand. Its reversible door design with an aluminum frame lets you open the crate from either side, and won’t pop open in the middle of a flight, according to the brand. It comes in four sizes — small, medium, intermediate and large — and Gunner offers a size guide that gives recommendations based on your dog’s weight and length.

Pet weight: Up to 30 lbs for small, up to 45 lbs for medium, up to 75 lbs for intermediate and up to 110 lbs for large size | Dimensions: 24.5 x 18.625 x 19 in. (small), 29.5 x 20.5 x 23.5 in. (medium), 34 x 23 x 28.5 in. (intermediate), 40.25 x 28 x 33.25 in. (large) | Material: Reinforced aluminum frame

Best soft-sided carrier: EliteField Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Carrier Bag

EliteField Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Carrier Bag

At just over two pounds, this is the most lightweight soft-sided pet carrier on our list. It comes recommended by Dr. Amber Karwacki , a veterinarian and partner doctor at Heart + Paw in Callowhill, Pennsylvania, because it has mesh panels on both sides and the front to let air in and prevent your pet from overheating, according to the brand. It also comes with removable and machine-washable bedding and has a back sleeve that attaches to your suitcase, as well as loops that latch onto your car’s seat belt system. The polyester and synthetic build is water-resistant and available in six colors to fit your personal style. 

Pet weight: Up to 18 lbs | Dimensions: 19 x 10 x 13 in. | Material: Polyester

Best tote carrier: Wild One Everyday Carrier

Wild One Everyday Carrier

• Remains open

If you’re looking for a tote to carry your dog around town or on the train, consider this Wild One carrier. This NBC Select staff-favorite option has a small dip in its design, which allows your dog to peek their head out while you carry them around. “I love that Loki’s weight remains balanced in the carrier, but he still has room to move around,” says Uyehara, who appreciates its stability. It also includes a safety clip that attaches to your dog’s harness, ensuring they won’t jump out at a bad time, according to Karwacki (but be sure to never connect this clip to their collar since it poses a choking hazard). It also comes with carrying straps of two different lengths — one for carrying it like a shoulder bag, and shorter straps to carry it by hand. There is a machine-washable mat on the inside and three exterior pockets to hold all your pet’s essentials like bags, treats and toys.

Pet weight: Up to 20 lbs | Dimensions: 21.5 x 7.5 x 14.25 in. | Material: Recycled polyester outer, cotton interior

Best collapsible carrier: Roverlund Out-Of-Office Pet Carrier

Roverlund Pet Carrier

An NBC Select Pet Awards winner, the small version of this Roverlund carrier is an airline-approved option for both dogs and cats because it’s less than 18 inches long. The straps are all ropes, which our staff found to be more comfortable and supportive than other carrier straps made from typical polyester or fabric. The interior lining is machine-washable and you can also shop the larger version of this carrier for dogs up to 25 pounds.

Pet weight: Up to 20 lbs | Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 10.5 in. (small size) | Material: Water-resistant polyester, mountain climbing rope

Best backpack carrier: Apollo Walker Pet Carrier Backpack

Apollo Walker Pet Carrier Backpack

• Adjustable straps
• Pet can see outside

This highly rated backpack carrier, which has a 4.6-star average rating from over 4,900 reviews on Amazon, has shoulder straps and two separate straps that buckle around your sternum and waist to help evenly distribute the weight of your pet, according to the brand. It has mesh panels on all sides to let your pet see out and comes with removable fleece bedding to keep them comfortable while creating a sturdy base that can hold their weight, according to Apollo. It also comes with a clip that attaches to your pet’s harness to prevent them from escaping or falling out.

Pet weight: N/A | Dimensions: 12.6 x 11.4 x 16.8 in. | Material: Polyester

Best expandable carrier: Midwest Duffy Dog & Cat Carrier

MidWest Duffy Dog & Cat Carrier

• No removable bedding
• Not as ventilated as others

This Midwest Duffy carrier comes recommended by Karwacki because it’s expandable — the mesh sides open up to give your pet more room to move around and stretch their legs. It has two zippered side openings, as well as one on top to make taking your dog in and out easier, according to the brand. It also folds completely flat, so you can store it away when it’s not in use. It comes in three colors and sizes small, medium and large. 

Pet weight: Up to 15 lbs | Dimensions: 16.3 x 10.1 x 9.3 in. (small), 18.3 x 11.3 x 11.1 in. (medium) and 19.3 x 12.2 x 12.2 in. (large) | Material: Polyester

Best for medium-sized dogs: Arlo Skye The Pet Carrier

Arlo Skye The Pet Carrier

• No mesh top

This Arlo Skye pet carrier has mesh panels on all sides, making it a well-ventilated option for your pup. It comes with memory foam bedding on the inside that’s both removable and machine-washable, as well as a foldable design you can pack easily in your suitcase or travel bag, according to the brand. It has dual openings on both ends and a back trolley sleeve to place it over your carry-on . The carrier is also highly rated with a 4.9-star average rating from over 60 reviews at Arlo Skye. 

Pet weight: Up to 25 lbs | Dimensions: 17.5 x 11 x 10 in. | Material: Poly-mesh and nylon

Best for small dogs: Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed

Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed

The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed is an expert-recommended and CPS-certified option that has breathable mesh and a machine-washable interior — it’s built for plane travel for dogs under 15 pounds. Nelson recommends the Sleepypod because it’s easy to carry and gives the pet privacy while traveling since it’s fully enclosed with a mesh panel at the top.

Like several other carriers on this list, the Sleepypod isn’t limited to airline travel: It straps into a vehicle’s seat belt system, so you can comfortably take road trips with your pet. You can also separate the bottom of the carrier to transform it into a bed for your pet, which makes training easier since they can form a positive association with it, says Wolko. The brand’s Sleepypod Atom is another CPS-certified carrier that’s crash-tested for even smaller dogs up to 12 pounds, the lowest weight requirement on this list. 

Pet weight: Up to 15 lbs | Dimensions: 17 in. (D) x 6.5 in. | Material: Polyester

Best lightweight carrier: Molly and Stitch Alpine Dog Carrier

Molly and Stitch Alpine Dog Carrier

• Stylish design
• Padded and comfortable
• Machine-washable
• Not for plane travel

This tote carrier is great for smaller dogs, and its lightweight design is convenient to take anywhere. It's a favorite of NBC Select social commerce editor Sadhana Daruvuri, who says her 2-year-old maltipoo Bandit fits comfortably inside. “This carrier is very high quality, and it was so stylish that I would happily use it as an everyday bag,” says Daruvuri. “Cleaning it is also easy — you can just throw it in the wash, and even after repeated uses, the bag looks brand new.” 

Pet weight: Up to 15 lbs | Dimensions: n/a | Material: n/a

Best carrier with pee pad: Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier

Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier

• Includes a bed and pee pad
• Has multiple pocket
• Not as much mesh as others

Diggs is an NBC Select Pet Award -winning brand that makes some of our favorite dog crates. The brand’s Passenger Travel Carrier is great for both plane and car travel: It fits many airlines’ size requirements, and it has custom seat belt clips and a buckle strap to place it safely in your car. It also comes with a Diggs Pee Pad that attaches to the included bed — if your dog chooses to use it, you can open the side panel to swap it out without disrupting your pup, according to the brand.

Pet weight: Up to 18 lbs | Dimensions: 20 x 11.5 x 10.8 | Material: n/a

Best personalizable carrier: Paravel Cabana Pet Carrier

Paravel Cabana Carrier

• Personalizable with name
• Folds flat for easy storage

If you’re looking for a personalized option, this Paravel pet carrier — which is the dog-friendly version of the brand’s original Cabana Tote — lets you monogram your pup’s name or initials in the color of your choosing. It also has a washable fleece interior lining, comes with several pockets for storing treats and other small essentials, and it folds completely flat for easy storage. 

Pet weight: Up to 20 lbs | Dimensions: 11 x 20.5 x 11 in. | Material: Paravel EcoCraft Canvas, vegan leather

Best sling carrier: Tomkas Dog Sling Carrier

Tomkas Dog Sling Carrier

• Easy to take on the go
• Zip pockets for small items
• Requires physical strength

Designed for small dogs up to 10 pounds, this sling carrier crosses over your body so you can take your dog around town hands-free. The base has a built-in drawstring that adjusts the size of the opening to fit different sized dogs, and the crossbody strap length is also adjustable to fit your comfort level. The carrier includes a safety buckle inside that connects to your dog’s harness to prevent them from falling out, according to the brand. I purchased this carrier for my dog Bella when she was a puppy, and I was able to comfortably carry her around when she got tired of walking. It held her weight well without tearing or damaging the fabric, and the crossbody strap caused less strain on my back.

Pet weight: Up to 10 lbs | Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 3 in. | Material: Polyester

How to shop for a dog travel carrier

Carriers and crates are the most secure type of enclosure when traveling with your dog because they prevent them from escaping and minimize distraction while you’re traveling (especially while driving), says Wolko. But the right carrier for your dog will depend on what type of trip you’re taking, your method of transportation and their temperament. 

When shopping for the right carrier for your dog, our experts recommend considering the size and fit of the enclosure, whether it’s crash-tested, if it meets airline requirements and more.

Your dog or cat should be able to easily stand up, turn around and lay comfortably in their carrier. That means the length of your carrier from front to back should measure about the same, or one or two inches more than the tip of your dog’s nose to the base of their tail, says Nelson. You should add a few more inches for brachycephalic breeds like pugs, pekingese and French bulldogs, though experts don’t recommend taking these breeds on flights because their shorter noses increase the risk of overheating and oxygen deprivation, says Nelson (some airlines even ban this breed from flying in the cargo hold , according to the American Veterinary Medical Association). To determine the right height of your carrier, make sure it measures the same or larger than the height of your pet from the floor to the top of their shoulders, says Carlo.

Place a mat or bed in the carrier to make the space more comfortable for your pet, says Carlo (though you should avoid this if your dog usually destroys their bedding because they might eat the pieces and cause intestinal obstruction). Putting soft blankets or their favorite toy in the carrier can also help them feel familiar and safe, according to our experts.

Whether your dog can see out of their carrier is a matter of personal preference, though our experts recommend mesh so the outside is visible, which prevents your dog from feeling threatened or confused while they’re traveling, says Wolko. 

Materials and structure

Most carriers are soft-sided and made from materials like polyester, mesh and nylon fabric. Consider whether the carrier has structure, meaning it can stand up on its own and won’t automatically collapse around your pet, according to Carlo. You should also look for carriers that have pockets, so you have room for your pet supplies.

You can take a hard-sided, non-collapsible crate or kennel on an airplane, but they must be able to fit under the passenger’s seat, according to Hauser (this might be harder to do compared to soft-sided carriers since they don’t mold to a different size). Plastic hard-sided crates are usually good for transporting your pet in an airplane cargo hold and the cargo area of a car — they’re considered to be the safest option since they won’t lose their shape and provide impact protection in case of a crash, turbulence or hard fall, according to our experts. However, you should avoid metal wire crates because pets might be able to stick their feet or limbs out, which can be a safety hazard while traveling, says Karwacki.

Safety considerations

For car travel, look for carriers and crates that have undergone crash testing by the Center for Pet Safety, a registered nonprofit and advocacy organization that crash tests car restraints and containment devices. This provides an extra layer of safety when traveling with your pet, our experts say.

“Most carriers on the market only prevent distractions [for the driver], which is important, but in a crash, they may not perform as you would expect them to,” says Wolko. The CPS certification tests carriers as an unaffiliated third party. This is important when considering that many brands subjectively “pass” their carriers if they test them in their own labs, which can ultimately give pet owners a false sense of security, according to Wolko.

Though the CPS does not specifically test carriers and crates for airline travel, you can use most carriers that meet the airline’s size requirements and have ample ventilation, according to Wolko.

A CPS-certified crate usually has backup door latches and locking mechanisms to prevent your pet from escaping, which is especially useful if they travel in the aircraft’s cargo hold. “So, if something tumbles, the kennel is so robust that the pet is not getting out,” says Wolko. Most airlines have certain regulations for what carriers to use when transporting an animal in the cargo area of a plane. The International Air Transport Association, a globally recognized trade association for the world’s airlines, details specific requirements for crates to transport animals in the cargo hold, including construction and adequate ventilation (more on that below).

Frequently Asked Questions

For air travel, always check with your airline to see what type and size of carrier it allows. The approved dimensions of your carrier vary from airline to airline but, in most cases, carriers can’t exceed 11 inches in height, which allows it to fit under the seat in front of the passenger, according to Hauser. Also, the carrier will likely count as your carry-on luggage on most airlines, and in-cabin travel will usually require you to make a reservation or reserve a seat specifically for your dog.

Certain airlines might also have specific pet size and weight requirements for in-cabin travel. Typically, pets must weigh 20 pounds or less, though this varies by airline, and most larger dogs can’t ride in-cabin unless they’re a trained service animal, says Wolko. If your pet exceeds that limit, they’ll need to travel in the cargo area of the plane.

Most airlines will allow trained service dogs on board at no cost. However, some airlines like Delta Air Lines, Southwest, American Airlines and Alaska Air are no longer accepting emotional support animals on board.

Carriers and crates for dogs are usually used interchangeably, but there are a few key differences. The CPS defines crates as enclosures that are secured in the cargo area of a plane or tethered securely to the floor of a vehicle like a van or SUV. They’re usually constructed of thick molded plastic or metal and designed for larger dogs, according to our experts.

Carriers, on the other hand, are usually designed for smaller dogs and made of a soft-sided fabric (though some are constructed of a harder plastic or nylon to prevent them from collapsing on your pet). When traveling in a car, the carrier usually goes in the backseat and is strapped in using the seatbelt system of your vehicle.

Yes, it is generally safe and common to travel with your dog in the cargo hold (also known as the lower deck) of an airplane, which also holds baggage. However, experts recommend only flying your pet in the cargo hold when it’s absolutely necessary because it can be a very stressful experience for them.

“There’s a lot of weird noises, not much light down there — it’d be scary for anyone to go in the [cargo hold], ” says Karwacki. And, most handling risks come before they even board the plane: Dogs usually endure the most force when being transported across the rough, uneven tarmac to get to the plane, says Wolko.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) lists specific requirements for crates, including construction and ventilation, to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold. For example, the trade association specifies that crates must be sturdy and inescapable and adequately ventilated on three sides, with the majority of the ventilation being provided on the upper part of the container.

Most aircraft cargo holds are temperature-controlled and pressurized, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture . Animals can’t be exposed to temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 4 hours, per the USDA’s website. Most airlines won’t transport dogs altogether if ground temperatures reach those extremes.

How to help your dog feel calm in a travel carrier

Your pet’s comfort level in their carrier can determine how smooth your travels are. Below, we list a few expert tips about how to get your dog adjusted to their carrier and how to keep them comfortable during long trips.

• Know your dog’s safety and security preferences. Some dogs prefer more open-sided kennels with better airflow and visibility, while others feel safer with the cave-like security of a molded plastic carrier with smaller windows, says Hauser.
• Make the carrier or crate their “happy spot.” Allowing your pet to build a positive association with their carrier helps them feel calm and safe while traveling, according to our experts. In your home and before traveling, leave the door open so that your pup can explore the enclosure on their own terms, which demystifies it, says Hauser. After some time, it isn’t uncommon to find pets that preferentially sleep in their enclosures,” she says. Once they get acclimated to the crate or carrier at home, you can then graduate to car trips and, later on, plane rides. Start off with brief trips that increase in duration over time.
• Make the carrier feel familiar. As we mentioned, putting their favorite bed, blankets or toys in the carrier can help make them feel more comfortable.
• Avoid any safety risks while on the plane. For example, if you’re traveling with your pet in-cabin, never put the carrier in the overhead compartment of the plane with your pet inside because it poses a suffocation risk, says Wolko. Also, feed your pet before you get on the plane — if they choke or get something lodged in their throat while you’re in the air, they likely won’t get help in time, according to Wolko.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Kristen L. Nelson is a veterinarian and author of “Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life.”
• Dr. Christina Carlo is a veterinarian and medical director at VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital.
• Dr. Wendy Hauser is a veterinarian and special advisor to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.
• Lindsey Wolko is the founder of the Center for Pet Safety , a registered nonprofit and advocacy organization that crash-tests car restraints and containment devices for pets.
• Dr. Amber Karwacki is a veterinarian and partner doctor at Heart + Paw in Callowhill, Pennsylvania.

Why trust NBC Select?

Mili Godio is an updates editor at NBC Select who covers a variety of pet topics, including dog food , beds , treats and toys . For this article, Godio spoke to five veterinarians and pet safety experts about the best carriers for your dog and how to safely travel with them. She also compiled experts' recommendations for the best travel carriers to consider, as well as travel carriers tested and reviewed by NBC Select staff.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Mili Godio is an updates editor for Select on NBC News.