2 Weeks in Patagonia

What You Should Know Before Going On A Patagonia Tour

Getting to Patagonia

Given the sheer size of the Patagonian landscape, car rides or flights are the best modes of transportation for travelers. To begin a trip through the region, most travelers fly into Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport. From there, smaller planes can be chartered to reach a chosen Patagonian city while still in the comfort and speed which air travel provides. Travelers on a budget may opt to rent a car to drive to the region on their own or take busses.

Those who wish to enjoy the Patagonian landscape without worrying about flat tires or uncomfortable seats on shared transportation can also hire “remis.” These private cars come with drivers who will take the wheel as you sit back and relax. While more inexpensive than air-travel, traveling by ground to Argentina’s side of Patagonia will likely take an entire day to accomplish.

Should travelers choose to access Patagonia from the Chilean side, they can fly into Punta Arenas Airport and traverse the region from its southern point. Busses into Patagonia are also available from this airport but are known to be quite full during peak visiting seasons. 

Who Will Enjoy Traveling in Patagonia?

Although Patagonia is well-known for its wildlife and natural attractions excursions, hiking is heavily emphasized and can be expected with most Patagonia tours. While this may appeal to adventurous travelers who enjoy the thought of challenging Mount Fitz Roy or camping amidst glacial lakes, travelers with special accommodations requirements may find these tours to be difficult. See Patagonia hiking tours 

Even without being able to see all of the peaks and valleys which Patagonia is known for, travelers can still have unique and personal experiences with wildlife. Travelers who make their way to the coast can charter boats to see whales or simply walk through Puerto Madryn to interact with penguin colonies.

Similarly, Ushuaia, the city at the “end of the world” is small and quaint, but also accessible by train, allowing all travelers to experience its mystery when visiting Patagonia. For travelers looking to specifically see the cultural heritage of Patagonia, the region offers many natural and organized chances to do so, should travelers be willing to find tours to get them there.

It is important to note that not all locations in Patagonia, especially remote ones, have equal accessibility to lookout points at natural landmarks.

Private Guided & Luxury Travel in Patagonia 

Patagonia is best experienced with a guide - the unique landscape can be brought to life by a knowledgeable leader and certain hidden areas for the best views and camping spots may be revealed. 

If a group tour isn’t your speed, consider finding a private guided trip. This can be a great way to experience Patagonia in near solitude, with the devoted attention of a guide. 

Many private guided tour options in Patagonia are also luxury (though not all). You may not think that luxury travel in Patagonia isn't an option, but think again! The remote destination has carved out a unique niche in luxury travel, offering spectacular and unique dining opportunities, wildlife viewing, and of course, hiking and other outdoor activities in a variety of physical levels.

What is the Weather Like in Patagonia?

As any Patagonian local will tell you, the weather in the region can be unpredictable at best, freezing at worst. For most the year, travelers are advised to dress in heavy layers, as protection from coastal and mountain winds is crucial in order to fully enjoy excursions.

Travelers who book tours in advance for the summer months (December to February) will be able to enjoy the warmest weather which the season offers (40-60 degrees Fahrenheit).

These months are the most popular for a reason, as the temperate weather allows for the maximum number of tours through blooming natural landscapes teeming with wildlife.

Springtime (October to November) is also popular time for travelers to visit a Patagonian landscape with cooler temperatures and stunning backdrops for glaciers or waterfalls. 

Common Patagonia Tour Routes

Since Patagonia is accessible by both plane and car, common tour routes tend to differ based on which mode of transportation is chosen. For those who travel by plane, they usually begin by landing at Argentina’s Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport. From there, smaller planes may be charted to reach the small town El Calafate, which serves as the entry point into the famous Los Glaciares National Park.

Perito Moreno Glacier should not be missed while there, as the massive natural landmark and piercing blue lake which it resides in are stunning. From there, many travelers head to Puerto Natales. While the seaside town is not big, it hosts the entryway into Torres del Paine National Park. This national park is famous for its impressive granite slabs and a wide variety of endangered species.

Heading further south, travelers will encounter the city at the “end of the world,” Ushuaia. With a train that runs through the surrounding landscape, it is possible to spend a day here before opting to go even further south. This town serves as the first stop for nearly all cruises to Antarctica.

It is important to note that these Antarctic cruises are not available all year, as the ice becomes nearly impenetrable during winter months. A short plane ride back to Buenos Aires will allow travelers to head home after a long, but rewarding, tour of Patagonia. 

Travelers who wish to emphasize Patagonia and Antarctica can fly into Chile’s Punta Arenas Airport and continue onward to Ushuaia for Antarctic tours. From there, they can backtrack to Puerto Natales to access Torres del Paine and go even further north to see Perito Moreno Glacier. From the nearby town of El Calafate, travelers can finalize their trip home from Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport in Argentina.

When is the best time to visit Patagonia?

While Patagonia is naturally beautiful the whole year through, some seasons prove better than others for sight-seeing. It is important to note that the following seasons, while considered to be the “best” times to travel to Patagonia, are subject to change.

As the southern hemisphere’s spring, October through November can provide travelers with stunning views of wildlife that are prospering among landscapes in full bloom.

Natural landmarks, such as waterfalls and lakes, are at their highest points during this season, providing travelers with the ability to see them in their entirety.

When it comes to summer months in Patagonia (December through February), travelers can expect some of the warmest temperatures and optimal hiking conditions. Therefore, travelers who wish to participate in guided camping tours or wildlife excursions should plan far in advance, as this season is one of the busiest in the region.

The months of March, April, and May are not to be discounted, as travelers who can brave their slightly colder temperatures will be rewarded with deals on lodging and excursions.

Preparing for Hiking in Patagonia

The immense peaks and valleys which Patagonia is known for are matched by similarly drastic fluctuations in temperature. This means that travelers should be prepared for paths that may be difficult to find, muddy or rocky terrains, and high altitudes.

Hiking boots are crucial, especially waterproof ones. This allows travelers to access as much of their hike as possible, since certain areas may be impossible to get through without getting wet. That being said, thick socks prevent blisters, another almost unavoidable aspect of hiking that can have devastating consequences on the rest of the trip.

Patagonia is a challenging region, but packing layers helps prepare travelers for high-speed winds, unrelenting heat and anything in between. Despite how cold it may feel, sunscreen, a hat that will not be easily blown away, and other forms of sun protection are crucial to bring to Patagonia.

Unfortunately, bugs are not deterred by the weather either, making repellant an important addition to hiking supplies. Travelers should also consider the ban against open fires of any kind in all national parks in Patagonia, which means that any cooking needs to be done on camp-stoves.