Our Curated Packing List

The adventure of a lifetime awaits, but it’s important to keep in mind that the weather in Patagonia is very unpredictable, so it’s best to go prepared.

The seasons and climate in South America are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. When it’s winter in North America, it’s summer in South America, and vice versa. Most travelers visit Patagonia during the summer months from November through January, when daily temperatures typically hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperatures vary widely across different altitudes and can drop significantly at night, and the possibility of rain, snow, and strong winds is always present, even during the summer. It’s advisable to dress in layers and pack accordingly. Bring a mix of long-sleeve shirts and a heavier, water-resistant jacket to layer over short-sleeve t-shirts. This allows you to adjust your clothing as needed for comfort. Additionally, consider bringing a scarf, ear muffs, and gloves for extra warmth.

You’ll definitely want to take pictures of the picturesque landscapes while you’re traveling through Patagonia, so remember to pack your camera along with chargers, batteries, and extra memory cards so you can share your experiences with loved ones back home!

Embarking on a journey to Patagonia requires thoughtful preparation due to the region’s diverse climate and rugged terrain, and specific packing details will depend on what activities you have planned during your trip and what time of the year you come to Patagonia. Beyond socks and underwear, here’s a list to get you started:

Clothing

1. 1. Base Layers
      • Thermal Underwear: Essential for warmth during colder months and high-altitude treks.
      • Moisture-Wicking Tops and Bottoms: Keep sweat away from your skin to stay dry and comfortable.
   2. Mid Layers
      • Fleece Jacket or Sweater: Provides insulation and retains body heat.
      • Insulated Vest: Adds an extra layer of warmth without restricting movement.
   3. Outer Layers
      • Waterproof and Windproof Jacket: Essential for protection against rain and wind.
      • Softshell Jacket: Useful for layering and protection against light rain and wind.
   4. Bottoms
      • Hiking Pants: Lightweight, quick-drying, and comfortable for long treks.
      • Waterproof Pants: Necessary for wet weather conditions.
      • Thermal Leggings: Additional layer for colder days.
      • Shorts (during the summer months)
   5. Headwear
      • Sun Hat: Protection from the intense Patagonian sun.
      • Warm Hat/Beanie: Essential for cold weather.
      • Buff, Scarf, or Neck Gaiter: Versatile for wind protection and warmth.
   6. Footwear
      • Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof, and broken-in for trekking.
      • Wool Socks: Keeps feet warm and dry; bring multiple pairs.
      • Gaiters: Protect your boots and pants from mud, snow, and debris.
      • Sandals (during the summer months): When you’re relaxing at your hotel.
   7. Handwear
      • Gloves: During the cooler months or at higher altitudes, temperatures can drop significantly, even during the summer.
   8. Bathing Suit (during the summer months)

Gear and Accessories

1. 1. Backpack
      • Daypack (20-30 liters): For day hikes and short excursions.
      • Travel Backpack (40-60 liters): For multi-day treks and carrying your gear.
   2. Camping Equipment (if trekking/camping)
      • Sleeping Bag: Rated for the temperatures you’ll encounter.
      • Sleeping Pad: For insulation and comfort.
      • Tent: Lightweight and weather-resistant.
   3. Miscellaneous
      • Trekking Poles: Provide stability on uneven terrain.
      • Headlamp: For early morning or late evening hikes.
      • Binoculars: Optional, but good for seeing nature up-close.
      • Water Bottle/Hydration System: Stay hydrated on the go.
      • Sun Protection: Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and lip balm.
      • Insect Repellent: Particularly useful in the warmer months.

Personal Items

1. 1. First Aid Kit: Include essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, and any personal medications.
   2. Toiletries: Travel-size shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene items.
   3. Snacks: High-energy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars.
   4. Electronics: Camera, phone, chargers, power banks, and international outlet converter.
   5. Credit/debit cards

Important Documents

1. 1. Passport and Visa (if required)
   2. Travel Insurance: Ensure it covers outdoor activities and medical evacuation.
   3. Copies of Important Documents: Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, travel insurance, and itinerary or travel program.

Final Tips

• • Layering is Key: As we’ve mentioned before, Patagonian weather can be unpredictable, so being able to add or remove layers is crucial.
  • Pack Light but Smart: Focus on multifunctional items and essentials.

The mystical landscapes of Patagonia. Photo by Diego Jimenez on Unsplash.

By following this packing guide, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the stunning landscapes and unpredictable weather of Patagonia. For help planning your own adventure, chat with one of our travel advisors to create a customized trip to Patagonia.

Do you need some more help on things like electronics? Read our tips and advice about charging, using, and taking care of your electronic devices while traveling through Patagonia in Argentina.

Britt F.

Britt is a California native who left her home to explore South America and now lives in Peru. She’s just a little obsessed about planning getaways with her family, scuba diving, and trekking.

Table of Contents

• Patagonia Climate
  • Lakes District
  • Valdes Peninsula
  • Los Glaciares National Park
  • Torres del Paine
  • Tierra del Fuego
• The Best Time to Visit Patagonia
  • Summer: December, January and February
  • Fall: March, April and May
  • Winter: June, July and August
  • Spring: September, October and November

Patagonia’s Climate

Patagonia is a vast region that occupies the southern halves of both Chile and Argentina. Its landscape comprises the Andes, vast forests, lakes, glaciers and remote villages. Overall, the climate throughout Patagonia is generally chilly and dry.

Learn more about the climates of Patagonia’s main regions below.

Lakes District 

The Lakes District sits at the top of Patagonia, for the most part on the Chilean side. You can enter this region through the Chilean town Puerto Montt or Argentina’s Bariloche.

Osorno Volcano is seen clearly from Puerto Varas on Lake Llanquihue in Chile’s Lakes District.

As its name suggests, a multitude of lakes punctuates the lush landscape. The surrounding woodlands have a temperate rainforest climate. As a result, it’s rainier here than in the rest of Patagonia. Winters have the most rainfall, ranging from 4.4-5.3 inches (112-135 millimeters) per month. Meanwhile, summer only sees about 1.2-3.0 inches (31-76 millimeters) per month.

Overall, in the Lakes District, it never gets too hot nor too cold. Daytime temperatures reach the high 60s Fahrenheit (19-20º Celsius) in the summer. Nighttime temperatures sit around the high 40s (8-9º Celcius). Meanwhile, winters are often in the low 50s (10-12º Celsius) during the day. Nighttime winter temperatures are in the high 30s (3-4º Celsius).

Valdes Peninsula

On Argentina’s coast is the Valdes Peninsula, a hammerhead shaped headland. Popular for its wildlife, UNESCO name this nature reserve a World Heritage Site in 1999. The largest town there is Puerto Madryn.

You can spot plenty of curious creatures here. These include Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, sea lions, whales, guanacos and pygmy armadillos.

UNESCO named the Valdes Peninsula a World Heritage site for its unique wildlife. Here a Magellanic penguin looks out over the bright blue ocean.

In contrast to the Lakes District, Valdes Peninsula’s climate is semi-arid. Average rainfall ranges from 0.5-1.0 inch (13-25 millimeters) throughout the year. However, it experiences similar temperatures to the Lakes District. Summers reach highs in the mid-60s (18-19º Celsius) during the day and drop to the mid-50s (12-13º Celsius) at night. And winter temperatures average from the mid-40s (7-8º Celsius) during the day and high 30s (3-4º Celsius) at night.

Los Glaciares National Park

Los Glaciares National Park is the largest national park in Argentina. Its giant ice cap feeds a total of 47 surrounding glaciers.

The north of the park is popular with trekkers looking to scale Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Meanwhile, in the south, visitors head to Lake Argentino and Perito Moreno Glacier. Afterwards, tourists enjoy the Patagonia scenery from hotels in town.

Perito Moreno Glacier stands at the edge of an offshoot of Lake Argentino.

Since this area is home to giant sheets of ice, you can expect the weather here to be cold and humid. Summertime temperatures are like the Lakes District. However, winters are much colder and often snowy. Winter nights in El Calafate will drop to freezing temperatures. This allows locals and visitors alike to ice skate on the adjacent Lake Argentino.

Even in summer, those summiting Fitz Roy or trekking across glaciers should bundle up. During the winter these treks are completely closed.

The average yearly rainfall on the western side of the park is 20 inches (508 millimeters). Meanwhile, the eastern side is 35 inches (889 millimeters). However, there is no season in particular that is rainier than others.

Torres del Paine 

Torres del Paine National Park is right below Los Glaciares but on the Chilean side of Patagonia. Torres del Paine is the best Patagonia destination for hikers. Coming from Puerto Natales, avid trekkers will plod along the popular W or O trails. Even with a less rugged experience, you can appreciate the granite “towers” that give the park its name.

The “towers of Paine” sit at the edge of Torres del Paine National Park near the border with Argentina.

Because of the chilly Humboldt Current, the weather in Torres del Paine is the coldest in Patagonia. Summer temperatures rarely pass 60º Fahrenheit (16º Celsius) during the day. Then they drop to the mid-40s (7-8º Celsius) at night. Meanwhile, the winter sees highs of no more than 40º Fahrenheit (5º Celsius) and lows around freezing.

This part of Patagonia also has rainy and dry seasons. Fall (March–April) is the rainiest, with a monthly average rainfall of 3.2 inches (80 millimeters). Conversely, winter and early spring from July to October only get half that amount per month.

Tierra del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego is a cluster of islands that make up the southern tip of the continent. You can visit Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego National Park from Ushuaia. While Chilean Tierra del Fuego is accessible from Punta Arenas.

This region of Patagonia has a subpolar climate affected by nearby oceanic currents. As a result, the western side is rainier than the eastern, with 118 inches (2,997 millimeters) of rainfall per year. However, the entire region is quite humid. Summers are 70 percent humidity and at the peak of winter almost 90 percent.

Tierra del Fuego is a rugged wilderness at the end of the world.

Summers are generally short-lived in the region. Although summer has more rain, winters are long and damp. Albeit with pretty mild temperatures. Highs in summer only reach the mid to high-50s (14-15º Celsius) during the day and drop to the low 40s (4-6º Celsius) at night. Whereas winter temperatures don’t surpass the high 30s (3-4º Celsius). At night, they settle just below freezing.

The Best Time to Visit Patagonia

The best time to visit Patagonia is in the summer from December to February. The warm, mostly sunny weather means the vast majority of activities are available. These include hiking, glacier trekking, horseback riding and river rafting.

However, this doesn’t give you the full picture. The other three seasons also have their perks. Although summer is the peak tourist season, spring and fall also have decent weather and much fewer people. Winter, of course, is the only time you can go skiing and snowboarding.

Below we break down the pros and cons of each season in Patagonia.

Argentina Tours:

Glaciers, Iguazu & Tango Tours

Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Iguazu
9 Days / from $2089

Best of Patagonia

El Calafate, El Chalten, Puerto Natales, Torres Del Paine
10 Days / from $2479

See All Argentina Tours

Summer: December, January and February

Summer is the best time to hike Patagonia. It’s the warmest time of year, yet it’s never too hot — rarely passing the high 60s (19-20º Celsius). This is also the best time to head down to “the End of the World,” or Ushuaia, and Tierra del Fuego to enjoy long and balmy days.

Thrill-seekers looking for glacier treks or Antarctica cruises should travel in summer. Or at least late spring or early fall. Not surprisingly, any other time of year will be too cold.

South American sea lions enjoy some sun and crystal colored water on the Valdes Peninsula.

Given how perfect the weather is, it’s no wonder why Patagonia summer is the peak season for tourists. Outdoorsy travelers head to southern Chile and Argentina to escape winter back home. Although you’ll cross paths with a lot of people in town, there is still plenty of space on the trails. However, because of all the visitors, you have a slim chance of spotting Patagonia wildlife. Prices are also hiked up for accommodations and Patagonia tours.

Activities

• Day hikes
• Lodge to lodge (refugio) trekking
• Camping
• Glacier trekking
• Mountain climbing & bouldering
• Mountain biking
• Kayaking
• Rafting
• Fly fishing
• Horseback riding
• Birdwatching
• Photography

Festivals & Events

December

• December 31st: New Year’s Eve Fireworks, throughout Patagonia

January

• First week of January: Fiesta de la Cereza (Cherry Festival), Los Antiguos, Argentina
• Third week of January: Festival Nacional de la Esquila (National Shearing Festival), Rio Mayo, Argentina
• Third week of January: Muestra Cultural Mapuche (Mapuche Cultural Exhibition), Chilean Lakes District
• January 27-February 5: Semanas Musicales (Music Weeks), Frutillar, Chile

February

• Second weekend of February: Fiesta Nacional del Salmón (National Salmon Festival), Camarones, Argentina
• Second weekend of February: Festival Costumbrista Chilote (Chilote Local Customs Festival), Chiloe Island, Chile
• Third weekend of February: Festival Nacional del Lúpulo (National Hops Festival), El Bolsón, Argentina
• Late February: Apples National Festival, Rio Negro Valley, Argentina

Fall: March, April and May

Much like the northern US, Patagonian has beautiful fall foliage from March to May. Temperatures are a bit cooler throughout the region. But it’s still reasonable weather for hiking so long as you pack some extra layers. Also, remember that this is the rainy season in Torres del Paine, so don’t forget to pack your rain jacket!

Fall in Patagonia brings colorful foliage and snowfall on its granite peaks.

Because the weather isn’t as ideal as in the summer, you can enjoy hiking trails with fewer tourists around. Also, the further into the off-season you get, the better prices you will have for hotels and tours. The only exception may be during Holy Week, or Semana Santa, when many locals will be on vacation, too.

Many also consider fall to be the best time to visit Argentina and Chile beyond Patagonia. Farther north around Santiago and Buenos Aires, fall has wonderful temperate weather.  Perfect for exploring all day long!

Activities

• Day hikes
• Lodge to lodge (refugio) trekking
• Camping
• Glacier trekking (March & April only)
• Mountain climbing & bouldering
• Mountain biking
• Kayaking
• Rafting
• Fly fishing
• Horseback riding
• Birdwatching
• Photography

Festivals & Events

March

• Third weekend of March: Fiesta Nacional de Trekking (National Trekking Festival), El Chaltén, Argentina
• Third weekend of March: Fiesta Nacional del Asado (National Barbecue Festival), Cholila, Argentina
• Semana Santa (Holy Week), throughout Patagonia
• During Holy Week: Festival Nacional del Chocolate (National Chocolate Festival), Bariloche, Argentina

April

• First half of April: Rosehip Festival, Huinganco, Argentina
• First half of April: National Trout Festival, Lake District, Argentina

May

• Second week of May: The Descent of the Muleteers Festival, Estancia Santa Teresita, Loncopué, Argentina
• Early May: Rosehip Binational Festival, Bariloche, Argentina

A right whale breaches off the coast of the Valdes Peninsula.

Winter: June, July and August

When Patagonia winter rolls in, you can expect cold temperatures and plenty of snow. Because of the frosty weather, you’ll want to avoid most of southern Patagonia. Unexpected snowstorms can also cause travel delays. Prepare to be flexible if you are traveling to Patagonia this time of year.

While trekking isn’t available, it’s definitely the perfect time for skiing. Being the low tourist season, you will have this winter wonderland all to yourself! Popular ski towns include Bariloche and El Calafate and El Chaltén. 

Surprisingly, another benefit is the uptick in animal sightings. Cold temperatures mean that mountaintop dwelling animals, like pumas, head to warmer valleys. There are also fewer tourists to scare the animals away. Moreover, winter is the best time of year to spot right whales off the coast of the Valdes Peninsula.

Activities

• Skiing & snowboarding
• Whale watching
• Wildlife spotting
• Enjoying solitude

Hikers trudge through the snow in Torres del Paine National Park.

Festivals & Events

June

• June 21: Festival de la Lluvia (Rain Festival), Puerto Varas, Chile
• June 21: Fiesta de la Noche Más Larga (Longest Night of the Year National Festival), Ushuaia, Argentina
• June 21-24: Patagonian New Year, throughout Patagonia

July

• July 9: Argentina’s Independence Day, throughout Argentina
• Beginning of July: Fiesta de la Nieve (Snow Festival), Bariloche, Argentina 
• National Nordic Ski and Biathlon Festival, Ushuaia, Argentina
• Last weekend of July: Carnaval de Invierno (Winter Carnival), Punta Arenas, Chile
• End of July: Fiesta de la Nieve (Snow Festival), Puerto Williams, Chile

August

• Throughout August: Memorial Federico Graeff Continental Cup, Chapelco Ski Resort, San Martin de los Andes, Argentina
• Early August: Provincial Snow Festival, Rio Turbio, Santa Cruz, Argentina

Spring: September, October and November

Much like fall, spring in Patagonia is a great shoulder season for travel. Trees sprout new leaves and flowers bloom, creating a beautiful landscape for photographers. The weather is still cool but definitely tolerable for hiking and other activities.

You can spot guanacos, a wild cousin to llamas, throughout Patagonia.

This is also the best time to visit Patagonia to spot wildlife. Many species will be out and about after the chilly winter and before all the tourists come for summer. For example, you can spot guanacos, foxes and armadillos. There are also pods of whales cruising along the Atlantic coast.

Since it’s before the high season, prices are still low for hotels and tours. Spring is not only a great time for visiting Patagonia but other regions of Chile and Argentina, too. Like the fall, travelers enjoy fewer crowds and mild weather while exploring the cities.

Activities

• Day hikes
• Lodge to lodge (refugio) trekking
• Camping
• Glacier trekking (starting mid-September)
• Mountain climbing & bouldering
• Mountain biking
• Kayaking
• Rafting
• Whale watching
• Birdwatching
• Photography

Festivals & Events

September

• September 18: Chile’s Independence Day, throughout Chile
• Second half of September: National Environment and Ecology Festival, Ushuaia, Argentina
• Last two weeks of September: Festival Internacional de Ushuaia (International Ushuaia Festival), Ushuaia, Argentina

October

• Oktoberfest, Puerto Varas & Valdivia, Chile
• Third weekend of October: Penguin Provincial Festival, Trelew, Argentina
• Second week of October: Bariloche a la Carta Food Festival, Bariloche, Argentina

November

• Second week of November: Goat, Dancing & Singing Festival, Neuquén, Argentina
• Third weekend of November: Puerto Montt International Jazz Festival, Puerto Montt, Chile
• Third weekend of November: Lamb National Festival, Puerto Madryn, Argentina
• Fishing Season Opening, Chimehuín River, Junín de los Andes, Argentina

Spring in Patagonia brings back lush green foliage to the trees as the snow melts from the high mountain peaks.

Despite different weather patterns, each season in Patagonia has something to offer. When planning a trip to this remote destination, consider what experiences you want to include. For example, do you want sunny summer hiking, fall foliage, fresh snow for skiing or spring discounts? Once you decide on activities, it’s easy to pick the best time to visit Patagonia for your trip!

Ready to explore the wilds of Patagonia? Contact our team of expert Travel Advisors to plan your dream Patagonia vacation.

Rachel Walker

A love of foreign languages brought Rachel diving headfirst into that expat life. She has spent the last few years living in Peru, exploring both touristy and off-the-beaten-path destinations throughout the country. Some of her favorite things to do in Peru are hiking, visiting museums, and trying veggie-friendly versions of typical Peruvian dishes.

Culinary delights, centuries old cities, ancient ruins and a rich cultures flourish in Latin America. Choosing just one hot-spot is hard work!

Don’t stress! Take our handy South America Travel Quiz: Which Country Should You Discover Next? quiz to narrow down the awesomeness into one fantastic voyage abroad.

Then, head back to Experience Imagination and discover ways to make your dream vacation a reality.

Some of our top picks are:

• Machu Picchu: The Incas built this elaborate citadel around 1450 and abandoned it less than a century later. Now it’s time for you to discover this South American gem with a Machu Picchu tour.

Machu Picchu Tours:

#1 Cusco & Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley
6 Days / from $1219

#2 Explore the Path of the Inca

Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Cusco
9 Days / from $1979

See All Machu Picchu Tours

• Patagonia: Go to the ends of the earth for a bit of an adventure. This region’s pristine beauty can be found in its goliath glaciers and out of this world hiking.
• Rio de Janeiro: A feast for the senses, Rio provides stunning vistas, eclectic cuisine, beautiful oceanfront, and sultry Samba. Plus, as the world’s capital for Carnaval, Rio boasts one helluva party scene.
• Uyuni Salt Flats: Play with perspective on the 4,000 square miles that make up the Bolivian Salt Flats.
• The Amazon Jungle: This region, which extends through nine nations including Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, is home to ten percent of the world’s plant and animal species, with more being discovered each year.
• The Galapagos Islands: These islands doubled as Charles Darwin’s playground making way for what would become the origins of evolutionary science. Nowadays the islands serve as a refuge for playful sea lions and a handful of hundred-year-old tortoises.

Plan your own Peruvian adventure to Cusco. Trip itineraries and different travel preferences are important variables to consider when figuring our the  trip. Let our team of experts at Peru for Less help you! Talk to a travel advisor today.

Latin America For Less

Latin America for Less is a group of travel experts who live, work, eat, and breathe all things South America. Their inspiration stems from a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity that make this continent so special.

www.latinamericaforless.com

In the footsteps of Darwin in Argentina

From 1832 to 1834, HMS Beagle embarked on a hydrographic survey of South America’s southern coasts. Captain Robert FitzRoy was in charge of the expedition, and a 22-year-old Charles Darwin was on board as a naturalist. While FitzRoy mapped coasts and measured tides and currents, Darwin went on-land to collect fossils, bones, and samples of flora and fauna. Once completed, the expedition brought renown to both men, and its findings, in particular the later publication of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, decisively impacted the course of scientific thinking on human evolution.

Chile and Argentina share the southern territory of Patagonia.

The names of some of Patagonia’s most iconic features remain as testaments to this historic expedition. Mount Fitz Roy, with its elegant rock spires and sheer granite faces, attracts mountain climbers and trekkers to its base, which is located next to the small town of El Chalten. The Beagle Channel in Ushuaia separates Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego from smaller islands to the south, and is a popular route for cruise ships. Finally, Mount Darwin is the highest point in the Tierra del Fuego National Park at 8,640 feet (2,580 meters) and is part of the Cordillera Darwin, the southernmost extension of the Andes Mountains.

Argentina Tours:

Glaciers, Iguazu & Tango Tours

Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Iguazu
9 Days / from $2089

Best of Patagonia

El Calafate, El Chalten, Puerto Natales, Torres Del Paine
10 Days / from $2479

See All Argentina Tours

Like Darwin, modern adventurers on a Patagonia trip will find much to marvel at, and the expedition’s route provides a rough guide to some of the most spectacular destinations in this region, which include mountains, glaciers, lakes, and iceberg-studded waterways.

El Chalten, with the peaks of Mount Fitz Roy (also known as Cerro Chalten) rising above. Photo by Wade/ TrekWiki

On one land expedition, Darwin and FitzRoy attempted to find the headwaters of the Santa Cruz River, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Equipped with two smaller vessels, they battled upstream for several days, at some points dragging the boats alongside the river banks. With the Andes in view, but still at a far distance, FitzRoy decided to turn back, and the expedition members never reached their goal. Had they continued, they would have found the origin of the river at Lake Argentino, surrounded by the magnificent peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. In the present day, the towns of  El Calafate and El Chalten have become launch points for visitors interested in trekking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, or visiting the nearby Perito Moreno Glacier.

Faro Les Eclaireurs in the Beagle Channel, Argentina. photo by Ricardo Martins/ Wikimedia

The Beagle continued south to Tierra del Fuego and the surrounding archipelago. In the 1830s, this southernmost territory was inhabited by Yahgan aborigines, a nomadic hunter-gatherer people who had devised methods to survive in the harsh conditions of this extreme environment. Today, the modern-day city of Ushuaia serves as a launching point for travelers seeking outdoor adventures at the “end of the world”, be it trekking in the Tierra del Fuego National Park, skiing the slopes of Cerro Castor, or boarding cruises to Antarctica.

A Patagonia cruise is the best way to explore the Beagle Channel and the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Following the path of HMS Beagle, cruises depart from Ushuaia and arrive in Punta Arena in Chile, but the route can also be done in reverse. Highlights of the voyage include Cape Horn, Wulaia Bay (where Yahgan communities still live), Glacier Alley, and the fabulous Marinelli Glacier. Cruises include frequent stops so that passengers can go on land and trek through pristine wilderness.

View of Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia.

Plan your own expedition to the tip of the world

Contact one of our travel experts at Latin America For Less who can help you organize a fully customized Argentina vacation package.

Anabel Mota

Anabel has been exploring the length and width of South America since 2010. Ditching preconceptions, settling into the local pace, and embracing the unexpected are the tenets of her philosophy of travel – and life.

www.latinamericaforless.com

“Patagonia is the farthest place to which man walked from his place of origin. It is therefore a symbol of his restlessness.”

These days Patagonia is much more accessible to visitors and with a well established network of excellent hotels, lodges, and transportation, it is easy to explore these wild lands during an Argentina vacation.

Mount Fitz Roy dominates the picture-book Chalten landscape.
Photo by Matthew Barker 2010

Hiking the Mountain Trails in El Chalten

For lovers of the great outdoors, there are few places on the planet’s surface more dramatic and appealing than the vast mountainous landscapes of El Chalten in southern Patagonia.

Home to the famous Mount Fitz Roy, picture-book Alpine forests, glacial lakes, and almost endless stretches of flowering meadows and grasslands, Chalten is an uninhabited wilderness with pristine, undisturbed terrain.

Argentina Tours:

Glaciers, Iguazu & Tango Tours

Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Iguazu
9 Days / from $2089

Best of Patagonia

El Calafate, El Chalten, Puerto Natales, Torres Del Paine
10 Days / from $2479

See All Argentina Tours

Described as the trekking capital of Argentina, Chalten is ideal for hikers of all abilities. Easily navigable trails lead through the forests, connecting a series of well maintained campsites, all with fresh running water delivered directly from the glaciers in the mountains above. Day excursions are easy from the town of Chalten, and travelers can take guided treks through the mountains and even onto the glaciers.

There are a number of excellent Chalten hotels available, including Alpine-style lodges and homey hosterias. Some hotels offer relaxing spa services, ideal after a long day out in the mountains, and all have restaurants serving the classic and delicious Patagonian dish of flame-roasted lamb.

The end point of the vast Perito Moreno Glacier, Calafate.
Photo by Matthew Barker 2010

Tackle the Glaciers of Calafate

The larger and busier Calafate, just across Lake Argentina, is a bustling town that has managed to retain its frontier charm. Calafate is sandwiched between the vast lake and the typically sparse plains of Patagonia that stretch off into the distance until meeting the snowcapped mountains on the horizon.

The town’s principal attraction is its proximity to Glaciers National Park, a breathtaking collection of ice flows snaking down from the Southern Continental Ice Field and into the tranquil lakes below.

The glaciers can be explored from the decks of comfortable catamarans that sail travelers almost within touching distance of the glacier wall. Occasionally great shards of ice can be seen splitting and crashing into the water below.

The more adventurous can tour the glaciers themselves on a guided one-day trek that leads into the heart of the vast ice river; a surreal and almost alien environment of absolute tranquility.

There are a wide range of Calatafe hotels and the town is also well known for its chocolate shops and excellent restaurants. Be sure to try roasted lamb marinated with the famous Calafate berry. Local legend states that if you try the berry, you will return to Patagonia again.

A Cruise from the Ends of the Earth

At the farthest tip of Patagonia is the Tierra del Fuego, land of fire, named by the first European explorers who noted the eerie coastal fires set by the indigenous populations. Ushuaia is the regional capital and the southernmost city on Earth, perched perilously on this distant tip of South America.

Despite its remoteness, Ushuaia is a thriving city set amongst a rugged coastal landscape. The port town is a popular starting point for Patagonia cruises leading through the spectacular archipelago between Argentina and Chile. These tours include charting the Beagle Channel, made famous by Charles Darwin’s voyage two centuries ago.

The four day cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas passes Tierra del Fuego and rounds Cape Horn before navigating the countless islets on the route towards Punta Arenas on the Chilean side of Patagonia.

Expert guides are on hand to explain the spectacular natural landscapes unfolding on all sides, while onboard chefs cook up a feast for each and every meal. From Punta Arenas, passengers can either fly back to the Argentinean side or extend their vacation with a Chile tour.

Watery Worlds at Puerto Madryn

The charming seaside town of Puerto Madryn sits at the head of the Valdez Peninsula where an enormous coastline of rugged cliffs, reefs, and coves harbor an astonishing wealth of marine and bird life.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the peninsula is home to colonies of elephant seals, sea lions and southern right whales, but by far the most famous and popular inhabitants are the huge colony of Magellan penguins that flock the coastline.

But Puerto Madryn’s most peculiar claim to fame is the town’s origins. Originally founded by a small group of Welsh settlers seeking a better life in the New World, the Welsh language can still be heard alive and well on the town’s streets and in the many traditional Tea Shops that have survived and flourished.

Getting Around

Argentinean Patagonia is a vast and varied terrain. Road transportation is feasible between the closer destinations such as Calafate and Chalten, but for longer distances visitors should consider air travel. Ushuaia, Calafate, and Puerto Madryn all have connections to each other and Buenos Aires, with regular services for most of the year.

There really is no wrong time to visit Patagonia, but it depends on what you want to do. The winter months get very cold and traveling between June and July is difficult. However, this is the best time of year for the many snow enthusiasts who flock to the mountain towns of Bariloche and Cerro Catedral to hit the slopes. Whether you are a photographer, hiker, wildlife lover or want to plan an Argentina skiing trip with friends, Patagonia is one of the most spectacular and inspiring landscapes to serve as your backdrop.

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Latin America for Less is a group of travel experts who live, work, eat, and breathe all things South America. Their inspiration stems from a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity that make this continent so special.

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Now, many of the estancias near El Calafate offer room, board, and activities like horseback riding and sheep shearing demonstrations, giving visitors a taste of the rugged and beautiful way of life in southern Patagonia.

From El Calafate, the trekker’s town accessible by airport or by bus, there are several estancias within a half or full day trip, and all are worthy of inclusion in your next Argentina El Calafate tour. Keep in mind that the best time to travel to Southern Argentina is October through April.

Estancia Cristina, only accessible by boat or a several day trek, is one of the most isolated estancias in the region, but it is also one of the best. From El Calafate, you catch a boat cruise at Puerto Banderas on Lago Argentino, and head north towards the Upsala Glacier, passing icebergs that glow several shades of blue.

Once you arrive at the 85,000 acre ranch, its beauty astounds. Set on a meadow that glows green in the spring and summer, against the backdrop of the looming Upsala Glacier, the green-and-white trimmed lodge will lure you to book another night on the spot.

The ranch, in operation since 1914, once belonged to an Englishman. Now it offers room, board, a full Patagonian lunch to day trippers, plus guided walks or horseback riding to the Upsala Glacier lookout point. After a day of exploring the ranch, you can return in the boat cruise to Puerto Banderas, or tuck into bed in your rustic cabin.

Argentina Tours:

Glaciers, Iguazu & Tango Tours

Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Iguazu
9 Days / from $2089

Best of Patagonia

El Calafate, El Chalten, Puerto Natales, Torres Del Paine
10 Days / from $2479

See All Argentina Tours

The Galpón del Glaciar estancia is the closest to El Calafate. Only 12 miles from town, it is a working ranch where traditional sheep shearing methods are practiced. If you arrive by lunchtime, you will be treated to delicious homemade scones, puddings, and baked goods.

You can choose to take a walking tour to the Native American camping grounds, go mountain biking or bird watching along Los Pájaros Lagoon, or watch Kelpis shepherding dogs hard at work at the arreo, the sheep round up before the sheep shearing demonstration.

In the evening, you can end your excursion with a delicious Patagonian lamb barbecue and watch a traditional folk dance. If you choose to spend the night here, you can book a room with a terrific view of the Cordillera de los Andes or the Lago Argentino.

Read about our other recommended El Calafate estancias in our El Calafate Tours.

Latin America For Less

Latin America for Less is a group of travel experts who live, work, eat, and breathe all things South America. Their inspiration stems from a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity that make this continent so special.

www.latinamericaforless.com

Tres Valles: 3 of the most popular ski resorts

Three of the most popular ski resorts, Valle Nevado, La Parva, and Colorado, are known collectively as the Tres Valles.

These mountains huddle together in the Andes just 1.5 hours outside of Chile’s capital – Santiago.

Strung together like Christmas lights by an interconnected lift system, the Tres Valles combine to offer enough runs to keep an advanced skier busy for a week. The peaks range 2800-3700 meters (9186-12139 ft), and during the high season (July-Aug), get a generous dusting of crisp dry powder.

Valle Nevado is the most elegant of the three, with a resort that offers a luxurious touch to its rugged slopes. With 22.9 miles of ski runs open year-round to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, plus heliskiers, this park offers an all-inclusive stay for snow-sport lovers.

El Colorado, the next peak over, is the largest of the three parks, with 16 lifts, 25 trails, and a view over Santiago. This is an excellent park to take the kids, with several beginners’ slopes and a lift designed specifically for little ones.

Colorado slides into La Parva, and boasts untrekked trails that stretch over 66 miles. It’s known for its advanced skiers’ slopes, and great backcountry bowls of completely untouched snow. Together with the borders of Valles Colorado and Nevado, La Parva makes for some of the widest-ranging skiable snow in all of South America.

When to go

Ski season begins mid-June and high season begins in July. If you plan for late June, you’ll beat the crowds and hit the virgin snow. But if you have to wait, wait until late August to September, when the high season is winding down. Season ends October.

Where to stay

The Valle Nevado Resort is every skiers dream come true – guests wake up to the best views of the mountains, the La Fourchette D’or restaurant is known for its terrific French cuisine, rooms are fully renovated, and the sauna, massages, and yoga classes will be sure to get out all the knots after a long day of hitting the slopes.

Tres Puntas Hotel, also in the Valle Nevado ski center, is an affordable alternative; great for groups that still provides comfort for the weather-weary skier. It’s within walking distance of the Ski Center, and offers many amenities such as a pub with karaoke and live music, a fitness center, swimming pool, games rooms, and child care center. The Sur restaurant serves from a traditional Chilean menu.

Hotel Posada de Farellones, the charming Swiss ski lodge in Farenolles, 10 minutes from the peaks, was one of the first lodges in the area. Outfitted with modern amenties, it offers a cozy fireplace in the living room, satellite TV, games, Jacuzzi, and shuttles to and from the ski resorts.

Where to eat

Most hotels include breakfast and dinner in their accommodation prices, and lunches can be purchased in the ski centers. Still, the Tres Valles resorts are known not only for their slopes, they’re also famous for good food and wine.

Valle Nevado Ski Resort has the most eateries. Besides the aforementioned restaurants, there’s the Swiss Le Montagnard and the Italian La Trattoria in the Puerto del Sol Hotel, plus barbeque, sushi, and other options.

Farellones has a decent nightlife, with bars El Montanes and the Blue Tambo Lodge.

Plan your dream winter getaway to Patagonia! Call and chat with an expert travel advisor. 

Latin America For Less

Latin America for Less is a group of travel experts who live, work, eat, and breathe all things South America. Their inspiration stems from a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity that make this continent so special.

www.latinamericaforless.com