With a few months on your hands, you can see the best parts of Patagonia with the help of four wheels. But if you’re pushed for time, it makes more sense to consider flying between the region’s major cities, particularly given how vast in scale Patagonia really is. Plan your itinerary with ease with this guide to all the information you need about airports in Patagonia.
International flights into Chile and Argentina
Visitors to Patagonia will initially arrive to either Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in the Chilean capital, Santiago, or Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina. From here, domestic flights can be taken to the south, although travelers landing in Buenos Aires may need to cross to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery from where the majority of internal flights depart.
Given that Patagonia is a geographical region rather than a country, booking flights between the Chilean and Argentine sides can be complicated. International journeys between these two neighboring countries are normally very expensive, so it makes sense to book domestic flights and cross the border using the local bus service or with a rental vehicle.
Airports in Patagonia: Chile
Puerto Montt
On the very edges of northern Chilean Patagonia, Puerto Montt is one of the main airports in the south of the country. It is within a short traveling distance from Puerto Varas, Chiloé and the start of the Carretera Austral.
Frequency of flights: 12 flights travel between Santiago and Puerto Montt daily, with a flight time of one hour and 45 minutes.
Airlines: Sky Airline, LATAM.
Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales Airport is the closest of the airports in Patagonia to Torres del Paine National Park, the most famous landmark in the region. It’s also a short distance via bus to El Calafate in Argentine Patagonia, from where Glacier Perito Moreno can be visited with a tour.
Frequency of flights: Between December 6 and February 25, flights depart twice weekly from Santiago for Puerto Natales, with a flight time of three hours and ten minutes.
Airlines: LATAM.
Punta Arenas
The largest city in Chilean Patagonia, Punta Arenas Airport is ideally located for getting to Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park, while the city is the gateway to a series of adventure cruises to the Chilean fjords, Cape Horn and beyond.
Frequency of flights: Five flights per day travel between Santiago and Punta Arenas, with a flight time of three hours and 25 minutes.
Airlines: Sky Airline, LATAM.
Airports in Patagonia: Argentina
Bariloche
At the very edge of Argentine Patagonia, Bariloche is a popular destination in the region thanks to its proximity to Nahuel Huapi National Park and a wide range of adventure activities, including hiking, skiing and water sports.
Frequency of flights: Ten flights per day travel between Buenos Aires and Bariloche, with a flight time of two hours and 20 minutes.
Airlines: Aerolíneas Argentinas, LATAM.
Trelew
Located close to the Welsh settler town of Puerto Madryn, Trelew is one of the lesser-visited airports in Patagonia, but is excellently placed for those planning a trip to the Magellanic penguin colony at Punta Tombo or to see the marine wildlife that lives on the Valdes Peninsula.
Frequency of flights: Three flights per day travel between Buenos Aires and Trelew, with a flight time of two hours.
Airlines: Aerolineas Argentinas.
El Calafate
As the starting point for tours to Glacier Perito Moreno, El Calfate is an excellent base from which to explore the Santa Cruz province. From here, you are also within striking distance of El Chaltén, Argentina’s hiking capital.
Frequency of flights: Six flights per day travel between Buenos Aires and El Calafate, with a flight time of three hours and 15 minutes.
Airlines: Aerolíneas Argentinas, LATAM.
Ushuaia
The world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia is Patagonia’s final frontier and the embarkation point for cruises to Antarctica and Punta Arenas. It’s also a short distance from Cerro Castor, the most southerly ski resort in South America.
Frequency of flights: Three flights per day travel between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, with a flight time of three hours and 35 minutes.
Airlines: Aerolíneas Argentinas, LATAM.
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