Infographic: Essentials for Planning a trip to Patagonia

Travel Documents

1. Ensure your passport is up-to-date and is valid for at least another six months.
2. Check if you require a visa or to pay a reciprocity fee for entry into Argentine and/or Chile.  
3. Ensure you’re covered with insurance for any medical emergencies abroad.

Flights into Patagonia

Argentina: Ezeiza International Airport (EZL) Buenos Aires

Fly from Buenos Aires to:

• Bariloche (BRC)
• El Calafate (FTE)
• Rio Gallegos (RGL)
• Ushuaia (USH)

Chile: Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) Santiago

Fly from Santiago to:

• Puerto Montt (PMC)
• Puerto Natales (PNT)*
• Punta Arenas (PUQ)

*Flights only operate December through February   

 

Practical Travel Information

When to go

• September-November: Low season; temperatures between 36°F (2°C) and 64°F (18°C); few tourists.
• December-February: High season; temperatures between 41°F (5°C) and 72°F (22°C); accommodations and tours booked up well in advance.
• March-May: Low season; temperatures between 32°F (0°C) and 50°F (10°C); tourist agencies begin to close for the season.

Money

Two currencies:

• Argentine Peso (AR$)
• Chilean Peso (CH$)

US dollars can be exchanged throughout Patagonia

ATMs are scarce outside of the main cities

Receive discounts if you pay in cash or dollars

Types of Accommodation

• Camping $
• Alojamientos & Hospedajes $$
• Hostels $$$
• Hotels & Estancias $$$$+

Book online using websites such as I-Escape, Booking.com, Trip Advisor and Hotels.com

Transport

Long-distance coaches $

• Book 1-2 days in advance through local tour agencies or at the bus terminal
• Choose from coche semi-cama (140° recline) or coche cama (160° recline)

Car rental $$

• Book 2-3 months in advance
• Pick up your vehicle from international car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, Budget and Europcar in large Patagonian towns and cities

Domestic flights $$

• Book at least 3 months in advance
• Argentina: LATAM & Aerolíneas Argentinas
• Chile: LATAM & Sky Airlines

Cruise expeditions $$$

• Book at least 6 months in advance
• Choose from 3-8 day excursions through the Patagonian waters

Packing

Clothing

• Waterproof and windproof jacket: Patagonia has rain – lots of it!
• Fleeces and sweaters: Stave off the chill with plenty of warm outer layers
• Long and short-sleeved t-shirts: Prepare for all weather, both rain and shine.
• Thermal underwear: Temperatures drop at night time, particularly in the far south.
• Sturdy hiking boots: Get ready for one of the globe’s top trekking destinations.
• Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen: Protect your face from the strong Patagonian sunshine!
• Daypack: Be prepared for every outdoor adventure with a small pack for hiking.

Accessories

• Binoculars: Never miss a chance to spot Patagonia’s unique wildlife.
• Camera with a zoom lens: Get close to the action, be it animals or incredible landscapes.
• Travel plug adaptor: Bring type C and L for Chile and type C and I for Argentina.