A Few Notes on Tours to Patagonia

How to Get There

Patagonia straddles two of South America’s most mesmerizing countries: Chile and Argentina. Where you decide to fly into, often depends on which parts of Patagonia you hope to explore. We recommend either flying into Buenos Aires or Santiago for the easiest access to the Andes Mountains. From there, one of our private transfers will take you up into the mountains or you’ll board a domestic flight to Punta Arenas.

When to Go

Patagonia is located in the southern hemisphere so it’s summers are reversed from what we experience in North America. So, if you want warmer temps and less impact from poor weather, we suggest visiting during their summer which falls from November to early March. Average temperatures fall between the mid to high 50’s during the day and low 40’s at night. While this is hardly the balmy tropical environment we see in other regions within South America, this is quite mild and pleasant for the mountainous Patagonia.

If your schedule doesn’t permit you to travel during Patagonia’s summer, then spring ( September through November) is a beautiful time to visit as well. While the air will be a little more chilly and the winds a bit more harsh, many find the lack of other tourists make the colder weather worth enduring.

Only have travel availability in the winter? That’s understandable, seeing as this time actually aligns with our summer vacations. While many of Patagonia’s top sites are closed, you can still hit the snow-capped slopes and give a new meaning to Christmas in July. It is important to note, however, that due to seasonal closings and more locals visiting for their own ski holidays, accommodations are much harder to book.

What to Do

Torres del Paine National Park: This incredible national park provides the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Chilean Patagonia. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and the eighth Wonder of the World, this region of the globe makes many people’s bucket lists. From brilliant turquoise lakes to massive glimmering glaciers, the sites you’ll see within the park are sure to stick with you for a lifetime. During our tours, we put you up at the innovative Eco Camp, situated in the heart of Torres Del Paine. The region’s first fully sustainable accommodation, you’ll have full access to daily guided treks and wildlife excursions.

El Calafate : Located on the southern border of Lake Argentino, this quiet little town is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Within this incredible natural reserve, you'll find the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, the largest advancing glacier in the world. Los Glaciares provides the perfect backdrop for a plethora of outdoor activities from hiking through snow capped peaks to cycling around reflective lakes to kayaking out immense ice blocks. One of the highlights of this portion of your Patagonia tour, is the chance to go ice trekking on Perito Moreno and soak in the sheer size and spectacular scenery of this immense glacier. For travelers who don’t feel inclined toward the rigor of ice trekking, there are wonderful walking trails along the front of the great ice wall.

El Chalten: Nestled in the heart of the Southern Patagonian Andes, El Chalten lies at the base of the iconic Fitz Roy Mountain. Deemed the National Capital of Trekking in Argentina , this region is a nature-lovers paradise. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities from bird watching to climbing to camping to horseback riding. No matter what your adventure preferences, you’re sure to stay entertained here. One of our Global Basecamp favorites is a trek up Mount Torre, also known as Cerro Torre. Famous for its pristine beauty and notoriously challenging trail, Cerro Torre is considered to be one of the most difficult mountains to summit in the world. Reaching the top is not for the faint of heart, so we offer a less strenuous day hike that still gives you a chance to soak in the breathtaking Patagonia views.

Trip Extensions

Beyond the natural wonder of Patagonia, the rich cultures and cities of both Chile and Argentina are just a stone's throw away. If you have time, we highly recommend extending your Patagonia tour on either end to explore more of these captivating countries. Talk to one of our Patagonia travel specialists about recommendations for extending your trip.

When it comes to Patagonia tours, the best will lead the traveler through the broad array of landscapes, activities and cultural experiences this diverse country has to offer. Our itineraries can be tailored to fit whatever your priorities are, with our travel specialist team connecting you and our local expert operators and guides. We put together an awesome suggested itineraries, but your dream trip is what we’re here for! Contact one of our specialists online to learn how we can search out and blend themes and group and private activities to your heart’s content, coming up with the perfect trip at a price that’s right for you.