Patagonia Travel Guide

Patagonia FAQs

• Is Patagonia safe to visit right now?

  Absolutely yes. Like anywhere in the world there is always the chance of petty theft, but trekking in Patagonia is very safe in both Argentina and Chile.
  

• Do you need a visa for Patagonia?

  United States and UK passport holders do not require a visa to enter Argentina. On arrival you will be granted a maximum 90 day stay in the country. The same applies in Chile.
  

  
  

  This information may be subject to change, without notice, by the local authorities. It is your responsibility to check the latest travel requirements and information before departure.
  

• Which airport do you fly into for Patagonia?

  For those taking on the W or O treks, we will pick you up from Puerto Natales Airport (code PNT) in Chile. If you are taking on our longer Peaks of Patagonia tour, then you will need to fly to El Calafate (code FTE). For our Ultimate Patagonia tour you will start your trip in Buenos Aires with a night spent in Argentina's vibrant capital.
  

• When is the best time of year to go to Patagonia?

  The best time to visit Patagonia is during the summer months of December to February. This 3 month period offers the best chance of good weather but can be busy. If you are not afraid of a little rain and wind, the trekking season runs from late October to early April, go for the shoulder months to avoid the crowds.
  

• Is Patagonia expensive?

  In comparison to other South American countries, the region of Patagonia receives a lot of tourism and is therefore a little more expensive. However, as with any popular travel destination, if you are happy avoiding the posh restaurants and eating in the same places as the locals using set lunch menus you will find prices aren't too bad. Transport is also relatively inexpensive. 
  

• How much does a trip to Patagonia cost?

  This really depends on what you want to do while you are in the region. The refuges and campsites can be expensive so it is a good idea to join a group and share the costs. Take a good look at what is included in the price of your trip.  On our Ultimate Patagonia trip we include accommodation in Buenos Aires at the start and end of your tour as well as domestic flights to Ushuaia and loads of other experiences such as boat trips, city tours, airport transfers and meals.  These make this trip more expensive than the likes of our O and W Treks which are predominantly trekking trips. However we think the important thing is to look for value for money, not just the lowest price. 
  

  Our recommended guidance for spending budget per person on our Peaks of Patagonia and Ultimate Patagonia trips would be between $300-350 on top of your tips, whereas for our O and W Treks this is closer to $100-150. 
  

• How long does it take to hike Patagonia?

  Patagonia is a vast region with loads of trekking options to choose from, how long you spend there really depends on your time frame and budget. For those short on time, the W Trek is a fantastic 6 day option in Chile. Or, for those who want to see and do as much as possible, our Peaks of Patagonia tour takes you through the iconic treks of both Argentina and Chile in one big epic trip.
  

• What do I need to know before travelling to Patagonia?

  • Chilean and Argentinean Spanish are two very different languages tot he Spanish we are taught in schools. 
    
  • You don't need a visa to travel to Chile or Argentina from the UK or the US.
    
  • Patagonia covers an area of 1,912,000km squared so it can take a while to get between locations. 
    
  • Patagonia lies over a tectonic hot zone and therefore earthquakes are common here. 
    

• How many days should you spend in Patagonia?

  We would suggest a minimum of a week is really necessary to be able to experience the natural beauty that Patagonia has to offer. If time isn't a constraint then indulge in a two week trekking trip or a month for a full cultural tour of the region.