Buenos Aires City
Travel Guide
The Ultimate Buenos Aires Travel Guide: Your Complete Journey to Argentina's Capital
Patagonia is one of the world's last great wilderness frontiers, stretching across the southern regions of Argentina and Chile. This vast territory encompasses dramatic landscapes ranging from towering granite peaks and ancient glaciers to windswept steppes and pristine lakes. Whether you're seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, or simply breathtaking natural beauty, Patagonia offers experiences that will leave you forever changed.
When to visit
Best Time: October to March (Spring/Summer)
-
October-November: Spring brings wildflowers, fewer crowds, and variable weather
-
December-February: Peak season with warmest weather and longest daylight hours
-
March: Autumn colors, fewer tourists, still decent weather
Winter (April-September): Limited services, harsh weather, but opportunities for unique experiences like seeing glaciers up close
Getting there
International Access
-
Argentina: Fly into Buenos Aires (EZE), then domestic flights to Bariloche, El Calafate, or Ushuaia
-
Chile: Fly into Santiago (SCL), then connect to Punta Arenas or Puerto Montt
-
Direct Routes: Some international flights available to Bariloche and Punta Arenas
Overland Travel
-
Long-distance buses connect major cities
-
Car rental recommended for maximum flexibility
-
Border crossings between Argentina and Chile require documentation
Regional Overview
Northern Patagonia
Argentine Side:
-
Bariloche: Gateway city with Swiss Alpine charm
-
Villa La Angostura: Upscale lakeside resort town
-
San Martín de los Andes: Adventure sports hub
-
Junín de los Andes: Fly fishing capital
Chilean Side:
-
Puerto Montt: Main access point to Chilean fjords
-
Puerto Varas: Picturesque lakeside town
-
Chiloé Island: Unique culture and UNESCO-listed churches
-
Pucón: Adventure sports and volcano climbing
Central Patagonia
Argentine Side:
-
El Chaltén: Trekking capital and gateway to Mount Fitz Roy
-
El Calafate: Base for Perito Moreno Glacier
-
Puerto Madryn: Peninsula Valdés wildlife viewing
Chilean Side:
-
Villa O'Higgins: End of the Carretera Austral
-
Cochrane: Remote frontier town
-
Puerto Natales: Gateway to Torres del Paine
Southern Patagonia
Tierra del Fuego:
-
Ushuaia (Argentina): World's southernmost city
-
Punta Arenas (Chile): Historic strait city
-
Torres del Paine National Park (Chile): World-renowned trekking destination
Top Attractions
Must-Visit National Parks
Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)
-
Iconic granite towers and turquoise lakes
-
Multi-day treks: W Trek (4-5 days), O Circuit (7-9 days)
-
Day hikes to viewpoints and waterfalls
-
Wildlife: guanacos, condors, pumas
Los Glaciares National Park (Argentina)
-
Home to Perito Moreno Glacier and Mount Fitz Roy
-
El Chaltén for trekking to Laguna de los Tres
-
El Calafate for glacier viewing and boat tours
-
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Nahuel Huapi National Park (Argentina)
-
Lake District with Andean scenery
-
Bariloche base for hiking and water sports
-
Cerro Catedral ski resort (winter)
-
Island hopping and scenic drives
Glaciers and Ice Fields
Perito Moreno Glacier
-
One of few advancing glaciers in the world
-
Walkable viewing platforms
-
Ice trekking and boat tours available
-
Spectacular calving events
Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers
-
Accessible by boat from El Calafate
-
Full-day excursions through iceberg fields
-
Remote and pristine glacier experiences
Southern Patagonian Ice Field
-
Third-largest ice field outside polar regions
-
Multi-day expeditions for experienced adventurers
-
Helicopter tours from El Calafate
Wildlife Hotspots
Peninsula Valdés (Argentina)
-
UNESCO World Heritage marine sanctuary
-
Southern right whales (June-December)
-
Orca attacks on sea lion pups (February-April)
-
Elephant seals, Magellanic penguins
Punta Tombo (Argentina)
-
Largest continental penguin colony
-
Best visits September-March
-
Walking trails through penguin habitat
Strait of Magellan
-
King penguin colonies at Porvenir
-
Marine wildlife viewing
-
Historic significance as major shipping route
Activities and Adventures
Trekking and Hiking
Multi-Day Treks:
-
Torres del Paine W Trek (4-5 days)
-
Torres del Paine O Circuit (7-9 days)
-
Dientes de Navarino (5-7 days, advanced)
-
Huemul Circuit, El Chaltén (4 days, advanced)
Day Hikes:
-
Laguna de los Tres (El Chaltén)
-
Cerro Torre Base Trek (El Chaltén)
-
Mirador Las Torres (Torres del Paine)
-
Refugio Frey (Bariloche)
Water Activities
Kayaking and Canoeing:
-
Sea kayaking in fjords and channels
-
Lake paddling in Bariloche region
-
Multi-day expeditions available
Rafting:
-
Futaleufú River (Chile) - world-class whitewater
-
Mendoza and Limay rivers (Argentina)
-
Various difficulty levels available
Fishing:
-
World-renowned trout and salmon fishing
-
Fly fishing in pristine rivers and lakes
-
Guided trips and fishing lodges
Winter Sports
Skiing and Snowboarding:
-
Cerro Catedral (Bariloche)
-
Cerro Castor (Ushuaia)
-
La Hoya (Esquel)
-
June-September season
Cross-Country Skiing:
-
Tierra del Fuego trails
-
Backcountry opportunities
-
Nordic skiing centers
Horseback Riding
Estancia Experiences:
-
Traditional gaucho culture
-
Multi-day ranch stays
-
Horseback expeditions into remote areas
-
Asado (barbecue) and folk music
Practical Information
Transportation
Domestic Flights:
-
LADE (Argentine military airline) serves remote destinations
-
Sky Airline and LATAM for Chilean routes
-
Book early for summer season
Bus Travel:
-
Extensive network connecting major destinations
-
Companies: Via Bariloche, Andesmar, Bus Sur
-
Overnight buses with reclining seats
Car Rental:
-
Essential for accessing remote areas
-
International driving permit required
-
Consider 4WD for gravel roads
-
Fuel stations can be sparse
Accommodation Options
Luxury:
-
Eolo Patagonia Spirit (El Calafate)
-
Explora hotels in key locations
-
Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa (Torres del Paine)
Mid-Range:
-
Boutique hotels in major towns
-
Comfortable lodges and hostels
-
Estancia accommodations
Budget:
-
Hostels in all major destinations
-
Camping in national parks
-
Refugios (mountain huts) on trekking routes
What to Pack
Essential Gear:
-
Layered clothing system
-
Waterproof/windproof outer layer
-
Warm hat and gloves
-
Sturdy hiking boots
-
Sunglasses and sunscreen
-
Quick-dry clothing
Optional Equipment:
-
Trekking poles
-
Headlamp
-
Water filtration system
-
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
-
Camera with extra batteries
Health & Safety
Medical Considerations:
-
Travel insurance strongly recommended
-
Limited medical facilities in remote areas
-
Prescription medications should be brought from home
-
Altitude considerations in some areas
Safety Tips:
-
Weather can change rapidly
-
Inform others of your hiking plans
-
Carry emergency communication device for remote treks
-
Respect wildlife from safe distances
Cultural Considerations
Languages:
-
Spanish (Argentine and Chilean dialects differ slightly)
-
English spoken in tourist areas
-
Basic Spanish phrases helpful
Currency:
-
Argentine Peso (ARS) and Chilean Peso (CLP)
-
US dollars widely accepted
-
ATMs available in major towns
-
Credit cards accepted at most establishments
Customs:
-
Afternoon siesta (2-5 PM) in many businesses
-
Late dinner times (9-11 PM)
-
Mate tea culture in Argentina
-
Tipping 10% in restaurants
Get in touch with us to plan your trip to Patagonia
Patagonia represents one of Earth's most pristine and spectacular wilderness areas. Whether you're drawn by the challenge of multi-day treks, the thrill of wildlife encounters, or simply the desire to experience untouched natural beauty, this remarkable region will exceed your expectations. Plan carefully, pack appropriately, and prepare for an adventure that will create memories to last a lifetime.
Remember that Patagonia's beauty lies not just in its dramatic landscapes, but in its ability to humble visitors with the raw power and majesty of nature. Take time to simply sit quietly and absorb the enormity of this incredible place – it's an experience that no photograph can truly capture.
Other useful reads for planning your trip to Argentina and Chile
There are different opinions. Here we tell you about Ushuaia and Puerto Williams in Chile.
Patagonia is a big place. Let us help you figure out where to start.
Trips you may like
Hiking Fitz Roy and Torres del Paine - Group Tour
13 Days
El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier - El Chalten - Fitz Roy - Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine W Trek
From
1585 USD
Request your personalize quote
