A Travel Guide to Patagonia
- Carol Lam
- Apr 27
- 15 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
Patagonia is home to some of the world's most iconic landscapes. Located on the southernmost point of South America, this region stretches across Chile and Argentina. Patagonia is unbelievably scenic and diverse—here you will find otherworldly mountain peaks, vast glaciers, massive icebergs, dramatic waterfalls, glacial lakes, dense forests, abundant wildlife, and more.
In March 2025, I went on a solo trip to Patagonia. Traveling alone not only allowed me to connect more deeply with my surroundings, but also gave me the opportunity to meet so many incredible people along the way. During my time in Patagonia, there were countless moments when I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Being here reminded me how lucky we are to be able to see and experience such beautiful places—not only in these remote corners of the world, but also in the familiar places close to our homes.
To help plan your own visit to Patagonia, keep reading for my comprehensive guide, tips, and itinerary—and watch my YouTube video. This guide is intended for those looking to explore Patagonia without committing to the W or O Treks, and is based on my own experience doing day hikes throughout Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks. This was one of the most logistically complex trips I've planned, so I put together everything you might need to know based on what I learned before, during, and after the trip. If you have questions, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to me directly here.
Table of Contents
Skip ahead to specific sections in this guide!
When to Visit Patagonia
Below you’ll find a breakdown of what weather to generally expect during each season, but plan to expect the unexpected as Patagonia’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. Not only can sunshine, rain, and snow all happen in a single day (which happened on my hike to Mirador Base Las Torres), but the winds can be extreme—at times exceeding over 100 miles per hour. Be prepared, pack layers, and build buffer days into your itinerary in case inclement weather shifts your plans.
• Summer (December—February): Expect warm weather during the day and cool weather at night. Summer is considered peak season in Patagonia. Not only is the weather at its warmest, but the region also sees up to 18 hours of daylight—ideal for long days exploring. • Fall (March—May): Expect cool weather during the day and chilly weather at night. Fall is considered one of the shoulder seasons in Patagonia. I visited at the end of March, and cannot recommend it enough as the region becomes draped in fall colors during this time of year.
• Winter (June—August): Expect snowy and cold weather. Winter is the quietest season in Patagonia as many trails and services close until spring.
• Spring (September—November): Expect mild weather during the day and chilly weather at night. Spring is considered another shoulder season in Patagonia. Visit in late spring to spot wildflowers in full bloom across the region.
Where to Stay in Patagonia
Below you'll find recommendations on where to stay in or near Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks, as well as types of accommodations to expect.
Torres del Paine National Park: Whether you plan to stay in or near Torres del Paine National Park, accommodation options include hotels, hostels, and campgrounds.
If you want to stay in the park, lodging options are limited—and they can get expensive quickly. For example, during peak season, Hostería Pehoé can cost over $200 USD per night, while Explora Patagonia can exceed $5,000 USD per night. No, that’s not a typo!
As an alternative, I highly recommend staying near Río Serrano which is located right outside the park. There are a number of lodging options in this area that are generally more affordable than those in the park. Plus, the views driving into the park from this area are spectacular (see here).
I stayed at Cabañas Vista al Paine located in the Río Serrano area. Find more details on my stay here.
Los Glaciares National Park: There are two main towns that you can stay in to explore Los Glaciares National Park—El Chaltén and El Calafate. The accommodation options in both towns include hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs.
If you plan to hike to see Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, stay in El Chaltén where the trailheads to most hikes are within walking distance from town. If you plan to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier (which I had to skip due to time constraints), stay in El Calafate which is the base for most glacier excursions.
Getting Around in Patagonia
Below you'll find recommendations on how to get to, from, and around Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks.
Torres del Paine National Park: My recommendation for getting around in Torres del Paine National Park is by car. While there are buses that run through parts of the park, having a car allowed me to explore on my own schedule, access places buses did not reach, and make spontaneous stops.
I rented a car from LYS in Puerto Natales and cannot recommend them enough. The entire experience from booking to picking up and dropping off the car was seamless. Here are a few things to note:
• If you’re a United States citizen, you do not need an international driving permit—just your driver's license. However, confirm with your rental car provider in case their policy differs.
• While online sources mentioned that a 4WD is not necessary in the park, I was really glad I went with one anyway. Most of the park roads are rough with gravel, loose rocks, and seemingly endless potholes. If you prefer a 2WD, I recommend renting one with higher ground clearance.
• There are no gas stations in the park. While the closest gas stations are in Puerto Natales, some accommodations in the Río Serrano area sell limited fuel at a steep markup—in case you need it. My car could have likely made it through four days in the park and back to Puerto Natales on a full tank, but I refueled once at Río Serrano Hotel for peace of mind.
Los Glaciares National Park: The following recommendations are for those planning to hike to see Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in Los Glaciares National Park. If you’re staying in El Chaltén, you do not need to worry about transportation to get around in town as the town itself is small and walkable. As mentioned previously, the trailheads to most hikes are also within walking distance from town. The only time I used a taxi was to get from the bus station to my Airbnb—and even that could have been a walk if needed.
To get from Puerto Natales to El Chaltén, your two options are to drive or take the bus (I recommend the latter). If you prefer to drive, confirm with your rental car provider if cross-border travel is allowed as you'll be crossing the border from Chile into Argentina. If you prefer to take the bus, you'll need to take two buses—the first bus from Puerto Natales to El Calafate, then the second bus from El Calafate to El Chaltén. To return, take the same route in reverse. Here are a few things to note:
• From what I read online, there are no direct buses that run between Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks, or Puerto Natales and El Chaltén.
• There are a handful of bus companies that operate along the routes between Puerto Natales and El Calafate, and El Calafate and El Chaltén. While you can book directly through each company’s website, I booked all of my bus tickets through Busbud for convenience.
• Make sure to plan for buffer time between the two buses as border crossings can take longer than expected—especially during peak season.
Travel Tips for Patagonia
Below you'll find extra bits of information that you might want to know before your visit to Patagonia—these were definitely on my mind before I went!
• Are there international entry requirements that I should be aware of? As of April 2025, U.S. citizens only need a valid passport to enter Chile and Argentina. However, entry requirements can change so make sure to check the most up-to-date requirements for Chile and Argentina before your visit. • Is Patagonia safe for a female solo traveler? Yes, absolutely. I never once felt unsafe during my visit—in fact, I felt safer in Patagonia than I sometimes do back in the States. Even during the shoulder season, I was rarely alone on hiking trails for more than ten minutes. For peace of mind, I did have my Garmin inReach with me at all times in case of an emergency.
• Do I need reservations for Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks? Torres del Paine National Park requires a park pass, which you can purchase here. Los Glaciares National Park only requires a park pass at specific locations, which you can check and purchase here.
• What currency should I bring? You'll need Chilean pesos in Chile and Argentine pesos in Argentina. While you should bring pesos, credit cards were widely accepted throughout my visit—even at small, local shops. I also recommend bringing U.S. dollars—my bank didn’t offer Argentine pesos (which from what I read online, might be common among banks in the States) and from my experience, businesses in El Chaltén that didn't accept credit cards accepted U.S. dollars. • Which eSIMs should I get? I purchased eSIMs from Airalo, using this eSIM in Chile and this eSIM in Argentina (if you plan to purchase from Airalo, you can use my referral code for $3 off your first purchase: CAROL5123). Most sources I read online mentioned that eSIM coverage can be a hit or miss in Patagonia, especially in El Chaltén. But contrary to what I read, I had a positive experience using Airalo's eSIMs in both Puerto Natales and El Chaltén where I had coverage the entire time. However, as you might expect, coverage is minimal to nonexistent once you're within national park boundaries so be sure to download offline apps like navigation maps, trail maps, and translation tools ahead of time.
• Which plug types do I need? You’ll need a Type C plug in Chile and a Type I plug in Argentina.
My 2-Week Itinerary in Patagonia
Days 1 and 2:
Travel to Puerto Natales: I traveled to Puerto Natales as this is where I'd be picking up my rental car to get to Torres del Paine National Park. Puerto Natales is the closest town to the park—roughly an hour drive away. This town offers access to supplies and services that you won't find in the park including groceries stores, gas stations, and more.
To get to Puerto Natales, I took three connecting flights to get to Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport in Punta Arenas. While you can fly directly into Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport in Puerto Natales, the flights were significantly more expensive for me. From the airport in Punta Arenas, I took a bus to get to Terminal Rodoviario in Puerto Natales. Here are a few things to note:
• Book your bus ticket online with Bus-Sur in advance. • If you plan to take this exact bus route, keep in mind that the bus typically arrives 30 minutes after the scheduled departure time. For example, if the bus is scheduled to depart at 2:00pm, the bus will arrive at 2:30pm instead.
• The bus ride takes around 3 hours, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Airbnb in Puerto Natales: After a long travel day, I checked into my Airbnb for the night. Ines's home had everything I needed for a comfortable stay—I cannot recommend it enough!
Day 3:
Errands in Puerto Natales: Before heading to Torres del Paine National Park, I picked up my rental car from LYS (which I cover in detail here) and grabbed groceries at Supermercado Superfrut.
Mirador Lago Sarmiento: On my way to this viewpoint, I can distinctly remember turning a corner on the highway and getting my first glimpse of the mountains peaks in the park. From Mirador Lago Sarmiento, you can see the iconic Torres del Paine ("Towers of Paine") in the distance.
Laguna Amarga: Just around the corner is Laguna Amarga where you can see Torres del Paine towering behind a turquoise lake, with the park highway running below the towers—offering a striking sense of scale.
Cascada Río Paine: Cascada Río Paine is a multi-tiered waterfall that cascades over rugged cliffs. A walking path winds along the river, offering several viewpoints to see the falls.
Mirador Lago Nordenskjöld: I've never seen any place like Mirador Lago Nordenskjöld—the landscape makes you feel like you're on another planet. From the viewpoint, jagged, glaciated mountain peaks rise behind a ridiculously vibrant turquoise lake.
Lago Pehoé: Lago Pehoé is a clear, turquoise lake—and it's where I got my first glimpse of Cuernos del Paine ("Horns of Paine"), a set of otherworldly mountain peaks that would define the landscape in many of the views I'd see during my time in Torres del Paine National Park. There are a number of viewpoints overlooking Lago Pehoé, including Hostería Pehoé and Mirador Cóndor.
Mirador Cóndor: The view from Mirador Cóndor is unreal—it feels like something out of a film. This 1.5-mile out-and-back trail offers a bird’s-eye view of Lago Pehoé framed by glaciated mountains, including Cuernos del Paine.
Cabañas Vista al Paine: After spending the day in the park, I checked into Cabañas Vista al Paine located in the Río Serrano area. These cabins offer private rooms and bathrooms with shared spaces including a kitchen and living room.
There is so much to see from these cabins. Animals freely roam through the grounds, including horses and dogs. And the sunrises over the distant mountains are magical—with an unobstructed view of Cuernos del Paine.
Day 4:
Stay in Cabañas Vista al Paine: The night prior, I woke up (and stayed up) to Patagonia's winds which roared through the entire night—relentlessly rattling the walls and shaking the windows. The day after, the winds did not let up. Unsurprisingly, the Grey Glacier boat tour I had scheduled for the day was canceled and rescheduled to later in the week. Hoping for a backup plan, I drove to the Mirador Cuernos trailhead, but it was also closed due to the winds.
Because I had anticipated inclement weather during my time in Patagonia, I planned buffer days in case. With no sign of the winds easing up, I headed back to my cabin where I spent the rest of the day by the wood-burning stove.
Day 5:
Mirador Base Las Torres: The 12.5-mile out-and-back trail to Mirador Base Las Torres is incredibly scenic—it's easily one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever done. There are views at nearly every turn, including snow-capped peaks, dramatic waterfalls, deep valleys, roaring rivers, lush forests, and vibrant fall foliage. And at the base of the towers, a turquoise lake lies beneath the massive Torres del Paine. Here are a few things to note:
• While this trail is rated as difficult, the most challenging section is the final stretch before reaching the base of the towers. During this section, you’ll need to scramble over large boulders on a steep incline.
• Pack layers and appropriate gear as you can potentially encounter the full spectrum of weather, which is not uncommon in Patagonia. On the day I hiked this trail, I had sunshine, clouds, a light sprinkle, heavy rain, strong winds, and even snow at the base of the towers—all within the span of a few hours.
• If the towers are covered by clouds when you reach the base, be sure to wait for the clouds to clear. I waited for half an hour, and it was well worth the wait!
Day 6:
Grey Glacier Boat Tour: The Grey Glacier boat tour was an unforgettable experience. Operated by Hotel Lago Grey, this 3-hour tour offers unbelievable views of the vast glacier and towering icebergs nestled beneath imposing, snow-capped mountains. The boat crew was fantastic—our guide, Christopher, brought the landscape (even more) to life with facts I wouldn't have known otherwise. And they offered complimentary Calafate Sour onboard, which was so good!
Make a reservation here in advance.
Mirador Grey: On my way back to Puerto Natales, I stopped by Mirador Grey for one last view before leaving Torres del Paine National Park. This overlook offers a panoramic view of the park's mountains behind Lago el Toro.
Afrigonia: Before returning to the first Airbnb I stayed at in Puerto Natales, I had dinner at Afrigonia with two incredible women I met on the boat tour. Afrigonia is a local restaurant specializing in African-Chilean fusion cuisine. I tried guanaco for the first time here, but the highlight of my meal was their sorbet!
Day 7:
Travel to El Chaltén: I traveled from Puerto Natales to El Chaltén by bus, which I cover in detail here. The full day was spent traveling, including two bus rides and waiting time in between.
Airbnb in El Chaltén: After arriving in El Chaltén, I checked into my Airbnb. I highly recommend Ayelen's place which (like most other accommodations in El Chaltén) is within walking distance of trailheads to popular hikes, as well as the main street, where you'll find shops and restaurants.
Errands in El Chaltén: Before settling in for the night, I ran a few errands including grabbing groceries. If you plan to cook or simply stock up on food, I recommend Supermercado for typical groceries and Maruja Gourmet for specialty items.
Day 8:
Laguna Capri: The hike to Laguna Capri is the perfect introduction to Argentinian Patagonia. This 5.9-mile roundtrip trail winds through a forest blanketed in a sea of fall colors. Along the way, you'll pass by Mirador del Fitz Roy which offers a sweeping view of an expansive valley framed by the distinct, jagged peaks of Fitz Roy. Laguna Capri itself is picturesque, with Fitz Roy and Glaciar Piedras Blancas visible behind the lake.
But my favorite part of this hike, and easily one of the most memorable moments during my time in Patagonia, was visiting the Fitz Roy Cascades—a series of small waterfalls tucked beneath a wide valley, with Fitz Roy in the distance. Located off the main trail, the cascades are often overlooked as hikers head towards more popular spots like Laguna de los Tres or Laguna Capri. Because of this, the area feels incredibly still and untouched.
Note that you can extend your hike along this same trail to Laguna de los Tres. While I would have loved to, I sprained my knee on the hike back from Mirador Base Las Torres, so I decided to play it safe and not push myself—especially since I was on my own.
Roots Patagonia: After my hike, I had lunch at Roots Patagonia which is located near the Laguna Capri trailhead. A burger and fries was the perfect post-hike meal!
Day 9:
Mirador del Cerro Torre: Along with Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre is one of Argentinian Patagonia’s most iconic peaks—recognizable by its sharp spire. The 3.7-mile out-and-back trail to Mirador del Cerro Torre offers unobstructed views of the peak, glaciated mountains, and glaciers spilling into the valley below. Be sure to keep an eye out for condors flying above!
Chalteños, Alfajores y Dulces Artesanales: Stop by Chalteños, Alfajores y Dulces Artesanales to try traditional alfajores—sweet, crumbly cookies filled with a rich, gooey layer of your choice of flavor. I tried raspberry and dulce de leche, which were both delicious!
Day 10:
Travel to Puerto Natales: I traveled back to Puerto Natales as this is where I'd be flying out from the next day. The full day was spent traveling again, from El Chaltén to Puerto Natales by bus—which I cover in detail here.
La Disquería: Before heading to the Airbnb I’d been staying at in Puerto Natales, I had dinner at La Disquería. This restaurant specializes in a traditional Chilean cooking method, which uses a plow disk over an open flame. I had the ceviche salmon camaron (salmon and shrimp ceviche) and disco cangrejo rey (king crab disk).
Days 11 and 12:
Travel back home: I flew out of Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport in Puerto Natales, followed by two connecting flights to get back home. Flying out of Puerto Natales was an experience in itself—and completely unexpected. From my window, I saw endless stretches of mountains blanketed in snow, vast glaciers sprawled across the landscape, and glacier-fed lakes filled with icebergs.
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