Imagine perfect turquoise lagoons, glorious hiking trails, penguins, magical boat rides, icy water, and snow-covered huge glaciers. Did you get goosebumps from just the description? Imagine what a holiday in Patagonia would feel like. A less inhabited region that encompasses the beauty of Chile’s and Argentina’s southern stretches is a sight to behold. If you’re planning for your next holiday, book your cheap plane tickets to Patagonia on AirTkt and read out travel guide to ensure you have a great holiday.
Why Patagonia?
This place is twice the size of Spain and is an amalgamation of two beautiful landscapes Chile and Argentina. Bustling with sparkling waters, crisp white snow landscapes, amazing wildlife including penguins, stunning hiking experiences, fresh water lagoons, and mighty waterfalls, this place has so much to offer to a tourist.
Best time to travel
Your travel timings depend on what exactly is your goal in Patagonia. Broadly, the Austral summer temperatures go only as high as 22 °C (72 °F) between December, January, and February but the presence of strong chilly winds is common even then. This is the peak travel season and the best time to explore wildlife or go hiking. In fall and spring – typically between September-November and March, Patagonia temperatures are pleasant but prone to unexpected rainfall. This is a perfect time for photography as the nature is wide awake and glowing with greener pastures and radiant waters. In Austral winters, Patagonia is coated with snowfall and looks magical, while most hiking trails are closed, even the roads are sometimes blocked but it makes for a great ski destination.
Transport
Book your flight tickets well in advance for Santiago or Buenos Aires, to go to south Patagonia; flights from Argentina are more expensive and hence, it is best to avoid them. Once there you can take a bus or rent a car to travel around. Public transport in Patagonia is very strong.
Food
Patagonia has an issue, it imports all of its food and hence, everything there is expensive apart from the wine and local craft, but you can find a few budget places to eat and more so, most accommodations in Patagonia have cooking facility for the guests. You should also pack some ready-to-eat meals and snacks.
Places to see
- Visit Torres Del Paine National Park and Los Alerces National Park
- Go to the Egidio Feruglio Paleontology Museum
- Take a glacier cruise on Lago Argentina
- Cycle through Llao Llao Municipal Park
- Ski Martial Glacier
- Trek to Monte Tronador
- Sail near Perito Moreno Glacier
- Snorkel with Sea Lions in Reserva Loberia De Punta Loma and see penguins at Punta Tombo
- Hike around El Chalten
- Go whale watching around Peninsula Valdés
Budget
Patagonia is an expensive place and would averagely cost a person approximately $50 per day given you stay in budgeted accommodations, cook yourself, and take the public transport.
Accommodation
If you want a budgeted accommodation you could choose cabañas (mainly on the Chilean side), alojamientos, residenciales and pensions, hostels or camping. If you are not restricted by budget, there are many good properties that offer breathtaking views.
Pack
Pack light and smart. Keep all your essentials, day-to-day items, hiking materials, camping equipment, and road trip basics. Also, remember to pack according to the season, accommodation, and means of transport you choose to take. One tip – keep a jacket and a coat irrespective of the season as Patagonia can get cold anytime.
Have a blissful trip in this wonderland!