Patagonia is a breathtaking expanse at the southern end of South America, shared by the countries of Argentina and Chile. It is a destination that calls to adventurers and nature lovers alike. Its remote location, vast wilderness areas, and stunning landscapes—from the towering peaks of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile to the massive glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina—make it a unique, though generally expensive, destination to visit. The cost of a trip to Patagonia can vary widely depending on how you choose to experience its rugged beauty. Whether you're a backpacker ready to lace up your boots for camping and hiking through its trails or someone seeking the comfort of 5-star adventure lodges nestled in the heart of this wild region, Patagonia offers a range of experiences tailored to different budgets and travel styles. The region's remoteness contributes to its allure but also to the cost of travel, making it essential to plan according to your budgetary and adventure preferences.
Northern vs Southern Patagonia
Patagonia's vastness spans both Argentina and Chile, dividing into two distinct regions: Northern and Southern Patagonia. Northern Patagonia, known for its lush forests and enchanting lakes, offers a verdant landscape and a milder climate, ideal for those keen on exploring the mystical beauty of areas in Chile like the Lake District or the Austral Road (Carretera Austral). In Argentina, the more famous parts of Northern Patagonia are Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes.
In contrast, Southern Patagonia is where the land morphs into a realm of ice and rock, featuring some of the most iconic and dramatic landscapes on the planet. This post focuses on Southern Patagonia, home to the renowned Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. These parks are the crown jewels of Southern Patagonia, with Los Glaciares hosting the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate, and the trekker's paradise, El Chalten. The stark differences between Northern and Southern Patagonia not only highlight the diversity of the region but also the wide range of experiences available to travelers, from gentle hikes through ancient forests to challenging treks across ice fields.
The Main Factors That Will Influence Your Trip Costs
Whether you're aiming to explore on a budget or indulge in a bit of luxury, Southern Patagonia offers a range of experiences to suit every traveler's needs and budgets. Factors that have an important influence on the price of your trip will include trip duration, quality of accommodations, the time of year when you travel, the quality of your guides, and more. Although there is a wide variety of trips and tour options available in Southern Patagonia, we have worked out an average per person cost per night for the different options so you can get an idea of what you may be expected to pay. Costs exclude flights, which we briefly touch upon below.
Budget Patagonia Trips
For those on a tighter budget, planning a trekking trip in Patagonia doesn't have to break the bank. Budget travelers can do the popular "W" or "O" trekking circuits in Torres del Paine, or the popular hikes to Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in El Chalten, and expect to spend around $100 to $200 per person per day. This cost typically covers basic accommodations like tents or simple refuges. It also includes transportation, meals, and access fees to the National Parks. If you choose to travel this way, you can immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes without a hefty price tag.
Mid-Range Patagonia Trips
If you're looking for a bit more comfort, mid-range trips might be more up your alley. With a budget of $250 to $350 per person per day, you can enjoy stays in comfortable refuges or 3-star hotels/lodges close to the parks. The price of these trips offers you the opportunity to be a step up from the basic accommodations, and it also includes meals, transportation, and access to the National Parks, allowing you to trek in style without the need for sleeping in tents.
Luxury Patagonia Trips
For those seeking the pinnacle of Patagonian experiences, Patagonia luxury tours are available in both the Chilean and Argentinean side of Southern Patagonia. Quasar Expeditions’ experiences focus on the Luxury category, and these tailor-made trips can range from $400 to over $1,500 per person per day. They feature the finest hotels, exquisite dining, and comprehensive inclusions like bar consumption, tips, excursions, meals, transfers, top-quality guides, and more. Imagine ending your day of exploration at a world-class spa or savoring a gourmet meal with the backdrop of Patagonia's unparalleled vistas. That’s what you can expect on a luxury Patagonia trip.
The Cost of Getting To Southern Patagonia
Getting to Southern Patagonia itself is an adventure, and unless you’re already in Chile or Argentina, it will be a multi-leg travel event. It will require that you first take an international flight to either Santiago, Chile, or Buenos Aires, Argentina. Costs for international flights from the United States and Europe to Santiago and Buenos Aires range anywhere from $600 to $1200 USD for economy class flights, depending on how far in advance you book and for the time of year when you want to travel. You can generally expect to pay the highest prices if traveling in the months of December, January, and February.
If flying to Santiago, Chile, to get to Torres del Paine National Park you will need to take a domestic flight south to either Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas airports. Puerto Natales airport is only about 1 hour away (by vehicle) from Torres del Paine National Park, but you won’t find daily flights from Santiago to Puerto Natales on all airlines. Punta Arenas airport, on the other hand, is about 4 to 4.5 hours away from Torres del Paine National Park (by vehicle), but you will find multiple daily flights from all airlines from Santiago to Punta Arenas. From Punta Arenas airport, you can take a bus right at the airport to take you to Puerto Natales. Flights from Santiago to Puerto Natales and to Punta Arenas can cost anywhere from $150 to up to $600, depending on how far in advance you purchase them and also on the time of year when you travel.
If flying to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to get to Los Glaciares National Park (El Calafate & El Chalten) you will need to take a domestic flight south to El Calafate airport. There are multiple daily flights from Buenos Aires to Calafate. If you will be staying in El Chalten, you can take a bus ride from the town of El Calafate to El Chalten. Flights from Buenos Aires to El Calafate can also cost anywhere from $150 to up to $600, depending on how far in advance you purchase them and also on the time of year when you travel.
Patagonia National Park Access Fees
Once you've arrived in Southern Patagonia, be prepared for park fees for accessing iconic locations such as Torres del Paine or Los Glaciares National Parks, which can vary from $20 to $50 USD. Luxury Patagonia trips and many Patagonia tour packages often include these fees in their packages.
Tips to Guides & Hotel Staff
Lastly, don't forget to budget for tips for your Patagonia guides and hotel staff, which can make a significant difference in their lives and enhance your travel experience. As a general guideline, you can expect to tip guides around $10 - $20 per day.
The journey to Southern Patagonia, while requiring careful planning and consideration of costs, promises an unparalleled adventure into some of the most spectacular landscapes on earth. From the majestic towers of Torres del Paine to the icy expanse of the Perito Moreno Glacier, this region offers experiences that resonate deeply with the soul of every traveler. Whether you're traversing the rugged trails on a budget, enjoying the comforts of mid-range accommodations, or indulging in the luxury of top-tier lodges, Patagonia's Southern reaches have a way of fitting into varied travel styles and budgets. Remember, the cost of reaching this remote paradise includes not just the price of travel and accommodation but also the invaluable experiences of connecting with nature, challenging oneself, and creating memories that last a lifetime. As you plan your trip, consider the costs of international and domestic flights, park fees, and the importance of supporting those who make your journey unforgettable through tips. Ultimately, a trip to Southern Patagonia is an investment in adventure, discovery, and the awe-inspiring power of nature.