Patagonia Tours

It is a little-known fact that Patagonia is open all year and you can explore the wilds of Patagonia any season. To answer the question “When is the best month to visit Patagonia?” will depend on what you want to do, see and experience.

Each season has its own unique landscapes, activities and advantages. As the seasons of Patagonia are reversed from the northern hemisphere with Summer being December – February and Winter being June- mid-September, the weather and temperatures vary, but can be equally unpredictable any time of year.

The highest temperatures in Patagonia can be experienced during the summer months, where they can reach around 72 °F (22 °C). The lowest temperatures are during the winter months where they can drop down to 32°F (0 °C) at night. However, the winter months are the time of year with the least amount of wind, often with several days where there is no wind at all. This is also the time of year with the most beautiful landscapes, offering the best opportunities to see the elusive Puma as well. The wind-chill factor in Patagonia can sometimes make the ambient temperature feel up to about 30 °F (6 °C) colder than what it really is.

We often get asked what is the cost of a trip to Patagonia and the answer really depends on the type of trip you are looking for.

Getting to Patagonia requires taking an international flight to either Santiago, in the country of Chile, or to Buenos Aires, in the country of Argentina. International flights down to Chile or Argentina from North America normally cost between $600 - $1200 USD in Economy class, depending on the anticipation with which you buy these. Additionally, you will also require a domestic flight from Santiago or Buenos Aires down to Patagonia, and these can cost anywhere between $100 and $700 USD, depending on the anticipation with which you buy your tickets. Normally however, you can expect to pay between $200 - $350 USD for domestic flights down to Patagonia in both Chile and Argentina.

Once in Patagonia, you will have to pay Park fees to access the National Parks of Torres del Paine in Chile or Los Glaciares in Argentina. The cost of park fees changes from season to season, but you can expect to pay anywhere between $20 and $50 USD to access the Parks. Your access in Argentina is normally good just for the day, while in Chile it is good for up to 3 days. When staying at the all-inclusive luxury hotels in Patagonia, the access to the Parks is normally included.

Finally, regarding Patagonia trip prices, the region is generally considered an expensive destination because of its remoteness, regardless of whether you are traveling as a budget traveler or in luxury accommodations. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can find budget trips for as low as around $150 per person per day, and luxury Patagonia trips for as high as $1000 per person per day. Patagonia trip deals are available from time to time.

Finally, regarding Patagonia trip prices, the region is generally considered an expensive destination because of its remoteness, regardless of whether you are traveling as a budget traveler or in luxury accommodations. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can find budget trips for as low as around $150 per person per day, and luxury Patagonia trips for as high as $1000 per person per day. Patagonia trip deals are available from time to time.

Finally, travelers visiting Patagonia should always consider some money for tips to guides and hotel staff. Normally you can expect to pay about $10 per day for staff and guides on budget trips and about $20 - $30 per day on the luxury trips.

So all in all, for 6 night Patagonia tour (which is the minimum that we recommend), you can expect to pay within the ranges below for the different level of trip:

• US$600 - $1,000 for a very rock bottom Patagonia trip sleeping in tents and doing the trekking circuits.

• US$1,100 - $2,900 for a medium range Patagonia trip.

• US$3,000 - $7,000 for a luxury Patagonia trip.

Travelers wanting to plan a Patagonia tour often wonder about whether the region, both the Chilean and Argentinean sides of it, are safe places to travel. The short answer is, absolutely! Patagonia is a safe travel destination for all local and foreign travelers. Crime is virtually non-existent in this region of South America and locals here are known for going out of their way to show kindness to travelers and for lending a helping hand. You will not have to worry about security in Patagonia’s National Parks either but, as with any foreign place, you may want to be mindful of your valuables when visiting the towns.

Visitors to the Parks, kayakers, hikers, and wildlife photographers also often wonder whether the wildlife encountered on a Patagonia trip poses any danger. You can rest assured that there are very few threatening animals in Patagonia, and those that are dangerous are elusive and rarely spotted by humans.

The beverages, food, water, and ice are clean and safe at basically all hotels in the region. If you have any concerns though, avoid ice on drinks and avoid eating uncooked vegetables. If have dietary restrictions, most restaurants and hotels in Patagonia will happily accommodate your needs. For water safety, most hotels provide a purified water station to fill your canteen bottle each day before setting out on your hike or excursions.

Patagonia is also particularly safe for solo travelers as well as for family travel. The website ResponsibleTravel.com reviewed Patagonia as a wonderful destination for adventurous solo travelers and for families, with opportunities to explore at sea, on sand, in the mountains, and everywhere in between.