Getting to Chile for Your Patagonia Overland Safari
January 15, 2025
For a Quasar Patagonia Overland Safari, getting to Patagonia starts with booking your flights to Chile. Santiago, the capital of Chile, serves as the gateway to Patagonia and the starting point for your adventure. From there, you’ll take a domestic flight to southern Chile, where the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia await.
Patagonia, spanning over 1 million square kilometers—larger than 80% of countries on Earth—is known for its towering mountain peaks, expansive glaciers, and incredible wildlife. While its remoteness adds to its allure, it also means proper flight planning is essential to ensure a smooth journey.
And just like our Patagonia Packing List, this guide provides a simple overview of how to get to Patagonia via international and domestic flights. With the help of a dedicated Quasar Patagonia Expedition Designer, every detail of your travel is handled, so you can enjoy more time exploring and less time worrying about logistics.
All Quasar safaris start in Patagonia, Chile. Your international flight should arrive in Santiago, Chile (SCL), at least 1-2 days before your safari start date to allow for any unforeseen delays and ensure a smooth connection to your domestic flight.
Santiago is the bustling capital of Chile, nestled in the heart of the Andes Mountain Range. Home to over 7 million people, the city has grown into a modern metropolis with a thriving restaurant and theater scene, extensive shopping districts, and iconic architecture—including the tallest building in Latin America.
Flight Options:
From the United States: Nonstop flights to Santiago are available from major hubs, including Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), Dallas (DFW), Atlanta (ATL), and Chicago (ORD), among others.
From Europe: Direct flights to Santiago are available from Madrid and Paris, making it convenient for European travelers.
IMPORTANT
Arriving in Santiago 1-2 days early ensures you have a buffer for flight delays or cancellations. This extra time guarantees you won’t miss the start of your Patagonia adventure and lets you begin your safari with peace of mind.
STEP 2
TAKE A DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO PATAGONIA (PUNTA ARENAS OR EL CALAFATE)
From Santiago, you’ll need to take a domestic flight to southern Chile. The primary airports in Chilean Patagonia are Punta Arenas (PUQ) and Puerto Natales (PNT), providing convenient access to the region’s stunning landscapes and iconic national parks, including Torres del Paine National Park—home to Quasar's Patagonia Overland Safaris and the exclusive Untamed Puma Tracking experience.
Domestic Flight Details:
Airlines: LATAM Airlines and SKY Airlines operate flights to both Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales.
Flight Duration: The flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales typically take about 3 hours and 15 minutes.
A 30-45 minute layover in Puerto Montt is common. Simply verify that the flight number remains unchanged, and you’ll stay on the same aircraft for a smooth connection.
Travel Assistance:
If you’re unsure about booking domestic flights, our Patagonia Expedition Designers are happy to assist in coordinating your travel. Quasar ensures that every leg of your journey is planned to perfection.
We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Read our full policy.