Tailor-Made Argentina & Chile: Journey to Patagonia

On South America’s southern frontier lies Patagonia, which stretches from the glacier-filled fords on the continent’s southern tip all the way up to the snow-capped peaks of the Andes in the north. The Patagonian giants of Argentina and Chile have much in common, from incredible natural landscapes to shared cultural values, heritage and language. But for all the similarities, there are just as many differences. In Chile, the slow life and simplicity is celebrated, and you’ll see why when taking in fertile valleys, ancient forests, and parched dunes. A tad less traditional and more metropolitan than Chile are the vibrant cities of Argentina. While places like Buenos Aires can be frantic and exciting, Argentina is home to plenty of habitats that are occupied by wildlife ranging from whales to giant ant eaters. If you want to make the most of a trip to Patagonia, travelling to both Argentina and Chile is the best way to go about it.

In the space of ten days in Argentina and Chile, you can not only explore the streets of bustling cities like Buenos Aires and Santiago but also discover the icebergs of the Torres del Paine National Park and witness the Perito Moreno Glacier. You’ll even have the chance to stroll among penguins by following our itinerary.

Patagonia at a Glance

Located at what is nearly the end of the world, southern Patagonia draws wilderness lovers in their masses to spellbinding landscapes filled with jagged peaks, carved by age-old glaciers. The region’s highlights include Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, and the UNESCO-listed Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, which attracts over 100,000 visitors per year.

Given that your trip will include lots of wildlife watching and hiking to potentially remote yet pristine landscapes, you’ll need to put plenty of thought into logistics before travelling to southern Patagonia. In many places, including Torres del Paine and El Calafate, hotels only operate from spring to fall, which is from mid-September to early May, though a few lodgings stay open all year. The summer months run from December to February and see the mildest weather and most tourists. Regardless of the season, temperatures can range from five to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the space of a day, making trekking boots and waterproof attire necessities. You should also bring sun protection, thermal underwear, a fleece, wind-stopper gloves, insect repellent, and a backpack.