It has been more than 40 years that Patagonia, the vast stretch of 400,000 square miles between Argentina and Chile, has been attracting tourists searching for adventure and bliss amidst nature. Patagonia’s wild and unpredictable terrains are a treat for the eyes because of their natural splendor that creates a mystique veil and irresistible attraction. Slow and magical boat journeys, hiking trails to the turquoise lagoons beneath granite pillars, towering glaciers that kiss the skies, and icy waters hold the magical attraction of the mythical region. The Argentine Patagonia is a ranching country Patagonia of vast empty spaces, but the Chilean Patagonia is a group of islands with its network of channels and inlets. Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers are sure to include Patagonia in their bucket list and would like to know how to get to Patagonia.
How to get to Patagonia?
You can reach Patagonia via Santiago in Chile or Argentina’s Buenos Aires, from where you can begin your onward journey to your destination. You can fly to Patagonia from the capitals of Argentina and Chile or enjoy a drive to the fascinating location, which is quite expensive. But first, decide where you want to be in Patagonia. Bariloche in Argentina, which is 1600 kilometers to the southwest of Buenos Aires and the top of Patagonia in that country. The Chilean Patagonia starts from the south of Puerto Montt, about 40 kilometers south of Bariloche.
Air travel between Santiago and Puerto Montt is relatively cheap and costs $23 one-way, and it’s a one-hour 40 minutes flight. The cost is almost half or $11 if you travel from Santiago to Balmaceda, halfway down the Carretera Austral, the main road to Patagonia through the Aysen region. You take a bus ride from the airport to reach Puerto Montt. But you must know the tips and tricks of availing the lowest fare like booking tickets well in advance and not traveling in summer, the peak tourist season.
Reaching Patagonia from Buenos Aires
Keep reading to know how to travel to Patagonia from Buenos Aires by air. It takes 23 hours to reach Bariloche from Buenos Aires, and tickets cost $70. From there, it will cost $103 to go to El Chalten and southern Patagonia. Road transport by bus or car is expensive, but the trips have their charms. Stopping at various points and enjoying the region’s extensive natural beauty is a valuable experience that might justify the high traveling cost. But the journey is quite long and can be tedious at times. Ferry rides to Patagonia is another option but not much feasible because, despite the low cost, it can be uncomfortable and take even more time.
What is the best time to visit Patagonia?
Armed with the information about how to fly to Patagonia, you are now ready to draw your travel plan. One aspect that needs your attention to finalize the travel plan is travel time. Knowing when to travel to Patagonia should help you enjoy the place in the way you want. Usually, springtime (October through November) and summertime (December through February) are best to visit Patagonia. During these months, the natural splendor is in its full glory, and the weather is mild, and the hiking conditions are optimal too. As Patagonia’s peak tourist season, the region springs back to life with swelling crowds of tourists in January and February.
But visiting Patagonia during the summer months comes with a caveat. During the warmest months, the temperature averages 15oC, which is quite comforting, but the infamous winds of Patagonia are strongest and can reach 120 miles an hour or more. The wind slows down during spring and fall, and the temperature is cooler too.
To travel during the peak season, you must make hotel bookings in advance and be ready to mingle with the crowd that follows you wherever you go. How well you adjust to the coded setting impacts the level of enjoyment. Late autumn is a good time for those who prefer quieter travel.
Knowing how to get to Patagonia should come in handy to plan your travel to enjoy the adventure, the wildlife, and the colors of nature, depending on the season.
