12 Finest Locations + Suggestions for Backpacking Patagonia

Are you able to discover the untamed fantastic thing about Patagonia? Beware, fellow traveller. This huge area of rugged landscapes, pristine glaciers and distinctive wildlife is certainly one of our planet’s final treasures. It beckons sturdy hikers, journey seekers, backpackers and nature lovers, talking on to the underside of their souls… 

We would like you to profit from your backpacking journey in Patagonia, so we’ve packed this information with plenty of sensible data and (hopefully) all of the solutions you’re searching for. We’ll additionally introduce you to the 12 most unimaginable locations it’s best to completely not miss in Patagonia. So let’s sail on!

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Why Patagonia?  |  Activities  |  Patagonia orientation  | 12 best Patagonia destinations | Getting in and around Patagonia
Accommodation  |  Best time to go  |  Budget  | Patagonia travel essentials
Backpacking Patagonia FAQ

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Why backpack Patagonia?

Patagonia is a good area to backpack, whether or not you’re a newbie or a seasoned backpacker. There are a number of excellent causes to journey in Patagonia. Right here is the checklist of people who converse significantly to us:

• Hikers and nature lovers’ paradise: this comparatively low-height a part of the Andes vary supplies an ideal place to trek by way of breathtaking mountains, valleys, lagoons, and glaciers.
• Security: whereas South America has a form of dangerous rep as a result of excessive crime price in some cities/nations, Patagonia could be very secure. Individuals are very pleasant of their low-density cities the place crime hardly exists.
• Touring alone: attributable to lesser security issues, Patagonia might be backpacked alone, whether or not as a male or a feminine traveller. Whereas typically it’s not suggested to try hikes alone, many fashionable mountaineering trails see many hikers, so it’s straightforward to discover a mountaineering accomplice.
• Independency: on the whole, it’s not onerous to backpack Patagonia independently, that’s with out a tour or a information. That is true for each touring between cities and for hikes, as trails are often nicely signposted and nicely coated by maps/apps.
• No want for a allow: touring and mountaineering in Patagonia doesn’t require allow, so as soon as within the area, it’s completely attainable to plan as you go, in a spontaneous method.

Actions in Patagonia

The most well-liked actions in Patagonia are associated to nature – which isn’t a shock. These are the actions you possibly can interact in:

• Day hikes
• Multi-day hikes
• Glacier trekking
• Boat tour/cruise among the many fjords
• Wildlife watching (penguins, whales)
• Visiting picturesque lookouts
• Tenting
• Biking
• Street tripping

Backpacking Patagonia: Orientation

Overlaying the South of each Chile and Argentina, this huge expanse of untamed magnificence is framed by two oceans and sits throughout the longest mountain vary on this planet.

The majestic Andes Mountains add a dramatic backdrop to a backpacking journey, contributing to the area’s various topography, shaping its iconic glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering peaks.

Areas of Patagonia

The world generally known as Patagonia encompasses 260,000 sq. miles/673,400 km2 between the 2 nations and is usually divided into 2 elements: northern Patagonia and southern Patagonia.

Every of those areas boasts a minimum of one high attraction that makes it well-known and supplies cause to go to.

Northern Patagonia

Northern Patagonia in Argentina is named “Lake District” and stretches from San Martin de los Andes to El Bolsón. The primary landmarks embrace additionally the city of Bariloche, Volcan Lanín and the Seven-Lakes Street.

Chile’s northern Patagonia corresponds to the “Los Lagos” area, stretching alongside the Carretera Austral from Puerto Montt to Vila O’Higgins. The primary landmarks are Cochamo, Hornopiren Nationwide Park, Queulat Nationwide Park, the Marble Caves (Catedral de Marmol) and Patagonia Nationwide Park.

The Carretera Austral ends in Villa O’Higgins; to go additional south, you’ll must take a ferry boat or a flight. Extra data and hyperlinks additional beneath.

Southern Patagonia

Southern Patagonia in Argentina stretches from Esquel till the very southern tip, Tierra del Fuego, the “land of fireplace”. (Costly) boat journeys additionally attain the mysterious Antarctica.

The primary landmarks in Argentina’s Southern Patagonia are: Perito Moreno glacier, Mount Fitz Roy, the small city of El Chaltén and Tierra del Fuego, with Ushuaia as its greatest city.

Chile’s Southern Patagonia is marked by Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, the only greatest mountaineering attraction within the Chilean South. You’ll be able to attain it from the cities of Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas. Chile additionally has a share of Tierra del Fuego, but it surely’s a really distant place with little to no infrastructure.

The two iconic roads of Patagonia

Patagonia presents two iconic routes that promise unforgettable backpacking journeys:

• In Chile, the Carretera Austral winds by way of distant landscapes, passing historic forests, cascading waterfalls, and hidden fjords. This (at some sections) gravel highway supplies entry to a few of Patagonia’s hidden gems, providing a front-row seat to the untamed magnificence that defines the area.

Take a look at our Road trip on the Carretera Austral for an amazing backpacking route!

• In the meantime, on the Argentine facet, the RN40 highway traces a historic route by way of the Andes, revealing the stark fantastic thing about the Patagonian steppe. This legendary freeway stretches from the northernmost reaches of Argentina to the southernmost tip, providing travellers an opportunity to witness the altering landscapes and expertise the guts of Patagonia.

Finest locations for a Patagonia backpacking journey

1. Torres del Paine Nationwide Park 📍southern Patagonia, Chile

Undoubtedly the crown jewel of Patagonia, Torres del Paine Nationwide Park is Chile’s iconic pure gem and a backpacker’s paradise. Its two well-known hikes, the W Trek and the O Circuit, showcase the colossal granite towers, serene lakes, and glaciers.

Immerse your self within the mesmerizing landscapes as you hike by way of the various ecosystems, preserving a watch out for guanacos. We promise that tenting underneath the star-studded sky close to Gray Glacier is an expertise that can linger in your recollections. The closest city in Puerto Natales, nonetheless it’s additionally attainable to go to from Punta Arenas.

Begin planning! Learn all about mountaineering the W Trek and O circuit in Torres del Paine.

2. El Chaltén, Argentina 📍 southern Patagonia, Argentina

Often known as the ‘Trekking Capital of Argentina’, the village of El Chaltén is an actual haven for hikers. Set in opposition to the gorgeous backdrop of the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torres mountains, it provides direct entry to Los Glaciares Nationwide Park.

The paths right here cater to all talent ranges, providing a spread of day hikes and longer treks, excellent for any Patagonia backpacking journey. Admire the Viedma glacier and the electric-blue waters of Laguna Capri; and should you’re up for a problem, embark on the Laguna de los Tres trek for a postcard-worthy view of Mount Fitz Roy.

3. Perito Moreno Glacier 📍southern Patagonia, Argentina

A colossal river of ice, the Perito Moreno Glacier is definitely certainly one of Patagonia’s most awe-inspiring sights. It’s additionally a part of Los Glaciares Nationwide Park and is accessible from the city of El Calafate.

Marvel on the sheer magnitude of this glacier because it calves into Lake Argentino, making a spectacle of crashing ice. You’ll be able to take a ship tour to witness the glacier up shut, or strap on crampons for an unforgettable ice trekking expertise.

Learn extra about Perito Moreno in our checklist of favourite hikes in South America.

4. Ushuaia 📍 southern Patagonia, Argentina

Often known as the ‘Finish of the World,’ Ushuaia is the southernmost metropolis on this planet and the gateway to Antarctica. The encompassing Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park is a haven for a lot of backpackers, providing trails that result in spectacular viewpoints overlooking the Beagle Channel.

Sail by way of the southernmost fjords or make a journey to the close by penguin colonies for a novel wildlife encounter.

Discover extra hiking trails throughout Argentina

5. Puerto Natales 📍 southern Patagonia, Chile

Nestled on the shores of the Ultima Esperanza Sound (Final Hope Sound), Puerto Natales serves as the principle gateway to Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, the primary Patagonia backpacking vacation spot.

However earlier than embarking in your trekking adventures, discover the quaint city and luxuriate in recent seafood from native markets. We completely advocate the breathtaking boat journey to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers for a day stuffed with pure magnificence.

Discover out all of the best things to do in Puerto Natales

6. Bariloche 📍 northern Patagonia, Argentina

Situated within the northern area of Argentine Patagonia, additionally referred to as “Lake District”, San Carlos de Bariloche is thought for its gorgeous alpine landscapes and Swiss structure (and chocolate!).

This charming resort city spreads alongside the shore of the Nahuel Huapi Lake and attracts many out of doors lovers from throughout Argentina, who discover the paths throughout the Nahuel Huapi Nationwide Park. The highlights embrace the Cerro Catedral mountain and the difficult trek to Refugio Frey.

Throughout the winter months, Bariloche transforms right into a winter wonderland, providing wonderful snowboarding and snowboarding alternatives on the slopes of Cerro Catedral. Town additionally boasts a vibrant nightlife and yummy native specialties (have I discussed the chocolate?).

Able to go? Take a look at the best hiking routes around Bariloche!

7. Chiloé Island 📍 northern Patagonia, Chile

A magical realm off the coast of northern Patagonia Chile, Chiloé Island is a spot the place folklore and nature converge in concord. Identified for its distinctive picket church buildings, rolling hills, and quaint fishing villages, Chiloé gives a novel cultural and pure expertise.

Discover the stilted palafitos in Castro, go to the UNESCO-listed Chiloé churches, and embark on a ship tour to identify the long-lasting blue whales that frequent the waters. You too can hike by way of Chiloé Nationwide Park, immersing your self in lush forests and alongside the rugged shoreline.

We fell in love with Chiloe – discover out why and what to anticipate as a backpacker.

8. Pumalín Park 📍 northern Patagonia, Chile

For these searching for pure serenity, Pumalín Park, within the north of Patagonia, continues to be a hidden paradise. It gives a various vary of landscapes, together with lush Valdivian temperate rainforests, cascading waterfalls and pristine fjords.

Don’t count on a lot infrastructure on-site, which makes the expertise much more lovely. Hike by way of the evergreen forests, marvel at turquoise lakes, and count on an immersive dive into nature’s embrace. The closest city the place it’s best to base your self is Chaiten.

Discover extra hiking trails in Chile

9. Marble Caves 📍 northern Patagonia, Chile

A surreal pure surprise on the shores of Basic Carrera Lake, the Marble Caves (additionally referred to as Marble Chapel) are a testomony to the sculpting energy of water.

Accessible by boat from Puerto Río Tranquilo, or with a tour from the closest metropolis Coyahique, these mesmerizing caverns showcase swirling patterns of vibrant blue and white marble. The expertise is really otherworldly, making it a must-visit for any backpacker exploring the Chilean facet of Patagonia.

10. Queulat Nationwide Park 📍 northern Patagonia, Chile

Queulat Nationwide Park, set alongside the Carretera Austral highway, is a hidden gem boasting lush rainforests, hanging glaciers, and pristine rivers. The spotlight is the Ventisquero Colgante (Hanging Glacier), accessible by way of a picturesque path that meanders by way of dense forests.

We swear that seeing this colossal ice mass hanging from the cliffs is an unforgettable sight, as you breathe within the recent, crisp air of Patagonia. Coyahique, the closest metropolis is an efficient base to go to this nationwide park on a tour.

Uncover the most effective National Parks in Chile

11. Punta Arenas 📍 southern Patagonia, Chile

Because the southernmost airport on the Chilean mainland, Punta Arenas is a vibrant gateway to the wonders of Patagonia. So it’s greater than possible that you just’ll cross by this metropolis in your backpacking journey in Patagonia.

Go to the historic websites, such because the Plaza Muñoz Gamero, and embark on a ship tour to Magdalena Island to witness an enormous penguin colony. For a panoramic view of the town and surrounding landscapes, climb the Mirador Cerro de la Cruz.

12. Cape Froward 📍 southern Patagonia, Chile

For the final word off-the-grid journey, enterprise to Cabo Froward, the southernmost level of the continental Americas. Ensure you pack sufficient meals and water, and are correctly dressed!

Accessible by way of a difficult hike, Cabo Froward rewards intrepid backpackers with sweeping views of the Strait of Magellan. You’ll stand proper on the fringe of the world, surrounded by untamed wilderness and the roaring waters of the Southern Ocean.

Learn how to get to Patagonia

There aren’t any, or only a few worldwide flights to Patagonia. So you’ll in all probability fly in from one of many two capital cities: Buenos Aires (Argentina) or Santiago (Chile).

Patagonia airports in Argentina

• Bariloche (north)
• El Calafate (south)
• Ushuaia (south)

Patagonia airports in Chile

• Puerto Montt (north)
• Balmaceda (north)
• Punta Arenas (south)

Naturally, it’s additionally attainable to journey by bus from different elements of the nations, supplied you’re able to deal with a looong bus journey. We’ve written a list of tips that will help you survive these lengthy journeys.

Many nations’ residents (eg. USA, nations of the EU) get a visa upon arrival, and no want to rearrange it beforehand . After all, when planning your journey, verify in your nation’s official web site.

Getting round Patagonia

In Chile

Land journey alongside the Carretera Austral presents a number of viable choices, whether or not you go for a rental automobile, public buses, or hitchhiking.

Bus timetables are often not accessible on-line, however you’ll discover them at bus stations/airports. For extra info on touring by bus on the Carretera Austral, try our Carretera Austral post. It contains an intensive part with hands-on tips on bus journey.

Provided that the highway doesn’t prolong all the best way south, a extra picturesque and environmentally pleasant various includes taking a ferry boat. A voyage spans from Caleta Torel within the north to Puerto Natales within the south and takes roughly 3 days with native ferry firm, Tabsa. Notably, ferries don’t function every single day, so be sure you plan your itinerary prematurely.

Alternatively, Navimag, one other firm, supplies a extra upscale ferry expertise between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales, with a length of 4 days; additional particulars might be discovered here.

In Argentina

In Argentina, the RN 40 traverses the whole thing of Patagonia, making a whole Patagonian highway journey fully possible. Bus providers additionally function alongside this route, and yow will discover schedules by referring to the bus timetables accessible here. Moreover, we’ve gathered some useful insights for bus travel in South America based mostly on our experiences in 2019.

Border-crossing between Chile and Argentina

There are a number of borders between the two nations in Patagonia, each within the northern and the southern elements. On  Argentina official site (in Spanish), you’ll discover all of the borders of Argentina, together with these shared with Chile in Patagonia. If you’re planning to cross the border, don’t overlook to verify whether or not they’re open and their opening occasions – particularly the smaller ones usually are not open 24hrs.

Borders of Patagonia will possible be in one of many beneath provinces in Argentina:

• Neuquén Province
• Chubut Province
• Río Negro Province
• Santa Cruz Province
• Tierra del Fuego Province

Borders of Patagonia will possible be in one of many beneath areas in Chile:

• Los Lagos Area
• Los Ríos Area
• Magallanes Area
• Aysén Area

Budgeting your transportation

In the event you’re on a finances, a vital issue to think about is the price of air journey to Patagonia.

In Argentina

In Argentina, finances airways are non-existent, with solely the first provider being Aerolineas Argentinas. In case your journey to Patagonia begins in Buenos Aires from a global location, it’s possible you’ll be flying with this nationwide provider.

For these with the posh of time, choosing highway journey presents a cheap resolution and is arguably probably the most sustainable technique of traversing Patagonia. The RN 40 highway extends all the best way to southern Patagonia, permitting for a subsequent temporary ferry voyage to Isla del Fuego and concluding the journey to Ushuaia on the RN 3.

In Chile

Chile, however, boasts finances airways equivalent to JetSmart and Sky Airline, offering cost-effective fares from Santiago to Puerto Montt, Balmaceda, and Punta Arenas. Your gateway to Chilean Patagonia will possible be Santiago, as there are nearly no direct worldwide flights to Puerto Montt or Punta Arenas.

Given the absence of a steady highway in Chile, your choices embrace both flying or embarking on a picturesque ferry experience. It’s useful to completely examine costs when planning your Patagonia journey, because the ferry would possibly show extra economical than a low-cost airline, particularly when factoring in potential extra charges for checked baggage.

In each Argentina and Chile, bus transportation is mostly way more economical than renting a automobile.

Lodging choices in Patagonia

On the whole, you’ll discover the beneath lodging sorts all through the cities of Patagonia:

Finest time to go backpacking in Patagonia

Whereas the climate in Patagonia might be unpredictable, the most effective time to embark in your backpacking Patagonia journey is in the course of the Southern Hemisphere’s summer time, from November till March/April. Throughout this era, temperatures are milder, and the paths are extra accessible, however extra busy as nicely. Nonetheless, be ready for sudden climate adjustments, and pack layers to accommodate the area’s various climates.

The warmest months are January and February, and in these months fashionable mountaineering routes (equivalent to W trek in Torres del Paine) get crowded with hikers, and lodging are full. I desire touring in shoulder season, to keep away from the most important crowds.

Some nationwide parks shut in the course of the winter months (Could-October), attributable to snow making the paths unpracticable. However different nationwide parks or mountains are geared in direction of winter adventurers as nicely. Bariloche (Argentina) for instance is thought for snowboarding, and a few tour firms set up winter expeditions to Torres del Paine.

On the whole, Northern Patagonia is hotter and wetter, in comparison with the south, which is chilly even in the summertime.

Prices breakdown of a Patagonia backpacking journey

To present you a little bit of an concept of what prices to count on, right here’s the breakdown of the finances I truly spent for my 3-week Patagonia journey from Europe to Chile, up to date for the 2023/24 season:

• Flight return ticket Lisbon (Portugal) – Santiago (Chile): 850 USD
• Flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas (south Patagonia, Chile): 75 USD
• Bus from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales (gateway to Torres del Paine): 9 USD
• Torres del Paine entrance + campsites booked for the O-circuit (9 days): 149 USD
• Ferry from Puerto Natales to Caleta Torel: 151 USD
• Flight from Balmaceda (Chile) to Santiago: 80 USD
• Different Patagonia nationwide park entrance charges + tenting: 66 USD
• Journey insurance coverage: 140 USD
• Bus journey in south Patagonia: relying on the space – on the Carretera Austral between cities it was 10 USD for a 4-hr journey
• Hostal lodging (room for two folks with shared toilet): 51 USD

So the whole for 3 weeks, together with 8 days in Torres del Paine + bus on Carretera Austral + hostel for 13 days: 1826 USD

On the whole, the whole lot is dearer in Patagonia than in the remainder of Chile or Argentina: lodging, meals, and transportation. That is as a result of remoteness of the world, the place provides should journey a great distance.

Journey Necessities on your Patagonia backpacking journey

Make sure you’re well-equipped to embrace the wild fantastic thing about this area with a rigorously curated checklist of journey necessities.

A sturdy and cozy backpack is your first ally, accompanied by a dependable pair of waterproof and breathable mountaineering boots to overcome diverse terrains – even should you’re not planning on doing severe hikes.

Layering is essential, so pack light-weight, moisture-wicking clothes to adapt to Patagonia’s unpredictable climate. Right here’s a complete guidelines to be sure you’re prepared for the whole lot Patagonia throws your approach:

1. Backpack (40-60L)
2. Climbing Boots (waterproof)
3. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or larger)
4. Hat
5. Sun shades with UV Safety
6. Fast-Dry Clothes (long-sleeve shirts, moisture-wicking T-shirts, convertible pants)
7. Rain Jacket
8. Insulating Layer (fleece or down jacket)
9. Hydration System or Water Bottle
10. Trekking Poles in case you are planning to hike
11. Headlamp or Flashlight
12. Insect Repellent
13. First Assist Package
14. Journey Towel
15. Energy Financial institution
16. Digital camera or Smartphone for Capturing Recollections
17. Dry Baggage to Defend Electronics
18. Journey Adapters for Charging Units
19. Map and/or GPS system

Continuously Requested Questions

How does backpacking Patagonia differ from different backpacking journeys?

If I examine my Patagonia backpacking journey with every other backpacking journeys I’ve performed, I’d say the most important distinction is that the whole lot right here is deliberate round mountaineering, whereas often, mountaineering is simply one of many actions I do.

One other distinction is that Patagonia makes use of primarily money as an alternative of bank cards, and ATMs are sparse. So ensure to withdraw sufficient cash whilst you’re nonetheless in greater cities/cities.

Can freshmen hike Patagonia?

Completely! Patagonia counts many nationwide parks with straightforward day hikes and quick multi-day hikes, so freshmen can discover appropriate trails. Additionally, since altitude just isn’t excessive within the area, there’s no have to depend with acclimatization.

The world is roofed nicely on each paper maps –that you could purchase prematurely or purchase at nationwide park entrances– and apps like wikiloc or maps.me.

Take a look at the Patagonia National Park (in southern Patagonia, Chile) with many lovely day hikes and simple trails.

Are you able to journey Patagonia cheaply?

Touring in Patagonia is mostly dearer than backpacking in different elements of Chile or Argentina. The reason being the remoteness, making meals and commodities pricier.

Though it’s not attainable to skip nationwide park entrance costs, there are some issues you are able to do to maintain your finances low:

1. Journey in the course of the shoulder-season as an alternative of the excessive season, when each nationwide parks and lodging often have decrease costs.
2. Select to enter the identical nationwide park a number of occasions, as an alternative of visiting a number of nationwide parks. The price of the multi-day ticket is cheaper than including up single-day entrances from a number of nationwide parks.
3. Plan the vast majority of your backpacking time in Argentina moderately than Chile. Or, a minimum of, do your buying there, as Argentina is significantly cheaper.
4. Persist with bus transportation or hitchhike.
5. Convey your individual tent and go for tenting (put together for chilly nights although).
6. Purchase the costliest meals objects / non-perishable meals objects in cities like Punta Arenas, Coyahique, and Bariloche, as an alternative of smaller locations, the place issues are dearer.

Ought to I journey in Chile or Argentina?

Because of the in depth space and time constraints (2 or 3 weeks vacation), many travellers go to just one nation, both Chile or Argentina.

Nonetheless, the trick isn’t to decide on one nation, however moderately one space of Patagonia (north or south) and go to it in each nations. That’s the way you’ll restrict journey durations and profit from your time.

There are certainly many borders between the 2 nations. On this site (in Spanish), you’ll discover all of the borders of Argentina, together with these shared with Chile in Patagonia.

On a normal word although, Chile is dearer than its neighbour, and the nationwide parks appear to be higher maintained. The doorway to most nationwide parks in Argentina is free.

How lengthy ought to my journey in Patagonia final?

Somewhat than staying inside one nation and journey lengthwise, it makes extra sense to go to both the north or the south of Patagonia, crossing the border.

I like to recommend a minimal of two weeks to see the landmarks within the North, and a minimum of 3 weeks for the South, which is wilder, and the place travelling would possibly show prolonged.

In case your purpose is to see and hike each northern and southern Patagonia, it’s best to depend with 4 weeks as a naked minimal.

Is flying between northern and southern Patagonia an choice?

In Chile, there’s no highway between north and south Patagonia; so you possibly can solely select between flight or ferry. For hyperlinks to the related firms, see the travelling part above.

In Argentina, you possibly can keep on with extra sustainable transportation, because the RN 40 highway runs by way of the complete Patagonia.

Don’t miss any of our backpacking journey guides!