Best Places to Visit in Patagonia [updated 2026]

Patagonia, the vast and mesmerising region shared by Argentina and Chile, is a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its dramatic landscapes of towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, sprawling glaciers, and untamed wilderness, Patagonia offers an unparalleled experience in South America.

Whether you are an avid hiker looking to conquer challenging trails or simply yearning to immerse yourself in the sheer beauty of nature, this article will guide you through some of the best places to visit in Patagonia. From the iconic peaks of Torres del Paine National Park to the remote beauty of Tierra del Fuego, get ready to embark on a journey that will leave you awe-inspired at every turn.

It is not a challenging region from a traveller’s point of view, but you do need to allow time to travel the distance. The best way to travel? By bus, it is convenient and comfortable and takes the hassle out of travelling by rental car through the different regions of Argentina and Chile.

Our journey took us from the bottom of the world, Ushuaia in Argentina, to Santiago in Chile, an adventure of 23 nights/24 days.  Did we rush it? No!  Could we have added more to it? Yes, of course? If you have the time, plan to do it in at least 6 weeks. Travelling in Patagonia should not be rushed.

A land of stunning landscapes, lakes, fjords, glaciers, the Andes Mountains and more. Its beauty astounds all that travels through the region.

 

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Our Itinerary

Before You Hit the Road — How We Travelled Patagonia

Before we get into the details of each stop, here is a quick overview of how we structured our trip — because in Patagonia, the how matters just as much as the where.

For accommodation, we booked private double rooms with en-suite bathrooms throughout the entire journey. Patagonia has a wide range of places to stay — from basic backpacker hostels to world-class luxury lodges — but for a trip of this length and distance, having a comfortable, private base at the end of each day made an enormous difference. We have included our specific accommodation recommendations at each stop throughout the itinerary below.

For getting around, we travelled the entire route by bus. This is something we would wholeheartedly recommend. Yes, the journeys are long — some of them very long — but travelling by bus through Patagonia is an experience in itself. The scenery rolling past the window across the steppe, the Andes, the lake districts and the remote border crossings is part of what makes this trip so extraordinary. It also gives you a genuine sense of the sheer scale of the region in a way that flying simply cannot. We have included journey times and our transport tips at each stop, so you can plan — booking in advance is essential on several of the key routes.

Ushuaia Argentina – 3 nights 

(Unfortunately, our accommodation in Ushuaia has closed down due to COVID)

Here are some suggestions for your stay:

Book accommodation in Ushuaia here

Punta Arenas, Chile  – 2 nights

Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Journey time 11 – 12 hours by bus with a short ferry crossing over the Magellan Straits. A border crossing is involved.

Accommodation: Hostal Torres del Paine

Puerto Natales Chile  – 3 Nights

Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales by bus. Journey time 3 hours by bus.

Accommodation: Nikos II Adventure

El Calafate Argentina – 4 nights

Puerto Natales to El Calafate by bus. Journey time  6 hours by bus. A border crossing is involved.

Accommodation Las Cabinitas

El Chaltén Argentina – 3 nights

El Calafate t El Chaltén by bus. Journey time 3 hours by bus.

Accommodation Hosteria Los Nires

Los Antiguos Santa Cruz Argentina – 1 night

El Chaltén to Los Antiguos by bus –  Journey time 7 hours by bus.

Accommodation: Lau Fer Apartments

Bariloche Argentina – 5 nights 

Los Antiguos to Bariloche by bus. Journey time 12 hours by bus.

Accommodation: Bekhana Hostel

Osorno, Chile 2 nights

Bariloche to Osorno by bus. Journey time 3 hours by bus. A border crossing is involved.

Accommodation Hostel Chaman 

Santiago, Chile  3 nights

Osorno to Santiago by bus. Journey time 11.30 minutes.

Our accommodation in Santiago, Chile, is no longer available.

One of our previous hostels we stayed in is Vertana Sur. This is one of our favourite hostels that we have stayed in in South America. You will need to book well in advance of your travel dates for this one!

Location of Patagonia

Patagonia is located in South America in the southern region.  Argentina governs the larger eastern portion — roughly 60% of the region — while Chile administers the western portion, including the fjords, channels and Pacific coastline.

The Pacific Ocean lies on the West side of the landmass, and the Atlantic lies to the East. To the South lies the Drake Passage, the Beagle Channel and the Straits of Magellan.

Come and travel with us as we show you some exciting Patagonia destinations.

Argentina –  Ushuaia

 

Check out our Ushuaia City Vibe Video

Ushuaia is the southernmost city of Argentina, Patagonia and the southernmost city in the world.  We arrived in Ushuaia from Antarctica, tackling the ‘Drake shake’ – the notorious Drake Passage after being at sea for 2 weeks from Montevideo in Uruguay. Ushuaia is the capital of Tierra del Fuego. Ushuaia is a busy port town and relies heavily on tourism.

Ushuaia is nestled between the snowcapped Patagonia mountains of Tierra del Fuego.

Map of Ushuaia

Top Things to Do in Ushuaia

Hike to Laguna Esmeralda – the top sight in Patagonia

 

Check out our Photo Journal of our Hike to Laguna Esmeralda

A 2-hour hike in each direction from Ushuaia.  A shuttle bus can be organised, or you can organise a taxi. The shuttle bus is the cheaper option at ARS600 – USD10.00 per person.

The starting point is 20 minutes northeast of Ushuaia.

Distance: 9.7km

Maximum elevation gain: 158m

Intermediate trek – can be challenging after rain. We would recommend boots or sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy, and the peat bog is hard to traverse after rain. You may be able to see a lot of beaver activity, although on the day we did not see them, we did see a fox run closely past us.

As you arrive at the Lake, the Ojos del Albino glacier is in full view, and it is stunning.  It can be windy and cold on the hike. We completed it in November, and it was freezing.

Private Tour to Laguna Esmeralda

 

Enjoy the Street Art of Ushuaia

 

Visit the Naval Museum of Ushuaia

 

Address: Conscripto Bernardi 120, 9410, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Originally, the Museum was the Recidivist Prison, which closed down in 1947 and in 1997 was declared a Historical Monument.

 

More things to do in Ushuaia

 

Where to Eat in Ushuaia

We ate at Bar Ideal, apparently one of the oldest bars/restaurants in Ushuaia.  Quite a lot of the reviews were negative, but on our lunchtime visit, the service was good, the beer cold, and the food ok.

Address: Av. San Martín 393, V9410 Ushuaia

Chile – Punta Arenas

Transport to Punta Arenas

2nd stop on our travel in Patagonia

We travelled with Bus Sur from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas. Bus travel is comfortable in Patagonia. Our recommendation is to book in advance, particularly in the summer months, as it is the busy tourist season.

The journey takes between 10 and 12 hours, depending on the time spent at the border crossing.  There is a small ferry crossing across the Magellan Strait.

Book your tickets here

Check out our Punta Arenas YouTube video here

What To Do in Punta Arenas

Cementerio Municipal

Our first impression when we visited was how much like the Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires it was.  The impressive mausoleums of the wealthy families in Punta Arenas certainly impress those who visit.

There are three entrances: the main entrance is on Bulnes Avenue, and two other entrances are in Francisco Bilbao and Angamos streets, spread over 4 hectares. CNN has stated it is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world.

Address: Avenida Bulnes 29, between the streets of Francisco Bilbao and Angamos, Punta Arenas

Mirador Cerro De La Cruz

 

There are a number of steps to climb to arrive at Cerro de La Cruz, but it is worth it for the view, even on an overcast day.

Plaza Munoz Gamero (aka Plaza de Armas)

 

The main square in Punta Arenas is lined with beautiful cypress and birch trees.  There is a statue of the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, after whom the Straits of Magellan were named. The park is popular with the locals for exercise classes, artisan markets and colonial houses such as Palacio Sara Braun, who was the wife of a wealthy sheep farmer.

 

More Things To Do in Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas Airport

Punta Arenas Airport ( Presidente Carlos Ibanez del Campo International Airport) is located 20 km north of the town of Punta Arenas.

Where to Stay in Punta Arenas, Chile

For simple budget-priced accommodation, the Hostal Torres Del Paine is well located to see all that Punta Arenas has to offer.  Breakfast is included. Good Wi-Fi.

Address: Chiloé 1510, Punta Arenas, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena, Chile

Where To Eat in Punta Arenas

Our favourite restaurant was the El Mercadito Seafood Restaurant in the market. For a cheap eat, you can’t beat eating at one of the restaurants here.

Cafe Tapiz Almacen

Address: Julio A.Roca 912, Punta Arenas,

Opening hours: 9 am to 9 pm every day except Sunday. Excellent food and service in a cosy atmosphere.

Chile – Puerto Natales

Transport to Puerto Natales

3rd Stop on Travel in Patagonia

An easy journey with Bus Sur from Punta Arenas for the 3.15-hour travel to Puerto Natales. For the latest bus times and prices click here.

You can view our video of Puerto Natales here:

Map of Puerto Natales

 

Things to do in Puerto Natales

One of the top things to do in Puerto Natales is a day tour of Torres del Paine. 

Torres del Paine National Park — the crown jewel of Patagonia

There are places in the world that exceed every expectation, no matter how high you set them. Torres del Paine is one of them. Located 75 kilometres from Puerto Natales in the far south of Chile, it is one of the most extraordinary destinations in all of Patagonia — and for many travellers, the single reason they made the journey here at all. 

The park takes its name from the three iconic granite towers that rise almost vertically from the Patagonian steppe — sheer, jagged pillars of rock that glow gold and pink at sunrise in a way that stops you mid-breath. Around them unfolds a landscape of staggering variety: the electric blue of Grey Glacier, the jade waters of Lake Pehoe, the roaring power of Salto Grande waterfall, and the twin horns of Los Cuernos rising above the treeline like something from a dream.

We visited on a full-day bus tour organised through our accommodation at Hostal Nicos II, which took in the Milodon Cave, Lake Sarmiento, Lake Nordenskjold, Lake Pehoe, Salto Grande Waterfall and Grey Lake. Along the way, we encountered guanacos grazing by the road, a fox watching us from a boulder, and a very bold armadillo that joined us at lunch by Lake Pehoe. Even on a single-day visit, the scale of what you see is genuinely humbling.

For those with more time — and if you have it, use it — the famous W Trek is a 5-day multi-stage hike through the park’s most spectacular terrain, taking in the base of the towers themselves, the Grey Glacier and the Valle del Francés. It is considered one of the great treks in the world for good reason.

Practical notes: Park entrance tickets must be purchased in advance online through pasesparques.cl — online purchasing is the only option for those travelling on organised bus tours or excursions. Budget approximately USD $40–50 per person for entry. The park has poor public transport, so the most practical option for day visitors is a guided tour from Puerto Natales. Wrap up warmly regardless of the season — the wind in Torres del Paine is legendary.

 

Book Your Full Day Torres Del Paine Tour from Puerto Natales here

More Things to Do in Puerto Natales

View the street art in the town of Puerto Natales.  One of the most colourful towns with the best of the best street art.

Wander along the waterfront with stunning views over the mountains in the distance.

If you are looking for a longer trek from Puerto Natales, you should consider the scenic 4 night/5 day Torres Del Paine W Trek.

For longer tours and treks from Puerto Natales:

 

Where to stay in Puerto Natales

Our accommodation was at the very comfortable Hostal Nicos II. The hostel is centrally located, easy to walk to restaurants and bars in the town and the waterfront.  The hostel is popular with travellers doing many of the hikes around the area, so there is a lot of banter and tips for what to see and do. Breakfast is included as well as a transfer from the bus station. As the hostel is also a travel agency, they can assist in bookings around the area.

Address: Bernardo Philippi 528, Puerto Natales, Natales, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena

 

 

Where to Eat in Puerto Natales

During our stay in Puerto Natales, we ate at the very popular (bookings recommended) Mesita Grande Pizza Restaurant as well as Wild Restaurant and Bar. The Wild Restaurant and Bar has accommodation available as well.

 

 

Argentina – El Calafate

Transport to El Calafate

4th Stop on Travel in Patagonia

The journey from Puerto Natales to El Calafate is with Bus Sur, taking around 5 hours.

For the latest ticket prices and bus schedules, click here.

You can view our video of El Calafate here:

Map of El Calafate

 

Things to do in El Calafate

Two of the popular tours are the 3 Glaciers Tour by boat and a day tour to Perito Moreno.

We booked through local tour operator Mundo Austral Tours, which you will find on the main street of El Calafate at Av. Libertador 1080 1ºP El Calafate.

3 Glaciers Tour: top Patagonia attractions

After being collected from your accommodation, you drive on Route 11 to Los Glaciers National Park to Puerto Punta Bandera, where you will embark on a catamaran. Sailing the cold waters of Lake Argentino, you head towards Upsala Glacier across the Boca del Diablo, the narrowest part of the lake. From there, you sail up the Upsala and Spegazzini Channels, where you can see the glaciers of Upsala and Spegazzini.

The Upsala Glacier is the largest in South America, measuring 37 miles long and 230 feet high. It is 3 times as large as the Perito Moreno Glacier. The Upsala Glacier has retreated 50 sq km in less than 30 years.

We have to keep our distance as the glacier tends to collapse once or twice a month. The Spegazzini Glacier is the highest at 400 feet above sea level.

On cloudy days, the blue colour of the glacier is stronger than it is on a sunny day.

Duration: 5 hours

Travel Photography tip when photographing icebergs:

The Captain informed us to force the flash when taking photos in front of icebergs, as it is like taking photos with the sun in front.

Tour to Perito Moreno Glacier – boat tour and balcony walk

You are collected from your accommodation for the 80 km road trip from El Calafate to Los Glaciares National Park and the Perito Moreno glacier.

Perito Moreno is located in the heart of the Andean Patagonian forest, surrounded by ancient lenga, ñires and sour cherry trees. It is home to grey and red foxes, eagles and condors.

The 1-hour cruise takes you as close to the Perito Moreno glacier as possible.  You may be lucky to view parts of the glacier collapsing from the cruise ship or when you walk the 4 km of balconies after the cruise.

Love trekking on ice? You can enjoy the Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek too!

More Things to Do in El Calafate

If you want to ensure you have a booking before you visit El Calafate you can use the services of our partner Get Your Guide.  Their range of tours can be found below:

 

Where to stay in El Calafate

The A-framed colourful accommodation of Los Cabinatas was very comfortable.  A good breakfast was included, fast Wi-Fi, and there was a lovely garden to relax in after a day of sightseeing.  The owners were lovely and had lots of tips for us on where to eat and what to do.

Address: Valentín Feilberg 218, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina

 

 

 

Where to Eat in El Calafate

One of our firm favourites was La Zorra Taproom for local craft beers and great food.

Address: Av. del Libertador 832, Z9405 Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina

Other restaurants we found that were very popular with travellers:

Polar Bar 

Wana Co

Yeti Icebar

La Lechuza Pizzas

Argentina – El Chaltén

Transport to El Chalten

5th Stop on Travel in Patagonia

We travelled by bus from El Calafate to El Chalten – the 3-hour journey is comfortable and cost-effective. Check prices and times here.

You can view our video of El Chalten here:

Map of El Chalten

 

Things to do in El Chalten

El Chalten is the ideal base for trekking to Mt Fitzroy in Patagonia and visiting the Chorillo del Salto.  Both can be done on your own; there are no costs involved. Mt Fitzroy treks are either half-day, full-day or multi-day treks. The full-day and multi-day treks are for experienced hikers.

We visited Mt Fitzroy on a half-day trek – Laguna Torre – that included Lago Capri.  The trek was 11 km and a 6 – 7 hour round trip that takes you to the foot of Cerro Torre for great views of Mt Fitzroy.

You can visit Chorillo del Salto on its own or as part of your day, visit Mt Fitzroy. The waterfall has a drop of 20m.  You can also visit my car or bicycle, it is a round journey of 8 km from the town centre.

You can view our video of our trek to Mt Fitzroy here.

You can view our walk to Chorrillo del Salto (waterfall) here

 

Where to stay in El Chalten

We stayed in comfortable mid-range accommodation – Hosteria Los Nires, which included a good buffet breakfast.  It was an easy walk into town and to the start of the trek to Mt Fitzroy and Chorrillo del Salto. The Hostel was located 300m from the bus terminal and 500m from the Fitzroy Viewpoint.

Address: Lago del Desierto 120, El Chalten

 

Where to Eat in El Chalten

There are plenty of places to eat in El Chalten.  

Cerveceria Artesanal Microbrewery (for the best craft beer in El Chalten)

La Vineria Smokehouse (our best meal and they have a great selection of wine)

Check out their video La Vineria Smokehouse

Che Empanadas (for the best empanadas, perfect to take on the trek with you)

B & B Burger Joint (for burgers)

Patagonicus (for Pizza)

La Nana Pasteleria (for the best pastries, on the way to start the trek)

Argentina – Los Antiguos

Transport to Los Antiguos

6th Stop on Travel in Patagonia

The journey from El Chalten to Bariloche is around 19 hours for a distance of 918km.  We did not really want to be on a bus for 19 hours, so we broke the journey in Los Antiguos, which was a 6-hour journey from El Chalten.

Los Antiguos lies in the northwest corner of the Argentine province of Santa Cruz in a fertile valley.  It is a small city of around 1800 people.  It is located on the shores of Lake Buenos Aires, which is Patagonia’s largest lake and the 2nd largest lake in South America after Lake Titicaca.

Book here for the latest schedules and ticket prices.

Map of Los Antiguos

 

 

Things to do in Los Antiguos

Visit the Mirador – check out our YouTube video:

Cueva de las Manos (Cave of Hands) — the soul of Patagonia

Of all the stops on this journey, the Cave of Hands may be the one that catches you most off guard emotionally. You arrive through a remote canyon carved by the Pinturas River, the Patagonian steppe stretching silently in every direction, and then you round a rock wall and see them — hundreds of human handprints stencilled onto the cave face in ochre, red, white and yellow, placed there by hunter-gatherers between 9,000 and 13,000 years ago.

The cave takes its name from the stencilled outlines of human hands, but there are also depictions of animals such as guanacos still commonly found in the region today, as well as dynamic hunting scenes showing human figures and animals interacting. The site contains more than 800 handprints of different colours, and is considered the finest display of ancient rock art on earth. Remarkably, 70% of the stencilled hands are left-handed — a detail that makes the whole thing feel suddenly, startlingly personal. 

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, it is considered the most important cave art site in Patagonia. Standing in front of it, you feel the full weight of those 13,000 years — and the extraordinary urge, apparently universal across human history, to press your hand against a surface and say: we were here. 

The cave is located around 100 km south of Los Antiguos and can be visited as a day trip. Tours depart from both Los Antiguos and the town of Perito Moreno. The site can only be visited on a guided tour, which departs hourly from the visitor centre. Sturdy footwear and layers are essential — the canyon can be windy even in summer.

 

Where to stay in Los Antiguos

Our accommodation was at Lau-Fer Apartamentos, which was within walking distance from the local bus station. The accommodation was comfortable with good Wi-Fi and a lovely garden to relax in. We were well located in the town to wander around and head up to the Mirador.

Address: Calle Fitz Roy 360, Los Antiguos Z9041AJH Argentina

 

Argentina – San Carlos de Bariloche 

The best of Patagonia, our definite favourite!

Transport to Bariloche

7th Stop on Travel in Patagonia

The journey from Los Antiguos to Bariloche takes 13 hours by bus. You can check the latest schedules and ticket prices here.

Bariloche is located in the province of Río Negro in Argentina at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Scenic Bariloche is located in the southern area of Nahuel Huapi Lake.

Bariloche is Argentina’s answer to the chocolate box towns of Switzerland. From the minute you arrive, you feel that you have been transported back to Switzerland with its alpine-like architecture and chocolate shops. It is popular with Europeans during the winter ski season between June and August.

 

Come with us for a morning walk around Bariloche and view the spectacular sunsets in our short video.

Top Things To Do in Bariloche

Nahuel Huapi Lake Cruise to Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest

One of the must-sees in Patagonia.

You can view our short video of the tour here:

One of the top tours from Bariloche is via the Catamaran “Cau-Cau” across Nahuel Huapi Lake to the mythical Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest.

The boat tour starts from Puerto Panuelo on the Llao Llao Peninsula. Sailing across Nahuel Huapi Lake, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the mountain range in the distance as you pass by smaller islands along the way. The journey takes 30 minutes to complete the 11 km. You arrive at Puerto Anchorena.

Victoria Island is 3710 hectares of beautiful scenery, flora and fauna. A guide takes you around parts of the island that allow visitors to explain its history, and you are shown the giant sequoias, pine trees, cypress and eucalyptus. You may be lucky to see the pudu (the smallest deer in the world), red deer, boar and many species of birds.

Back on board the catamaran, you sail to Puerto Quetrihue to visit the Arrayanes National Park. The park is famous for its myrtle forest, where some of the trees are up to 650 years old and grow to 15 m in height.

You can book your day tour by Catamaran to Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest here.

Grand Circuit Tour to Villa Traful and Villa La Angostura – a must-do in Patagonia

A day tour taking in the sights of the Limay River and its amphitheatre, panoramic views of Nahuel Huapi National Park and visiting the colourful streets of Villa Traful and Villa La Angostura. This tour boasts stunning views along the way, a great day trip from Bariloche through Patagonia country.

You can view our YouTube video of the highlights of the Grand Circuit Tour:

You can book the Grand Circuit Tour here

More Things To Do in Bariloche

 

Where to stay in Bariloche

We stayed at the Hostel Berkana right on the lake in Bariloche. A moderately priced accommodation, with stunning views over the lake, a great spot for sundowners in the early evening and comfortable accommodation. A few minutes’ walk and you were in the centre of town. You can walk from the bus stop with ease.  The owners are very helpful and will assist in recommending where to go and what to see.

Address: 480 Juan Manuel de Rosas San Carlos de Bariloche

 

 

 

Where to Eat in Bariloche, Patagonia

Our recommendation for lunch, morning and afternoon tea is Rapanui.

 

Chile – Osorno

Transport to Osorno 

8th Stop on Travel in Patagonia

Osorno was just a quick overnight stop to break the journey between Bariloche, Argentina and Santiago in Chile. The journey by bus from Bariloche to Osorno takes around 6 hours. We arrived late and left early.

For the latest bus times and prices click here

Map of Osorno

Where to stay in Osorno

Hostel Chaman is located close to the bus station and to a local supermarket.  It was the perfect stopover before heading to Santiago the next morning early.

Address:  Juan de Dios Angulo 556 Osorno

 

Chile – Santiago

Transport to Santiago

9th and Last Stop on Travel in Patagonia

The last leg of our journey was from Osorno to Santiago by bus the journey taking 12.5 hours.

For the latest prices and bus schedules click here.

This is our 2nd visit to Santiago, this time only a brief stop, before flying back home to Australia.

Map of Santiago Chile

 

Things to do in Santiago

Santiago Free Walking Tour

A great way to learn about the city from a local’s perspective.

A Day Trip to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar

You can do this tour by using the local bus services to Valparaiso and book a short tour to both cities at the bus station when you arrive in Valparaiso.

More Things to Do in Santiago

 

Where to stay in Santiago

We are fans of the suburb of Providencia when we visit Santiago.

Our first stay was at the Ventana Sur Hostel.  This hostel is so popular you will need to book in advance. If you can book the room by the swimming pool.  Ventana Sur was one of the best hostels we stayed in throughout our travels in Chile.

Address: Claudio Arrau 340 Providencia Santiago

Bookings for Ventana Sur Hostel

 

What Does It Cost to Travel Patagonia? A Budget Guide for 2026

One of the first things that surprises travellers about Patagonia is the cost — this is not a budget destination. Its remoteness means transport and accommodation are significantly more expensive than in other parts of South America. That said, with good planning, it is entirely manageable, and what you get for your money is extraordinary. Here is a realistic breakdown across the key categories.

Getting There

Most travellers fly into either Buenos Aires (Argentina) or Santiago (Chile) as their international gateway, then take a domestic connection south. Buenos Aires to Ushuaia flights run approximately USD $220–$380 return if booked in advance. From there, the journey north by bus is part of the adventure.

Getting Around — Bus Costs

Bus travel is the most practical and cost-effective way to travel the route, and the services are comfortable. Here are the approximate costs per person for the key legs of this itinerary:

Ushuaia to Punta Arenas (Bus Sur): approximately USD $43–$56.

Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales: approximately USD $12–$13.

Puerto Natales to El Calafate: approximately USD $16–$25.

El Calafate to El Chaltén: approximately USD $34.

The Los Antiguos to Bariloche leg (12 hours) runs approximately USD $40–$55

Bariloche to Osorno takes around 6 hours and costs approximately USD $30–$40

Osorno to Santiago leg running around USD $93. 

Book buses in advance — they get booked up, particularly in peak season, and you cannot always rely on turning up at the bus station on the day and securing a seat. We used BusSur for the southern legs and found it reliable and comfortable throughout.

Accommodation

Patagonia has a wide range of accommodation from hostel dorms through to world-class luxury lodges. For a trip like ours — private double rooms with ensuite throughout — budget as follows:

Private rooms in hostels run approximately USD $40–$55 per night, which aligns with our experience across the itinerary.

Mid-range hotels with private rooms, ensuite bathrooms and breakfast typically cost USD $100–$180 per night for double occupancy.

For context, all our accommodation was booked as private double rooms with ensuite — comfortable, well-located, and generally excellent value for what Patagonia delivers. Booking 5–6 months ahead for the December–February peak season can save 20–30% and ensure you’re not locked out of sold-out properties.

National Park Entry Fees

Torres del Paine National Park entry for foreigners runs approximately USD $35 for a day visit, rising to around USD $47 for a multi-day pass covering the W Trek or O Circuit.

The Perito Moreno glacier entry (within Los Glaciares National Park) costs around USD $31 per person. The northern section of Los Glaciares — covering the El Chaltén hiking trails, including Mt Fitzroy — is free. All tickets should be purchased in advance online, where possible.

Food & Dining

Budget around USD $10–$15 per person per day if self-catering using hostel kitchens.

For restaurant dining, expect to pay USD $15–$30 per person for a main meal at a mid-range restaurant.

Splurge meals at our favourite spots — La Zorra Taproom in El Calafate and La Vineria Smokehouse in El Chaltén — came in at around USD $25–$35 per person, including drinks, and were worth every cent.

Overall Trip Budget — What to Expect

As a guide, budget travellers spending carefully can manage on USD $80–$120 per day, while mid-range travellers typically spend USD $150–$250 per day. Luxury lodges and guided tours can push costs to USD $500 or more per day. 

For our style of travel — private double rooms, bus transport, a mix of self-catering and restaurant dining, with tours booked locally — a realistic daily budget per person is approximately USD $130–$180 (approximately AUD $200–$280), excluding international flights. For a 24-day trip, that puts the in-destination cost at roughly USD $3,100–$4,300 per person (approximately AUD $4,800–$6,650).

The single best way to reduce costs? Travel in shoulder season — November or March — which reduces costs by around 20–30% compared to peak summer months of December through February.

One Important Note on Currency in Argentina

Argentina’s currency situation requires a brief mention. Exchange rates can be volatile, and the gap between the official rate and the informal rate has historically been significant. Our strong recommendation is to carry USD cash for Argentina and use a service like Wise for transfers — you will get a considerably better rate than using ATMs or exchanging at official bank counters. Chile is more straightforward and credit cards are widely accepted throughout.

FAQs on Patagonia and Facts About Patagonia

Is Patagonia a country?

Patagonia is a region in Southern South America made up of the two countries of Chile and Argentina.

Is Patagonia expensive?

We were surprised that Patagonia travel was expensive, but at the time of our travel, our Australian dollar was weak against the Argentine Peso and the Chilean Peso.

If you pay for your Chile accommodation in USD, can you save money?

Yes, by paying in USD you can save paying the government tax.

Are we allowed to take food over the border?

When you travel in Patagonia, make sure you are aware of the border regulations.  No food is allowed to be taken across the border.

What is the mountain range in Patagonia?

The Andes span the length of Patagonia.

What are the top hikes in Patagonia?

When travelling in Patagonia, you will be able to hike many of the trails depending on your ability.

Some of the major hikes are:

W Trek – 5-day Torres Del Paine trek

The Classic Full Circuit

The Huemel Circuit

For more information on the best hikes in the Patagonia region, click here

Camping in Patagonia

For more information on campsites in Patagonia, click here

Flights to Patagonia

Find the cheapest flights with Skyscanner, which then directs you to the airline’s website with no extra fees to pay.

Airports in Patagonia – How to get to Patagonia

For the most comprehensive information on flights into Patagonia, click here.

If you are flying internationally into Chile, it will be Santiago, the capital, and if you are flying into Argentina, it will be to the capital,  Buenos Aires.

Escorted Trips to Patagonia

If you prefer to travel on an organised tour, we would recommend travelling with Intrepid.  They have 5 tours available. For more information click here.

Climate in Patagonia

The best time to visit Patagonia is in the summer months between November and March. It is also the peak travel season so you will need to book in advance.

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Travel Insurance

Travel is full of unforgettable moments — but sometimes the unexpected happens too. That’s why we always recommend travelling with insurance. Ekta Travel Insurance offers flexible coverage options to help protect your trip, so you can focus on enjoying the adventure ahead.

Our travel shop

Travel smarter and safer with products from our To Travel Too Travel Shop. Whether you are looking for the latest luggage, guidebooks, or travel accessories, we have you covered with over 1,000 travel products to choose from.

What Animals in Patagonia will you be able to see?

Love nature? Patagonia is home to over 500 species.

Some of the animals that you will see when visiting Patagonia are:

• Armadillo
• Purdu
• Big-nosed skunk
• South American Grey Fox
• Patagonia Mara
• Culpeo (fox)
• Guanaco
• Pumas

Birds of Patagonia:

• Andean Condor
• Southern Crested Caracara
• Black Bowed Albatross

Whales & Penguins:

• Humpback Whale
• Southern Right Whale
• Magellanic Penguin
• King Penguin

What is the Definition of Patagonia

Wikipedia states that: “Patagonia (Spanish pronunciation: [pataˈɣonja]) refers to a geographical region that encompasses the southern end of South America, governed by Argentina and Chile. The region comprises the southern section of the Andes Mountains, lakes, fjords, and glaciers in the west and deserts, tablelands and steppes to the east.”

 

Pinterest

Are you on Pinterest? We are at To Travel Too, and we have many travel-related boards. Check us out at Pinterest.  If you enjoyed our article, why not pin it to your board?

 

 

Final Thoughts

Patagonia is not simply a destination — it is an experience that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. From the moment you arrive in Ushuaia at the bottom of the world to the final bus ride into Santiago, every kilometre of this journey delivers something that genuinely takes your breath away.

Whether it’s standing on the balconies watching the Perito Moreno Glacier crack and thunder into the turquoise water below, trekking through the mud and peat bogs towards the emerald waters of Laguna Esmeralda, or simply sitting on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake in Bariloche watching the Andes turn pink at sunset — Patagonia has a way of making the world feel vast and wild and full of possibility.

It is not a trip to rush. Give yourself at least three weeks, ideally more. Travel by bus, talk to the other travellers you meet along the way, and let the landscape do what it does best. There is nowhere else on earth quite like it — and once you’ve been, you’ll already be planning your return.