Patagonia

Patagonia was primarily only toured by backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. The region features the southern end of the Andes Mountain Range, wilderness and glaciers, and borders the Atlantic Ocean. The region of Patagonia itself is steeped in history and beautiful natural sites, but is extremely large and divided into multiple regions, making your choice of location dependent upon your adventure interests.

Patagonia is one of the largest wilderness areas in the world and is home to over thirty national parks. Many of the peaks have yet to be climbed.

Cuisine:  Grilled meats and pasta comprise the main ingredients of Patagonian cuisine, with lamb being the protein of choice.

Must See:  You can book tours to see the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. This is a trek, so you should be prepared for heavy hiking, but the views of the glaciers make the hard work worth the trip.

Lodging:  Del Nomade Hosteria Ecologica is a small lodge owned by a well-known Argentinian nature photographer. This is a green lodge, build with wood from fallen trees, and uses solar panels for power. The lodge is decorated with nature photographs and has National Geographic magazines stacked throughout the hotel for guests to enjoy.

Ground Transportation: Patagonia is an incredibly large region of South America and is home to many unpaved roads. Bus schedules are intermittent in the most populated areas. Many charters and scheduled tours are available and can be booked before your trip or during your stay. Prepare for this ground travel to be a large portion of your trip expense.

Packing Tips: For your private jet visit to Patagonia, you should pack strong, durable boots, as most tourism in the area involves hiking, climbing or long trips away from your lodging. Make sure you have plenty of moisture-wicking layers in order to aid your comfort as you travel. A jacket will be necessary for cool summer nights.

Recommended Books: In Patagonia is Bruce Chatwin’s firsthand account of his adventures through Patagonia. His descriptions of the beauty that is Patagonia, combined with personal anecdotes and bits of regional history, make for a fascinating read that will prepare you for your own journey.

Currency:  In Chile, the Chilean peso is the local currency.  There is an exchange rate between these currencies, so plan accordingly if you will be crossing various regions of Patagonia.

Calling Code Chile: 56

Best Travel Dates: Since Patagonia is low in the southern hemisphere, temperatures are cool. Summers are warm, but winters are freezing and make travel difficult. Visit in the summer to make sure your travel plans aren't cancelled due to storms.

Airports in Patagonia