Patagonia Travel and Tours in Chile: Highlights and Tips
Tour Highlights
- The main highlight of Patagonia tour is the endless trekking and hiking opportunities it provides. Torres del Paine National Park, where hikers can take on the 130km circuit and ogle at some outstanding landscapes, is one of the most popular attraction in Patagonia.
- Walk around Punta Arenas and soak up its history. There are old mansions to look at and museums to explore here.
- Hop in a boat, float around on the Grey Lake (Lago Grey) on the Chilean Patagonia, and check out the spectacular glaciers that pepper the water.
- Go to Isla Magdalena and snap some photos of the adorable penguins that inhabit the island.
- Sail around the infamous Cape Horn. Before the Panama Canal was built, Cape Horn was the gateway between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Sailors would have to brace themselves for fierce winds and rough seas as they made their way past these ominous black cliffs.
- Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia is the gateway to Antarctica.
Travel Tips
- The weather in Patagonia can be very unpredictable so make sure you pack for every eventuality. Expect heavy rain, powerful winds, blazing sunshine and maybe even snow.
- Travel there between December and February for the best weather.
- If you want to avoid the crowds and still have reasonable weather, travel in the months of November or April.
- Those planning on taking on some of the more challenging treks should take trekking poles with them. This will make the experience a bit easier on your knees. For more information on suitable trekking gears, read our guide to equipments needed when trekking.
- Sneakers aren’t enough – you really need to take hiking boots with you. There is a lot of mud here, which is complemented by sharp rocks. Running shoes don’t provide enough protection for your feet.
- If you’re planning on camping at all, make sure your tent is Patagonia-proof. In other words, be sure it can withstand fast winds and that the tent poles won’t break.
- You do not need a visa to visit Argentina from Chile if you are a tourist coming from Europe, the USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia and you are planning on staying for less than 90 days. Simply take your passport with you to the border and you will be allowed to cross from Argentina into Chile for a small entrance fee.
Patagonia has seasonal weather so please do check up on the best time to visit Patagonia before planning your Patagonia tour in Chile.