Tour of Patagonia’s national parks: Chile, Argentina

Glaciers, mountains, lakes, and wildlife — the national parks of Patagonia offer an unforgettable chance to experience the raw beauty of nature. This vast region, shared by Chile and Argentina, provides travelers with awe-inspiring landscapes and the adventure of a lifetime.

It is one of the most popular destinations for transformative travel, a growing trend where travelers seek deep personal growth through immersive experiences. It is about more than just seeing new places—it's about connecting with nature, reflecting on life’s values, and gaining fresh perspectives. Patagonia’s wild, untamed beauty, with its glaciers, mountains, and lakes, offers the perfect backdrop for such life-changing journeys.

Want to wash yourself in a river made from melted glaciers?

Patagonia spans the southern parts of Chile and Argentina, with two of its most famous national parks:

• Torres del Paine (Chile)
• Los Glaciares (Argentina)

We lay the route:

Fly to Chile or Argentina:

• Most international flights arrive in Santiago (Chile) or Buenos Aires (Argentina).
• From there, domestic flights are available to:
• Punta Arenas (Chile) for Torres del Paine National Park.
• El Calafate (Argentina) for Los Glaciares National Park.

Flights to Patagonia:

• Flights from Santiago or Buenos Aires to Punta Arenas or El Calafate generally cost $100–$300 one way, depending on the season.
• From the airport, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach the national parks.

Where to stay and how much it costs

In Torres del Paine (Chile):

• Budget: Campsites and basic hostels cost around $20–$50 per night.
• Mid-range: Guesthouses or small hotels are priced between $80–$200 per night.
• Luxury: Eco-lodges and high-end accommodations like Explora Patagonia or Tierra Patagonia range from $300–$700 per night.

In Los Glaciares (Argentina) - there is a lot of ice here:

• Budget: Hostels in El Calafate are available for $30–$50 per night.
• Mid-range: Hotels range from $100–$250 per night.
• Luxury: Top-tier hotels like Eolo Patagonia offer stays starting at $400–$800 per night.

How to book accommodation or tours

• Use platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, or book directly with hotels.
• If available, check Your Price Booking for potential discounts on accommodations and rentals.

Tours and treks:

• Guides are typically required for multi-day treks. You can book through local travel agencies or platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator.

Guides and treks

• Guided tours are included in most multi-day packages. For more challenging hikes, such as those in Torres del Paine or glacier treks, guides are mandatory.
• Guides typically cost $100–$300 per day for a group, depending on the route and difficulty.

What to see

Torres del Paine (Chile):

• The Torres Massif: Famous granite towers that attract hikers from around the world.
• Lago Pehoé and Lago Grey: Stunning lakes with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by glaciers and floating icebergs.
• W-Trek: One of the most popular 4-5 day hiking routes, with guided tours starting at $800 per person.

Los Glaciares (Argentina):

• Perito Moreno Glacier: One of the world’s most accessible glaciers, where you can get incredibly close to the ice.
• Fitz Roy Trek: A 3-day hike offering breathtaking views of Patagonia’s majestic peaks.
• Kayaking near glaciers: A popular activity, with prices starting from $150 per person for a two-hour trip.

Prices

Tours:

• Day tours in Torres del Paine or Los Glaciares: $100–$300, depending on the route.
• Multi-day tours (3–5 days): $600–$1,500 per person.
• Glacier tours: from $100 for a half-day excursion.

Accommodation:

• Budget: $20–$50 per night in campsites or hostels.
• Mid-range: $100–$250 per night in guesthouses or mid-range hotels.
• Luxury: from $300 per night in eco-lodges or high-end accommodations.

Transport:

• Flights to Patagonia: $100–$300 one way.
• Bus or transfer to national parks: $30–$50.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Patagonia is from November to March, during the region’s summer, when weather conditions are most favorable for hiking and outdoor activities.

We at The Wandered blog love the topic of such transformative journeys and have explored it to some extent. Here are our stories about interesting destinations:Everest Base Camp, the Camino de Santiago, safari adventures in Kenya and Tanzania, Machu Picchu in Peru, Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands.