How to Get to Patagonia: A Complete Traveler’s Guide 2025
Patagonia is a vast expansive region of rugged wilderness in South America. There’s so much to explore that it can be challenging figuring out how to get to Patagonia. While much of the region is untouched, there’s plenty of options for flights and buses to take you anywhere you want to go.
And if there are no buses, hitchhiking is an acceptable mode of transportation. It will likely provide you with a more authentic travel experience and a chance to meet some locals. 🙂
Table of Contents
- Where is Patagonia?
- How to Get to Patagonia Chile
- How to Get to Patagonia Argentina
- Border Crossings
- When to go to Patagonia
- General Tips
- Do Americans Need a Visa to Visit Patagonia?
- Additional Argentina Resources
Where is Patagonia?
Chile and Argentina.
Patagonia is a region that comprises the southern half of South America, encompassing parts of both Argentina and Chile. The region extends southward from the Colorado River in Argentina to the southern tip of the continent.
In Chile, the region covers parts of the Aysén and Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena regions. Key areas in Argentine Patagonia include the provinces of Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, Santa Cruz, and Tierra del Fuego.
Patagonia is known for its vast and diverse landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, lakes, and grasslands. Some of the iconic destinations within Patagonia include Torres del Paine National Park and Tierra del Fuego in Chile, as well as the Argentine regions around El Calafate, El Chaltén, and the Andes mountain range. The region is known for its pristine natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor adventure opportunities.
How to Get to Patagonia Chile
Getting to Patagonia in Chile involves several transportation options depending on your starting point and the specific destination within the region. Check out my guide for a detailed list of places to visit in Chile.
Flying to Patagonia in Chile
If you’re traveling internationally, you will likely fly into the Santiago International Airport (SCL). From there, you can take a domestic flight to several cities in Patagonia, including Punta Arenas, Puerto Montt, or Balmaceda.
Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ)
Punta Arenas is the hub for visitors to reach Torres del Paine National Park. To reach this city, it is a 3.5 hour flight from Santiago. However, the town still is a 3 hour drive from Puerto Natales (Torres del Paine), which requires a bus or car to traverse. Puntas Arenas is a popular tourist stop for people planning to visit Antarctica or catch a connecting cruise to Ushuaia.
Puerto Montt (PMC)
Located almost directly across the border (and mountain range) from Bariloche in Argentina, Puerto Montt is considered the northern entry into Chilean Patagonia. This city is a hub and is easily connected by road to most of Patagonia. Nearby attractions include Mount Osorno, Parque Nacional Alerce Andino, Puerto Varas, and Chiloe Island.
Puerto Natales Airport (PNT)
Puerto Natales is the nearest town to Torres del Paine National Park. While there is an airport, flights are limited in the week and dependent on the season. Overall Punta Arenas (PUQ) has a more consistent schedule so most visitors opt to fly into PUQ. However, there are occasional flights from PNT to El Calafate in Patagonia Argentina, but this journey is most commonly done by road.
The bus terminal in Puerto Natales has departures for Torres del Paine National Park and Punta Arenas three hours south, and a handful of daily departures crossing the border to El Calafate in Argentina.
Balmaceda Airport (BBA)
Balmaceda Airport is a 2 hour flight from Santiago. Situated an hour’s drive from Coyhaique, this is the gateway to the Aysen region. While Balmaceda is a small town, the airport is perfect for connecting this wild region with Coyhaique. Coyhaique is often frequented by visitors wanting to explore the nearby Marble Caves.
Ground Transportation in Patagonia, Chile
Puerto Montt is the start of Chilean Patagonia, making this a travel hub for flights, buses, and ferries. However, the city is very industrial, and not exactly a dreamy getaway. The nearby city of Puerto Varas is much more charming and where I’d recommend you stay if you want to explore the area for a few days.
By Bus
Chile has an extensive long-distance bus network. You can take a bus from Santiago to various Patagonian cities, such as Puerto Montt or Punta Arenas. This option is more time-consuming but is usually cheaper than flying (side note: South American airlines seem to be more scammy than other airlines).
There are several reputable bus companies operating in the region, with terminals at all of the larger (and often smaller) cities. The most popular companies are Tur Bus and Tas Choapa, although there are also smaller companies that take people to regional attractions. I found that I was able to buy tickets a day or so in advance and had no issues. However, during the peak tourist season, I’d suggest checking with the companies directly at the terminals. What I did was roll up to a bus terminal and find out which bus was going where I wanted, and just went with that company. No need to overcomplicate it.
By Car
Renting a Car: If you prefer flexibility and have time, you can rent a car and drive to Patagonia from Santiago. The journey will take several days, but you’ll pass through incredible landscapes. Alternatively, you can fly into any of the other regional airports and rent a car from there, cutting your drive time significantly.
Northern Chilean Patagonia and the Carretera Austral – this stretch of scenic highway extensively explores the northern area, passing through the following towns:
- Chaitén
- Puerto Aysén
- Coyhaique
- Chile Chico
- Cochrane
Southern Chilean Patagonia and Highway 9 – the Southern region of Chilean Patagonia includes some of Patagonia’s most famous natural wonders. This is right near the border, so if you’re planning on crossing into Argentina, this is the place. The major destinations here include:
- Torres del Paine
- Puerto Natales
- Punta Arenas
- Tierra del Fuego
By Ferry
If you’re traveling between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales, you can take the ferry. This scenic ferry route offers breathtaking views of the Chilean fjords. Reputable ferry companies include Naviera Austral and Navimag.
How to Get to Patagonia Argentina
Flying to Patagonia in Argentina
If you’re traveling internationally, you will likely fly into Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE). There are numerous domestic airports spread throughout Argentine Patagonia, ranging from major travel hubs to smaller, local airports that only have a certain number of flights per week. In this guide I will focus on the larger travel hubs that fly from Buenos Aires.
San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC)
Bariloche is a 2 hour flight from Buenos Aires with regular daily flights. This city is considered the northern gateway to Patagonia, and there’s a plethora of activities to do, from hiking to rock climbing. Situated in the Andes mountain range amidst dozens of lakes, the scenery is stunning regardless of the season you visit. For more information, check out the best things to do in Bariloche.
El Calafate Airport (FTE)
El Calafate is the gateway into Los Glaciares National Park, featuring the iconic Perito Moreno glacier.
Ushuaia Airport (USH)
If you are going to Antarctica, Ushuaia is the gateway. This is the southernmost city in the entire world. If you want to explore Patagonia’s southernmost region such as Tierra del Fuego, you will start at Ushuaia.
Trelew Airport (REL)
In northeastern Patagonia on the Atlantic coast, Trelew is the base for visiting popular places like Puerto Madryn and the Valdes Peninsula. Explore its historical sites, unique architecture, and a museum dedicated to the dinosaurs that once inhabited the region. For more activities to do in the region, check out the best places to visit in Argentina.
Ground Transportation in Patagonia, Argentina
San Carlos de Bariloche is the first major town in Argentine Patagonia. If you fly into Bariloche from Buenos Aires, you can use Bariloche as a hub to explore the area or head further south along the Ruta 40.
By Bus
There are several bus companies operating in the region, Bus Bud and Bus Sur are common and reputable companies. I took several buses all around both Chile and Argentina. While they are long, I found them to be MUCH more enjoyable and affordable than flying. For starters, the seats are larger and more comfortable than airline seats. Secondly, they don’t charge outrageous baggage fees. Third, there is a toilet on the bus, making the long drive feasible. Last but not least, I like being able to look out the window at the landscapes- something you don’t get to experience from the air.
Long distance buses seem to be common in Chile and Argentina, and each city seems to have their own bus terminal, even smaller cities/ towns.
By Car
Of course, rental cars are available if you want the flexibility of having your own ride. Additionally, I hitchhiked through parts of Patagonia and didn’t get murdered a single time.
Northern to Southern Patagonia via Ruta 40 – an expansive and mostly uninhabited incredibly long stretch of highway, passing through the following towns and attractions:
- Bariloche
- Perito Moreno
- El Calafate
- El Chalten
- Los Alerces National Park
- Los Antiguos
The Ruta 3 actually goes from all the way from Buenos Aires to the southern tip of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. If you fly into Trelew Airport (REL) and drive South, you will pass through the following:
- Puerto Madryn
- Península Valdés
- Punta Tombo
- Ushuaia
Border Crossings
If you’re exploring both sides of Patagonia, you can cross the border into Chile/Argentina. Before doing a border crossing, make sure you know what to expect (do you have to take a boat or ferry?) and that the border is open.
Paso Internacional Hua Hum: Connects San Martín de los Andes in Argentina with Panguipulli in Chile. This crossing includes a lake crossing by boat.
Paso Internacional Cardenal Samoré: Connects Villa La Angostura in Argentina (Bariloche) with Osorno in Chile. This is a major crossing in the Andes with scenic views.
Paso Futaleufú: Connects Esquel in Argentina with Futaleufú in Chile. This is known for its stunning landscapes, especially around the Futaleufú River.
Paso Integración Austral: Connects Río Gallegos in Argentina with Punta Delgada in Chile. Located in the southern part of Patagonia, near the Strait of Magellan.
Paso San Sebastián: Connects Río Grande in Argentina with Porvenir in Chile. Located in Tierra del Fuego, this crossing involves ferry travel.
Paso Pehuenche: Connects Malargüe in Argentina with Talca in Chile. A less-traveled crossing in the central Andes.
Paso Integración Austral (Cochrane-Santa Cruz): Connects Cochrane in Chile with Santa Cruz in Argentina. Links the southern regions of Aysén and Santa Cruz.
Paso Dorotea: Connects Puerto Natales in Chile with Río Turbio in Argentina. Involves a border crossing near Torres del Paine National Park.
Paso Río Don Guillermo: Connects Chile Chico in Chile with Los Antiguos in Argentina. Connects the southern part of Chile’s Aysén Region with Argentina’s Santa Cruz Province.
When to go to Patagonia
Winter Wonderland: June to September
Patagonia’s winter season is a snow-covered paradise, attracting snow sports enthusiasts from around the world. However, a lot of places and attractions are closed during the winter because of safety and inaccessibility. If you want to explore Patagonia during the winter, whether you’re a novice or an expert, there are guides for every kind of activity. From trekking to climbing, they will help you experience the great Patagonian outdoors safely.
Spring: October to November
As spring unfolds, the snow begins to melt and flowers begin to bloom. A lot of trails are still inaccessible because of snow and the temperatures still feel like freezing. But there are some beautiful sunny days and places to visit.
Summer: December to February
The summer in Patagonia is not a typical summer with warm sunshine and Piña coladas. While the snow melts at the lower elevations and new plants grow and bloom from the thawing soil, there is still the possibility of snowfall. Worse though, is the fierce wind that makes even the sunniest days feel cold. Summer is short and mild, so bringing layers is essential.
Autumn Wonderland: March to May
As autumn sets in, Patagonia transforms into an actual jaw-dropping wonderland. In certain parts of Patagonia, the Lenga trees blanket the mountain sides in a rich red hue. The other trees turn into a sea of gold and orange, and mushrooms sprout up through the soil. I mean it when I say I have never experienced an autumn like I did in Bariloche. There is also the added bonus of there being fewer people on the trails, allowing you to enjoy the fall colors in solitude.
General Tips
Pack for cold and rainy weather. Even if you’re visiting during the summer, the weather is often unpredictable. Plus, the insane wind makes it feel much colder than it is. Bring layers and waterproof gear.
Argentina uses the Blue Dollar, which basically means that the official conversion from pesos to dollars is really bad. In order to get the best conversion, use Western Union to pull cash out. Pay for everything in cash otherwise you’ll end up paying double. Make sure to have a couple hundred dollars cash when traveling around, as most places, especially small restaurants only accept cash.
Opt for buses over flights: I found them to be both cheaper and more comfortable. And the landscapes are so stunning that it would be a shame to fly over them and miss them entirely.
Do Americans Need a Visa to Visit Patagonia?
No – Americans do not need to do anything special prior to boarding their flight to Chile or Argentina. For both countries, American tourists are issued a 90 day tourist visa on arrival.
