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Since many roads in Patagonia are unpaved and are often accompanied by strong winds, we recommend an SUV for a more comfortable ride. A regular compact car will do too.

Visa

U.S. citizens may enter Argentina and Chile for up to 90 days without a visa. Valid passport required. More information

COVID

Chile and Argentina have lifted all restrictions. Vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test result on arrival are no longer required. More information

The official language in both Argentine and Chilean Patagonia is Spanish, and outside of the major tourist spots, English is less commonly spoken. However, in well-known areas like El Calafate, Torres del Paine, Bariloche, and Ushuaia, many tour operators, hotels, and restaurants will have English-speaking staff and menus or signs in English. Major bus routes and airports in Patagonia are used to foreign tourists, but it’s a good idea to know a bit of Spanish to help with local buses, especially if you’re traveling between smaller towns. While you can get by in the main tourist centers with little Spanish, having a basic understanding of Spanish phrases (e.g., for transportation, food, or directions) will be very helpful, especially in more remote parts of Patagonia.