13 days in Patagonia

Patagonia is vast and consists of several regions and parks between 2 and 5 hours apart. So our team's favorite way of getting around is renting a car. It provides full schedule independence and is slightly more expensive than busses if you have two or more people in your group. If you are exploring both the Argentinian and Chilean sides, you will have to cross the border when driving from El Calafate to Torres Del Paine National Park. Most rental car companies permit cross-border travel. TIP: Since many roads in Patagonia are unpaved and are often accompanied by strong winds, we recommend an SUV for a more comfortable ride. We rented a tiny VW Gol, and it did great, but the ride to Torres del Paine was a bit bumpy, so we'd opt for an SUV next time. If you don't drive or renting a car is not an option, we recommend setting a base in El Calafate and taking busses or tour transfers to other regions. This is quite a viable option since you'll likely spend a few days hiking in El Chalten and another few days doing the W-trek in Torres del Paine.

Visa

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

COVID

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

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.