Patagonia Travel Tips: Everything First-Timers Need to Know!

Patagonia. One word, and yet, most people imagine a single destination with a few mountains and a glacier. The reality is that Patagonia is massive, wildly diverse, and surprisingly easy to misunderstand if it’s your first visit!

I’ve been fortunate enough to do multiple trips across Argentine Patagonia, from the Andes to the coast, and I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way.

So in this video, I’m sharing my top Patagonia travel tips for first-time visitors. These are the things I wish I knew before my first trip, and these are tips that will save you time, money, and make your trip a lot smoother.

Patagonia Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors:
00:40 - Focus on one region
02:48 - Distances are very long
03:37 - Some destinations are seasonal
04:32 - Weather is varied and extreme
05:14 - The roaring forties are real
06:32 - Pack the right gear
07:09 - Sun protection is crucial
07:39 - Try Patagonian cuisine
09:01 - Don't confuse the two Perito Morenos
10:18 - Venture into the smaller towns
11:23 - Book in advance
12:54 - Have some flexibility
13:32 - Pace yourself
14:31 - The internet is spotty
15:43 - Advice for driving in Patagonia

1. Focus on one region.
Patagonia is huge and spans 2 countries: Argentina and Chile. It is 2,500 km from north to south and
800 km from west to east at its widest point. Go deep in northern Patagonia, southern Patagonia or coastal Patagonia.

2. Distances are long.
Patagonia sounds like a place you can visit in one week. Well, it's not! Be prepared to take flights or do multiple overnight bus journeys. Break up the trip into shorter, more manageable legs.

3. Some destinations are seasonal.
In Patagonia, many hotels, restaurants and tour operators shut down during the winter season. Some places may not shut down completely, but you’ll have a very limited selection.

4. Weather is varied and extreme.
Because Patagonia is a huge land area, the weather is varied. You could be roasting in Bariloche and going for a dip in the lakes, or you could be freezing in Ushuaia as ice pellets hit you in the face.

5. Roaring forties.
These are westerly winds that occur in the Southern Hemisphere, between the 40° and 50° latitudes. You can see vehicles overturned from travelling too fast and too light. You can lean your body into the wind. You can be yelling at someone next to you, and they can’t hear what you’re saying. Not every day is crazy, but the windy days are insane.

6. Wardrobe and gear.
Dress in layers. Quick-drying or moisture-wicking shirts, fleece, and a rain jacket. And opt for waterproof hiking boots.

7. The sun is sneaky down south.
Even when it’s cold and windy, the UV can be intense. Wear sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses and hat. For hikes, sun protection is as important as rain protection.

8. Try Patagonian cuisine.
Argentina is known for its love of BBQ, and in Patagonia it's more about the lamb. Centolla or southern king crab is the thing to try in Tierra del Fuego. And keep an eye out for desserts with calafate berries.

9. Don’t confuse the two Perito Morenos.
One is the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is located in Los Glaciares National Park. The other is Perito Moreno Town, the gateway to Cueva de las Manos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site cave known for its ancient art, including stencilled paintings of human hands.

10. Don’t just stick to the main destinations.
Some of our favourites are off the beaten path: Trevelin, El Bolsón, and Península Valdés.

11. Book the must-dos earlier than you think
Patagonia is popular, and during peak season (Dec–Feb), things sell out. This includes nice hotels, glamping domes, glacier tours, and automatic rental cars.

12. Flexibility in your itinerary.
Have some Wiggle room for bad weather days or if things are sold out. Also, plan indoor windy day activities like museums, cafes, and rest and relaxation if your hotel has a pool or spa.

13. Pace yourself.
Travel in Patagonia means long travel distances. You'll need the first day to get settled, so plan at least 3 nights per destination to reduce burnout.

14. Spotty internet is a reality.
Even in tourist towns, you’ll run into card machines down or only one working. Be patient and willing to try again later. Carry some cash as backup. And download offline maps.

15) Rental car reality
Wind can yank doors out of your hand, so open carefully, and park facing into wind. Many routes include ripio or gravel, so go slower, expect flying stones, and watch out for cattle. Fuel gaps are real, so top up whenever you can. Lastly, check if your rental agency allows you to cross border. Extra paperwork is required in the form of a permit.

#patagonia #patagoniaargentina #patagoniachile

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