Patagonia stands out as one of the world’s most remarkable destinations for several reasons. Its remote location, devoid of major cities nearby, adds an element of exclusivity, as visitors often arrive by bus, contributing to serene mornings and evenings unlike any other national park. However, the true highlight of Patagonia lies in its unparalleled landscape. As a seasoned photographer, I can attest that no other place rivals the breathtaking beauty found here. For the ultimate Patagonia adventure, delve into the following itinerary.

Where is Patagonia and how do I get there?

Patagonia, spanning across southern Chile and Argentina, offers numerous highway border crossings facilitating travel between the two countries. For air travel, Patagonia features two primary airports: Presidente Carlos Ibáñez International Airport (PUQ) in Punta Arenas, Chile, and El Calafate International Airport (FTE) in Argentina. If arriving from another country, you’ll likely fly into Santiago before heading to Punta Arenas or Buenos Aires before reaching El Chalten. For the Buenos Aires route, a taxi transfer from Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP) may be necessary before catching the final flight to Punta Arenas.

Getting around Patagonia

For those seeking a tailored photography experience, I offer an extraordinary 12-day photography workshop across Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. This workshop caters to photographers eager to capture stunning locations at optimal times, ensuring a unhurried and immersive experience.

Alternatively, renting a car or campervan is a convenient way to navigate Patagonia’s expansive landscapes. Given its sparse population, driving in the region is relatively straightforward. If your accommodations are in hotels, a car would suffice. However, for camping expeditions, a camper van may be more suitable, especially considering the unpredictable weather. It’s worth noting that renting a car or camper van may require returning to the same country for flight departures, resulting in some retracing of routes.

Torres Del Paine

There’s a wealth of sights and photo opportunities awaiting in the southern reaches of Patagonia, which will be the focal point of this itinerary. Whether you start your journey in Punta Arenas or El Calafate, I recommend flying into one country and departing from the other for efficiency. For the purposes of this guide, we’ll begin in Chile and conclude in Argentina.

Torres Del Paine National Park is approximately a four-hour drive from Punta Arenas. En route to Torres Del Paine, a stop in Puerto Natales for lunch is a must. Situated just over an hour from Torres Del Paine, Puerto Natales offers picturesque views across Golfo Almirante Montt.

After a satisfying meal and taking in the scenic vistas of Puerto Natales, continue your journey to the iconic Torres Del Paine National Park. Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, Torres Del Paine boasts the rugged peaks of the Paine Massif and the mesmerizing blue waters of Lake Pehoe. While the park is a popular destination for hikers and backpackers, you don’t need to embark on a trek to appreciate its stunning scenery. Numerous roadside viewpoints offer spectacular vistas, making it easy to spend 3 or 4 days exploring Torres Del Paine.

El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park

Once you’ve soaked in the wonders of Torres Del Paine, it’s time to journey across the border into Argentina. El Calafate awaits, a charming town approximately three hours away from Torres Del Paine. However, be prepared for potential delays at the border crossing, which could add an hour or more to your travel time.

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Patagonia, El Calafate boasts a delightful array of small shops, bars, and restaurants, providing the perfect respite after your three to five-hour drive.

A visit to El Calafate wouldn’t be complete without exploring Los Glaciares National Park. Just a 45-minute drive or bus ride from town, the park is home to one of the few glaciers in the world that isn’t receding. Witness the majestic spectacle of the glacier, which moves at a rate of 2 meters per day, often resulting in dramatic calving events into the bay.

El Chalten

After a night or two in El Calafate, the next destination on your Patagonian adventure should be El Chalten. This small town, beloved by backpackers, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Most of El Chalten can be explored on foot, as it spans just a few miles. As you approach, breathtaking views of Mount Fitz Roy greet you, setting the scene for the natural wonders that await.

Once in town, you’ll have access to world-class hiking trails, offering a variety of lakes and scenic vistas for avid hikers to explore. After a day of adventure, numerous restaurants and bars provide the perfect setting to unwind and reflect on your experiences. With its captivating landscapes and plethora of hiking opportunities, it’s easy to see why many visitors choose to spend three nights or more in El Chalten.

As your time in El Chalten draws to a close, I recommend driving back to El Calafate for one final night of relaxation and reflection before bidding farewell to this remarkable region and heading home.

Additional Tips About Patagonia

Here are some important tips to keep in mind for your Patagonia adventure:

– Bring trail bars if you enjoy snacking while hiking. These can be hard to find in Patagonia, and the available options may not be to your liking. Alternatively, empanadas make for excellent hiking snacks and are readily available throughout the region.

– Be aware that you cannot transport fresh food across the border, including items like honey. Chilean border regulations tend to be stricter in this regard compared to Argentina.

– While there are ATMs in all towns across Patagonia, they can run out of money, especially on weekends. It’s wise to carry enough cash in both currencies to cover your expenses for a day or two in case of any issues with credit card payments.

– Some gas stations only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to have some on hand if you’re driving.

– Patagonia is known for its strong winds, which can sometimes be extreme and even unsafe. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and avoid venturing out in severe conditions for your safety.

Are you ready?

Patagonia is undeniably one of the planet’s most stunning destinations. For avid hikers and photographers alike, it’s a must-visit locale that promises unparalleled natural beauty. Having explored numerous corners of the globe, I can attest that Patagonia stands out as one of the most captivating places I’ve ever experienced. If you’re keen to explore its photographic wonders, I cordially invite you to join me on a twelve-day photography workshop spanning Chile and Argentina.

During our workshop, we’ll embark on glacier tours by foot and boat, capturing the ethereal beauty of blue lagoons and immortalizing the iconic peaks of Patagonia’s mountains from various vantage points. Our journey will be complemented by accommodations in some of the region’s finest lodges, including Hosteria Pehoe, renowned for its breathtaking views of Torres Del Paine directly from the lodge itself.

Read more about Mike Wardynski.