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How to Book a Hiking Trip to Patagonia

How to · Travel

How to Book a Hiking Trip to Patagonia

Plan a shoulder-season trek through Patagonia without paying for it all upfront.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $3,500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $194.44/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $3,500 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Patagonia is massive, windy, and entirely worth the long flights. If you head down in November or March, you catch the shoulder season. The weather is still decent for hiking trails like the W Trek, but you will not have to fight crowds of tourists for a spot in the refugios.

A trip like this usually runs about $3500 once you factor in flights, park passes, and gear. Instead of draining your savings all at once, we can break that cost down into monthly payments over a year and a half.

Just remember that 18 months is a hard deadline, not free money. If you have any balance left over when the interest-free period ends, the regular interest rate kicks in on the remaining amount, which makes the rest of your trip much more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your shoulder-season window

    Target November or March for your trip. These months offer the best balance of manageable weather and thinner crowds on the trails. You will also have an easier time booking campsites and lodging.

  2. 02

    Lock in your flights and park passes

    Book your flights to Santiago or Buenos Aires, then catch a domestic connection down to the trailheads. You also need to reserve your trail permits and campsite spots months in advance as they sell out quickly.

  3. 03

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card

    Put your travel purchases on a card that offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This keeps interest from piling up while you secure your bookings.

  4. 04

    Set up a steady repayment plan

    Divide the $3500 total cost by your 18-month window. That comes out to exactly $194.44 per month. Set up autopay for this amount immediately so you stay on track.

  5. 05

    Gear up for extreme weather

    Patagonia weather changes in minutes. You need high-quality windproof layers, broken-in hiking boots, and a solid pack. Buy these items early so you can test them out before you go.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

When is the best time to hike Patagonia?

November and March are the ideal months. You get good hiking weather and avoid the massive crowds that arrive during the peak summer season.

Do I need to book campsites in advance?

Yes, you must book them months ahead. Popular routes like the W Trek have strict capacity limits and park rangers check your reservations.

How much does a typical Patagonia trip cost?

A standard trip from the US runs about $3500. This covers international and domestic flights, park entry, basic lodging, and food.

What happens if I do not pay off the balance in 18 months?

You will start paying the standard interest rate on whatever balance is left. Make sure to pay the full amount before the promotional window closes.