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How to Book a Trip to Patagonia

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Patagonia

Plan a southern summer trek through Patagonia without paying interest upfront. Here is the math and the timeline to make it happen.

Typical cost $5,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $346.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $5,200 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Patagonia is a wild mix of jagged granite peaks, massive blue glaciers, and wind that can knock you over. To see it at its best, you want to go between November and March, during the southern hemisphere's summer when the hiking trails are open and the sun stays up late. It is a bucket-list trip, but getting to the bottom of South America is not cheap.

A typical trip usually runs about $5,200 once you factor in flights, park passes, and lodging. Instead of draining your savings all at once, we can break that cost down into manageable monthly chunks. By using the right card strategy, we can pay for the journey over more than a year without extra fees.

Keep in mind that the 15-month window is a strict deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when the 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers ends, the remaining amount will start racking up interest at the regular variable APR. Make sure you set up autopay to clear the debt before that clock runs out.

The steps

  1. 01

    Lock in your dates

    Aim for the window between November and March. Flights to Santiago or Buenos Aires fill up fast for the summer season, so start tracking prices at least six months out. You will also need to book connecting flights to regional hubs like Punta Arenas or El Calafate.

  2. 02

    Secure your park permits

    If you want to hike the famous W Trek in Torres del Paine, you cannot just show up. The campsites and refugios sell out months in advance. Map out your route and book your park spots before you buy anything else.

  3. 03

    Spread the cost safely

    Put your big bookings on the Discover it® Cash Back. The card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. This means you can split the $5,200 trip cost into 15 monthly payments of $346.67, letting you pay off the adventure slowly without paying interest.

  4. 04

    Gear up for the wind

    Patagonia weather is famous for changing its mind every ten minutes. You will need high-quality waterproof layers, broken-in hiking boots, and a sturdy pack. Buy these items early so you can test them on local trails before you go.

  5. 05

    Keep cash on hand

    While major hotels take cards, smaller towns and park kiosks often only deal in local pesos. Carry some physical cash for tips, bus fares, and snacks along the road. Let your bank know you are traveling so they do not freeze your cards.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

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

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

When is the absolute best time to go to Patagonia?

Go between November and March. This is the southern summer, offering the warmest weather and the longest daylight hours for hiking.

Do I need a visa to visit Patagonia from the US?

US citizens do not need a visa for short tourist stays in Argentina or Chile. However, you must ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.

How hard is the hiking in Patagonia?

It ranges from easy day walks to grueling multi-day treks. You can customize your trip to your fitness level, but good boots and windproof gear are mandatory for everyone.

Can I use credit cards everywhere there?

Cards are widely accepted in larger towns like Puerto Natales and El Calafate. Once you get deep into the national parks or smaller villages, you will need local cash for small purchases.