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How to Book a Trip to Patagonia

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Patagonia

Plan a winter booking for Patagonia and split the $3,500 cost over 18 months without paying interest.

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 in the southern winter is quiet, cold, and incredibly sharp. You get the jagged peaks of Fitz Roy and the blue ice of the glaciers without the summer crowds, though you will need heavy layers and a flexible schedule for the wild weather. It is a bucket-list trip that usually costs about $3,500 once you factor in the long flights to Buenos Aires, the connection down south, and park fees.

Most of us do not have that kind of cash sitting around, but you do not have to wait years to save it up. We can use a specific 0% interest window to book everything now during the booking season and pay it off slowly while we plan the actual hiking routes.

Remember, the 0% interest window is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance on your Citi Simplicity® Credit Card after the 18-month window ends, the regular variable APR will kick in on whatever is left. Make sure you hit that $194.44 monthly target to clear the debt on time.

The steps

  1. 01

    Track flight prices in winter

    Start watching flights from the US to Buenos Aires during the southern winter. Airlines often drop prices during this off-season. You will need a second flight down to El Calafate or Ushuaia, so budget for both legs early.

  2. 02

    Secure the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card

    To spread out the cost of the trip, we can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This gives you a long runway to pay off the adventure before any interest kicks in.

  3. 03

    Break down the monthly payments

    If your total trip cost comes out to $3,500, you need to pay exactly $194.44 per month to clear the balance within the 18-month window. Set up autopay immediately so you do not have to think about it. Missing a payment can derail the strategy.

  4. 04

    Lock in heated lodging

    Patagonia gets freezing during the shoulder seasons. Skip the tents and book warm lodges or apartments in El Chaltén or Puerto Natales early. Many local spots close for winter, so your options are limited but highly cozy.

  5. 05

    Buy windproof gear early

    The wind in southern Argentina is famous for knocking hikers over. Invest in a serious windproof shell, thermal base layers, and sturdy boots. Buy these during seasonal sales to keep your total gear budget under control.

  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 book flights to Patagonia?

Book during the southern winter for travel in the shoulder seasons. This is when prices dip and you can secure the best routes into southern Argentina.

Do I need a visa to travel to Argentina?

US citizens do not currently need a visa for tourist stays under 90 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

How do I handle money while in Argentina?

Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for major purchases, but carry some cash. Argentina's cash economy can fluctuate, and small mountain towns often have offline card readers.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment on the card?

You might lose your promotional rate, and you will get hit with a late fee. Always set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount, though you should aim for the $194.44 to clear the debt on time.