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How to Book a Trip to Patagonia

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Patagonia

See the glaciers without draining your bank account by planning your Patagonia trip for the shoulder season.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $4,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $233.33/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $4,200 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 November is all about the dramatic blue of ancient icebergs and windswept trails before the heavy summer crowds arrive. Going in the shoulder season gives you better access to the national parks in Argentina and Chile while the weather starts shifting toward spring.

Big trips like this take some planning, especially when flights and lodges add up fast. Spreading out the cost can make it manageable if you want to lock in bookings early without paying for everything upfront.

That 0% window is a hard deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when the 18 months are up, interest kicks in on the remaining amount at the regular rate.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your dates

    Aim for November to catch the start of the southern hemisphere's hiking season. You get longer daylight hours and fewer tourists than January or February.

  2. 02

    Book flights early

    Fly into Buenos Aires or Santiago first, then connect down to El Calafate or Punta Arenas. Booking months ahead is the only way to avoid ridiculous last-minute prices on the regional legs.

  3. 03

    Secure your basecamps

    Estancias, mountain lodges, and national park campsites fill up fast for the shoulder season. Lock down your accommodation near Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine before your flights are set in stone.

  4. 04

    Spread out the payments

    If you are using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. For a $4200 trip, that breaks down to about $233.33 per month across the 18-month window.

  5. 05

    Gear up for the wind

    Patagonia weather changes in minutes and the wind is no joke. Spend your money on a solid windproof shell and sturdy boots rather than extra fashion layers.

  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

How much does a trip to Patagonia usually cost?

A typical US traveler spends around $4200 for a solid two-week trip covering flights, local transport, lodges, and park fees. Your actual total depends on how many internal flights you take and whether you stay in hotels or campsites.

Why go in November instead of January?

November is the shoulder season in Patagonia, meaning spring is just starting and the trails are far less crowded. January brings peak summer crowds, higher prices, and fierce winds that can make hiking miserable.

Do I need to rent a car?

You do not need a car if you rely on regional buses and organized shuttles between towns and trailheads. Renting a car gives you more flexibility in places like the Carretera Austral, but cross-border rentals between Argentina and Chile add paperwork and fees.

What should I pack for glacier hiking?

Bring layers you can shed as you climb, waterproof pants, and a heavy-duty windproof jacket. Crampons are usually provided by your guide if you are walking directly on the Perito Moreno glacier.