Tips when planning a trip to Patagonia

Tip #1 - Patagonia is in two countries

Get ready for a wild ride in Patagonia, where crossing the border between Chile and Argentina can be an adventure in itself! Park, disembark, and brace for paperwork galore. Long lines may test your patience, but it's all part of the fun. Just remember Chile's strict regulations—leave the llamas, animal products, plants, fruits, and wads of cash at home! Rental cars require special permit to cross the border. In case it is hard to find a rental car with a permit, public transport or organized tours like South Road are good alternatives. And don't forget your camera to capture the beauty from both sides. But hey, not all is lost! In the midst of all these border shenanigans, you get the opportunity to capture two incredible perspectives. The photo above, taken from the Argentinian side, captures the essence of their charm, while the photo below, from the Chilean side, showcases their own unique flair. Enjoy the ride and embrace the border-hopping madness in Patagonia!

Tip #2 - Distances between places are far

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure in Argentina and Chile! Brace yourself for jaw-dropping distances. We're talking thousands of kilometers between vibrant cities and stunning National Parks. It's like embarking on an epic road trip of grand proportions!

But hey, don't let those long distances intimidate you. Embrace the journey with a sense of excitement and wonder. Imagine the incredible landscapes you'll encounter and the hidden gems waiting to be discovered along the way. If time is short but your wanderlust is strong, fear not! There are gateway cities like El Calafate, Bariloche, Ushuaia, or Punta Arenas beckoning you to begin your adventure in Argentina and Chile. Fly between these gateway cities instead of driving, the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the mesmerizing wonders of Patagonia.

Oh, and let's not forget about the weather! Hold on to your hat, it is gusty there. Even in the summertime, it likes to keep you on your toes. So, pack your sense of adventure in layers if you plan to hike, buckle up for the ride, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. With each kilometer, you'll uncover the true spirit of exploration and experience the wonders of Argentina and Chile in all their glory. Enjoy the journey, intrepid traveler!

Tip #3 - Driving can be tricky

Get ready for a thrilling adventure on the highways of Patagonia, where driving can be as unpredictable as a plot twist in a movie! Imagine cruising along Route 3 in Tierra del Fuego, enjoying the smooth pavement under your wheels, when suddenly, those tiny yield signs appear, challenging the established order of the road.

In Patagonia, even the most seemingly straightforward highways can have a mischievous side. They love to surprise you with a whimsical mix of paved and gravel surfaces. It's like a rollercoaster ride where the road itself becomes a character, keeping you on your toes and adding an extra dash of excitement to your journey.

So, be prepared for the unexpected, my adventurous friend. Embrace the jolts, the vibrations, and the occasional cloud of dust that may grace your windshield. And don't forget those cunning yield signs! They hold the power to turn the right of way on its head, leaving you pondering the rules of the road.

Service stations that supply fuel are few and far between, at least one in each major city. Long lines are more the norm and fuel is dispensed by an attendant. Fuel is relatively inexpensive. It's a good idea to fill up at the first available opportunity if the tank is less than half.

Tip #4 - Currency conversion in Argentina is strange

Welcome to the whimsical world of currency conversion in Argentina! Get ready for a delightful game of rate roulette with not one, not two, but three different conversion rates.

First, there's the official rate, the lowest of the low. Then, we have credit card rates, a step up but still not ideal. And finally, there's the street vendors with their magical "Cambio" calls, offering the highest and best rates.

Avoid ATMs if you can—they give bad rates and charge hefty fees. Stick to your trusty VISA card, which works everywhere. MasterCard and AMEX may give you trouble. And if you're feeling adventurous, bring cash to score the coveted Blue rates.

So, embrace the currency adventure in Argentina, where rates have their own twists. Happy spending and may the conversion odds be in your favor!

Tip #5 - Try the Lamb Asado in Patagonia

Prepare your taste buds for a lip-smacking adventure in Patagonia, where the Lamb Asado reigns supreme! This local delicacy is like a carnivorous symphony for your senses, with juicy, tender lamb that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Picture this: you find yourself in the charming cities of Ushuaia or El Calafate, and all around you, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling lamb fills the air. It's like a carnivorous treasure hunt—easy to find and impossible to resist.

It is a local grilled lamb and it is very juicy and tasty. Easy to find in cities like Ushuaia and El Calafate. Sink your teeth into succulent cuts of lamb, perfectly grilled to mouthwatering perfection. Each bite is a flavor explosion that will leave you wondering why you haven't been devouring this culinary masterpiece your entire life.

But beware, my friend, for the Lamb Asado has a magical power—it's so delicious that you may find yourself uncontrollably reaching for seconds, thirds, and possibly even fourths. It's the kind of dish that turns your stomach into a bottomless pit of carnivorous cravings.

Hold on to your taste buds, because Patagonia is about to take your culinary journey to a whole new level! While the Lamb Asado reigns supreme, there are other delectable delights waiting to be discovered.

Next up, prepare yourself for a rendezvous with the delectable King Crab, also known as Centolla. This majestic crustacean is the king of the Patagonian waters, offering succulent, sweet meat that will make you feel like royalty with every heavenly bite.

And let's not forget about the humble but mighty Empanadas. These savory pastries are a staple in Patagonian cuisine, filled with a savory concoction of meat, cheese, and spices. They're the perfect handheld delight for a quick and satisfying snack or as an appetizer on your Patagonian adventures.

So, my fellow food enthusiasts, let your taste buds embark on a mouthwatering journey through Patagonia. From the Lamb Asado to Magellan Ceviche, King Crab, Curanto, and Empanadas, there's a world of flavors waiting to be explored. Buen apetito

Tip #6 - Tours are less expensive locally

Psst! Let me share a little secret with you about touring in Patagonia—it's like a wild rollercoaster ride for your wallet! Hold on tight as we navigate the thrilling twists and turns of local tour prices.

Here's the deal: when it comes to booking tours, there's a significant cost difference between doing it online before you arrive or taking the plunge and purchasing locally. It's like playing a game of tour price roulette, where the numbers can either be in your favor or leave your wallet feeling a little deflated.

Take, for example, that day excursion from El Calafate to Torres del Paine National Park. Online prices were shouting a hefty $200, but guess what? The local South Road tour company swooped in like a superhero, offering the same adventure for a jaw-dropping $70! Talk about a budget-friendly win... with a small side of reservation risk. Will Lady Luck grant you a last-minute reservation, or will you be left longing for a spot on that epic journey? The suspense is real!

And hold onto your captain's hat, because we're about to set sail for Antarctica. Picture this: you're in Ushuaia, dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime cruise to the icy wonders of the South Pole. Locally, the price tag starts at a cool $4000. But wait, when you check the same cruise from the comfort of your home in the US, the quote is more than double that amount! It's like Antarctica decided to play a little game of hide-and-seek with your wallet.

So, my adventurous friend, be prepared for the wild ride of tour prices in Patagonia. Will you take the online gamble for convenience and guaranteed reservations or embrace the local risk for potential savings? The choice is yours, and the outcome is part of the thrilling adventure. Just remember to hold onto your hat, and maybe your wallet too! Happy touring, and may the price odds be ever in your favor!

See a related post on How to Plan a trip to Patagonia here