Getting To Patagonia

Flying To Patagonia

The main gateways are Punta Arenas (PUQ) in Chile for Torres del Paine, and El Calafate (FTE) in Argentina for Perito Moreno Glacier. Both airports receive flights from Santiago (Chile) and Buenos Aires (Argentina) respectively. The Southern Patagonia trip typically requires at least one stopover in Santiago or Buenos Aires.

• Santiago → Punta Arenas: 4h direct (LATAM)
• Buenos Aires → El Calafate: 3h15m direct (Aerolíneas Argentinas)
• El Calafate has a surprisingly modern airport with good connections in peak season

Getting Around Patagonia

Overland connections in Patagonia are long but well-operated. The Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine national park entrance is 112km (2.5h by bus). Argentine–Chilean border crossings at Cerro Castillo and other passes are straightforward for most passport holders — confirm current requirements as they change seasonally.

• Bus Natales → Torres del Paine: 2.5h, runs daily at 7am (book the night before)
• Taxi from Natales to park entrance: ~$60–80 shared, ~$120 private
• El Calafate → Perito Moreno: 80km, regular bus services

Visas for Chile & Argentina

Most Western passport holders enter both Chile and Argentina visa-free for 90 days. The border crossing between Puerto Natales and El Calafate is well-organised and straightforward for most nationalities, though queues can be long in peak season.

• EU, USA, UK, Australia: visa-free 90 days both countries
• Stamp out of Chile, drive to Argentine post, stamp in (30–60 min total)
• No fresh food, meat, or dairy products may cross the border — they will be confiscated