Patagonia Paradise: How I Turned My Dream South American Adventure into Reality During the Omicron Era

I've always lived in the Northern Hemisphere — and that's where I call home.

Every time I venture south of the equator, it feels like stepping into an entirely different world. The Southern Hemisphere is more remote, with less land, more water, and fewer people. Plus, there are fewer flights to this region.

As a child — and even now — I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of a place where the seasons run opposite to my own.

With this in mind, I was thrilled to finally fulfill my long-held dream of exploring the breathtaking landscapes of South America, especially the Chilean fjords of Patagonia, for the very first time.

Nearly two years ago, I wrote about this dream to visit, and now here I am, turning that vision into reality. Let’s dive into how I made it happen — and how you can too.

Why Patagonia?

Before anything else, I want to acknowledge that traveling during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, especially with the omicron variant still in play, carries inherent risks.

That said, Chile stands out as one of the most highly vaccinated nations globally, with over 90% of its population fully vaccinated as of January. The country has also implemented stringent entry requirements, including various steps to minimize the spread of COVID-19, though they can be a bit tedious.

Patagonia is one of Chile’s most treasured gems, nestled in a country blessed with a remarkable range of natural wonders, from the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the towering glaciers that lead to Antarctica in the south.

The iconic outdoor brand of the same name has only heightened its reputation, but Patagonia has long been a must-visit for adventurers and anyone looking to experience the grandeur of nature.

And yes, it truly lives up to its majestic reputation.

Now I completely understand why every traveler who visits Patagonia can't help but sing its praises.

The region is defined by some of the planet's most significant geographical and geological features, including the towering Andes, the fault lines running beneath them, and the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at Cape Horn.

Moreover, Patagonia spans an immense area—over 400,000 square miles—making it roughly twice the size of Italy. Within this vast expanse, you'll find an array of awe-inspiring landscapes, from sprawling glaciers and ice fields to majestic mountains, volcanoes, and pristine lakes.

It's safe to say, it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring.

With fewer than five full days to explore, I knew I had to carefully select what I could see and experience during my trip.

In the end, I chose Puerto Natales as my base for the duration of my trip. With direct flights from Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) and convenient access to top attractions like the renowned Torres del Paine National Park and the stunning Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, Puerto Natales turned out to be the perfect choice.

How I made my way there

Getting to Puerto Natales from Santiago can be quite a challenge, but it's doable thanks to Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT).

There are small airports, and then there's Puerto Natales' very own.

This one-gate terminal began offering domestic flights in 2016 and is only operational during the summer months. To give you an idea of how limited the flights are, the three-hour trip to Santiago doesn't even run every day.

But don’t worry—if you're flying into the area and need more choices, there's another option. Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ) is about 140 miles southeast of Puerto Natales, located in Punta Arenas.

I flew directly to Puerto Natales on LATAM, but my departure was from Punta Arenas with JetSmart, Chile's budget airline. Getting to Punta Arenas' airport was easy—just a three-hour bus ride with Bus-Sur or Buses Fernandez, which run routes between Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas several times a day. The trip was comfortable, and tickets were reasonably priced at $10 one-way.

Hiking Torres del Paine National Park

As soon as I arrived in Puerto Natales, I wasted no time and headed straight for my hiking journey in Torres del Paine National Park.

Don't get me wrong—I absolutely love hiking. Whether it's tackling Half Dome in Yosemite or completing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand, I’m always up for an adventure.

But here's the thing: camping is not my scene. The thought of using the woods as a bathroom terrifies me. Seriously, just give me a toilet seat—doesn't even have to be heated.

Torres del Paine has been on my bucket list for years, known for some of the most breathtaking treks in the world. I knew I'd have to face my camping aversion eventually. Thankfully, the park offers refugios (Patagonia’s take on hiking hostels) for those who prefer a bed over a tent, so I opted for this option during the two nights I stayed in the park.

Each day presented new opportunities to explore on foot. Although I had the option of tackling some of the park's well-known multiday treks like the W trail (which forms a 'W' shape) or the O trail (a loop around the entire park), I chose to focus on single-day hikes. This led me to experience several remarkable day treks, including the challenging Mirador Las Torres hike.

The route to Torres del Paine's iconic granite spires is no easy feat. Spanning roughly eight hours, this difficult out-and-back trek involves scrambling over large boulders, but the breathtaking views it offers are some of the best I've encountered while hiking, making every step worth it.

From glacier excursions to horseback riding and more, adventure awaits.

While it's easy to get lost in the wonders of Torres del Paine, the region around Puerto Natales offers much more than just this one park.

I dedicated one of my days to exploring the stunning Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, located in the southern part of Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. As Chile's largest national park, Bernardo O'Higgins is remote, requiring either a boat or helicopter to access. I opted for the boat ride.

The winds were relentless on my day trip, but I was rewarded with sweeping views of both glaciers.

I took advantage of a day with clear skies and mild temperatures — typical of summer, though Patagonia's weather can be highly unpredictable — to enjoy a horseback riding adventure at an estancia (ranch).

It was my first time riding a horse, and I couldn't have asked for a better spot to give it a go. The panoramic views in every direction were absolutely stunning.

If you're looking for another short hike near town, consider the Mirador Dorotea trail. This quick yet challenging trek is steep and often windy, but it's only about a 15-minute taxi ride from Puerto Natales. Just remember, the trail is on private land, so you'll need to pay a small fee to the landowner for access.

At the summit, I was rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Puerto Natales and the distant fjords.

Staying at The Singular Patagonia

After my adventure in Torres del Paine, I returned to Puerto Natales and spent the night at The Singular Patagonia, a stunning property about an hour's drive from the park's entrance.

This iconic hotel served as my home for two nights, offering the ultimate in luxury and easily standing out as the most opulent accommodation in the area. It was the perfect retreat after long days filled with hiking and outdoor adventures.

In partnership with Mr and Mrs Smith, The Singular Patagonia is affiliated with IHG Hotels & Resorts, meaning you could theoretically redeem IHG points for a stay. Unfortunately, no award night was available during my stay.

Rather than using points, I opted to pay for my stay with my Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, earning 5 points for every dollar spent through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.

A brief history of the property

This hotel certainly stands out as one-of-a-kind, that's for sure.

Housed in a repurposed cold storage facility from the early 1900s, which was declared a national monument of Chile in 1996, the property preserves its distinctive history while providing a cozy retreat in Patagonia.

From the moment you arrive, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time. With everything from vintage railroad tracks to a forgotten dock to massive steam engines scattered across the property, it's a history lover's dream, even if you're not staying overnight.

In fact, you can take a guided tour of the hotel to discover its fascinating past when you're not enjoying the ride on the funicular to and from the lobby.

The guest room

The entire property is a visual delight, with 54 guest rooms and suites that contribute to the stunning atmosphere.

As you make your way to the rooms, you'll be struck by the striking fusion of stainless steel, wooden slats, and exposed concrete—elements that beautifully reflect both the building's industrial heritage and its natural surroundings.

Upon entering, you'll find traditional furnishings and decor that enhance the room's character, though the love seat could definitely use a refresh.

As an aviation enthusiast, I really admired the artwork hanging next to the bed.

The black-and-white print features German aviator and explorer Gunther Plüschow, famous for being the first to photograph Cape Horn and Torres del Paine, among other South American landmarks, as he prepares his aircraft.

The view truly steals the spotlight. From my floor-to-ceiling window, I had a panoramic view of Last Hope Sound and the property's old, now-closed dock, once used to load goods onto ships bound for England over a century ago.

Amenities

Given the property's remote location, it's understandable that the on-site amenities were somewhat limited, but each one was truly exceptional.

The atmosphere of the cozy spa and pool, offering breathtaking views of Last Hope Sound, truly took the hotel experience to a whole new level.

Loaner bikes are offered to all guests, making it easy to explore the surrounding area. I thoroughly enjoyed my ride to and from town, which stretched for several miles and included a beautiful view of the water.

A gorgeous bar and restaurant area enhanced the luxury experience, providing the perfect spot to unwind after a full day of hiking.

Each morning, guests are treated to an extensive breakfast spread. Notable offerings include freshly cured salmon and a selection of cheeses and meats from local farms.

During my stay, I also tried the dinner menu, and it did not disappoint. The Patagonian lamb carpaccio was absolutely delightful, and the hearty seafood stew was the perfect way to recharge after a day of outdoor activities.

Essential tips for planning your trip

Before you finalize your trip to the Chilean side of Patagonia, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• The weather can be unpredictable, even during summer, causing occasional cancellations or rescheduling of tours. Be prepared to adjust your plans once you arrive, so it's important to keep your itinerary flexible.
• Distances between attractions are vast, so if you're visiting for a short time, it's best to focus on one area. For a week-long trip or longer, consider exploring Argentine Patagonia as well. While the border was closed during my visit, it reopened on Jan. 1.

• Although it's advisable to book tours and hikes well in advance, there are plenty of Puerto Natales agencies where you can walk in and book on the spot. Skip third-party services and book directly with the local agency instead.
• While Puerto Natales may not be known for its nightlife, there are a few gems worth visiting if you have free time in the afternoon or evening. I especially enjoyed the Last Hope Distillery, a bar and distillery run by a friendly Australian with an excellent selection of gins and whiskeys.

Key takeaway

Travel is not just about experiencing the beauty of a destination or the vibrant atmosphere of a city and its people. It's also about the personal journey of self-discovery, whatever that may look like for you.

I've always dreamed of exploring the vast wilderness of Patagonia in South America, which seemed like a hidden world on the far side of the equator. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, I turned that dream into reality — and with some luck and plenty of planning, you can too.