Top Methods for Traveling Around Patagonia

In the vast expanse of Patagonia, there are numerous transportation options available.

The towns in the region are well served by a network of buses, and frequent flights connect larger towns to the capital cities of Chile and Argentina. Additionally, Chile’s extensive coastline is accessible via various watercraft. For maximum flexibility, you might consider exploring Patagonia by using your own wheels, whether two or four.

It’s essential to keep in mind that Patagonia is a sprawling, sparsely populated area filled with mountains, glaciers, and pampas (grasslands) at the world’s end. Any journey here involves logistical hurdles and careful planning. Given the widespread attractions, and since your itinerary will largely depend on what you want to experience, here’s everything you need to navigate Patagonia by air, bus, boat, bicycle, and car.

Flying can save you valuable time

Local flights can significantly cut down travel time when you need to cover large distances. In Chile, Sky Airlines and JetSmart handle domestic routes, with Sky Airlines offering the most competitive one-way fares; Argentina is served by Aerolíneas Argentinas, Andes Líneas Aéreas, and LADE. Additionally, LATAM operates flights in both nations.

Key Flight Routes

In Chile, direct flights operate from Santiago and Puerto Montt southward to Coyhaique (the largest town in northern Patagonia), as well as to Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales in the south. Punta Arenas also offers short flights to Porvenir (Tierra del Fuego) and to Puerto Williams, the southernmost settlement in Chile (and the world). In Argentina, Buenos Aires is well connected to popular Patagonian destinations like El Calafate, Esquel, Trelew, and Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego. There are no intra-Patagonian flights across the border.

Along Chile’s Carretera Austral, Aerocord operates small, weather-dependent Cessna and Piper Navajo planes that connect Puerto Montt to Chaitén and Melinka.

Cycling is incredibly enjoyable yet quite demanding

Navigating Patagonia by bike is a significant challenge that attracts determined cyclists eager to conquer Chile’s renowned Carretera Austral or Argentina’s Ruta 40. Riders should brace for tough weather conditions, including strong winds (especially in southern Patagonia and the Argentine Pampas) and rain throughout the year (notably in the wet region of Aysén, northern Chilean Patagonia). The silver lining is that with minimal traffic outside urban areas, you’ll often find the roads mostly to yourself. If you take your bike on boats and ferries, there’s a small fee, while buses generally store bicycles in the luggage compartment.

Cycling Recommendations

A touring bike equipped with quality tires and a repair kit is essential, as is a durable all-season tent, given the significant distances between towns and the likelihood of wild camping. Flat tires are common on unpaved routes, and while most towns have bike repair shops, they are scarce along the Carretera Austral, with the nearest found in Coyhaique.

Southern Chile presents amazing opportunities for boat journeys

With its intricate coastline and expansive glacial lakes, southern Chile provides fantastic options for boat travel. However, ferry services are limited outside of the high season and can be affected by weather conditions throughout the year. It’s wise to book tickets in advance for peak travel months from December to February, especially for car ferries along the Carretera Austral, or to arrive at least an hour before departure for non-reservable rides.

Boat travel in Argentinian Patagonia is quite scarce, except for crossing Lago del Desierto near El Chaltén to hike to the Chilean border post at Candelario Mancilla, followed by another boat ride across Lago San Martín/O’Higgins to reach Villa O’Higgins in Chile.

Taking a bus from El Calafate to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego involves crossing into Chile and includes a car ferry ride across the Magellan Strait before the bus returns to Argentine territory.

Explore these unique boating experiences

For an unforgettable adventure, consider spending a few days on the four-day Navimag ferry journey from Puerto Montt in Chile’s Lake District to Puerto Natales in southern Patagonia. This route takes you through a stunning landscape of small islands, fjords, and glaciers, with chances to spot dolphins and whales if you're fortunate... though fog and choppy seas may be your companions as well. As Navimag primarily serves as a cargo vessel, think of it as a basic cruise experience with backpacker berths, small cabins, and even some cows on board.

In Ushuaia, you can opt to cross the Beagle Channel to Chile’s Isla Navarino (heading to Puerto Williams) in an inflatable Zodiac boat. This 30-minute journey is dependent on weather conditions and often faces delays due to strong winds. You might find yourself lulled by the serene waters of Ushuaia’s bay, only to be met with sizable waves in the channel, so be ready for more thrill than anticipated!

Opt for the bus for budget-friendly long-distance travel

Long-distance buses in both Chile and Argentina are known for their punctuality, exceptional comfort, and affordability. Most towns feature a single, well-organized bus station equipped with restrooms, luggage storage, food kiosks, and clearly displayed destinations and fares, although there are exceptions. In Punta Arenas (Chile) and Ushuaia (Argentina), buses often stop at the companies' offices, making it necessary to do a bit of research to find the right bus for your journey. Coyhaique (Chile) has a central bus terminal, but several smaller companies operate from individual offices throughout the town.

The primary bus operators in Chile include TurBus and Pullman, both serving southern Patagonia; tickets can be bought directly from their websites. In northern Patagonia, Aysén is served by smaller minibus companies with limited schedules, with tickets available only at bus offices. In Argentina, long-distance bus tickets can be purchased through websites like Omnilineas and Plataforma 10.

Keep in mind that long-distance buses traveling from southern Patagonia to destinations in Chile's Lake District and beyond will invariably cross into Argentina and then back to Chile without stopping at Argentinian locations. Similarly, buses from El Calafate and other spots in Argentinian Patagonia heading to Ushuaia must traverse Chilean territory to reach their destination.

Ensure to reserve your bus tickets in advance, especially for seasonal travel

It’s wise to book your tickets well ahead of time during holiday seasons (Christmas, Easter, and the months of January and February), as well as on Fridays and Sundays; otherwise, booking a few hours in advance usually suffices.

Bus services are reliable between towns during the peak and shoulder seasons (November to March), but options diminish significantly during the rest of the year. This is especially true along Argentina's Ruta 40, where Taqsa/Marga and private operator Chalten Travel offer connections between Bariloche in the Lake District and various Patagonian destinations. Similarly, on Chile's Carretera Austral, minibuses to remote locations run infrequently, even in high season.

Renting a car offers the best flexibility

Patagonia's roads are sparsely trafficked and stunningly picturesque. Renting a car provides maximum flexibility, and it’s essential for reaching remote national parks and attractions, particularly along Chile’s Carretera Austral. While a 4WD isn't a must, a vehicle with higher clearance is recommended for main routes and crucial for navigating unpaved side roads.

In Punta Arenas and Coyhaique in Chile, as well as El Calafate and Ushuaia in Argentina, you can find major international car rental agencies at airports and throughout the towns. Be sure to compare prices, as local companies often offer lower daily rates. A driver’s license from your home country typically suffices for car rentals. One-way rentals can be tricky to arrange, and if available, the drop-off fees can be exorbitant. You'll need to purchase seguro obligatorio (mandatory insurance), and it's wise to get additional liability coverage since unpaved roads can lead to damage, especially to tires and windscreens. If you plan to cross the border from Chile to Argentina, special insurance will be necessary.

Driving tips for remote areas

Navigating Patagonia’s more remote routes—like the iconic Ruta 40 and Carretera Austral—is easier now than in the past, but still requires some caution:

• Phone service is unavailable outside of towns, so bring a spare tire and basic repair tools, and know how to use them. Other travelers are likely to assist in case of breakdowns.

• Refuel at every available station.

• Bring enough food and water, along with a quality sleeping bag.

• If you’re exploring Tierra del Fuego, you might need extra fuel canisters, as gas stations are sparse.