Patagonia - when to go?
Dec 11th, 2015, 07:52 AM
#1
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Patagonia - when to go?
I am in the early stages of planning our next trip to South America. Due to a variety of circumstances (impending grandparenthood being one - yay!) we are restricted on timing somewhat. Planning on flying out in April or May and returning mid September. I appreciate that the Southern Hemisphere winter is not the optimum time to go but wondered whether it is possible/ feasible at the beginning or end of our trip.
Anyone have any thoughts or experiences of Patagonia at this time year? We would like to visit the usual places such as Perito Moreno, Ushuaia etc. and maybe some parts of Chilean Patagonia.
Alternatively, if this is a really bad idea, please feel free to say so.
Anyone have any thoughts or experiences of Patagonia at this time year? We would like to visit the usual places such as Perito Moreno, Ushuaia etc. and maybe some parts of Chilean Patagonia.
Alternatively, if this is a really bad idea, please feel free to say so.
Dec 12th, 2015, 07:49 AM
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Crellston, from what I gathered from my Puerto Natales lodge and guide to Torres del Paine, winter travel is fairly limited, although there is an effort to increase winter tourism.
However, April and May are fall months, and while they may be cool and there will likely be rain (there seems to always be a chance of rain in Patagonia), the winds aren't as powerful as they are in the summer months, and there are the fall colors in the park and elsewhere to consider! So maybe kick off your trip in April in Patagonia, and work your way north from there. If Argentina is your main focus, maybe fly via Santiago to Chilean Patagonia first, and head for Argentinian Patagonian and let the rest of your trip unfold from there.
However, April and May are fall months, and while they may be cool and there will likely be rain (there seems to always be a chance of rain in Patagonia), the winds aren't as powerful as they are in the summer months, and there are the fall colors in the park and elsewhere to consider! So maybe kick off your trip in April in Patagonia, and work your way north from there. If Argentina is your main focus, maybe fly via Santiago to Chilean Patagonia first, and head for Argentinian Patagonian and let the rest of your trip unfold from there.
Dec 12th, 2015, 08:49 AM
#4
Hi crellston, congrats! I would try to get to Torres del Paine for April, hopefully to see ncolors in the lenga forests. According to the Fantastico Sur website, some of their shelters stay open through April 30. And the catamaran runs once a day, I believe.
http://www.fantasticosur.com/en/moun...antastico-sur/
http://www.fantasticosur.com/en/w-ci...ine-oct-y-abr/
Have not been to the Argie side. There would be some duplication w the glacier viewing.
A great place to stay near Punta Arenas is La Casa Escondida, they may be able to answer your trip planning questions for the Chilean side.
http://www.fantasticosur.com/en/moun...antastico-sur/
http://www.fantasticosur.com/en/w-ci...ine-oct-y-abr/
Have not been to the Argie side. There would be some duplication w the glacier viewing.
A great place to stay near Punta Arenas is La Casa Escondida, they may be able to answer your trip planning questions for the Chilean side.
Dec 12th, 2015, 10:05 AM
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April for Torres del Paine would be great. It takes a bit more planning as transport options are fewer but perfectly doable and far fewer visitors in the park. As long as you leave some wiggle room, which I know you do, then it should be fine. You can bus to the Argentine side of Patagonia from Puerto Natales.
Dec 13th, 2015, 08:33 AM
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Thanks for the input guys. We also want to include Colombia on this trip so it is getting a little complicated. I think I will wait and see what the xnpmas and New Years flight sales bring and then make a call. I was thinking into BA and out of Lima (or VV) but after your comments Huentutu, I have now added Santiago into the equation.
There is also the possibility that we will return to South America in Nov 2016 so may leave the far south till then.
I am beginning to get brain freeze!
There is also the possibility that we will return to South America in Nov 2016 so may leave the far south till then.
I am beginning to get brain freeze!
Dec 13th, 2015, 09:45 AM
#8
I went to Patagonia in December (to the Chilean side) and it was sooooper windy. I always wanted to go back in fall but first things first, my passport is expiring! At least there is no longer a reciprocity fee for Chile (for the US).
