Tips and tricks for your trip to Patagonia

Patagonia's reputation for diverse and often extreme weather is well-deserved. Spanning a vast area across Argentina and Chile, it encompasses a variety of climates and landscapes, from towering mountains and glaciers to arid steppes and dense forests. Understanding Patagonia's weather patterns is crucial for anyone planning to explore this rugged region. El Chaltén’s winds are truly unbelievable and can take you off your feet, and the rain storms in Cochamó and Rio Turbio can feel like a shower head has been spraying on you for a week straight.

One of the key factors to keep in mind seasons are reversed compared to the Northern Hemisphere. Summer in the north means winter in Patagonia, and vice versa. This can catch travelers off guard if they're not prepared.

The region's geography also plays a significant role in its weather variability. The Andes Mountains act as a barrier to weather systems, creating a rain shadow effect. This means that while the western slopes may receive ample rainfall, the eastern side can be much drier. For example, the Argentine side of Patagonia tends to be drier and more arid than the Chilean side.

Moreover, the proximity to Antarctica brings frigid air masses that can result in sudden temperature drops and fierce winds. This makes packing appropriate clothing absolutely essential. Even in summer, temperatures can plummet, especially at higher elevations. Layering is key, with waterproof and windproof outer layers, insulated clothing, and sturdy footwear being must-haves.
The unpredictability of Patagonia's weather is legendary. It's not uncommon to experience four seasons in a single day – from sunshine to rain, wind, and even snow. Therefore, checking the forecast before heading out is imperative. Reliable weather websites like WINDGURU, WINDY, and METEOBLUE, which offer detailed forecasts and multiple weather models, can help travelers plan accordingly.

Spring (September-November), usually less windy then summer, can be warm during the day but can still be chilly and freezing during the night, strong winds, and a strong possibility of rain. Temperatures likely range between lows in the 30s (0-7 degrees Celsius) and highs in the 60s (14-18 degrees Celsius). Advantages of spring travel are fewer crowds, lower prices, great time to see plants, wildlife and snow covered peaks.

Summer (December-February), there will likely be warm days, cool but and sometimes cold nights, strong winds, and a possibility of rain, with temperatures ranging between lows in the 30s (6-8 degrees Celsius) and highs in the 60s (17-20 degrees Celsius). This is the height of growth season, the landscape is in full green. You have a high likelihood of seeing wildlife, but the large crowds may drive some species (such as pumas) away into more secluded areas of the park. Skies are mostly clear with good visibility during the day and night.

Autumn(March-May) it starts to get cold, with cool days and a good possibility of rain and snow later in the season. However the foliage is beautiful and there are fewer crowds, lower rates, good accessibility to areas of the park and amenities, and great opportunities to see wildlife so it's perfect for photographers.

Winter (June-August) in Patagonia is perfect for people who enjoy exploring the great outdoors in all its forms, seeing dynamic landscapes covered in snow and ice, and having space almost entirely to themselves. You should expect milder winds, the possibility of snowstorms and low visibility, and cold temperatures between the 20s (-5 - 0 degrees Celsius) and highs in the low 40s (5-8 degrees Celsius). Although this is arguably the most challenging time of year to visit, winter in Patagonia produces captivating landscapes, showcasing the classic sights of mountains covered in glistening snow and ice. A chance to see wildlife such as guanacos, pumas, etc.

Summertime is peak season in Patagonia, meaning busier trails and the need to book accommodations in advance. For a quieter experience, visit in late autumn (April and early May) when crowds thin out at the main attractions.

OUR #1 TIP

Want to save a lot of money on your trip in Argentina? Bring cash and exchange using the unofficial rate with someone on the street, or someone you know. If you think it’s a rip off, wait till you walk into an official currency exchange shop and see their rates compared to what someone on the street offered you! If you don’t want to deal with the complications of currency exchange, we can help you. Get in touch.

Many folks coming from the States will feel confused and nervous about the way money is exchanged, but what seems out of the ordinary to Americans or Europeans is completely commonplace in Argentina.

Exchanging money on the street or with someone you know is by far the best way to get the most out of your currency.

What this means is that you should definitely plan on bringing cash.

Argentina's government has created numerous rules for accessing dollars, leading to multiple exchange rates to delay a devaluation. Here’s a brief description of what to expect in Argentina:

Dollar Blue (unofficial exchange rate)
The most commonly used rate, the "dollar blue," is a free-floating, cash-only exchange available in back-rooms or via contacts, sometimes requiring large bags for the pesos. The biggest banknote in Argentina is worth around 2$.

Credit card
For credit card purchases under $300, an implied rate combines the official rate with three additional taxes.

Official exchange rate
The official exchange rate is highly restricted, with individuals limited to exchanging no more than $200 a month at banks, subject to three taxes adding about 80% to the cost.

Patagonia is a low density populated area, in contrast to Europe (for example) most of the streams in the mountains are not contaminated by humans… yet. That’s why we strongly insist on taking great care of protecting the water when we go to the mountains. Going to the bathroom, cooking, washing dishes, showering, etc… needs to be done far away from any water
Our guides bring a water filter in the mountains, but we still advise you to bring your own with you. Nowadays you can find a few different ways to do it : filters (like LifeStraw or Katadyn), UV treatment or water purification tablets. The best option being the backpacking water filter in the form of a refillable bottle (like the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze).


Tap water is usually treated in Patagonia. You may taste a bit of chlorine in some places, it also depends on the season.
In some places away from public water distribution the water is not treated and directly pumped out of clear streams, clean lakes or natural underground water reservoirs. In Bariloche for example there are some places away from the city where the water is directly pumped out of the lake. Feel free to ask the owners.

Huts

The tap water in huts come directly from streams, without any kind of treatment. They might use water tanks to build up more pressure, those tanks are not always cleaned regularly. Treating the water yourself might be a good idea, depending on the place.

Streams and lakes
In most of the places away from the city, campsite or farming, the water comes clean from the streams, but that does not mean that it is guaranteed that there is no natural contamination up stream.
For example in Chalten the national park service tells people that the water from the big streams is drinkable, but they do not guarantee punctual contamination.