Patagonia

South America Travel Centre can look after all aspects of your holiday, including flights and travel insurance.

We start by asking you what your interests are and where you are interested in, when, for how long, what standard and style of accommodation (it can be a combination – for example you may wish to celebrate a special occasion while you’re away by staying in a very special property or place). Once we have a good understanding of just what you’re looking for, we can begin to create a holiday to meet your time and budget requirements and, most importantly, that will deliver interest and enjoyment in an experience to exceed your expectations.

Please book early.  Many of the hotels, lodges and cruise vessels we recommend are relatively small. For example, the deluxe Awasi Patagonia Lodge offers only 12 suites.  This exclusivity combined with high demand means they can be booked out up to 6-8 months in advance.

If you’re thinking of travelling during any major holidays like Christmas, New Year and Easter, or during any festivals, our advice is simply to book as early as you can, even 12 months or more, and we can add flights as soon as they become available.

Once you are happy with what we have created for you we’ll ask for a 10% deposit with the balance falling due 60-90 days prior to departure.

Australian citizens currently require a visa to enter Chile. You will need to hold a valid passport and have a return ticket when you arrival.

Vaccinations are advised for common diseases like Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid as well as Influenza. There are no compulsory vaccinations.

We advise you to consult a Travel Doctor specialist prior to departure to assess any health risks in relation to your medical history and travel plans.

We have access to a wide range of airfares and have excellent relationships with our key airline partners. Our two main airline partners in Latin America are LATAM Airlines, QANTAS Airlines and Air New Zealand. We can also arrange internal flights for you within Latin America.

Irrespective of whether you book directly with us or with your preferred travel agent, we’ll request the details of all of your fights to ensure if there are any changes your transfers and other arrangements are adjusted accordingly.

The best time to visit Patagonia is from November to March.  Many lodges close for winter (June to September).

This following  guide will give you greater insight into what each season offers. The wind can be a significant factor (more than temperature.

Spring (September – November). The temperature is cool (average high 17ᴼC / low 3ᴼC) but if you desire a more private experience and are prepared with suitable gear you will find springtime exceptional. You will be spoilt with colourful spring bloom and a greater possibility of spotting some of the more timid animals due to fewer visitors. The winds are often not as strong as they can be during other seasons and accommodation is priced to reflect the ‘shoulder’ season.

Summer (December – February). Summer is the peak season when Patagonia has the highest number of visitors. Summer offers the warmest weather (average high 22ᴼC / low 5ᴼC) and long days (17 hours of daylight), it is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the wilderness as well as the spectacular views. However as this is aptly called the ‘peak’ season you will find that you will be sharing the parks with many other visitors and be subject to peak season accommodation prices. Another element worth noting is that the wind is particularly strong during the summer months and can reach up to 120 kilometres per hour.

Autumn (March – May) – The temperature drops (average high 17ᴼC / low 3ᴼC) but so do the number of visitors. The autumn leaves and their beautiful colours make Patagonia in autumn a delight for photographers and hikers alike. The contrasting colours light up the landscape as the mountains soar above. A pleasant surprise when visiting during this season is that the winds drop-back again making the temperature quite pleasant for hiking and other outdoor activities.

Winter (June – August). Most of the hiking trails and main attractions are closed in winter so you may wish to avoid visiting during this time. However for photographers winter presents an opportunity for incredible images. The mountains and glaciers are covered in snow and the National Parks are often considered their most picturesque during this time. It is extremely cold (average high 15ᴼC / low 0ᴼC) so you will need to ensure you have the right clothing to keep you warm, the wind also adds an additional chill factor. The days are short with between 8 & 9 hours of daylight – plenty of time to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the many excellent lodges.