Patagonia is at or near the top of most outdoor-lover’s bucket lists. I know it was at the top of mine for a long time – truly, since seeing the documentary 180 South in 2012. After spending just under two weeks on the Argentine side, I’ve come up with the things I think everyone should know before visiting Argentine Patagonia.
Patagonia is a Region Within the Boundaries of TWO countries – This Post is About Our Experience on the Argentine Side
Patagonia is an expansive region that covers the southernmost portions of both Chile and Argentina. I have only visited the Argentine side, and that’s what this post is about. After spending time on the Argentine side and loving it, I already can’t wait to return and explore the Chilean side as well!
You Don’t NEED Cash
Before our tour we were kinda led to believe cash would be king. And while it is convenient at times to have cash for a tip, it wasn’t necessary at all. There were a couple of times where a fee was added to our bill, but honestly, not often at all, and far less often than it happens in the states nowadays. Also, we were led to believe that ATMs were hard to find. They were in the airport and for sure in El Calafate. I didn’t look for one in El Chaltan, but if you think you want cash grab it before going up there.
Don’t Overpack the Layers in Summer
We way overpacked because we thought it was going to be really cold. If the sun was out, even on days with technically cooler temperatures, it felt significantly hotter. I rarely kept layers on. I was only truly thrilled to have my layers two days of the whole trip – and one was the day I walked on a glacier.
But Still Pack Layers
I have to acknowledge that we got super lucky on weather. We had mostly sunny days, or partially cloudy days. We only had one day of rain. That day, it was brutal. So, bring your layers, but you don’t need 3 of each. I’d do a rain jacket, a fleece and maybe a puffy just in case. I did that day with just a long sleeve sun hoodie, a fleece and a rain jacket and it was enough.
The Sun is Really Direct Here…
So protect your skin. Sunscreen, sun hat, sun hoodie. Whatever combo of these works best for you, do it. And don’t forget to reapply sunscreen. I got burnt my first day hiking and realized it was indeed no joke. I ended up buying a sun hoodie and I’m pretty thrilled with that purchase because it’s lightweight but protects all the parts that your hat might not shade.
Argentine Food Isn’t Overly Spicy
Wrongly, I assumed food in all of Latin America would be spicy (especially for a midwestern girl), but it was delicious and flavorful, but not overly spicy. In fact, my dad – who I think is the world’s pickiest eater – downed and truly enjoyed so many things he would never have tried back home.
Towns Are Walkable and Safe
The quaint access towns of El Calafate and El Chaltan are very walkable. Many of the biggest trails in El Chaltan end or begin right in town. We walked all times of day and evening with no issues whatsoever. Obviously, still be aware and smart, as you would be anywhere, but this is a safe area.
Wi-Fi Availability
I was shocked by the prevalence of Wi-Fi. Just about every single restaurant, cafe or brewery we went to had Wi-Fi. However, don’t forget that you’re in one of the most beautiful places on earth and get your eyes off your screen.
Spanish is Obviously Nice and Convenient, but Not Necessary
While English isn’t spoken as widely here as it is in other places, it wasn’t uncommon. But as in most other countries, pleasantries go a long way, but there’s always that rush of excitement when two people are doing sign language and saying one or two random words and you get your point across. It’s the little things sometimes. That said, I’m still hoping to get better at Spanish. Gotta get back on that learning horse.
Expect to Pay Less Than US Prices on Food, but Similar to U.S. Prices on Experiences and Activities
Food and drink was a lot cheaper than I honestly expected. Especially because we had craft beer several places, lattes, desserts, and pretty amazing meals, and it was still far lower than these meals even would be in the Midwest.
However, excursions and activities weren’t cheap like things like this can be in other parts of the world, like Southeast Asia. Whitewater rafting was a comparable price to what it would be for a half day in Colorado. And tours to places like the Perito Merino glacier were much more comparable to a tour in the U.S..
Don’t Skimp on Experiences
This doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. It can be as simple as being sure to do as many hikes as you can. But if you have the opportunity and the means to do something a little extra, go for it! We went whitewater rafting and did a glacier trek and both of those experiences were so beautiful and special and helped to make the trip what it was.
Finding Common Toiletries is Harder Than You Might Think
I forgot two things that, to me, feel like they’d be pretty easy to find: a hairbrush and nail clippers. I couldn’t find a hairbrush at all in El Calafate. I finally found one at the “Small Market” in El Chalten. Then, I realized I didn’t have nail clippers, but I like to keep my nails short, so I once again, I went to the bigger grocery store and nada. No nail clippers. I did find them at a random corner drugstore.
But… Ladies, Tampons Were Easy to Find
I had seen a Reddit thread that tampons were difficult to find, but I actually found it them to be easy to find. However, I will say, that I didn’t see any with applicators, so heads up about that. If you’re more of a pad girlie, those were a little harder to find, if you think you might be on your period on your trip.
I hope that these tips help in your own journey to Argentine Patagonia. It’s a really special region that I love dearly already and have a very real “homesickness” for. Some places and experiences just steal your heart, and this is one of those places for me.
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