Patagonia

The weather in Patagonia is very unpredictable, as is the case in many mountainous regions with varied terrain. It is not uncommon to experience sunshine, wind, rain, and even snow on a single day, even if traveling during the summer months (December to February in the Southern Hemisphere).

During South America’s summer, temperatures generally range between the mid-40s and mid-60s. Argentine Patagonia has a more arid climate, while Chile maintains an average humidity of 75% year-round.

The shoulder months–October, November, March, and April–have fewer visitors and can be a fine time to travel in Patagonia.

Great question. Packing for Patagonia is not difficult.

LANDED has prepared a special packing list for travelers visiting Patagonia.

Yes. You knew we’d say so. But that’s not a sales pitch.

Really, it’s a realistic appraisal by parents who have traveled to Patagonia with their own children. We are now experts on traveling with our families in Patagonia, but once we were just like you and taking our families to Patagonia for the first time.

Teens and tweens have most of the same options their parents have: hiking, biking, kayaking, puma tracking, and multi-sport outings. Hikes and horseback rides can be adapted for younger children. 

We can also pair off into groups based on desired levels of activity—one parent and guide per group. Everyone can enjoy cultural interactions, cooking classes, picnics, sailing, wildlife viewing, fishing, and river trips.

Children of all ages are welcome and can enjoy Patagonia. We’ve helped clients travel throughout Patagonia with teens, tweens, young children, and babes in arms. A few lodges do have minimum ages, but that’s usually for stays devoted to trekking or fishing. 

If you have the opportunity to travel to Patagonia with your children, take it. We’ve adapted active itineraries for families with children as young as 5. Some parents have even opted for kid-carrier backpacks, allowing the whole family to enjoy a challenging hike.

You will find that some activities–like technical treks, kayaking, horseback riding, etc.–are only available to travelers with the necessary stamina, self-awareness, and body control to safely do them. That means that kids may need to be 12 or 14 for these activities.

One other consideration is travel time. Some of the best places in Patagonia have retained their special character in part because they are not so conveniently reached. 

It’s not unheard of to drive 5 hours to reach a destination. Where possible, we can limit travel times through airport selection and schedule drives during a time of day when naps are likely.

Argentina and Chile—the two nations whose territories include Patagonia—are generally quite safe. However, common sense precautions are still important.

When you travel away from the urban areas (e.g. Buenos Aires and Santiago) and into Patagonia itself, you will find that crime rates are virtually non-existent. Still, be mindful of your belongings when visiting the region’s larger cities, such as Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, or El Calafate.
If you are worried about your health and safety in Patagonia, carefully consider the level of fitness required for the activities you’ve chosen. You’ll need to remember to stay hydrated, even if it’s cold, and proper equipment is a must.

Buenos Aires is one of the world’s great cultural capitals, exporting cinema,
fashion, music, and cuisine. Buenos Aires is a complex city of distinct neighborhoods, each w ith its own texture and personality. Once in Buenos Aires, the most direct route is to fly into either El Calafate or Ushuaia in Argentine Patagonia and explore from there.

Santiago is Chile’s capital and largest metropolis—home to nearly one-third of the country’s population. After visiting Santiago, travelers speak of the city’s leafy parks, charming plazas, excellent museums, and world-class restaurants; Santiago is one of our favorite culinary destinations. From Chile, most travelers fly to either Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales to explore the Torres del Paine area.

When Patagonia is the objective, most of our travelers stay two or three nights in one of these cities upon international arrival. From the international (EZE) or domestic airport (AEP) in Buenos Aires, and from the international airport in Santiago (SCL), we head south into Patagonia. Argentina and Chile each have a network of modern regional airports.