Planning a road trip in Patagonia is a dream for many travelers. I’m Santiago, one of the founders of Beyond BA Latam, and after driving across Patagonia multiple times, I want to share my experience on when is the best time to visit Patagonia and how to make the most of your self-drive adventure.
Even though you can drive in Patagonia year-round, the high season for road trips is generally October to March. Each season has its unique advantages depending on wildlife, road conditions, hiking conditions, crowds, and accommodation availability. Here’s a complete guide to help you choose a suitable time for a Patagonian road trip.
1. Understand the Seasons in Patagonia
• Spring (September–November): Wildflowers bloom across the steppe and forests. Snow may still cap higher peaks, adding contrast to the landscape. Wildlife boosts.
• Summer (December–February): Longer days, warmer weather, and easier access to remote areas. Ideal for long self-drive itineraries.
• Autumn (March–May): Crisp air, golden forests, and fewer crowds. Perfect for photography enthusiasts.
• Winter (June–August): Snowy landscapes, fewer tourists, more intimate experiences. Some roads may be closed.
Tip: There is no single “best time”—each season offers a different Patagonia, making every road trip unique.
2. Map Out Your Route
Start by exploring Google Maps and marking key highlights in Argentine and Chilean Patagonia. Consider:
• Airports and border crossings
• Distances between destinations
• Topography and relief
• Quick Overview about the main roads, in the sense if they’re gravel or paved.
• Locations of national parks, reserves, and iconic attractions
This will help you plan your itinerary without committing yet, and identify potential contrasts and distances between destinations.
3. Check the Wildlife Calendar
Patagonia is alive all year, and wildlife is a major highlight of any road trip:
• Penguins: October–March; Peninsula Valdés mid-September–April
• Southern Right Whales: June–late November (Puerto Madryn & Peninsula Valdés. If you want to see them from the coast at El Doradillo Beach, until early October)
• Humpback Whales: December–March (excursions may be cancelled due to wind)
• Pumas: Year-round sightings possible (not guaranteed).
• Orcas: Hard to spot, better chances in Oct, Nov, March, Apri
Other animals include armadillos, guanacos, ñandú (rhea), condors, foxes, maras, petrels, sea lions, and elephant seals. But the window time frame is bigger.
Tip: Match your road trip season with the wildlife you want to see.
4. Trekking Highlights
If you like hiking, Patagonia is legendary. Must-visit trekking destinations include:
• El Chaltén (Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre) → minimum 3 nights
• Torres del Paine → minimum 2 nights
These iconic trails require a few days to fully appreciate, so plan your road trip accordingly.
5. Create Contrast in Your Trip
Combine different landscapes to enrich your experience, for instance:
• Glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park
• Granite peaks of El Chaltén / Torres del Paine
• Patagonian Andean Forest with lakes & rivers
• Steppes and ocean wildlife in Peninsula Valdés
Mixing landscapes creates a journey full of visual and emotional contrasts.
6. I personally like dividing Patagonia in the following groups:
• Northern Patagonia (Argentina and Chile): Lake District (Bariloche, Villa La Angostura, Puerto Varas), Peninsula Valdés, and part of Atlantic Patagonia.
• Southern Patagonia (Argentina and Chile): El Calafate, El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, Tierra del Fuego (Ushuaia), and part of Atlantic Patagonia.
• Carretera Austral (Chile): Remote, scenic, unique landscapes
• Ruta 40 (Argentina): Main road connecting northern and southern Patagonia
7. Suggested Itineraries
Southern Patagonia (2 weeks): El Calafate (pick up the car at the airport) → El Chaltén → Torres del Paine → Tierra del Fuego → Ushuaia (drop off the car at the airport). Or in the inverted way.
Patagonia Overview (3–4 weeks): Same as above (pick up the car in Ushuaia’s airport) + Cueva de las Manos → Carretera Austral → Esquel (Los Alerces NP) → Bariloche & Lake District → San Martín de los Andes (drop off the car at the airport). Or vice versa.
Northern & Atlantic Patagonia (2 weeks): Península Valdes & Puerto Madryn (pick up the car at the airport) → Gaiman (Welsh heritage) → Esquel & Los Alerces National Park → Bariloche → San Martin de los Andes (drop off the car at the airport). This is ideal for late September and October, since you can also match it with the Tulipan season in Trevelin (Esquel) and the ocean wildlife of the Atlantic coast.
8. Timing Your Pre- and Post-Trip Destinations
This will help you to choose wisely. For instance, spring and autumn are excellent for Buenos Aires, Salta, Jujuy, Mendoza, and Iguazú Falls. Consider local festivals and cultural events if you want a deeper experience.
9. Avoid Peak Crowds
Check national holidays and long weekends (if possible). Iconic destinations often have limited availability, so avoiding peak weeks ensures better accommodations and more reasonable prices.
10. Check Seasonal Openings
Some estancias (ranches) and excursions are only open October–March, while others operate year-round. Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss unique experiences.
11. Weather Tips
• Summer: Warm, longer daylight, windier
• Spring: Snow on peaks, blooming landscapes
• Autumn: Stunning colors, calmer weather
• Winter: Snowy, peaceful, more intimate
Photography tip: Autumn offers red and yellow landscapes, while spring surprises with snow-capped peaks and fresh scenery.
Road trips and custom tours in Argentina and Chile
There isn’t a single “best time” for a road trip in Patagonia—each season reveals a new face of this incredible region. Whether you’re chasing wildlife, hiking legendary trails, or photographing glaciers, your experience will always be unique.
At Beyond BA Latam, our team specializes in tailor-made trips across Argentina and Chile. Whether you’re looking for a self-drive adventure, a trekking expedition, or a classic scenic tour, we’re here to help you craft an unforgettable experience. Get in touch to start planning your next adventure!
Start by exploring our most popular travel sections:
El Calafate to Ushuaia self-drive tour
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