Found across the southern tip of South America, encompassing parts of both Argentina and Chile, is the area known as Patagonia. Characterised by unique geological and geographical formations, ranging from glaciers to temperate forests and mountains to salt plains, Patagonia adds to the sense of myth and mystery that we still associate with South America today. While the Amazon Rainforest in the north of the continent may take all the plaudits, Patagonia is nevertheless an incredible wilderness to visit in South America.
This guide will emphasise how it is possible to travel around this beautiful region without a car. Whether you simply don’t want to drive in a foreign country or would rather explore by rail, bus or on foot, there are lots of alternatives to driving a car. Plus, lots of Patagonia is inaccessible by car, anyway, so exploring the region via alternative methods is an advantage, as well as being more relaxing and sustainable than driving.
Torres del Paine National Park
Why travel Patagonia without a car?
Of course, there are plenty of roads in the region if you do opt to travel by car, but here are just a few reasons why you should consider exploring Patagonia car-free:
Saving on costs
If you want to hire a car in Patagonia, you can expect to pay anywhere from £320 to over £440 per week. This is a huge cost that you can save on if you opt not to hire a car, and can instead put this towards other excursions, while still comfortably budgeting your travel expenses. The aforementioned costs do not cover necessities such as insurance or fuel, both of which are additional costs.
Less stress
Wintry conditions can make the roads in Patagonia a nightmare to drive on. Instead, let someone else do the driving for you, such as a professional bus driver or a tour guide who knows Patagonia’s roads like the back of their hand. Enjoy a stress-free holiday without worrying about how you’re going to navigate potentially snowy or icy roads.
Sustainability
We all want to do our bit to help the environment, right? Then going carless is exactly a way that you can do so – why add to your carbon footprint and potentially leave long-lasting damage on Patagonia’s beautiful landscape when you can instead explore the region in a more eco-friendly way?
Mount Fitz Roy
What are the best alternatives to hiring a car in Patagonia?
Taking public buses
Travelling by bus is one of the best ways to get around Patagonia. While much of the region is natural wilderness, there is nevertheless an extensive bus network, even close to major national parks, such as Torres del Paine National Park and Los Glaciares National Park. In addition to access throughout the region, many of the buses also offer cross-border travel between Argentina and Chile, so for some bus journeys, you must remember to bring your passport, especially if you are planning on crossing the border during your trip.
There are two major bus providers who offer comfortable and affordable journeys throughout Patagonia, making them an excellent alternative to hiring a car. Bus Sur and Marga Taqsa both offer extensive routes throughout Patagonia. However, it is important to bear in mind that you will need to pay in cash for travel on Bus Sur buses, while card payments are generally accepted on Marga Taqsa buses.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are an excellent way to explore Patagonia. While some tours are specifically aimed at hikers, there are also numerous guided bus tours, which are an excellent way to see a significant portion of the region in a short space of time. If you don’t mind travelling by bus, or rather, coach, then these guided tours are a great alternative to car hire, as you can learn about the region at the same time as travelling.
Cycling
Suitable for keen cyclists who are in good physical shape, cycling is another good way to explore parts of Patagonia. However, be aware that you will be restricted mainly to roads and the borders of National Parks, although, for some, this is still a good trip. The terrain can be challenging, but if you’re an avid cyclist, you should not experience too many problems.
Domestic flights
Flights are a good way to cover lots of distance, especially if you are short on time. Santiago International Airport is the main airport to fly into if you’re planning on visiting Chilean Patagonia, while Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Buenos Aires is where you should fly into if you’re going to visit Argentinian Patagonia. Be aware that flights – especially between the two aforementioned airports – can be expensive, with one-way fares exceeding £150.
Hiking
Many people visit Patagonia to walk through the national parks and admire the beauty of the region on foot. This is a good way to experience the region if there’s a specific part of Patagonia that you would like to visit. If you are planning on a hiking trip, make sure that you also plan for accommodation – it is likely that you’ll need to bring a tent and camp for at least a couple of nights, unless you plan on hiking during the day between different lodges and accommodations, and catching buses to reach the different accommodations.
Perito Moreno Glacier
What are the best day trips in Patagonia?
A wild, rugged terrain filled with wonder – it’s little surprise that Patagonia has a range of excellent day trips, suitable for all travellers.
Laguna de los Tres
Found in Argentinian Patagonia, this is a great hike to take from El Chaltén (Argentina), which offers fantastic views of Mount Fitz Roy.
Laguna Torre
Another brilliant trip to take from El Chaltén, the lake is the ultimate reward at the end of a hike, with views of Cerro Torre, which sits on the border between Argentina and Chile.
Upsala Glacier
Starting from El Calafate (Argentina), you can make a full day trip out of taking a boat across Lago Argentino, and then either booking an off-road or a hiking tour to reach Upsala Glacier.
Torres del Paine National Park
Arguably Chile’s most beautiful national park, a day trip here enables you to explore the beauty of the area, including the Paine Towers and Lake Pehoé.
Huerquehue National Park
One for the nature lovers staying on the Chilean side of Patagonia, take a trip to Huerquehue National Park and spend a day walking between the ancient araucaria trees and magical lakes.
Villarrica Volcano
A gondola up a volcano? Go on then! If you’re an adventure-seeker staying near Pucón (Chile), then this makes for a memorable and exhilarating day trip, where you’re rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the landscape below.
Where to stay without a car
El Chaltén
If you’re planning on staying in Argentinian Patagonia, El Chaltén is an excellent choice. It is known for its excellent public transport connections, as well as its proximity to attractions such as Laguna Torre and Mount Fitz Roy. It is also in the northern part of Los Glaciares National Park, and sits on the Chilean border, making it a great place to base yourself if you want to explore Chilean Patagonia, too.
Puerto Natales
Not far from El Chaltén, but this time in Chile rather than Argentina, Puerto Natales is another excellent place to base yourself for exploring Patagonia without a car. While El Chaltén is a traditional mountain village, Puerto Natales is a city, so it is a good option for those who want a more vibrant and easily accessible place to stay. There are also lots of public transport connections in and around the city, making travel across the border and throughout Patagonia a breeze.
Puerto Natales, Chile
El Calafate
Found in Argentinian Patagonia, El Calafate is another great place to stay if you wish to explore both Argentinian and Chilean Patagonia. Set on the southern shore of Lake Argentino, the city has reliable public bus connections throughout Patagonia – both on the Argentinian and Chilean sides – as well as serving as a good hub to base yourself in if you wish to explore Lake Argentino and Cerro Torre.
Patagonia without a car: Itinerary ideas
3-5 Days in El Chaltén
Staying in a traditional Patagonian mountain village is a dream come true for some travellers. Here is the perfect itinerary for spending three to five days in El Chaltén without a car.
Day 1: Arrive in El Chaltén and explore the village. Make sure to eat in one of the many restaurants, sampling local cuisine and enjoying a few drinks while soaking in the scenery.
Day 2: Hike to Laguna Capri. This should take around 4 hours, and you’re rewarded with incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy. The hiking trail is easily accessible from the village and well-marked along the route.
Day 3: Laguna de los Tres hike. An 8-9 hour hike, this is one for the keen hikers. However, if you want something a little easier, explore the Mirador de los Cóndores route instead, which takes less than two hours as a round trip.
Days 4-5: Hang up the hiking boots in favour of a bus and off-road tour to the Viedma Glacier one day, and perhaps consider hiring a bicycle in the village and exploring the local region on two wheels.
El Chaltén
3-5 Days in Puerto Natales
Another brilliant place to base yourself, it is entirely possible to explore Puerto Natales and its surrounding areas without a car.
Day 1: Check into your accommodation and explore the local bars, cafes and restaurants to familiarise yourself with local customs and the city itself.
Day 2: Take a bus to Torres del Paine National Park. You can either then explore the park on your terms or book a guided tour at the park gates. We recommend the latter.
Day 3: We recommend spending more than one day exploring Torres del Paine, so perhaps opt for an alternative area to explore on day three, such as the French Valley region of the park, if you’re a keen hiker.
Days 4-5: Enjoy relaxing by the waterfront near the city, with a beautiful backdrop of incredible mountain views. Instead, you could also take a boat tour to Glacier Grey if the weather is favourable.
3-5 Days in El Calafate
Another great Argentinian location to base yourself in for exploring Patagonia, El Calafate is a great choice if you’re planning on exploring Patagonia car-free.
Day 1: Arrive in El Calafte. Explore your surroundings on foot, visiting local cafes, bars or restaurants to get a feel of the place.
Day 2: Take a bus to Los Glaciares National Park and explore the Perito Moreno Glacier. You can either take a bus or a taxi back to El Calafate.
Day 3: Visit a nearby estancia (ranch) via a guided tour, and learn about rural Patagonian life.
Days 4-5: Explore more nearby glaciers either on foot or opt to take a boat tour for a different experience. You could also book an ice-hiking tour if you’re feeling extra-adventurous, or if you want to do something more relaxing, visit Laguna Nimez, a bird sanctuary near El Calafate, perfect for birdwatching.
Tips for exploring Patagonia without a car
- Pre-book guided tours, as they can sell out very quickly.
- Check bus schedules in advance, and make sure to carry cash with you whenever you plan on using buses or taxis in the region.
- Be prepared with your clothing options – the weather can change incredibly quickly.
- Opt for accommodation close to the tour or bus pick-up points.
- For a more personalised experience, opt for tours that offer smaller group excursions.
- Base yourself in and around a tour hub.
So, it is absolutely possible to enjoy a trip to Patagonia without a car. Taking in the incredible scenery via bus, walking, or boat is one of the best ways to connect with nature and save on carbon emissions, too. Not only can you save money instead of renting a car, but you can explore the region on a much more personal basis, opting to hike glacial routes that are inaccessible by car, or simply by letting a professional tour guide talk you through the history and culture of the region while you can sit back and relax, taking in the scenery at your own pace.