Patagonia Tours & Vacations

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Patagonia is a geographical region located at the southern tip of South America.

It spans the lower sections of Argentina and Chile and is governed by both countries.

You will need to organize your visa. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information.

Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date information specific to your nationality.

Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

Patagonia is much cooler than the rest of South America. With diverse terrain ranging from glaciers to mountains and coastlines, the region sees extreme variations in weather.

Average temperatures range from 9-18°C in summer and 0-6°C in winter, but sub-zero temperatures are common.

The weather can be unpredictable at any time of year, and it feels much cooler when there are strong winds.

Snow is possible towards the end of autumn (May), and continues into winter with heavy snowfall down south and in the mountains.

October to March (spring/summer) is considered to be the best time to visit Patagonia; this is when most of our trips run. During this period, daytime temperatures average up to 22°C, but it's a chilly 4°C at night.

Rain and strong winds are possible at any time of year and can make the temperature feel much cooler.

Tipping in Patagonia is common, but only when you’re satisfied with the service.

Aim for 10-15% of a bill at a restaurant or cafe as a general guide (if it’s not included already).

It’s also common to give hotel porters, drivers and other staff a small tip.

You will find wi-fi in most hotels, cafes and restaurants in large towns and cities, but it can be harder to find as you venture to more remote areas.

You may wish to buy a local SIM card if you want to stay in contact with folks at home, but a phone signal can still be patchy in remote areas.

You will find Western-style flushable toilets in Patagonia.

It is a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they’re not always provided.

Just note that while the toilets are modern, the plumbing isn’t and can clog easily, so you may see signs asking you not to flush toilet paper and use the bin provided instead.

ATMs are available in larger towns and cities but are less common in small villages or rural areas.

Make sure you have enough cash before leaving urban areas.

Argentina uses the Argentinean Peso, while Chile uses the Chilean Peso. It might also be worth bringing some US dollars.

Credit cards may not be accepted in small towns and rural areas.

Make sure to carry enough cash when visiting rural areas in case credit cards are not an option.

Please check your Essential Trip Information for a complete list of packing suggestions for your itinerary.

These are the basics you will need to bring for an active adventure in Patagonia:

• Closed-in, waterproof walking shoes/hiking boots

• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)

• Rucksack and day bag

• Reusable water bottle

• Thermal base layers

• Hiking clothing

• Waterproof/windproof jacket

• Head torch

• Towel

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.