Pure! Chile, our local DMC in Chile, takes pride in educating and investing in their travel consultants so they have the best local knowledge, insights and personal experiences to share with clients travelling to Chile.
We visited Patagonia to experience first-hand the beauty of winter. Fewer windy days, spectacular snowy landscapes and no crowds are the benefits of travelling at this time of year. The tour began in Punta Arenas, the largest city in the Magallanes Region, filled with historic buildings from its heyday when it was the first port in the South Pacific for Atlantic Ocean travelers. Now it’s the launching point for adventures into Torres del Paine, Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica.
The trip continued north to Puerto Natales, where we enjoyed staying at NOI Indigo Patagonia Hotel. It’s located close to the waterfront and offers the best view of the Ultima Esperanza Sound. We highly recommend trying the hotel’s Kosten Restaurant, with its highly rated Chilean cuisine and spectacular panoramic views.
Next step was the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park. We hiked the immense main trails, passing groups of wild guanacos, while catching a glimpse of the peaks of the Towers in the distance. Winter allows for great photography, calm lakes reflecting the towering granite walls, while snow adds to an already impressive landscape. We then went horseback riding in the steppe with the Massif peaks at 2600 meters providing the perfect background to this adventure. We stayed over at Hotel Explora with its spectacular room views of the surrounding mountains.
For the last part of our journey, we crossed over to Argentina, to the quaint town of El Calafate. A visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier was the perfect finish to an unforgettable winter experience.
Tips for Exploring Patagonia in Winter
- Remember how far south you are – daylight is scarce. In winter time, sunrise can be as late as 9am and sunset as early as 4pm. Plan your day ahead to maximize your daylight hours.
- Temperatures can drop to -6°C. Down jackets are an excellent insulator for this weather. Bring gloves, hats and extra socks and dress in layers.
- Don’t forget your sunblock and sunglasses. UV radiation is still a factor in winter.
Planning a trip to Patagonia? Contact Pure! Chile for a customized itinerary full of unique experiences.