Patagonia is arguably one of the most impressive highlights of South America, and if you are a lover of nature and breathtaking scenery then it should definitely be on your bucket list when planning your adventure to the continent!
Patagonia is split between Argentina and Chile, so the entry rules that apply depend on which side of the border your trip covers. The good news: visitors from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and most of the EU do not need a visa for tourism in either country, for stays of up to 90 days. For full details, see our Argentina visa requirements and Chile visa requirements guides. Whichever way you travel, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates — and if your itinerary crosses between the two countries (a popular way to see the region), keep your passport handy for the border crossing.
Chilean Patagonia & Argentine Patagonia
The Patagonian regions of Chile and Argentina are vast and impressive, counting for almost half of Chile and a third of Argentina in size. On the Chilean side Patagonia ‘starts’ from Puerto Montt, including the Lake District region of Puerto Varas. Across the border from Puerto Varas, find the Lake District region of Bariloche in Argentina. Then continue even farther south to the Perito Moreno Glacier and more of Argentina’s Patagonian highlights.
Patagonia is also known for its unpredictable weather and dramatic seasons. For a month-by-month guide to timing your trip, see our best time to visit Patagonia guide.
