We often get asked what is the cost of a trip to Patagonia and the answer really depends on the type of trip you are looking for.
Getting to Patagonia requires taking an international flight to either Santiago, in the country of Chile, or to Buenos Aires, in the country of Argentina. International flights down to Chile or Argentina from North America normally cost between $600 - $1200 USD in Economy class, depending on the anticipation with which you buy these. Additionally, you will also require a domestic flight from Santiago or Buenos Aires down to Patagonia, and these can cost anywhere between $100 and $700 USD, depending on the anticipation with which you buy your tickets. Normally however, you can expect to pay between $200 - $350 USD for domestic flights down to Patagonia in both Chile and Argentina.
Once in Patagonia, you will have to pay Park fees to access the National Parks of Torres del Paine in Chile or Los Glaciares in Argentina. The cost of park fees changes from season to season, but you can expect to pay anywhere between $20 and $50 USD to access the Parks. Your access in Argentina is normally good just for the day, while in Chile it is good for up to 3 days. When staying at the all-inclusive luxury hotels in Patagonia, the access to the Parks is normally included.
When it comes to Patagonia trip prices, it's important to note that the region is often seen as a pricey destination due to its remote location. This holds true regardless of whether you're pursuing a budget-friendly adventure or indulging in luxurious accommodations. Despite this, there's a general guideline to help you navigate the costs: budget trips can start at around $150 per person per day, while luxury Patagonia experiences can reach as high as $1000 per person per day. Keep in mind that periodic Patagonia trip deals are available from time to time.
Additionally, travelers exploring Patagonia should factor in tips for guides and hotel staff. As a reference, a customary gratuity for staff and guides on budget trips usually amounts to about $10 per day, while on luxury trips, it typically ranges from $20 to $30 per day.
In summary, when planning a Patagonia tour spanning 6 nights (which we consider to be the minimum recommended duration), your anticipated costs fall within the following ranges based on the type of trip:
• $600 - $1,000 USD for a very rock bottom Patagonia trip sleeping in tents and doing the trekking circuits.
• $1,100 - $2,900 USD for a medium range Patagonia trip.
• $3,000 - $7,000 USD for a luxury Patagonia trip.