Before you travel
Frequently asked questions
Everything worth knowing to plan your Patagonia trip. Can't find your answer? Message us and we'll help.
Booking & payments
You can book online from each excursion's page: choose the date, the number of travelers and fill in your details. You can also message us on WhatsApp or by email and our local team will set up the booking and advise you on the itinerary across any of our Patagonia destinations. Some excursions require prior availability confirmation before payment.
You can pay in Argentine pesos by card through MercadoPago, and in US dollars via PayPal. In all cases payment is secure and processed by the corresponding platform. If you have any questions about the payment method, message us and we'll arrange it.
Yes. Bookings in Argentine pesos are paid with MercadoPago and bookings in US dollars via PayPal. Each excursion's price is shown in the corresponding currency, and you can ask us if you need an alternative.
Yes, payment is processed securely through MercadoPago or PayPal; we never handle your card details. Nothing is charged until the booking is confirmed: for excursions that require availability confirmation, we first confirm space and only then is payment made through a secure link.
It depends on the excursion. Many are confirmed with full payment at the time of booking; others, especially those requiring availability confirmation, are paid once space is confirmed. When booking we'll tell you how it works in each case, and you can always ask us before paying.
Weather & best time
The spring and summer high season (October to April) is ideal for trekking, glaciers and boat trips, with long days and milder temperatures. Winter (June to September) is perfect for snow, skiing and winter experiences in Ushuaia. Each destination has its best moment; tell us what you'd like to do and we'll help you choose the dates.
Patagonian weather is changeable: you can get sun, wind, cold and rain on the same day, even in summer. That's why we recommend dressing in layers and always carrying a waterproof windbreaker. Temperatures and wind vary considerably depending on the destination and the season.
Yes, and it's a different and beautiful experience. In winter many glacier excursions keep running, and snow, skiing and dog-sledding (mushing) activities are added, especially in Ushuaia. Some departures are seasonal, so it's best to check availability with us based on your travel dates.
Wind is a typical feature of Patagonia, especially in spring and summer, and it can be intense near the lakes and glaciers. Rain varies by area and season. Neither usually prevents excursions, but some boat trips or activities may be rescheduled for safety if conditions are adverse.
Getting there & transfers
El Calafate has its own international airport (Comandante Armando Tola, FTE), with daily flights from Buenos Aires and connections to other cities. It's about 20 km from the airport to town. We can arrange your transfer and plan your itinerary once you arrive.
Ushuaia has an international airport (USH) with flights from Buenos Aires and El Calafate. El Chaltén has no airport: you reach it overland from El Calafate in about 3 hours along Route 40. We can help you organize transfers and logistics between destinations.
It depends on each excursion. In many, hotel pick-up and drop-off is included; in others it's optional and added for an extra fee, or you can make your own way to the departure point. Each tour's page and the booking process tell you how it works in each case.
As a local operator, we coordinate the full logistics of your trip: transfers, connections and excursions between El Calafate, El Chaltén, Ushuaia and Torres del Paine. Distances are large and some connections combine flights and vehicles, so we build the itinerary so everything flows from start to finish.
Before you travel
We recommend dressing in layers: a thermal base layer, a mid warm layer and a windproof, waterproof jacket. Add comfortable or trekking footwear, a hat, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen. On glaciers and during boat trips the cold and wind intensify, so warm clothing is always worth it, even in summer.
To travel within Argentina, a valid ID or passport is enough. Excursions that cross into Chile, such as the Full Day to Torres del Paine, require a valid passport or ID and the corresponding entry documentation. We'll tell you the exact requirements when booking that type of departure.
It's not mandatory, but we always recommend it. Travel insurance with medical and outdoor-activity coverage gives you peace of mind in case of unexpected events, especially on trekking, boat or snow excursions. Each activity has its own safety protocols and professional guides.
In cities like El Calafate and Ushuaia there is good connectivity, wifi in hotels and mobile signal. During excursions, in mountain areas, glaciers or while navigating, the signal is usually limited or non-existent, which is part of the charm of disconnecting in Patagonia.
The local currency is the Argentine peso. In El Calafate and Ushuaia there are ATMs and many shops accept cards. It's a good idea to carry some cash for tips and small purchases. Our excursions can be paid in pesos (MercadoPago) or US dollars (PayPal), as applicable.
During the excursions
Yes. Our excursions feature bilingual Spanish/English guides throughout the activity, so you can enjoy the experience and understand every detail of the route, the flora, the fauna and the geology of Patagonia.
There are options for all levels. Each excursion states its difficulty (easy, medium or high) and physical requirements on its page. We have everything from boat trips and gentle walks suitable for the whole family to demanding treks on ice. If in doubt, tell us your situation and we'll recommend the ideal outing.
Many are. Boat trips, scenic outings and estancia visits are usually ideal for families and all ages. The more demanding activities (ice trekking, kayaking) have age limits for safety. Each page lists the minimum age and restrictions, and you can ask us to choose the best option.
It depends on the activity. Some excursions have restrictions for people with heart or mobility issues, pregnant women or other conditions, especially the more physically demanding ones. We recommend reviewing the restrictions on each page and asking us about your particular case so we can advise you responsibly.
Most excursions are in a group, with capacities suited to each activity. We can also arrange private outings or tailor-made trips if you're looking for a more personalized experience. Message us and we'll put together a proposal based on what you need.
Cancellations & changes
The cancellation policy may vary depending on the excursion and the operator. We recommend checking the conditions for your excursion when booking; in any case, we're usually flexible and always look for the best solution for you in case of an unexpected event. Message us and we'll work it out together.
Some excursions, especially boat trips and mountain activities, may be rescheduled or suspended due to weather or safety conditions, at the operator's discretion. In those cases we arrange a new date or the appropriate alternative for your booking. We always prioritize your safety.
Generally yes, subject to availability. If you need to change the date of an excursion, message us as soon as possible and we'll do our best to move you to another departure. As a local operator, we have room to help you reorganize your itinerary.
Pick-up and departure times matter because many excursions coordinate boat trips, transfers and group capacities. If you have a problem, let us know as soon as possible via WhatsApp so we can try to help. We recommend being ready a few minutes before the indicated time.
About Visit Patagonia
We are a local Patagonia tour operator, based in El Calafate with an office in Buenos Aires. We design and run your trip from start to finish: excursions, transfers, accommodation and logistics. We know the region first-hand and work so you experience Patagonia safely and in detail (License No. 10.402).
Yes. We have an office in El Calafate (Av. del Libertador 1532) and in Buenos Aires (Talcahuano 833, 6th floor G). As a local operator, you can contact us directly and coordinate your trip with our team on the ground.
You can message us on WhatsApp at +54 9 2966 63 5394, by email at contacto@visitpatagonia.com.ar, or through the contact section of the website. We reply every day and help you plan your trip to Patagonia.
Yes. In addition to individual excursions, we put together tailor-made trips and programs combining several destinations (El Calafate, El Chaltén, Ushuaia, Torres del Paine), accommodation and transfers. Tell us what you'd like to do and how many days you have, and we'll design a proposal just for you.
Still have a question?
Talk directly to our team in El Calafate.