Chilean Patagonia centres on Torres del Paine National Park's W trek and granite spires, the Carretera Austral running 1,240km through fjord country, and Punta Arenas as gateway to King George Island's Antarctica flights.
Highlights
Torres del Paine
Puerto Natales
Carretera Austral
Aysén
When to Visit
Dec-Feb
Patagonian summer with the W trek and Circuit at peak, Torres del Paine refugios fully booked, and Punta Arenas accessible as the Antarctic cruise season runs.
Sep-Nov
Spring shoulder with W trek opening, lower rates than peak summer, and the lenga forests in flower across Torres del Paine and the Carretera Austral.
Mar-Apr
Autumn shoulder with lenga turning red across Torres del Paine, refugios closing in late April, and the Carretera Austral fall colour from Coyhaique to Villa O'Higgins.
May-Aug
Patagonian winter with Torres del Paine accessible only by guided trips, but Punta Arenas stays open year-round and the Carretera Austral mostly impassable past Coyhaique.
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