Stunning landscapes and sheer natural beauty will greet you on a Patagonia honeymoon. This South American region is a territory of Chile and Argentina, with the Andes Mountains as their boundary. Chilean Patagonia is a particularly unique destination because it’s considered the end of the world.
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Is Patagonia a Good Place For a Honeymoon?
Patagonia is the ultimate honeymoon spot for adventure and nature lovers. Because of its rugged, unspoiled beauty, you and your new spouse will have the time of your life in this region. You can try several outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to kayaking and wildlife viewing. Its mountains, glaciers, fjords, forests, and cozy architecture will give you the most romantic setting for your post-wedding vacation.
What Is the Best Month to Honeymoon in Patagonia?
A Patagonian honeymoon is ideal from November to March when temperatures range from 50 to 70°F. Keep in mind that due to its geographical location, the region experiences longer days. For instance, the sun rises around 6 am and doesn’t set until about 9:15 pm.
If you want to travel when it’s less crowded, consider the shoulder season of April to May when the vibrant autumn foliage is at its best. The worst time to visit Patagonia is during southern winter, which falls from June to August.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Patagonia?
Spending your honeymoon in Patagonia is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of life for 7 to 10 days. If you wish to explore the region more, and you have the luxury of time and money, a three-week trip would be life-changing.
What Is the Average Price of a Honeymoon Trip to Patagonia?
For 7 to 10-day trips, you can find many honeymoon packages worth around $1,700 to $2,500 per couple. This is typically exclusive of airfares, which can cost around $1,000 to $1,500 per person roundtrip. Your final budget will also go up depending on the tours you take. Planning the trip yourself can save you about $500 dollars, depending on your chosen accommodations.
How to Plan a Budget Patagonia Honeymoon
You can bring down your expenses by a few hundred dollars if you stay at cheaper accommodations such as dormitories or campsites. Taking public transport will also help.
How to Arrive in Patagonia
You must take multiple flights from the US to reach your final destination. Depending on which Patagonia side you will kick off your journey, you must fly into Santiago International Airport in Santiago (the capital of Chile) or Ezeisa International Airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
From there, you will take a domestic flight to airports in Patagonia, which can be found in El Calafate, Ushuaia, Bariloche, Tierra Del Fuego, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas. On average, arriving in Patagonia from the US takes about 15 to 20 hours.
Traveling Within Patagonia
Since it’s a remote area, Patagonia offers limited transport options. Riding a bus is the popular choice, though you can always rent a car to give you more freedom and efficiency. You can also ride a horse. If you have to travel by water, boat rides are available.
Chilean vs. Argentinian Patagonia
Patagonia is a vast region to explore, and a stay in Chilean Patagonia will offer a different experience than its Argentinian counterpart. Both will give you an adventurous honeymoon to remember. Luckily, you don’t necessarily need to choose one or the other; Torres del Paine is a 3.5-hour drive from Perito Moreno Glacier.
| Chilean Patagonia | Argentinian Patagonia |
| Smaller, occupies about 10% of the region | Larger, occupies about 90% of the region |
| Torres del Paine National Park, The Paine Horns, Grey Glacier, and the Atacama Desert are the most popular places | Mount Fitz Roy, Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares National Park, and Tierra del Fuego are popular tourist spots |
| Best place to see pumas and guanacos | Great place to see penguins, parakeets, and fur seals |
| Ideal for luxury lodging and road trips | More budget accommodations are available |
| Chilean lamb and king crab are popular foods | Calafate lamb is the most popular food |
| You’ll start your journey in Santiago | You’ll start your journey in Buenos Aires |
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Patagonia
Make your Patagonian romantic holiday weatherproof by bringing the following essentials:
- Outerwear
- Casual wear
- Thermal vests and underwear
- Sturdy and waterproof hiking boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Scarf and gloves (light and cold-weather pairs)
- Toiletries
- Portable chargers
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in Patagonia?
Unlike other honeymoon designations, Patagonia has fewer hotels and resorts.
If you wish to enjoy amenities like a jacuzzi and get access to popular food and beverages in the region (like Chilean wine), one of your options is Tierra Patagonia. It’s an all-inclusive luxury hotel located in Torres del Paine National Park. Awasi Patagonia in the same national park is great if you want to stay at a luxury cabin.
An unforgettable experience is within reach when you book your stay at an estancia (an expansive cattle or sheep ranch).
If your goal is to save money and experience Patagonia more like a local, your options are less romantic but plenty. You can camp, opt for a homestay, lodge at a dorm-style hostel, an apartment, or an Airbnb property. For a unique choice, consider a refugio (mountain lodge).
Which Cities Should You Stay in During a Patagonian Honeymoon?
Patagonia is for the certified wanderlust couple because if you want to make the most of your honeymoon trip, you mustn’t stay in just one city. Here are the key areas you might want to consider when you visit this part of the planet:
- Ushuaia
- El Chalten
- El Calafate
- Puerto Natales
- Bariloche
- Punta Arenas
- Torres Del Paine
What Kind of Activities Can You Expect to Experience on a Honeymoon in Patagonia?
Patagonia has something for you whether you have more penchant for land or water activities.
- Torres del Paine National Park, among many other spots, is where you can go trekking and hiking and see Patagonia’s scenic landscapes from a different perspective.
- Many businesses offer horseback riding and guided wildlife tours.
- Especially in Argentinian Patagonia, exploring glaciers is also a must-do.
- If you prefer getting closer to the water, kayak in fjords (or cruise on it for a more luxurious experience).
- Go rafting in wild rivers and waterfalls, or admire their majestic rush of waters (the cascades at Fitz Roy are some of the most gorgeous you’ll see).
- Try catching some fish via fly fishing.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include on a Honeymoon in Patagonia?
Go on an indigenous people and history tour and learn more about the place and its original inhabitants, the Mapuche people. You can also self-drive and spend a night at a local home with a Mapuche family to be better acquainted with their lifestyle and traditions.
Also, add shopping artisan pieces made by locals to your itinerary. Meanwhile, visiting the Walichu Caves will let you see 4,000-year-old Paleolithic cave drawings.
What Type of Food Should You Try in Patagonia?
- Patagonia lamb. Also known as Cordero Patagonico, this tender meat is a staple in the region’s cuisine. It can be served grilled or as lamb steaks.
- Calafate berry. These dark blue berries are a hit during summer. You can eat them on their own, as the key ingredients in artisanal ice cream, or as a cookie (locally called alfajores de calafate).
- Patagonia beer. South Americans have a long-standing affinity with beer. If you will be in this region, trying any of their artisanal beer is a must.
Is a Honeymoon in Patagonia Safe?
Though many territories in South America are attached to crime and violence, Patagonia’s isolated location makes it the safer region to visit. It’s a famous destination among solo travelers. Still, you should always exercise precaution as there can still be petty crimes.
Additionally, when going on an outdoor adventure, be honest about your capacity and only choose an activity you can do (e.g., hiking through a beginner-friendly trail).
How to Plan an Itinerary For Patagonia
As always, you have the choice of planning the trip yourself or hiring someone with experience to take care of the details.
Plan It Yourself
Usually, a DIY or self-catered trip is cheaper than an arranged tour. Planning involves knowing what you want to do and where you want to go. Do you want your trip to be filled with adventures like hiking and rafting? Do you want to spend time on a cruise? Or do you prefer to mingle with locals? This option will help you create an itinerary that will be tailor-made to fulfill your bucket list. The downside is you have to cover all the logistics of it.
Hire a Tour Company/Travel Agent
This is the way to go if you want a hassle-free honeymoon experience. Though many tour operators have existing packages already, you can always request to customize your journey so it can fit your interests. Another upside of this one is having someone who can address most travel-related issues should any arise.
How to Choose a Tour Operator in Patagonia
If you decide to go on a Patagonia honeymoon with the help of a travel company, here are some tips to follow:
- Narrow down your search by listing operators whose packages match your preferences.
- Check their track record (safety, previous reviews from clients).
- Take the group size into account.
- Weigh down if the final schedule is a well-balanced one. You don’t want to exhaust yourself and reduce your quality time with your spouse.
- Always opt for local guides.