I am very excited to book my January/February 2027 trip to visit southern Patagonia for the third time and I have already spent several hours looking through the flight & accommodation options (12X hotel points with Strata Elite).
Puerto Natales (Chile) and El Calafate (Argentina) are the main hubs for airline travel when exploring the vast region of Patagonia. Travelers typically either explore Torres del Paine National Park after landing at Puerto Natales airport or Los Glaciares National Park from El Calafate airport, and book transportation to cross the borders (Planning a First Trip to Explore Patagonia).
Best ways to travel between Chilean and Argentine Patagonia
It is important to know that one-way car rentals between the two countries are not permitted or prohibitively expensive.
Cheapest option – Take a bus
Take a bus between Puerto Natales (Terminal Rodoviario) and El Calafate (5-7 hours) (Operators: Bus-Sur, Turismo Zaahj, Cootra) and it costs around US$40 and US$50 for a one-way trip (most buses have AC, reclining seats and onboard toilets). You can use “Busbud smartphone app” to make these purchases with a credit card.
Argentina to Chile border crossing
To cross the border from Argentina to Chile, you must present a valid passport and a completed SAG agricultural declaration form, as fresh food, fruits, and vegetables are prohibited. You will receive a PDI (investigative police) tourist card, which must be kept to exit. A PDI tourist visa is a mandatory document issued by the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI) to foreigners upon entering Chile for tourism. It is a small paper slip (keep it with your passport) acting as a 90-day permit, essential for proving legal status, exiting the country, and avoiding 19% VAT at hotels.
Chile to Argentina border crossing
This route is much faster with no mandatory screening requirements.
Private Transportation
Private transportation is offered by companies like Daytrip.com (link), takes around 3hr30min and costs about $370-390USD per person (see image below).
Conclusion
Southern Patagonia region is incredibly scenic and should be on your bucket list and can be enjoyed whether you are an avid hiker or a leisure traveler. There are several all-inclusive accommodations that can be enjoyed while attempting day hikes, which we usually do when we visit.