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September 02 2021

5 best places to visit in Chilean Patagonia in Spring


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If you are looking for a quiet vacation and forgetting your daily routine, plan your next trip to Chilean Patagonia in Spring and be sure to visit these destinations to make the most of your journey:

The arrival of Spring in the southernmost region in the world, an excellent reason to travel there to watch its flora blossom and the offspring of the local wildlife in their natural habitat.

In addition to the natural spectacles that this season offers, the October-December mid-season stands out for being an affordable time to visit Chilean Patagonia and less crowded,  according to travel site Fedetur. When making your plans, make sure to include these destinations:

Torres del Paine National Park

Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and the 8th wonder of the world, this park is home to a unique landscape made up of mountains, glaciers, rivers, and several species of flora and wildlife that provide a most extraordinary sight during Spring.

Also, it makes a great attraction for a first hand experience in Patagonia.

Can you picture yourself up close to some of the animals that inhabit Torres del Paine? There are records of visitors watching birds and pumas up close during Spring, especially between October and November. However, we strongly recommend that you take a guided tour if you want to watch local wildlife safely.

Carretera Austral

More than a destination, this is a route of more than 1,200 kilometers that you can travel by bicycle, motorcycle or car. This highway is surrounded by attractions, from rivers, mountains, and forests to small towns, and comprises diverse ecosystems that provide an endless number of memorable experiences.

Given temperatures are usually warmer in the Spring (ranging between 15ºC and 24°C), traveling the Carretera Austral at this time of the year allows for enjoying many outdoor activities and practicing outdoor sports, like these ones that tour operator Ruta Chile suggests:

  • Rafting on the Futaleufú river
  • Fishing in the Baker River
  • Trekking the Chaitén volcano
  • Stopover in the charming town of Cochamó
  • Horseback riding in Pumalín Park

Puerto Natales 

This city is located in the extreme south of Chile and is one of the main tourist attractions in the region because it is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. 

In addition, Puerto Natales also hosts attractions recommended for those seeking to learn about the Patagonian culture while enjoying a leisurely walk along the waterfront, a stroll around its main square Plaza de Armas, or visiting the Municipal Museum.

Meanwhile, the Milodon Cave is 25-minutes from the city, a natural monument that is home to foxes, pumas, eagles, thrush, and other protected species, according to the National Forestry Commission (CONAF). It is also home to a giant ground sloth called Mylodon darwini, discovered in the late 1800s.

There's also adventure closer to Puerto Natales. You can go climb in the Dorotea ridge and enjoy a panoramic view of the city, or go cycling, sport fishing, horseback riding, and climbing in the surroundings of Sofia lagoon.

General Carrera Lake

Located in the Aysén region, it's the largest lake in Chile. It is home to the Marble Chapel, also known as the Hands Cave, an archaeological site with cave paintings from 10,000 years ago. This lake is also a great place to practice outdoor activities like kayaking, trekking, cycling, horseback riding, and sport fishing. 

Tierra del Fuego Large Island

This island is the southernmost inhabited place in the world. Few travelers know its exceptional beauty, as not many people include this destination in their itineraries and the population here is low. Because of that, it's the most reliable place to watch nature at its best in Spring.

This destination is ideal if you seek to enjoy silence and tranquility while touring Chilean Patagonia and getting in touch with nature. You can observe different species: guanacos, flamingos, hares, foxes, various types of birds, and even penguins. Again, we strongly recommend that you take a guided tour if you want to watch wildlife closely and safely.

Although temperatures in Tierra del Fuego range between 10ºC and 15°C in Spring, you should expect sudden weather changes, so we suggest that you travel with appropriate clothing and be mindful.

Recommendations to travel in Patagonia in Spring

Chilean Patagonia does have warmer temperatures in this season; sometimes, they can reach 24°C. However, we are adamant about the extreme weather changes. So, we recommend that you prepare your bags with the following items and clothing:

  • Sunscreen
  • Sun and cold protector for lips
  • Insect repellent
  • Rain shoes
  • Sports or trekking pants 
  • Sweaters, sweatshirts, and t-shirts
  • Windbreaker, waterproof coat, and jacket
  • Scarf, hat, and gloves

Chilean Patagonia is wonderful in the Spring

There are several experiences for you to live in Chilean Patagonia in Spring involving good weather, local wildlife outdoor activities, and breathtaking landscapes. Even so, it's an affordable time of the year for you to visit and less crowded for you to keep social distancing. Looking forward to seeing you here!

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