The months of March and April are an ideal time to travel to Patagonia to see the first signs of autumn. That’s when the crowds and prices begin to wane, making popular national parks like Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares more sedate.
Weather in Patagonia in March and April
The arrival of autumn in Patagonia -both in Chile and in Argentina- introduces slightly cooler temperatures, although this varies according to geographical location. The further south you travel, the more extreme the weather conditions.
We recommend wearing a coat in layers, a rain-proof jacket but also an inner fleece and that has the layered system where you can relieve yourself in case it is hot or warm more in case of cold.
Some areas of Patagonia become completely inaccessible in the winter months, but being autumn most places are still accessible.
Cheaper tickets in March and April
March and April are transition months in Patagonia and high season closes. Traveling during the start of this fall season means better prices and fewer international tourists. Locals also return to their routines after taking vacations in February, making the two lake districts (Argentina and Chile) less crowded as well.
We recommend booking your trip at least three months in advance to get the best rates and availability.
Where to go in Patagonia in March and April
You can’t go wrong this time of year when choosing destinations in Patagonia. This continues to be a fine month for outdoor adventures, with mostly dry skies and comfortable temperatures. For example, you can do the “W” trek in Torres del Paine National Park, where you’ll pass turquoise lakes, emerald forests, roaring rivers, and a massive glacier while camping along the way.
For a more luxurious experience, you can tour the highlights of the park with an experienced guide while staying in the cozy domes of EcoCamp Patagonia with some of the best views in Patagonia, not to mention great food and wine. An alternative idea is Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, home to 13 glaciers, including Perito Moreno, one of the region’s most important tourist attractions (great for ice trekking).
You can also head to the Valdés Peninsula along Argentina’s Atlantic coast in Northern Patagonia. Nearly 100,000 visitors come here each year to experience the continent’s most varied marine life, including southern right whales, Magellanic penguins, sea lions and elephant seals.
Although you should bear in mind that at this time there are no whales in the region and the penguin colonies have less population since the migration to higher quality areas will have already begun.
What to do in Patagonia in March and April
There are plenty of activities, both relaxing and active, to consider in Patagonia during the months of March and April. This is the time of year when day and multi-day hikes take place in the region’s famous national parks, while the summer crowds begin to thin out. Thrill-seekers looking for activities like whitewater rafting, ziplining, skydiving, and horseback riding will want to head to Chile’s Lake District, especially near Pucón.
Argentine Patagonia also offers many possibilities for hiking, biking, and kayaking in its Lake District, as well as through waterways and fjords near Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Get there before the snow and ice arrive.
It is a good time for trekking but also to travel to Antarctica where cruises are usually cheaper due to the low season.
Would you like to travel to Patagonia in March and April?
Take a look of these travel tours to Patagonia.
