Is it safe to travel to Patagonia?

Patagonia is the southernmost region shared by Argentina and Chile. Pristine lakes, jagged mountains, native forests and amazing wildlife make this destination one of the most beautiful in South America and a paradise for hikers and awe-inspiring landscapes lovers.

But what about safety? Can I go hiking in Patagonia on my own? Is its wildlife dangerous? How is the COVID-19 situation? Find out all these answers and more.

Patagonia is a dreamland for adventurers! This region offers amazing outdoor activities not only for expert hikers and trekkers but also for beginners. 

The most recommended places to go hiking are El Chaltén, Argentina – recognized as Argentina´s Trekking Capital- and Torres del Paine, Chile -chosen as the 8th wonder of the world- 

In both cases, you will find that there are a great variety of trails of different lengths and levels of difficulty, so you are free to choose the one you feel more comfortable with! 

If you are not used to walking in the mountains it is highly advisable to start with an easy walk such as Chorrillo del Salto in Chaltén or Mirador Cuernos in Torres del Paine. These trials will take you to unforgettable viewpoints without risking yourself. 

Conversely, if you do have trekking experience and you feel like taking challenges, the most famous hiking trails are waiting for you: Laguna de Los Tres and Mount Fitz Roy in El Chaltén and Base of Towers in Torres del Paine. 

Most of the trails in Patagonia are clearly demarcated so you can go hiking by yourself in all cases. However, you can always hire a guide for your peace of mind

It is highly recommended to always hike with at least one more person and to use the right equipment such as trekking shoes and hiking poles. The rest, leave it to the majestic views of the Patagonia landscapes!

Are you in for some trekking? Check out a selection of our best hiking tours in Patagonia.

Did you know that you can go hiking on Perito Moreno Glacier?

Yes! How amazing is that? 

You must take into account that due to safety measures only people from 8 to 65 years are allowed to take this excursion. Besides, it is not recommendable that obese passengers, pregnant women and people that suffer from heart, respiratory or mental diseases join this tour.

If you fit the requirements, an experienced mountain guide will accompany you through this adventure. He or she will provide you with crampons and will explain to you how to use them correctly. These spiked shoes will let you walk on the ice easier and safer and enjoy this unique experience.

If you are not taking the ice-hiking excursion, you can use the walkways and balconies to walk alongside them and get amazing viewpoints of the glacier as well.  Balconies provide accessibility for wheelchairs, for all visitors to have a safe and immersive experience.

Speechless landscapes await you in Patagonia and traveling alone won’t stop you from getting to know them! This destination is full of people traveling on their own, so you won’t find it hard to make friends from all over the world!  Even for going hiking, which you must do with somebody else, you will for sure find a partner to join you on your adventure.

If you are still uncertain, you should read Cynthia’s (Say Hueque’s Travel Advisor) experience traveling alone to Patagonia during the pandemic. You may find out tips and Facebook pages to meet people in your same situation. Read it here.

This is one of the greatest parts of Patagonia: alone, with friends or with your whole family, you will have the time of your life!

Here is what you need to know: you don’t have anything to worry about. Poisonous insects, crawlers are not likely to be found here.

The same applies to Pumas, the largest predator in Patagonia. These felines are not easy to see.

In case you run into a Puma, this won’t happen at all, but if, these measures can be taken: first of all: DO NOT run, do not follow the feline after he backs up, stay calm and if you can, try with your arms to simulate being bigger than you actually are, in order to scare the animal away.

Conversely, if you feel like meeting this amazing animal in a safe way, you can take a Puma Tracking Tour! You will be accompanied by experienced guides that will give you the chance to have up-close encounters and take breathtaking pictures of “The King of Patagonia”.

Where better than Patagonia to create lasting memories with the kids?

Even though Patagonia is a great place for extreme adventurers, it is full of family-friendly activities as well! 

Horseback riding, easy walks, navigations and encounters with wildlife are just some of the most recommended as well as the safest experiences for the little ones in this region.

An excellent option for accommodation is Estancias (Ranches). After a full day of exploring, you will love relaxing and absorbing the gaucho culture, getting a feeling for life on the pampas or the Patagonia Steppe.

At Say Hueque we offer quality family time while exploring new destinations and cultures, spending time outdoors, educating and opening the world to children through real-life in-person experiences, perhaps with grandparents and cousins, aunts and uncles as well. See our selected tours for families.

[Last updated: 01/11/2021] 

Argentina & Chile have carried preventive measures to stem the spread of Coronavirus. Nowadays, infections have decreased substantially and immunization programs are advancing at rapid rates in both countries.

In Chile, the average positivity rate is 3%. Regarding vaccination, 91,8% of its population have at least one dose and 89.9 % are fully vaccinated. What’s more, from September 1, this South American country lifted the state of emergency which meant the end of curfew hours. 

On the other hand, in Argentina, the average positivity rate is also 3%. 75,27% of the population have at least one dose and 56,9% of the population is fully vaccinated. Besides, From October 1 the use of a face mask is not mandatory outdoors, social gatherings are allowed and restaurants, bars and even nightclubs are open. 

Read further information and the requirements to enter these countries: 

Argentina 

Chile

So… If the question is “Is it safe to travel to Patagonia?” The answer is “Yes, it is!” Take into account all our advice and make your dream of visiting this incredible destination come true!

Let the adventure begin! Check out our favorite tours and start planning your once-in-a-lifetime adventure to this outstanding region that everyone falls in love with.