Patagonia’s accommodation reflects its geography — isolated, weather-dependent, and expensive by South American standards. The main bases are the Argentine side’s El Calafate (gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier) and El Chalten (base for Fitz Roy), and the Chilean side’s Puerto Natales (gateway to Torres del Paine). Ushuaia at the southern tip adds a Tierra del Fuego option. Accommodation ranges from luxury wilderness lodges with glacier views to backpacker hostels and refugios (mountain huts) along the trekking routes. Everything should be booked well ahead for the October-March high season — waiting until arrival risks finding nothing.
- El Calafate — Best for Perito Moreno Glacier access
- El Chalten — Best for Fitz Roy hiking and trekking base
- Puerto Natales (Torres del Paine) — Best for Chilean Patagonia and the W Trek
- Ushuaia — Best for Tierra del Fuego and end-of-the-world vibe
- Bariloche & Lake District — Best for the Argentine Switzerland experience
- Punta Arenas — Best for budget transit hub and penguin colonies
El Calafate
Best for: Best for Perito Moreno Glacier access | Price range: $25-450/night
The main tourist town on Lago Argentino has the widest range of accommodation for visiting Perito Moreno Glacier (80 kilometres away) and boat trips on the lake. Eolo Patagonia’s Spirit from 180,000 ARS is a luxury estancia with steppe views. Los Sauces Casa Patagonica from 60,000 ARS offers lakefront boutique comfort. America del Sur Hostel from 10,000 ARS has dorms and private rooms. The main Avenida Libertador strip has restaurants and tour agencies. Book Perito Moreno mini-trekking and Big Ice experiences through your hotel. Shuttle buses to the glacier run daily.
El Chalten
Best for: Best for Fitz Roy hiking and trekking base | Price range: $20-250/night
Argentina’s trekking capital at the base of Mount Fitz Roy is a small village where every accommodation option faces the mountains. Hosteria El Pilar at the trailhead from 80,000 ARS is the most atmospheric base. Chalten Camp glamping domes from 40,000 ARS offer mountain-view comfort. Rancho Grande Hostel from 8,000 ARS is the legendary backpacker hub. The village has excellent restaurants (Estepa, La Cerveceria) and gear shops. All major trailheads are walkable from town — no park entry fee. Book months ahead for January-February peak.
Puerto Natales (Torres del Paine)
Best for: Best for Chilean Patagonia and the W Trek | Price range: $15-400/night
The gateway town to Torres del Paine National Park on the Chilean side has grown from a small port into a well-equipped trekking base. The Singular Patagonia from 300,000 CLP occupies a converted cold-storage plant on the fjord. Hotel Indigo Patagonia from 80,000 CLP has waterfront views. Erratic Rock Hostel from 12,000 CLP provides legendary pre-trek briefings at 3 PM daily. Inside the park, refugios (mountain huts) on the W Trek circuit cost 50,000-90,000 CLP half-board and must be booked months ahead through Vertice or Fantastico Sur.
Ushuaia
Best for: Best for Tierra del Fuego and end-of-the-world vibe | Price range: $20-350/night
The world’s southernmost city on the Beagle Channel has a compact centre with mountain-backed waterfront hotels. Arakur Ushuaia Resort from 120,000 ARS sits above the city in a nature reserve with panoramic views. Hotel Los Acebos from 40,000 ARS offers excellent mid-range value near the port. Antarctica Hostel from 8,000 ARS. Ushuaia is the departure point for Antarctica cruises and Tierra del Fuego National Park (12 kilometres west). The winter ski season at Cerro Castor runs June-October. Crab houses on the waterfront serve centolla (king crab).
Bariloche & Lake District
Best for: Best for the Argentine Switzerland experience | Price range: $15-500/night
Northern Patagonia’s lake district around San Carlos de Bariloche has glacial lakes, Valdivian rainforest, and the best chocolate shops in South America. Llao Llao Resort from 200,000 ARS is Argentina’s most iconic lakeside hotel. Hotel Tunquelen from 50,000 ARS has a lakefront setting on the Circuito Chico. Hostel 1004 from 7,000 ARS is central and social. The Circuito Chico scenic drive, Cerro Campanario chairlift, and the Arrayanes Forest on Victoria Island are the main attractions. December-March is peak; June-September for skiing at Cerro Catedral.
Punta Arenas
Best for: Best for budget transit hub and penguin colonies | Price range: $15-150/night
Chile’s southernmost continental city is a practical transit hub for flights to Torres del Paine and the Strait of Magellan, with penguin colonies at Isla Magdalena nearby. Hotel Dreams del Estrecho on the waterfront from 60,000 CLP has strait views. Hostal Independencia from 15,000 CLP is the best budget option. The Zona Franca duty-free shopping centre has outdoor gear at good prices. The municipal cemetery is worth visiting for its manicured gardens and immigrant history. LATAM and Sky flights connect to Santiago and Puerto Natales.
Quick Comparison
| Area | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| El Calafate | Best for Perito Moreno Glacier access | $25-450/night |
| El Chalten | Best for Fitz Roy hiking and trekking base | $20-250/night |
| Puerto Natales (Torres del Paine) | Best for Chilean Patagonia and the W Trek | $15-400/night |
| Ushuaia | Best for Tierra del Fuego and end-of-the-world vibe | $20-350/night |
| Bariloche & Lake District | Best for the Argentine Switzerland experience | $15-500/night |
| Punta Arenas | Best for budget transit hub and penguin colonies | $15-150/night |
Budget Tips for Patagonia
Patagonia is expensive by South American standards but there are savings to be found. Supermarkets in El Calafate and Puerto Natales stock groceries for self-catering — bring a camp stove for the trails. SUBE cards (Argentina) and BIP cards (Chile) provide discounted public transport. The Argentine peso fluctuates wildly — check the blue dollar rate and bring USD cash for better exchange rates at informal cambios. The El Chalten trails are free (no park entry fee). Book Torres del Paine refugios as soon as dates open (usually April for the following season). Shoulder season (October-November, March-April) has lower prices and fewer crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Patagonia for first-time visitors?
El Calafate is the best area for first-timers in Patagonia. It offers best for perito moreno glacier access with convenient access to major attractions.
What is the cheapest area to stay in Patagonia?
For budget travelers, Punta Arenas offers affordable accommodation starting from $15.
When is the best time to visit Patagonia?
The best time depends on your priorities, but most travelers find the shoulder season offers the best balance of good weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds.