Patagonia in August (Apr 2015) | Americas - South America - Lonely Planet Forum

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Wed, 08 Apr 2015 13:01:27 +0000

Hello folks,

I'm planning to spend around 2 weeks in Patagonia during August as part of my trip through South America.
As I've read that availability for public transportation and for hostels is quite limited during July/August, do you think it's still worth spending some time there?
I mean, apparently the sky is the best during this period, however I'm a bit concerned that I will not be able to visit all the classics (Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno, Lago general ...) due to closed hostels/hotels and bus firms.
I would be very grateful if somebody could share some personal experience about this topic :)

Thanks a lot,
Raphaël

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Wed, 08 Apr 2015 13:48:06 +0000

In response to #0

Patagonia is amazingly beautiful in winter but it takes a lot more planning as lodging options in TdP are fewer (and forget camping!) and transport less frequent. But if you don't have a rushed itinerary and do your homework there is no reason not to go. Although most of the refugios, shared accommodation, close a few stay open and you can find a good deal at some of the hotels. Hotel Las Torres closes half its rooms but offers good prices on the others. Hostería Grey is open. Fewer daylight hours is something you should take into consideration, of course, and will probably have to do shorter treks. The good news is that there is less wind in winter and fewer people, more wildlife around.

If you put "Torres del Paine in winter" into google, you will see tours offered and links to posts from people who have been independently. Most thought it was worth it. With the summers getting more and more crowded in the park, and even shoulder seasons becoming popular, a winter visit is worth looking at. June/July are probably better than August.

About Calafate, the park is rarely closed in winter due to high snowfalls - one day this past season only.
There will be hotels and restaurants closed during winter, but with advance planning you should be fine.

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Fri, 10 Apr 2015 09:56:08 +0000

In response to #1

Thanks a lot for your help :)

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Fri, 17 Apr 2015 15:13:15 +0000

Hi selmo017.
I would definitely suggest you to visit Patagonia, it s an amazing place but be prepared to get a bit frozen :-)
I dont think you can be able to do the W trek in Torres del Paine but you can plan some shorter daily trips .
Of course it d be better to go to Patagonia during the summer, but I dont think this should prevent you from visiting the main attractions and enjoy the amazing nature over there. Moreover, as bsas4u2015 says, you wont meet 10000000 of tourists and prices should be lower during the Patagonian winter.
Enjoy and be sure to have warm clothes with you!!!

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Mon, 18 Apr 2016 01:00:38 +0000

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