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Hi all,

My husband and I are planning a trip to Patagonia in late April and May.
The route we have in mind is-
Fly into Punta Arenas (starting the last week of April)
Overland to Ushuaia
Overland to El Calafate
Overland to El Chalten
Return to El Calafate to fly to Buenas Aires (approx. 19th or 20th May).

Can you advise on what facilities are still available in this period, specifically buses and travel options? We have researched the weather (as much as poss!) and are planning our outdoor activities accordingly, but are flexible and will take our options as they come.

Thanks in advance.
Belle

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1

I've been in TDP and El Chalten early may (last year in fact)

In TDP - most things are already shut (all the refugios and campgrounds are closed on the W/Circuit). Camping Pehoe is still open. And some of the hotels will be open but they'll be likely shutting down or have minimal services.

In El Chalten - things were still open but they were definitely winding down at that time of year. Just be aware that most cafes/restaurants operate at a can be open or closed depending on the day or how theyre feeling.

El Calafate and Ushuaia are open for business as usual as they're cities.

Bus travel options - will be limited between cities.

The weather is going to be sporadic and ever changing. A week I spent in El Chalten in May was completely clear one week, the next week we had torrential rain. Same goes for TDP. Check windguru and mountainforecast (wind guru is what the National Parks services use there).

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2

You'll need to plan the trip well. There won't be buses going between Punta Arenas and Ushuaia every day that time of year, more like 2x each week.

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3

I'd even go as far as suggest to not go to Ushuaia and spend your time in TDP and El chalten/El Calafate.

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