Vacation Rentals in Patagonia

Overview

Patagonia at a glance

Argentine Patagonia is not a single destination but a region roughly the size of France, split between the Andean west and the Atlantic east. Planning it well means choosing two or three bases rather than trying to see everything.

Rental stock is concentrated in the towns: El Calafate for the glaciers, El Chaltén for trekking, Puerto Madryn for wildlife, and the lake district for forest and water. Between them lie long, empty, beautiful drives.

Where to stay in Patagonia

El Calafate is the logistical hub for Perito Moreno and the southern icefield. El Chaltén, three hours north, is the trekking capital and best served by small apartments and cabins. On the Atlantic side, Puerto Madryn and Puerto Pirámides put you next to the Valdés Peninsula's wildlife.

Popular areas and neighborhoods

Types of vacation rentals in Patagonia

Things to do in Patagonia

• Perito Moreno Glacier

  Walkways face the calving front; boat trips and ice treks run daily in season.

• Trek to Laguna de los Tres

  The classic full-day hike to the base of Fitz Roy from El Chaltén.

• Valdés Peninsula wildlife

  Southern right whales from June to December, plus penguins, elephant seals and orcas.

• Drive Ruta 40

  Hundreds of kilometers of steppe, guanacos and enormous sky.

• Estancia days

  Sheep stations across Santa Cruz open for lunch, riding and shearing demonstrations.

Best time to visit Patagonia

Summer (Dec–Feb)

Warmest, longest days and full trail access — also the windiest and busiest.

Shoulder (Nov & Mar–Apr)

The sweet spot: fewer people, autumn color in April, most services still open.

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Many mountain services close, but whale season peaks on the Atlantic coast.

Getting there

• Fly into El Calafate (FTE), Trelew (REL) or Bariloche (BRC) rather than driving from Buenos Aires.
• El Chaltén is a three-hour drive from El Calafate with regular shuttle buses.
• Distances are long and fuel stations sparse — fill up whenever you can on Ruta 40.

Travel tips

• Wind, not cold, defines Patagonian weather; pack a genuine windproof layer year-round.
• Book summer rentals in El Chaltén early — the village is small and demand is not.
• Confirm heating and hot water in shoulder season; some properties wind down services.
• Cash is still useful in small towns where card networks drop out.