Camping In Patagonia

Patagonia is one of the best Latin American destinations to go on a camping trip if you’re looking for an adventure in a remote part of the world. This region, in the southern part of South America, is one of the few places where you can experience pristine wilderness. Another benefit to camping in Patagonia is that, because of its remoteness and low population density, you won’t have difficulty finding places to camp. On the other hand, a camping trip to such a region requires careful planning.  This is not your typical Latin American vacation as you will be far from the conveniences of civilization.

When to Go

Patagonia is a great place to bring your family on a camping trip anytime of year. The peak season, for Latin American vacations however, is from December to February. This means that airfare and other expenses will be higher during this time. You will also find that campsites are more likely to be crowded. It’s best not to go in winter, which is between June and August in South America. Not only are you likely to experience extreme temperatures in winter, but many areas are closed.

What to Bring

Whether you are an experienced camper or planning your first major camping trip, there are certain essential supplies you must bring. This is true for any camping trip. However, when you are traveling to a place like Patagonia, although it is a popular Latin American destination, you will be a long way from anything.  It’s especially important to make sure you don’t forget anything and that all of your supplies are in good condition. It is generally cheaper to bring your gear from home than to stock up on supplies in South America, where equipment tends to be quite expensive.

• Tent -Depending on what time of year you go and how far south you are, the weather may be chilly or you may encounter precipitation. That’s why you want to make sure your tent is durable and in good condition. If it’s moldy, has holes or you are missing any poles or stakes, it’s time to get a new tent!
• Sleeping Bag-To make camping as comfortable as possible, you will want to have a good sleeping bag as well as a sleeping mat or air mattress. A pillow will also make sleeping more comfortable.
• Clothes -You should have clothes that prepare you for temperature extremes, as well as dampness. This includes hiking shoes, long pants, sweatshirts and a swimsuit.
• Food and Water -You will want to bring nonperishable food as well as fresh water. It’s also a good idea to have water purification tablets or a filtration system with you. However, water is plentiful in Patagonia and generally safe to drink.
• Supplies For Cooking -If you will be starting fires, bring plenty of matches and lighters. You may also want to bring a stove for cooking.
• Other Accessories -First aid kit, bug repellant, sunscreen, sturdy flashlights and headlamp, utensils for cooking and eating.

Where to Camp in Patagonia

There are many great places to camp in Patagonia. Some of these are in Chile, others in Argentina. You can choose between designated campgrounds and hostels or hotels that offer camping options. While some travelers simply pitch tents in the wilderness, this is not recommended, as you could be on someone’s property or on land that is closed to the public. Patagonia is a very large region. If you want to see a large portion of it, you will have to do some traveling. There are buses and flights that can take you from one location to another. Keep in mind that bus rides are costly and it can take many hours. Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, in the southern part of the region, features one of the world’s most famous glaciers, Glaciar Perito Moreno. The coastal section of Patagonia is a place where you can spot whales, dolphins and penguins. Puerto Madryn is another good destination for whale watching and for beach activities. Taking your family on a camping trip in Patagonia can provide you with the adventure of a lifetime. Plan your trip carefully and be prepared to enjoy some of the world’s most pristine and unspoiled wilderness.