Densely packed with soaring horn-shaped snowy peaks down to crystal-clear glacial lakes, Chilean Patagonia is one of the world's most mesmerising natural wonders.
But is Patagonia worth visiting in its autumn shoulder season?
Alongside these stunning landscapes, in the southern hemisphere autumn you generally still have good weather and plenty of wildlife experiences. By travelling to Patagonia in the shoulder season from March to May, you're rewarded with a magical scene: the lenga trees turning to vibrant reds and golds throughout the region.
As you move down Chile, and in particular comparison to northern Patagonia, and the Lake District, the south is a remote scene of craggy mountain tops. Instead of green forests, and rather than picturesque lakes, there are glistening glaciers in their place.
Our Latin America Travel Specialist, Sarah Frankish, travelled to Chile’s Southern Patagonia in its autumn season this year to explore this stunning part of the country. Discover her journey, from Torres del Paine National Park to Laguna Azul, and how she's come to further appreciate the striking beauty of this breathtaking season.
A Newfound Appreciation for the Shoulder Season
Having not so long ago returned from my journey through Chilean Patagonia, I've gained a newfound appreciation for travelling during the autumn months.
With distinct seasons, each offering their own allure, Patagonia has something different to attract travellers all year-round.
From September to November, spring brings vibrant flora and returning wildlife. December to February offers warmer weather and clearer skies during the peak summer months. And while the winter months of June to August see lodges close, there are still unique experiences to discover.
But with autumn, there's a nice balance between the warm summer months and spring's lush vegetation.
March to May paints the dramatic landscapes with hues of red, orange and gold, as the lenga trees transform, accompanied by milder winds and fewer crowds. Daylight hours average at around 10.5 throughout the season, while daytime temperatures comfortably range anywhere from 9°C to 16°C.
For me, it's one of the best times to visit Patagonia.
Best Places to Explore in Chile's Shoulder Season
Patagonia covers a vast area, from the lesser visited northern Patagonia – with Patagonia National Park, La Confluencia and San Rafael Lake – to Southern Patagonia, covering some of Chile’s real natural highlights.
But what is Patagonia famous for when it comes to its southern natural attractions in autumn?
Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park, one of Patagonia's highlights and a haven for hikers, offers a range of popular trails catering to different fitness levels. From the challenging Base Las Torres - with its iconic towers view - to the scenic Valle del Francés, there's something for everyone. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Hunter's Trail provides ample opportunities to spot guanacos and, if you're as lucky as I was, even pumas!
The best time to visit Torres del Paine National Park, for me, is autumn.
Although the summer season offers higher average daytime temperatures, autumn is the perfect time for hiking as the stunning landscapes transform spectacularly. Gaze into the glass-like reflection of an icy lake or trickling stream, taking in the radiant reds and yellows of the trees which stare right back at you, with snow-capped peaks towering overhead from a distance. During your trek, you're also likely to discover waterfalls cascading into shimmering rivers and see a vast sea of orange grass steppes all throughout.
Rio Grey and Rio Serrano
If you prefer a more leisurely experience, boat navigations on Rio Grey or Rio Serrano offer breathtaking views of glaciers like Glacier Grey and Glacier Serrano.
Navigate glacial waters towards the large crystalline ice rocks. Aboard your comfy vessel, you're able to witness lush forestry and jagged peaks in addition to the magnificent Serrano River Falls. The reward for your scenic journey is the imposing walls of blue and white ice rising above the lake. Admire the vibrant shades of colour and hear the roaring sounds of icefalls crashing below the surface.
Paired with autumn's hours of daylight and cooler temperatures, you have great conditions for exploration. From your boat, don your waterproofs and safety gear before heading out on your kayak. Paddle down the Grey River, enjoying spectacular views of the Paine mountains, and get close up to Serrano Glacier, feeling the freezing frost emanating from the glacial mass.
Laguna Azul
One of the best things to do in Patagonia is visiting Laguna Azul, an excursion which promises encounters with wildlife amidst impressive waterfalls. Although the summer has warmer temperatures, I find the ideal time to explore is autumn, as it spoils you with its captivating natural beauty. You can hike an easy route which circles the length of the blue lake and climb a trail to a spot with a perfect view overlooking Azul.
During the trip, I recommend taking regular breaks to survey the surroundings. The iconic granite horns that christened the lake with its name are viewable almost anywhere you are while a diverse array of wildlife can be found in the shrubbery steppe and dense forests. Swans and flamingos delicately glide across the body of water whereas guanacos and rheas roam throughout the autumnal landscapes.
After the W Trek, this is one of the best places to experience Torres del Paine's wilderness.
Best Tips for Travelling to Chile in the Shoulder Season
Travelling to Southern Patagonia can be overwhelming if you haven't planned ahead. So, remember my travel tips for an unforgettable experience and speak to our Travel Specialists to tailor your bespoke trip.
1. Stay near Torres del Paine National Park
Staying within or near Torres del Paine National Park gives you convenient access to Patagonia's best hiking trails.
Conquering the Las Torres and El Chileno trails rewards you with incredible views of Torre Lake and the three surrounding 'Blue Towers'. Taking on the Grey Glacier trail will take your breath away in more ways than one, introducing you to the incredible shimmering mound of ice while challenging your hiking ability. And experiencing the Sierra Masle trail allows you to follow in the footsteps of Florence Dixie, a British traveller and writer who first journeyed here in 1878, marvelling at the ancient coigues, ñirres and lengas.
There are plenty of Chilean accommodation options to discover during your Torres del Paine National Park tour. Some options include Tierra Patagonia, nestled in the eastern part of the park overlooking Lake Sarmiento, and Explora Patagonia, another lodge at the centre of the park, home to diverse ecosystems.
2. Pack windbreakers and rain jackets
Knowing what to wear in Patagonia in the autumn can improve the quality of your overall experience during outdoor activities like hiking or boat rides.
I myself packed warm clothing such as a waterproof jacket and windbreaker, as there can be a chance of rain. Not only that, but temperatures can dramatically increase at certain times of day, so the key is to always pack plenty of layers. Although there wasn't heavy rain when I last visited, you can't take any chances. The key phrase you’ll hear from the locals is that in Patagonia, you can easily experience four seasons in one day!
3. Visit from November to March to see penguins
Penguin sightings are best from November to March.
Where to see penguins in Patagonia is a completely different conversation, however.
The five species – Magellanic, gentoo, southern rockhopper, king and Humboldt – can be seen anywhere from Punta Arenas to Tierra del Fuego. In the rural isle of Chiloé, Puñihuíl is the only place in the world where Humbolt and Magellanic varieties reside together in a mixed colony – a unique sight making November to March a great period to travel.
Gentoo penguins are commonly seen near the Navarino islands and Cape Horn, inhabiting the coastal plains, sheltered valleys and cliffs. Southern rockhopper penguins are easily identifiable by their long bright yellow eyebrow and nest in places such as Inútil Bay in Tierra del Fuego. King penguins have also visited the shores of Tierra del Fuego for hundreds of years, waddling about in the grassy plains in the same area accessed from Punta Arenas with a day trip.
4. Lose yourself in Patagonia's natural beauty
Prepare to be awestruck by Patagonia's natural beauty at every turn, from visiting some of the world's most crystal-clear lakes to witnessing a sea of bright colours consume the scenery surrounding you.
Autumn is an excellent time to visit Patagonia for its dramatic landscapes. So, what better way to experience them by losing yourself in the diverse ecosystems? There's a range of activities to help you achieve this, whether that's the magnificent Patagonia hiking trails or searching for wildlife. Merely thinking about it is making me want to return for an adventure and soaking up its magical atmosphere.
So, how long do you need in Patagonia to immerse yourself in these breathtaking landscapes?
I recommend at least three nights as part of a wider trip to Chile. But in reality, you can spend as long here as you have available! There are so many parts of Patagonia to explore, and by getting in touch with me or one of our other travel specialists, we can help tailor the best experience to suit you.
Discover our Tailor-Made Holidays to Southern Patagonia
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By clicking on the enquire button or calling us on 0208 131 3118, we can help tailor-make our southern Patagonia holidays to suit your requirements. Our Travel Specialists specialise in destinations they know inside out, many having deeply been immersed there for years, so they can curate transformative travel experiences.
