Exploring Patagonia - What You Need to Know
OVERVIEW
Patagonia is located in South America and is an extensive region that spans parts of the south of Argentina and Chile. It covers about 1 million km² and is one of the most sparsely populated regions in the world, known for its unique and breathtaking landscapes.In Argentina, Patagonia begins south of the Río Colorado and extends all the way south to Tierra del Fuego.Its diverse landscapes include impressive mountain ranges, spectacular glaciers, lakes, fjords and vast, arid deserts and steppes.The wildlife in the region is also rich in diversity, including guanacos, pumas, Andean condors, penguins as well as whales and sea lions.Patagonia is a special place that offers numerous opportunities for adventure and its beauty undoubtedly captivates travellers.
FACTS
🧉Country: Argentina 💬Language: Spanish
💰Currency: Argentine Peso 👤Population: 2 million
☀️Climate: January is the warmest month with temperatures exceeding 20°C in the north and an average of 11°C in the south. The best time to travel is considered to be from December to February since many attractions are closed outside of this period and some tours do not operate.
MONEY
The topic of money in Argentina is somewhat complex due to the unstable economic situtation and constantly rising inflation. During my 2-month trip, prices increased several times.
💸Cash is still widely used and accepted as a payment method in Argentina. You can either withdraw cash from ATMs or exchange your foreign currency for Pesos at local exchange offices.
💳Credit cards are accepted in most (larger) shops, restaurants, hotels and tour providers. However, a small fee may be charged.
📱Mobile payment services like Mercado Pago are becoming increasingly popular in Argentina.
Different Exchange Rates
Official Rate
This is the official exchange rate which is the lowest.
Blue Dollar
This is the inofficial exchange rate and the one you should go for. At the moment (October 2023) it is almost 3 times as high as the official one.
Tourist Dollar
This rate is somewhere between the official rate and the blue dollar.
Credit Card Rate
This is the rate your credit card company charges you when you pay with it. Visa changed from official rate to almost blue dollar but make sure to check with them before you use it to see if they are keeping up with the rising rates. Otherwise you might pay a lot more.
Where to Exchange Money
I highly recommend bringing cash, either US Dollar or Euro, and exchange it once you're in Argentina. If you arrive to Buenos Aires, there's a street that is known for people offering you to exchange the money:
Calle Florida
Exchange offices
If Calle Florida doesn't feel right for you, there are plenty of smaller exchange offices in every city. Just make sure to compare the exchange rates they offer you.
Tip
Keep in mind that the inflation is constantly rising, so I'd advise to not exchange all of your cash at once. The rate might still go up, so the next time you need more pesos, you could already get a better rate.
TRANSPORTATION
Car and Bus
The best option to travel, in my opinion, is with a car to be flexible. However, as the distances are very long, it can sometimes be advantageous to fly. It is also possible to travel by public transport. Argentina has long-distance buses that are really good and offer different seating options. Unfortunately, however, there is only one operator on some routes in Patagonia and accordingly no competition which is reflected in the price. Bus tickets can be booked through "Plataforma 10". There are also other websites but in my experience, this is the website that displays the most connections. Alternatively, tickets can be bought directly at the bus stations or in offices of the bus companies.
Hitchhiking
If you are adventurous, hitchhiking through Patagonia is also a very good option. Argentina is considered very safe in this respect and it is a very popular option among travellers. It's also a great way to meet new people, especially locals, and hear interesting stories.
APPS
There are some apps that can be very helpful when traveling. Here are my recommendations:
Maps
maps.me (special recommendation for offline maps)
google maps
Information for hikes
AllTrails
Bus
Plataforma 10
Booking of accommodation
Booking.com
Agoda
Hostelworld
Airbnb
Comparing flights (booking directly with the airline)
Skyscanner
Tracking and documenting of your travel
Polarsteps
Travel expenses (also possible for groups)
Tricount
Currency converter
MyCurrency
Otherwise, I can recommend using Facebook groups for specific topics and regions. Whether it is to get more information about a place, to find rides or to buy second hand camping equipment.
Thank you for reading till the end!
I'm sure you already feel a bit better prepared for your trip now 🙂
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