Gearing up to explore Patagonia by bicycle? The following logistics will help you prepare for the road ahead.
The Basics
Quick Specs
Start
Bariloche
End
Ushuaia
Border Crossings
4-5
Distance
~3,000 km*
*The direct route from Bariloche to Ushuaia is 2,753 kilometers. However, with the alternate routes and optional detours along the way, your trip could total more than 3,000 km.
Weather
Patagonia is notorious for its harsh, unpredictable weather – it's common to experience sun, rain, winds, and even snow, all in one day. Be skeptical of weather reports – conditions may change suddenly, even in summer. The tour passes through many microclimates ranging from humid forested valleys to arid windswept plateaus and temperatures can get frigid, especially at night and at high elevations. Be prepared: always have your rain jacket handy and be ready to layer up!
Chile
West of the Andes
Expect cloudy days and frequent rain, especially near the coast. During the summer, temperatures are moderate. Mountains usually provide some protection from the winds.
Argentina
East of the Andes
The Patagonian steppe is comprised of vast desert and shrub-lands. Conditions are dry and there is very little roadside shelter from the sun. Expect harsh winds, predominantly from the northwest.
Budgeting for Your Trip
Traveling by bicycle is one of the least expensive ways to experience a country. Of course, you'll need a bicycle, tent and sleeping bag – and you'll also need to get to Patagonia somehow – but once you have these necessities, a 10-week tour can be completed for less than $1,000 USD.
Spending Estimates
Shoestring
~$70
per week
- 2 nights budget accommodation ($15/night)
- 5 nights wild camping (free)
- 19 basic vegetarian self-cooked meals – think rice or pasta with veggies ($30)
- 1 cheap-eat restaurant meal ($10)
Standard
~$220
per week
- 4 nights standard accommodation ($20/night)
- 3 nights wild camping
- 17 standard self-cooked meals – you can afford the occasional avo and honey ($60/week)
- 4 budget-restaurant meals w/ drink ($20/meal)
Baller
~$650
per week
- 6 nights classy accommodation ($50/night)
- 1 night wild-camping (free)
- 11 snazzy self-cooked meals – avocados every day ($100)
- 10 restaurant meals w/ drink ($25/meal)
Remember, these are approximate estimations for your self-guided tour. Bicycle Patagonia does not offer any guided-tour packages. Our goal is to provide the knowledge and information you need to explore Patagonia on your own.
Prices in Patagonia
All estimates are in USD ($)
Food
Dining at restaurants in Patagonia can be expensive. Expect a restaurant meal (without alcohol) to set you back $20. For best value at restaurants, order the menú del día (starter, main + dessert). While on the go, empanadas are a cheap "fast food." Save big on food costs by purchasing your own groceries. Between towns, stop at farms with greenhouses and ask about purchasing homegrown produce (the selection and quality of veggies at farms is typically better than at mercados).
Accommodation
Wild camping in Patagonia is a great way of saving on accommodation costs; however, be aware that quality spots can be difficult to find near cities and towns. Campsites, hostels, and hospedajes typically charge a nightly rate per person. Cabañas charge a flat rate. Organized campsites cost between $10 and $15 per person, per night. Hospedajes (Patagonia's version of a simple Bed & Breakfast) usually cost between $20 and $30 per person, per night for a shared space or private room. For best value, make a group of four and rent a cabaña for $60-$100/night.
Hostels and hotels are typically only found in cities; while campsites, hospedajes, and cabañas can be found in small towns and in between settlements. If you're traveling as a couple or duo, know that "matrimonial" will mean one room with a double bed (usually fit for two people), priced by the room instead of per person.
Warmshowers.org is a great resource for travelers by bicycle. Unfortunately, there are very few Warmshowers.org hosts in Patagonia.
Gear & Equipment
Camping gear and bicycle equipment are much cheaper in Chile than in Argentina (where imported goods are subject to heavy taxation). Coyhaique and Punta Arenas' zona franca are the best places on the Bicycle Patagonia Tour to purchase gear and equipment.
Park Entrance Fees
National park/reserve entrance fees range between $8 (Parque Nacional Los Alerces) and $35 (Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, during the high season). Some national parks/reserves lack infrastructure and you'll be able to pedal into them without paying the entrance fee; however, don't rely on this and be prepared to pay.