This note is a personal account of our journey to the charming town of El Chalten on the Argentine side of Patagonia, where we embarked on an unforgettable 
Patagonian hiking adventure.
First:
Patagonia is a vast plateau nestled at the southern end of the Andes, with Chile to the west and Argentina to the east. The majestic mountain range forms a natural boundary, making the border between the two countries somewhat indistinct in this region.
Therefore:
For those eager to explore the stunning landscapes of Argentina and 
Chile in Patagonia, there are two key towns that serve as ideal bases for your adventures:
El Chalten on the Argentine side, and Puerto Natales on the Chilean side. Traveling between these two towns is exclusively by land, adding to the unique experience.
Note:
El Chalten, being a remote gem, does not have its own airport. To reach it, you must first fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate, and then take a scenic 4-hour bus ride or drive to El Chalten. (See P3-4)
Personal Experience:
We started our journey with a flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate.
From there, we used El Calafate as our base to explore the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, the hiker’s paradise of El Chalten (the Argentine side base), and the vibrant Puerto Natales (the Chilean side base).
By travel time:
El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier National Park: 1 hour
El Calafate to El Chalten: 4 hours
El Calafate to Puerto Natales: 7 hours (including customs crossing)
How to choose transportation in Patagonia:
In El Calafate, you have the option to rent a car
or hop on a comfortable bus
.
All three routes mentioned above can be easily navigated by bus, which is incredibly convenient and highly recommended!
Additionally, long-distance buses in both Argentina and Chile are largely operated by a few major companies, such as Magra Taqsa and Bus Sur. This means prices are consistent, with only the schedules varying.
If you’re considering renting a car, after comparing several rental companies in the area, we found Rent A Car to be a more budget-friendly option. (P5)
Feel free to leave a comment if you have any other questions about traveling in Patagonia. [Smiling Face]
I had no idea there were so many transportation options to get to Patagonia! Taking a bus from Buenos Aires sounds convenient, but flying seems faster if you’re short on time. Have you tried any other routes that weren’t mentioned here? I’d love to hear more about those.
I had no idea there were so many transportation options! Taking the bus from Buenos Aires sounds convenient, but flying to El Calafate gives you more flexibility for exploring different areas. Have you considered adding train travel as another option? It could be scenic but might not be as direct.
That’s a great guide! I didn’t realize there were so many transportation options. The bus ride sounds scenic but long—perfect for catching up on sleep or reading.
El Calafate seems like a better starting point than Ushuaia for exploring Patagonia by bus. The guide’s description of the rugged landscapes matches my own experience traveling there last year.
El Chalten sounds amazing! I didn’t know there were so many transportation options. The hike must be incredible with those views.
Absolutely, El Chaltén offers breathtaking hikes and stunning views! Yes, there are several great transportation options from nearby towns like El Calafate. The trails are truly unforgettable—make sure to bring a good camera! Thanks for your interest; happy travels!
I had no idea there were so many transportation options! Taking the bus seems like the most authentic way to experience the region.