Weather
Spring has arrived in Patagonia in November—a little late to the party but here nonetheless. Daily highs fall in the mid-50s in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and rise to the mid-60s in areas of Northern Patagonia. You should still expect some rain this time of year and the entire region is known for microclimates so it's possible to experience all four seasons in the same day.
That said, when the sun is shining, it's a great time to catch the wildflowers in this part of the country, and days are longer—upwards of 15 hours—for enjoying peak outdoor time.
Crowds & Costs
November is the last month of Patagonia's shoulder season, which means you'll find lower prices and not-overwhelming crowds in popular areas. This is an excellent time to travel to popular places like Pucon, Torres del Paine National Park, Isla Magdalena, Los Glaciares National Park, Ushuaia, and Tierra del Fuego, where you'll beat the flood of international tourists (and pricey accommodation costs) of coming peak summer months.
Just to be safe, it's a good idea to make your reservations at least three months in advance.
Where to Go
The entire region of Patagonia is getting into full swing this time of year and preparing for the high season. With so many destination options to choose from, it can be difficult to choose how to spend your time. For a classic trip, this is a fantastic month to explore the major landmarks before the crowds start arriving.
On the Argentine side, Los Glaciares National Park, home of 13 glaciers and the iconic Mt. Fitz Roy, is nicknamed "hiker's paradise" due to the abundance of mountaineering options all around. You can also head further south to Ushuaia and explore Tierra del Feugo National Park and the Beagle Channel for a variety of coastal trails and boat cruises that capitalize on marine life.
As for the Chilean side, spending time in Torres del Paine National Park is a must, especially now that seasonal lodgings re-open in the park allowing you to stay overnight. There's even an eco-camp option that offers a chance to learn about nomadic tribes such as the Kaweskars and Yaghans, and the history of sheep farming in the region.
Further north, you could spend time in the Lake District for a range of trails and outdoor activities. There's also a scenic driving route along the Carretera Austral, which is relatively unknown to anyone outside of the continent. For a luxury experience, you can stay at a hotel called Puyuhuapi Lodge and visit the Hanging Glacier by boat for truly undiscovered surroundings.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
Late spring offers a whole slew of outdoor adventures around Patagonia including day hikes, multi-day treks, glaciers tours, water sports, wildlife spotting, and relaxing sightseeing cruises, to name a few, especially now that organized tours, services, and local guides are operating at full steam.
The Chilean Lake District offers several adrenaline-inducing activities like white-water rafting, zip-lining, and skydiving, as well as volcano tours, and great trails that cover a great portion of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. This is an excellent choice for photographers and hikers who want to visit the park without feeling rushed. In Argentina's Lake District, Bariloche offers its own network of well-maintained trails with spectacular views.
If traveling to Los Glaciares National Park, consider climbing to the top of Perito Moreno glacier fully equipped with crampons and an ice ax. This full-day excursion crosses deep blue ice crevices and hikes over meltwater streams as you experience this rare advancing glacier up close (you can also get close to the glacier on a boat tour).
Meanwhile, El Chaltén offers several day-hikes from town, including a two-hour brisk hike through the native forest to a deep blue lake called Laguna Capri that sits at the foot of the mountains and offers an unobstructed view of the jutting granite towers of the Fitz Roy massif.
Further south, Tierra del Fuego National Park makes up an incredible 155,000 acres of land, so you'll want an experienced guide to show you the best hikes, lakes, and lookout points. Wildlife watchers interested in seeing Chile's largest colony of penguins can take a half-day tour from Punta Arenas on the Strait of Magellan to Isla Magdalena. You'll also stop at Marta Island—home to a large colony of Patagonian sea lions and seabirds including cormorants, skuas, arctic pigeons, and more.
Events in November
Puerto Montt International Jazz Festival. Recognized as one of the most important musical events in Chilean Patagonia, this festival is distinguished as the only festival of the genre in Chile that offers instrumental clinics and concerts with free entrance for the community.
Lamb National Festival in Puerto Madryn. This gastronomic event in Argentina takes place each November and features Patagonian lamb.
Goat, Dancing & Singing Festival. During the second week of November, the most important cultural event in Argentina's Neuquén features folkloric dances, music groups, singers, and traditional cuisine.
Fishing Season Opening in Patagonia. Here is a classic: the Chimehuín River near Argentina's city of Junín de los Andes dresses up for this November occasion and declares the Patagonian continental fishing season formally open.
Traveling to Patagonia in November? Check out these great itineraries.
Patagonia's W Trek & Marble Caves. Start off with some urban culture before flying south to frolic with thousands of penguins. Next, you’ll spend several days trekking in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Finish in northern Patagonia's Aysén region for glaciers and marble cave formations you won't soon forget.
Classic Argentina Patagonia. From Buenos Aires, you'll fly to Patagonia for a range of outdoor activities and wildlife. On the itinerary are two national parks: Tierra del Fuego (rivers and ancient settlements) and Los Glaciares (glaciers and iconic mountains). There's also whale watching and a visit to South America´s largest Magellanic Penguin colony for the ultimate photo ops.
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