Patagonia, a vast and stunning region shared by Chile and Argentina, requires careful planning when it comes to air travel. Knowing Where To Fly In Patagonia is crucial for accessing its diverse landscapes, from towering mountains to expansive ice fields. This guide will help you navigate the airports of Patagonia, ensuring you arrive at the doorstep of your adventure.
Key Airports in Chilean Patagonia
Chile serves as a primary gateway to Patagonia, and Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago is the main international and domestic hub. From Santiago, a network of domestic flights connects you to the Patagonian south.
Airlines for Domestic Flights in Chile:
- LATAM: Chile’s flagship carrier with the most extensive domestic network.
- SKY: Another major airline offering competitive domestic routes.
- JetSmart: A budget airline option, but be aware of potential reliability variations.
- Aerocord & Aerovías DAP: Smaller airlines operating in specific regions like Aysen and Tierra del Fuego, utilizing smaller aircraft to reach remote destinations.
Flying to Torres del Paine National Park
The iconic Torres del Paine National Park is best accessed by flying to Puerto Natales (PNT). While geographically closer, flights to Puerto Natales are limited and often expensive due to high demand. The flight duration is approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes from Santiago, followed by a scenic two-hour drive to the park entrance.
Punta Arenas (PUQ) is the more common and often more practical airport for Torres del Paine. Flights to Punta Arenas, while taking roughly the same flight time from Santiago (around 3 hours 30 minutes), are generally more frequent and potentially more affordable. From Punta Arenas airport, a comfortable three-hour bus journey will take you to Puerto Natales, and then onwards to Torres del Paine.
Accessing the Chilean Lake District
To explore the picturesque Chilean Lake District, Puerto Montt (PMC) airport is your primary gateway. The flight from Santiago to Puerto Montt is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, placing you conveniently close to charming towns like Puerto Varas.
For those heading to Pucón, Temuco (ZCO) airport offers an alternative. A shorter flight from Santiago at around 1 hour and 25 minutes, Temuco is a viable option for reaching the northern part of the Lake District and Pucón’s adventure activities.
Discovering Chiloé Island
The unique culture and landscapes of Chiloé Island are within reach via flights to Castro (MHC) airport. Located on Chiloé Island, Castro airport is approximately a two-hour flight from Santiago, providing direct access to this fascinating island.
Exploring the Aysen Region
For the remote and wild Aysen region, fly into Coyhaique (Balmaceda, BBA) airport. A flight of around 2 hours and 20 minutes from Santiago brings you to Coyhaique, the main hub for exploring Aysen’s untamed beauty. DAP Airlines also connects Coyhaique with Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas, facilitating travel within Patagonia. For the even smaller settlement of Chaitén, Chaitén (WCH) airport is connected to Puerto Montt by a short 15-minute flight with Aerocord.
Chilean Fjords and Tierra del Fuego
To experience the dramatic Chilean Fjords and the remote Tierra del Fuego, Punta Arenas (PUQ) is once again the key airport. Reaching Punta Arenas takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes by air from Santiago. From Punta Arenas, DAP Airlines operates smaller aircraft to Puerto Williams (WPU) and Pampa Guanaco (DPB) in Chilean Tierra del Fuego, both around 45-minute flights.
Other Useful Domestic Connections from Santiago
Beyond Patagonia, Santiago Airport offers connections to other Chilean highlights:
- Calama (CJC): A two-hour flight to Calama places you at the gateway to the otherworldly Atacama Desert.
- Easter Island (IPC): For a truly unique experience, a four-hour and 25-minute flight takes you to the remote and enigmatic Easter Island.
International Flights
For travel between Chile and Argentina within Patagonia, direct flights are available from Santiago to Buenos Aires and Bariloche. These routes facilitate seamless travel between the Argentinian and Chilean sides of Patagonia.
Planning your flights strategically is essential for your Patagonian adventure. Understanding where to fly in Patagonia and the airport options available will ensure you maximize your time exploring this incredible region.
