What a month in Patagonia really costs
An honest breakdown of my spending — and where the money quietly disappears.
Patagonia is not a cheap destination. Prices in the national parks are closer to Western Europe than to the rest of South America.
The big items
Accommodation took about 40% of the budget: a mix of refugios, campsites and a few nights in guesthouses. Transport was another 25%, mostly long-distance buses and one domestic flight.
Food
Supermarkets in Puerto Natales and El Calafate are well stocked. Cooking most dinners myself cut costs a lot; eating every meal in the park refugios would have doubled the food budget.
Small things that add up
Park entry fees, boat crossings, laundry, bus terminal taxes and coffee. Lots of coffee.
Tip: Book refugios for the W Trek months in advance — the cheapest options sell out first.