Patagonia in March

Hi All. I'm in the middle of planning a round the world trip, and I'm just trying to get a feel for the weather. I intend to arrive in Rio from New Zealand in time for Carnival next year, and then head south to Patagonia before heading back up through Chile and Argentina. In my current plan I'd reach Ushuaia in mid-March, and then I wanted to head up to Peurto Natales and end up in Torres Del Paine for a bit of hiking and then catch the ferry to head up the coast. Thing is, is late March too late in the year? I don't mind a bit of rain (I'm English ) but if its likely to be so bad I don't see anything, is it worth getting down there straight after Carnival (late Feb) to have a better chance with the weather?

[ Edit: Edited at Jul 6, 2006 3:15 AM by Hookey ]

March is all right-ish, although february or december would be better. You'll still have plenty of clear skies, I think; only I'm not sure if the ferry to Pto Montt is going in march...

have fun; and consider making a stop in El Chaltén for wonderful hiking in the Fitz Roy range. Amazing landscape.

Niels (Amsterdam)

I was in Patagonia in April this year and it wasnt too bad. In fact, this is a really nice time to visit Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia because the foliage has just turned brilliant red and orange. It's cold but not too cold....put it this way, i didnt need my thermals, just a warm jacket.

I think March might be quite a good time also due to the fact that most of the tourists are gone. Only thing to watch out for is that a lot of tours and services start to wind down towards the end of the summer, and you can sometimes get stuck in a place longer than you'd planned waiting for a bus or flight.

Hope that helps!
Good luck with the planning

Evelyn

I was in Ushuhaia in March 2002, and our water bottle froze over the night while camping. I Was quite cold in ush and Torres del Paine as well.
Make sure you get to el chalten (one horse town)it´s beautiful and the fitz Roy is amazing.
Flo