Pucón to Ushuaia: Our Complete Patagonia Itinerary by Public Bus
South America's Patagonia region offers breathtaking landscapes, but its vast distances, high costs, and endless options can overwhelm trip planners. Drawing from our firsthand experience, this detailed guide outlines our bus-based route from Chile's Lake District to Tierra del Fuego. It includes transportation, accommodations, sightseeing highlights, and alternatives at each stop. We relied on public buses throughout, save for an unexpected hitchhiking stint in Tierra del Fuego. Find links to our in-depth destination posts below each section to aid your Patagonia adventure.
Our Patagonia route map:
Our Patagonia Itinerary
Pucón, Chile
Our Patagonia journey began in Chile's Lake District, in the resort town of Pucón at the base of Villarrica Volcano—the area's star attraction. Adventure seekers can enjoy kayaking, volcano climbs, and treks. If that's not your style, consider skipping to Puerto Varas.
Accommodation: One Way Hostel (basic; better options available). CLP17,000 for a private room with shared bath.
Getting there: Turbus bus from Valparaíso.
Tip: Turbus is Chile's top bus company. Book ahead for discounts versus day-of fares.
Recommended stay: 2-3 days. Allocate time for Villarrica climb (weather-dependent), plus rafting, kayaking, or Huerquehue National Park. Rain forced us to extend; bad weather is common.
Read more: Thank Goodness for Silver Linings…Rained Out in Pucón, Chile
Puerto Varas, Chile
This charming town on Lake Llanquihue reflects its 19th-century German heritage. Day trips include Frutillar (wooden homes, delectable cakes) or hikes in the national park with Osorno Volcano views. Direct buses to Argentina's Bariloche depart from here. Despite rainy weather, it ranked in our top five Chilean spots and fits seamlessly into Patagonia itineraries near Bariloche.
Accommodation: MaPatagonia Hostel (excellent value). CLP20,000 double with shared bath, breakfast included.
Getting there: JAC bus from Pucón to Puerto Montt (5 hours, CLP10,000), then microbus to Puerto Varas (20 minutes, CLP800).
Note: For Puerto Natales (Torres del Paine), buses from Puerto Montt go via Punta Arenas (35 hours, Cruz del Sur, CLP42,000). Flights via Sky Airline or LATAM save time if skipping Argentina.
Recommended stay: 2-3 days. Options: Osorno trek, rafting/kayaking, cycle to Frutillar (60km round trip), or Chiloé day trip (with rental car).
Read more: Home Sweet Home in Southern Chile: Following the Trail of German Immigrants
Chiloé (Detour)
About 2 hours southwest of Puerto Varas, Chiloé Island enchanted us with its scenery. Renting a car in Puerto Varas for flexibility (return there for Bariloche bus) would have been ideal.
Accommodation: Hotel Ancud Petit (quadruple room, CLP10,000/person), based in Ancud.
Getting there: Cruz del Sur bus from Puerto Montt to Ancud (CLP6,300; includes 30-minute ferry).
Recommended stay: 2 full days for main towns, Chiloé National Park, penguin colony tour. (Day trip viable with car.)
Read more: A Blind Date with Chile’s Romantic Chiloé Island
Bariloche, Argentina
A scenic 6-8 hour bus over the Andes (from Puerto Varas/Montt/Osorno). Nestled on Nahuel Huapi Lake, it's unmissable—like Colorado amid hikes, Nahuel Huapi National Park's Black Glacier, kayaking, and viewpoints.
Accommodation: Kospi Boutique Guesthouse (ARS410 double, breakfast incl.).
Getting there: Tas Choapa bus from Puerto Montt (6 hours, CLP14,000/person).
Recommended stay: 2-3 days for Circuito Chico cycle, viewpoints (Cerro Otto/Campanario), lake boat, national park.
Read more: Mighty Mount Tronador and the Black Glacier | Bariloche, Argentina
Tip: Exchange CLP for USD before Argentina; use Blue Dollar rate for ~2x better value. Details on Argentina costs.
El Chaltén, Argentina
Taqsa's 27-hour gravel-road bus from Bariloche (summer only) beats flying via Buenos Aires in cost. Hiking paradise near Fitz Roy and Glacier Viedma; winter travelers need alternatives.
Accommodation: Avoid Lo De Trevi (overpriced, insecure). Book early via Booking.com (high season fills fast).
Getting there: Taqsa (ARS900/person). Sporadic schedule; Chalten Travel alternative (but uncomfortable).
Recommended stay: 4-5 days for trails (we did 2; insufficient).
Read more: The Day I Became a Solo Hiker in Patagonia
Polaroid: Imposing Fitz Roy, Patagonia
El Calafate, Argentina
3-hour paved bus south from El Chaltén. Must-see: Perito Moreno Glacier—one of South America's highlights.
Accommodation: Del Glaciar Libertador Hostel & Suites (ARS310 double, breakfast).
Getting there: Multiple daily buses (ARS150/person).
Recommended stay: 2 nights for glacier tour; add for Laguna Nimez or Glaciarium.
Read more: Ice, Ice Baby: The Amazing Perito Moreno Glacier | Patagonia, Argentina
Puerto Natales, Chile
6-hour bus (Cootra) from El Calafate across border to Torres del Paine gateway. Pleasant town with great eats. Book ahead—remote bus station.
Accommodation: Hospedaje Mwono (CLP15,000 double, shared bath).
Getting there: Cootra (ARS150/person, 5 hours). Declare produce at border (strict fines).
To Ushuaia sans Punta Arenas: Bus to Río Gallegos (4.5 hours), then Ushuaia (12 hours).
Recommended stay: 1 night pre/post W-Trek (4 nights in park); weather unpredictable. Non-hikers: 2 days relaxing.
Tip: Arienwen's W-Trek guide.
Read more: Torres del Paine: Patagonia’s Essence in a Day
Polaroid: Wind homage, Puerto Natales
Punta Arenas, Chile
Southernmost mainland Chilean city; frequent buses from Puerto Natales (Buses Fernandez, CLP5,000). Chilly, clean; pricier stays (cheapest ~US$40 double).
Plan ahead: Infrequent Ushuaia buses/ferries; penguin tours sporadic. Agencies: Aeonikenk (king penguins CLP55,000; Seno Otway CLP10,000), Pali Aike (private CLP39,000/couple + park fee).
Accommodation: Hostal Art Nouveau (CLP35,000 ensuite double, breakfast).
Getting there: Buses Fernandez (5-6 daily).
Punta Arenas to Ushuaia: Bus-Sur (CLP35,000), Taqsa/Tecni-Austral (weekly).
Recommended stay: 2 nights for penguins.
Porvenir, Chile
Detour for Chilean Tierra del Fuego; no direct Ushuaia buses—hitchhiked successfully. Skip unless birdwatching.
Accommodation: Hosteria Yendegaia.
Getting there: Ferry from Punta Arenas (CLP5,500; check schedule).
Recommended stay: 1-2 nights.
Read more: The Day We Hitchhiked to the End of the World
Ushuaia, Argentina
World's southernmost city capped our journey (hitchhike Porvenir-Río Gallegos, bus thence).
Accommodation: El Refugio Mochilero (ARS300 double; overpriced). Antarctica Hostel recommended (book ahead).
Getting there: Bus from Río Grande (ARS140, 2 hours).
Punta Arenas-Ushuaia: As above.
Departing: Fly to Buenos Aires (faster/cheaper than bus).
Recommended stay: 4 days for Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego NP, museums, Martial Glacier.
Read more: Arriving to the End of the World | Ushuaia, Argentina
