Patagonia is doable on a budget. El Chaltén has the best budget infrastructure: free camping in Los Glaciares National Park at designated sites, hostels from USD$20/dorm, and free access to all trails. Puerto Natales (Torres del Paine gateway) has excellent hostels from USD$18 and the W Trek camping option (own tent, cheaper than refugios). Bariloche has budget hostels from USD$20. El Calafate is more expensive (less backpacker-focused).
Why We Chose It
Patagonia is doable on a budget. El Chaltén has free camping in Los Glaciares National Park. Hostels from USD$15 in both Chaltén and Puerto Natales.
What Stands Out
- El Chaltén free camping: designated campgrounds in the national park, no fee, stunning locations
- Puerto Natales hostels: Erratic Rock (the essential info stop for W Trek logistics) from USD$20
- W Trek camping option: own tent + campsite booking is significantly cheaper than refugios
- El Chaltén hostels: Albergue Rancho Grande (legendary trekker hostel) from USD$20 dorm
- Note: El Calafate is the most expensive gateway — the glacier visits are worth the cost