Outdoor adventurers dream of spotting iconic wildlife and trekking among soaring glaciers in Patagonia. But when visiting remote natural wonders with varying landscapes, it’s important to be prepared. As a Patagonia travel specialist for the past 15 years, I know every jaw-dropping nook and cranny, along with the best ways to explore.

Here are 10 common planning mistakes to avoid, so your trip is unforgettable for all the right reasons. 

Planning Without an Expert

Patagonia is divided between Chile and Argentina, which makes it enormous in scale. For this reason, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the numerous search results that appear when planning a trip here. Avoid this by working with a local travel expert who can provide first-hand knowledge. Not only does this make the planning easier, but it’s also the best way to take part in experiences that not everyone has access to, like heli-rafting to a nearby remote island where you can have a picnic. 

Underestimating Travel Time

Many visitors underestimate travel times — not only in getting there, but also between remote destinations upon arrival. Going from New York City to Patagonia, for example, takes more than a full day. And once there, you’ll enjoy magnificent landscapes on every long drive, so it’s important to time your itinerary right.

Skipping Cultural Experiences

With so many captivating backdrops for trekking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting, many travelers miss the rich cultural attractions on their way to their next adventure. Trips handcrafted by local travel experts help you delve into the various lifestyles of the place you’re visiting. One way we do this is by inviting travelers to experience the Patagonian gaucho (or “cowboy”) lifestyle by staying at a cattle ranch within Perito Moreno National Park. 

Not Eating Local Food

Argentinian cuisine is one of a kind. Whether it’s juicy guanaco steaks, grilled jabali (wild boar), or trout straight from the river to your plate, sampling delicious dishes made with local ingredients is key when visiting Patagonia. 

Forgetting Your Sense of Adventure

When visiting Patagonia, it’s important to not be afraid of journeying off the beaten path — it’s where you’ll find some of the region’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, along with the joy of being one of a few travelers lucky enough to witness them. One experience I recommend is mountain biking along the Lago del Desierto. Here, you can admire the scenery of beach forests, mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and glaciers. It’s important to avoid driving or exploring on your own in remote places with limited reception, so hire a trusted local guide for peace of mind. 

Thinking Patagonia Is Only for Extreme Adventures

From ice hiking to whitewater rafting, there’s no doubt Patagonia delivers unbeatable outdoor thrills. But if you’re not a fan of extreme sports, there’s still plenty to do. An exciting itinerary might include a relaxing whale-watching cruise and staying overnight at a working estancia. 

Leaving the Kids at Home

Getting up close to penguins and sea lions in the wild is among the many incredible experiences for kids in this family-friendly destination. Don’t worry, a knowledgeable Patagonia specialist can design an itinerary to suit children of all ages for stress-free travel with local guides at the helm.

Packing Incorrectly 

It’s possible to experience all four seasons in one day in Patagonia. The weather is unpredictable, and this means packing can make or break your trip, so it’s important to come prepared. Most importantly, pack layers to dress for all weather conditions, and make sure your hiking shoes are worn in and ready to go.

Rushing the Journey

When visiting a place like Patagonia, many people often try to fit everything into one trip. Instead,  indulge in slow travel by choosing a few experiences you and your group really want to enjoy. If you try to fit too much in, you may miss out on the moment right in front of you.

Not Being in the Moment

As you connect with the landscapes and soak up fascinating cultural sights, you learn to disconnect from your devices. If you find this hard to do, spotty reception in many places will help you leave the world behind as you venture into the Patagonian wilderness.

Jean Santz is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List, and specializes in creating unique, private journeys to South America. You can create an itinerary that fits your needs with Santz by contacting her at [email protected].