Linen & Luggage
Latin America · Best Nov–Mar

Patagonia packing list for families

Patagonia rewards families who come ready for wind, rain, and bright sun all in the same day. Packing here is about smart layers and good boots, so the kids stay warm enough to enjoy the views.

Lenticular clouds over the granite towers of Torres del Paine at sunrise

Photo by Marc Thunis on Unsplash

Kristina's notes on Patagonia

  1. The wind is the headline here. Pack a windproof shell, hats that cinch under the chin, and nothing loose you would hate to lose off a viewpoint.
  2. You can see four seasons in one afternoon in Torres del Paine, so layer kids the way you would for skiing and keep a dry set of clothes in the car or lodge.
  3. Most families do best staying at one lodge with guided outings sized to the kids. Park entry and lodging book up for summer, so I plan this one well ahead.
Best timeNov–Mar
PlugsType C, bring an adapter
MoneyChilean peso
PassportYes
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Patagonia

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    Carry-on8

    Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
    Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
    Kids' headphones, volume-limited
    Tablet with downloaded shows
    Snack box with dividers
    Reusable water bottles
    Change of clothes for each kid
    Car seat travel bag

    Clothing3

    Daytime outfits8 per person
    Pajamas2 per person
    Underwear and socks9 per person

    Shoes2

    Broken-in walking sneakersOur pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
    Waterproof hiking bootsOur pickTrails are rocky, muddy, and often wet.

    Beach & pool2

    Swimsuits2 per person
    Mineral sunscreen

    Safari1

    Headlamp or small flashlight

    Cold weather9

    Thermal base layers2 sets per personOur pick
    Waterproof shell jacket and pants
    Wool socks5 pairs per person
    Insulated waterproof boots with good grip
    Warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter
    Hand and toe warmers
    Neck gaiterBlocks wind and sun better than a scarf.
    Polarized sunglassesSun is strong this far south, with glare off lakes and ice.
    Waterproof pantsRain and spray come sideways in the wind.

    Little ones5

    Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
    Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
    Travel blackout shades
    Favorite lovey, plus a backup
    Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerOur pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.

    Health & toiletries3

    Travel first-aid kit
    Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
    Hanging toiletry bag

    Documents & tech3

    Portable phone chargerOur pick
    Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
    Travel plug adapterOur pickType C, bring an adapter
    The outfit edit

    Nordic layers

    Charcoal, oatmeal, forest, rust

    For the grown-ups

    • A waterproof parka or shell
    • Chunky knit sweater
    • Waterproof boots with real grip

    For the kids

    • Snowsuit or waterproof pants
    • Merino base layers
    • Mittens on a clip so they don't get lost

    For photos

    • Rust or red pops against snow and black sand
    • Matching knit hats for the whole crew
    Month by month

    Patagonia weather and what's happening

    Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.

    MonthTypical highWhat it's likeDon't miss
    January60°F 16°CSummer: long daylight, mild days, the strongest winds, and quick-changing weather.Up to around 17 hours of daylight for long hiking days.
    February59°F 15°CSummer: long daylight, mild days, the strongest winds, and quick-changing weather.Up to around 17 hours of daylight for long hiking days.
    March56°F 13°CSummer: long daylight, mild days, the strongest winds, and quick-changing weather.
    April50°F 10°CAutumn: calmer winds, cool days, and fall color in the beech forests.Lenga beech forests turn red and gold, often with calmer winds.
    May44°F 7°CAutumn: calmer winds, cool days, and fall color in the beech forests.Winter is the season many guides favor for puma tracking.
    June39°F 4°CWinter: short days, cold, snow possible, and very few visitors.Winter is the season many guides favor for puma tracking.
    July39°F 4°CWinter: short days, cold, snow possible, and very few visitors.Winter is the season many guides favor for puma tracking.
    August42°F 6°CWinter: short days, cold, snow possible, and very few visitors.Winter is the season many guides favor for puma tracking.
    September47°F 8°CSpring: cool and breezy, with longer days returning.Winter is the season many guides favor for puma tracking.
    October52°F 11°CSpring: cool and breezy, with longer days returning.
    November56°F 13°CSummer: long daylight, mild days, the strongest winds, and quick-changing weather.Guanaco babies appear across the steppe.
    December59°F 15°CSummer: long daylight, mild days, the strongest winds, and quick-changing weather.Guanaco babies appear across the steppe. Up to around 17 hours of daylight for long hiking days.
    Questions families ask

    Patagonia with kids, answered

    When is the best time to visit Patagonia with kids?

    The best time is Nov–Mar. Summer: long daylight, mild days, the strongest winds, and quick-changing weather.

    What's the weather like in Patagonia?

    Typical daytime highs range from about 39°F (4°C) in June to about 60°F (16°C) in January. See the month-by-month table on this page.

    Do I need a passport for Patagonia?

    Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.

    What kind of plug adapter do I need for Patagonia?

    Type C, bring an adapter.

    What's your top tip for Patagonia with kids?

    The wind is the headline here. Pack a windproof shell, hats that cinch under the chin, and nothing loose you would hate to lose off a viewpoint.

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    Want the whole trip handled?

    I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.

    As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.

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