Getting to Patagonia was another LONG day of travel. Again, I am very much realizing the true size of South America on this trip. I guess also to be fair, I was going from Easter Island to Patagonia which is like, the worst planning on my part. I took a 5 hour flight to Santiago, 9pm to 5am layover, 3.5 hour flight to Puerto Natalas, and then a 90 minute drive to the hotel which I’m SO GLAD I didn’t rent a car myself because those potholes were craters.

I stayed at Hotel SIA Serrano – and it was worth every damn penny. If you’re going to Patagonia, stay there, spend the money, every single aspect of it was pure perfection. The views, rooms, the food, the drinks, the service, the amenities….

First thing I did when I got there was grab one of the blankets from the WALL of blankets provided, to go sit outside on the perfectly sunny and clear day and drink a cappuccino. I mean—come on! The views will be etched in my brain forever. I can’t believe this is my life. I took a little walk to a nearby stream right behind the hotel.

I’m pretty sure I slept all afternoon, which I’m sure was a waste of the beautiful weather and time here, but I was wiped out after the travel to get here. I ended up spending $300 in the gift shop, which in hindsight I wish I spent even more. I bought a ton of Patagonia gear…. In Patagonia…. With a view of the mountains…. And it was a fraction of the price as in the states. I got a jacket, huge travel bag, medium travel bag, hat, gloves, and shirt….. for $300! Gotta love the Pata-gucci!

Read the full trip: South America & Antarctica in Six Weeks →