Weather
Patagonia has finally caught up with the rest of the country in terms of spring by now. Daily highs fall in the mid 50s in Punta Arenas, though you should still expect some rain and fog this time of year. That being said, when the sun does come out, it's a great time to catch the wildflowers in this part of the country, and days are longer—upwards of 15 hours—for enjoying more of the outdoors.
As for the central and northern areas of Chile, it will get warmer and drier the further north you travel. For instance, Santiago, the starting point for most international visitors, will see highs in the low 80s with very little (if any) moisture. Still, it's necessary to bring warm layers for the evening chill (after the sun goes down) and potential Chilean winds.
Crowds & Costs
November is the last month of Chile's shoulder season, which means you'll find lower prices and not-overwhelming crowds in most popular areas. This is a great time to travel to places like Torres del Paine, Isla Magdalena, and Tierra del Fuego, where, you'll beat the flood of international tourists (and pricey accommodation costs) of coming peak summer months. Just to be safe, it's a good idea to make your reservations at least three months in advance.
Where to Go
The entire country is open for business this time of year. This is a great month to head to Patagonia before the crowds. In addition to Torres del Paine, you could take a road-trip along the Carreterra Austral. This is a route in northern Patagonia that is relatively unknown to anyone outside of the continent. Attracting both drivers and road cyclists, this quintessential Patagonia route is a whopping 769 miles long (1,240 km) from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins on a partially-paved, yet otherwise dirt-and-gravel road through lakes, jungles, glaciers, hot springs, snow-capped peaks, and wide open valleys. You can visit Queulat National Park and the Hanging Glacier for a chance to see a stunning part of Patagonia that is rarely visited by tourists.
Further north in the central valley, this is a pretty time to visit the wine valleys of Chile for Mediterranean-like weather and beautiful scenery. Santiago's attractions will be less crowded, and the desert, and Elqui Valley as well as beach towns sprinkled along the northern coastline.
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What to Do
Outdoor sports are available in droves this time of year in late spring. In Patagonia, especially Torres del Paine, there are day hikes, multi-day treks, wildlife spotting, and glacier boat tours, to name a few options. For a much lesser-known alternative like Queulat National Park, you can stay at a hotel called Puyuhuapi Lodge and visit the Hanging Glacier by boat for truly undiscovered surroundings.
The Lake District offers several adrenaline-inducing activities like white-water rafting, zip-lining, and skydiving, as well as volcano tours, and great trails that cover a great portion of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. This is an excellent choice for photographers and hikers who want to visit the park without feeling rushed.
Events in November
Puerto Montt International Jazz Festival. Recognized as one of the most important musical events in Chilean Patagonia, this festival is distinguished as the only festival of the genre in Chile that offers instrumental clinics and concerts with free entrance for the community.
Festival of Foreign Colonies. This festival takes place in Antofagasta and celebrates immigrants that now reside in the country through music, dance, and delicious cuisine.
Puerto de Ideas. In Valparaíso, this so-called ‘conference on everything’ attracts intellectuals and big thinkers from across Latin America to share ideas.
Feria Internacional de Artesania. Come check out Chile's best traditional artisans and their crafts at this massive fair in Providencia's Parque Bustamante.
Traveling to Chile in November? Check out these great itineraries.
Patagonia's W Trek & Marble Caves. This 15-day itinerary packs a lot of punch for those keen on experiencing as much Chilean nature as possible. Start off with some urban culture before flying south to frolic with thousands of penguins. Next, you’ll spend several days trekking in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Finish in northern Patagonia's Aysén region for glaciers and marble cave formations you won't soon forget.
Santiago & the Lake District. Kick off this 5-day Chilean sojourn in Santiago for a day of cultural and culinary delights. You'll then fly south for activities surrounding native forests, hot springs, glaciers, and waterfalls. Base yourself in the traveler hub of Pucón for lakeside strolls with views of one of Chile's most active volcanoes—not to mention international eats ranging from Middle Eastern to French to Peruvian.
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