Flights to Patagonia aren’t cheap—and for many travelers, they make up a big part of the overall trip cost. But what if there was a smarter, more affordable way to get to Bariloche, Argentina without sacrificing time, comfort, or the quality of your ski adventure?
Here’s how the hack works, and why more PowderQuest guests are using it to stretch their travel dollars—while still arriving ready to ride deep in The Andes of Patagonia.
The travel hack: fly through santiago, chile
Why Skip buenos aires?
Instead of booking a flight all the way to Buenos Aires and then connecting to Bariloche, consider this workaround:
Fly into Santiago, Chile (SCL)—typically 25–30% cheaper than Buenos Aires
From Santiago, book a separate regional flight to Bariloche (BRC)
Not only can this save you hundreds of dollars, but it often results in better flight schedules and fewer travel hassles.
real-world snapshot: july-august 2025
We analyzed round-trip itineraries from major U.S. airports including New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), and Atlanta (ATL). Here’s the cost breakdown:
| Route | Long-Haul Flight | Regional Flight | Total | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via Buenos Aires | ~$1,300 USD | ~$400 USD | ~$1,700 USD | — |
| Via Santiago (Hack Route) | ~$950 USD | ~$225 USD | ~$1,175 USD | 25-30% cheaper |
These are mid-season fares (July 2025). Prices vary, but the trend is consistent: Santiago saves.
Why it's cheaper and smarter
key reasons to route through santiago
Santiago is a major hub with more competition and better international rates.
Airport taxes and fees in Argentina tend to drive up costs significantly.
Domestic flights in Chile are more affordable and reliable than within Argentina.
Ski season demand increases flight frequency from Santiago to Bariloche.
The savings aren’t small—they can cover your ski bag fee, an extra day of exploring, or those custom boot insoles your feet will thank you for.
how to book the hack route
step-by-step guide
Search for international flights into Santiago, Chile (SCL)
Airlines: Delta, American, United, LATAMBook a separate regional flight from Santiago to Bariloche, Argentina (BRC)
Carriers: LATAM, Sky Airline, JetSMART (often available via Google Flights)Allow 3–4 hours between flights in Santiago to clear immigration and check in with your domestic carrier.
pro tips from the powderquest team
Explore or spend a night in Santiago: we can recommend hotels and local places to explore to start your trip in style—just reach out to our team.
Arrive early to Bariloche: consider flying into Bariloche a few days earlier to get settled, unwind, explore the charming local towns, and sneak in a warm-up ski day before the tour begins.
FAQ: Is this route reliable?
is the santiago route really cheaper?
Yes. We’ve seen guests save 25–30% consistently over the years.
can i book it all in one ticket?
Usually not. You’ll need to book the international and regional flights separately — but it’s worth the extra step.
any downsides?
You’ll need to re-check your luggage and switch airlines in Santiago, so plan ahead. But the airport is modern, efficient, and friendly to international travelers and compared to Buenos Aires where you often need to change airports, it’s a smoother process.
final word: save big, keep the stoke
Ski season in South America is short, and flights often eat up a big chunk of your travel budget. This Santiago flight hack helps PowderQuest travelers get to the snow faster and more affordably, without compromising on the experience.
ready to ride?
Check out our upcoming Bariloche ski and snowboard tours and lock in your adventure with more money left for the good stuff—epic runs, great meals, and unforgettable memories in the Andes.
With over 25 years of experience leading ski adventures across the globe—including Japan, Norway, Canada, and the Andes—PowderQuest offers expert bilingual guides, seamless logistics, and authentic cultural experiences that go far beyond the slopes. From curated backcountry terrain to vibrant local flavors, we handle the details so you can focus on the ride.
If you’re ready to book, lock in your spot here.