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The best credit card for luxury lodges in Patagonia.

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Why this card

American Express Platinum for luxury lodges in Patagonia.

Patagonia is independent lodge country. The Singular Patagonia and Awasi Patagonia (on the Chilean side) and the Llao Llao (on the Argentine side) are the iconic stays. Explora Patagonia runs the all-inclusive lodge at Torres del Paine. Almost nothing in Patagonia is bookable on hotel points.

Annual fee

$895

Best earn rate

5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, FHR upgrade at top Patagonian lodges

Signup bonus

Currently around 175,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offer

Awasi Patagonia, Explora Patagonia, and the Singular Patagonia are all bookable through Amex Centurion Travel with property credit and complimentary excursion. On an $8,000 per couple booking the 5x earn delivers 40,000 Membership Rewards points (another international trip's worth of award seats). Trip interruption coverage matters here because Patagonia weather routinely disrupts internal flight schedules between Santiago and Punta Arenas.

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If the top pick is not right

Alternative: Chase Sapphire Reserve.

If you book lodges directly to avoid Amex Travel markup, the Reserve earns 4x on direct hotel bookings with the same primary medical evacuation coverage. Cheaper card with similar protection.

ChaseAnnual fee $795

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecAmerican Express PlatinumChase Sapphire Reserve
Annual fee$895$795
Best earn rate5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, FHR upgrade at top Patagonian lodgesSee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently around 175,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Patagonia season runs October through April. The lodges close in the off-season because the wind makes hiking impossible. Pack layers and waterproofs even in mid-summer because weather changes in 15 minutes. Internal flights to Punta Arenas often delay or cancel, so build a one-day buffer on either side of the lodge booking.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for luxury lodges in Patagonia?

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American Express Platinum from American Express. Awasi Patagonia, Explora Patagonia, and the Singular Patagonia are all bookable through Amex Centurion Travel with property credit and complimentary excursion. Annual fee is $895.

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve a better choice for luxury lodges in Patagonia?

expand_more

If you book lodges directly to avoid Amex Travel markup, the Reserve earns 4x on direct hotel bookings with the same primary medical evacuation coverage. Cheaper card with similar protection. Annual fee is $795.