Patagonia Itinerary Spots That Will Totally Surprise You

Where should you start your Patagonian adventure: Chile or Argentina? What should you absolutely not miss on your trip? We’re here to help you make the most of your Patagonia itinerary without missing a thing.

If snowcapped mountains, expansive glaciers, virgin forests, and igneous volcanoes appeal to you, you’re doing the right thing when choosing Patagonia.

Without a detailed Patagonia itinerary to your guide, you might get lost in Patagonia’s expansive land area. And with unpredictable weather conditions, you might have the most heartbreaking of experiences if your trip gets ruined without a planned itinerary.

Our Patagonia itinerary starts in Chile and ends in Argentina, or you can do it the other way around, making customizations according to your preferences. We will give you a comprehensive guide covering each step of your trip, including transportation, accommodation, and budget. Let’s dive in.

Patagonia 10-Day Itinerary

Overview of the 10-Day Itinerary: 

Day 1: Flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas

Day 2: Penguin watching at Punta Arenas

Day 3: A boat tour of Lago Grey in Torres del Paine National Park

Day 4: Hiking the Mirador Valle del Frances in Torres del Paine 

Day 5: Go to Torres del Paine and do the famous Las Torres hike

Day 6: Visit El Calafate, Argentina, for the Perito Moreno glacier viewing

Day 7: Short hikes in El Chalten: visiting the Chorrillos del Salto waterfall and the Los Condores and Las Aguilas viewpoints

Day 8: Laguna Cerro Torre hiking in El Chalten

Day 9: Mt. Fitz Roy/Laguna de Los Tres hiking in El Chalten

Day 10: Flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina

Our 10-day Patagonia itinerary starts in Punta Arenas (Chile) and ends in Buenos Aires (Argentina). The itinerary allows you to adjust and remove days at your convenience and add rest days wherever necessary. With a 10-day Patagonia itinerary, it also becomes easy to accommodate harsh weather if such situations arise. 

While you won’t be bored on this itinerary, you’ll make the absolute most of your trip and see the highlights you can’t miss. I loved each one of these activities, and I can’t recommend them enough.

Day 1: Flight From Santiago to Punta Arenas

Many flights run from Santiago to Punta Arenas, ranging from 159,170 to 198,962 Chilean pesos/CLP (200 to 250 US dollars). You can choose from JetSmart, LATAM, or Sky Airlines; a non-stop flight takes 3 hours and 25 minutes. 

Once you’ve flown from Santiago and reached Punta Arenas through one of these airlines, you can take the bus or taxi to Almasur or any other of the beautiful hotels of the city and spend a restful night there. 

The quickest way to the hotel might be a taxi, which drops you at your destination in 15 to 20 minutes. 

A night’s stay at the hotel of your choice includes amenities like free Wi-Fi, cozy and comfortable rooms, extensive buffet breakfast, free parking, access to the fitness center, and so much more. 

Day 2: Penguin Watching at Punta Arenas

You’ve woken up fresh after a night’s stay at the hotel; now it’s time to get up and get going with the first task on your list. What’s more fun than visiting the colony of the little guys yourself at King Penguin Park? Book a tour in advance, as this attraction usually sells out quickly during the high season.

If you have already seen the Magellanic Penguins at Isla Magdalena, this park has a large colony of King penguins, the world’s second-largest after the Emperor penguin. The price for a 1-day group excursion to the park starts at 103,000 CLP ($130). Have fun watching the King penguins going about their normal lives, swimming with their chicks, and playing! 

Day 3: Exploring Torres del Paine: Boat Tour of Lago Grey or Starting the W Trek 

Today you will visit the incredible Torres del Paine National Park, which hosts mountains, bright icy glaciers, and blue rivers. 

Organize your hiking gear, book a cab, take a bus, and set off. We recommend booking a car or riding a taxi, which will take about 5 hours in normal traffic to cover the distance of about 217 mi (349 km) from Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine National Park. 

Book a hotel for your stay at the park. You can choose from the many spacious, fully furnished, and budget-friendly hotels in Torres del Paine, and you’ll be good to go.

On your first day in Torres del Paine National Park, you will visit Lago Grey. Lago Grey, or Grey Lake, is one of the most iconic sites in the park. It is a beautiful 1,640 feet deep (500 meters) lake, surrounded by large attractive rocks, with waters honing huge icebergs detached from the Grey Glacier. 

It’s the perfect place to kayak, canoe, take breathtaking photos, or enjoy the view. 

Take a short walk through the woodlands to reach the lake’s shore while experiencing the park’s rich wildlife. Once you reach the shore, sail and enjoy the encumbered views in all directions.

Alternative plan:

W Trek. We opted for one of Patagonia’s most famous treks instead of doing the day trips below. A memorable hike through the mountains, the W Trek is a popular hiking trail in Chile’s Torres del Paine. 

An important note is that it takes 4-5 days to complete the W Trek, so you’ll have to add a day to your itinerary. Alternatively, you can get it down to 3 days from the ferry to Camp Frances to Camp Chileno. 

A quick tip is to plan your campsites at least 3 months in advance. We went in early November and booked our campsites in August.

Day 4: Hiking at Torres del Paine: Mirador Valle Del Frances 

Mirador del Valle. Your first hike in Torres del Paine will be to Mirador Valle del Frances (the French Valley), where you must catch a ferry to get to the trailhead. The ferry trip would take about a half hour, and the hike would be about 7 to 8 hours long. 

The hike might be challenging due to the significant elevation, but you will enjoy the outstanding views of the beautiful mountains, golden grass, green shrubs, and the silky green waters of the lake.

Day 5: Torres Del Paine: Las Torres Hike

Today we’re going to one of Patagonia’s top hikes, the Las Torres route, so remember to gear up wisely. Wear adequate clothing, don’t underestimate the weather, and pack well! 

The hike is about 11.2 miles long (18 km), with a 2,953 mi (900 m) elevation, which should take about 6 to 9 hours to complete depending on how fit you are. Leave early to get to the trailhead on time. 

It’s one of my favorite hikes we’ve done in Torres del Paine National Park. The view at the top lets you forget all the hiking you’ve done earlier that day. 

After you’re done with your hike, you’ll pass by camping Chileno. You can stop for a rewarding drink before returning to your accommodation.

Day 6: El Calafate, Argentina: Perito Moreno Glacier Viewing

Book a car ride from your hotel, and you’ll reach El Calafate in about 3 and a half hours. You’ll cross Chile’s border and enter Argentina, covering a distance of about 157 mi (253 km). Just be sure to plan some extra time for border crossing, and don’t come around lunchtime, when they are often closed.

Once you’ve arrived, rent a car or take the bus (12,000 ARS & leaves in the morning and afternoon) to set off to Perito Moreno glacier viewing. This glacier is the third largest in Argentina. It can be explored through a boat tour where you will sail through Lake Argentino and visit the 5 famous glaciers, including Perito Moreno, or mini trekking during a guided day tour where you can pass the Magellanic Forest on your way home.

You can also opt for cruising or kayaking on the wonderful waters and have a grand time.

Day 7: Short Hikes in El Chalten: Visiting the Chorrillos Del Salto Waterfall and the Los Condores and Las Aguilas Viewpoints

Take a bus or a cab, and you’ll reach El Chalten from Calafate in about 3 hours. Upon arriving, book your hotel, prepare your stuff, and get ready to hike. This corner of Patagonia is unique; you can spot it from afar through its tall mountains and icy glaciers. 

El Chalten is perfect for trekking, hiking, horseback riding, and getting lost in nature’s beauty. The trek will lead you deep into a hillside, where you will find the Chorrillo del Salto waterfall. 

You can also follow the trek to reach the Los Condores and Las Aguilas viewpoints, which are excellent places to view the mountain peaks and glaciers spread over the horizon. 

How much hiking you do today will all depend on how you feel. We planned a ‘rest’ day right about here, where we only did 1 short hike and were too tired for anything else.

Day 8: Laguna Cerro Torre Hiking

Day 8 is for hiking the Laguna Cerro Torre, which offers one of the top hiking sites in El Chalten. 

The trail in the national park is relatively flat, and the hike is long but should be doable. Get a map with hiking trails from an information center or your hotel and get hiking. Alternatively, download Maps.me on your phone to always have offline maps available. 

Check the weather before you go. If the weather is cloudy and rainy, the visibility can be decreased.

Day 9: Fitz Roy/Laguna de Los Tres Hiking

It’s time to go on one of the most iconic hikes of Argentina, the Laguna de Los Tres trail, also known as the Fitz Roy hike, as you will have the said mountain and lake in the background as you trek. Rated as moderate to hard, the trail is a 15-mile (24 kilometers) round trip that takes 8 to 10 hours with an elevation gain of 2,835 ft. (864 m).

Remember to take your trekking poles, which will help you in the last few kilometers. Enjoy the panoramic views during the trail and wait for the heavenly view of the lake that comes at the end of it; you will be overjoyed.

Day 10: Flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina

You’ve had your fair share of fun and enjoyment, and now it’s time to return home. Book your flight from El Chalten to Buenos Aires, and you’re all set to take off.

Patagonia 3-Week Itinerary

If you have a little more time, this 3-week itinerary will give you just the right amount of space to add and adjust sites according to your preference, guaranteeing that you will visit some of the best sites in Patagonia. 

Here’s a quick overview:

Week 1: Torres del Paine National Park

• Day 1: Fly from Santiago into Punta Arenas. Catch the flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas. LATAM, Sky Airlines, and JetSmart are the main airlines to consider. Use their Chilean website to book your ticket, which will be cheaper. Once you’ve reached Punta Arenas, make arrangements for your hotel lodging.
  
  You will spend your next 2 days watching Patagonian penguins on the Island of Magdalena. You can take the Melinka, a public ferry, at 8 a.m. on the coast of Punta Arenas for about 55,000 CLP ($80), and you’ll arrive in 2 hours. 
• Day 2: Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales – transfer to Puerto Natales, the Torres del Paine National Park gateway. Spend the day exploring the town and preparing for your trek.
• Day 3-7: Trekking in Torres del Paine – Spend the next 5 days trekking the W Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park. This is one of the most iconic treks in Patagonia, taking you through stunning mountain landscapes and past glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls. You’ll stay in refugios (mountain huts) along the way.
• Day 8: Relax in Puerto Natales – After your trek, take a day to rest and recover in Puerto Natales. Visit museums, try local cuisine, or relax by the water.

Week 2: El Calafate and El Chaltén

• Day 9: Puerto Natales to El Calafate – Transfer to El Calafate, a small town on the shores of Lake Argentino. Explore the town and visit the nearby glaciers.
• Day 11-12: Perito Moreno Glacier – Spend 2 days visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most impressive glaciers in the world. You can walk on the glacier, take a boat tour, or just enjoy the views from the observation decks.
• Day 13: El Calafate to El Chaltén – Transfer to El Chaltén, a small town nestled in the mountains and known as the trekking capital of Argentina.
• Day 14-16: Trekking in El Chaltén – Spend 3 days trekking in the mountains around El Chaltén. The trails here offer stunning views of glaciers, lakes, and peaks, including the iconic Mount Fitz Roy.

Week 3: Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia

• Day 17: El Chaltén to Ushuaia – Transfer to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Explore the town and visit the local museums and attractions.
• Day 18-19: Tierra del Fuego National Park – Spend 2 days exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park, which offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in Patagonia. You can hike, kayak, or take a boat tour to see the wildlife and scenery.
• Day 20-21: Beagle Channel and Departure – Take a boat tour of the Beagle Channel, which offers stunning views of the mountains and glaciers. Depart from Ushuaia and fly back home.

Patagonia – 1-Month Itinerary

If you have a month to explore Patagonia, you can delve even deeper into the incredible landscapes and culture of the region. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a 1-month trip:

Week 1: The Lake District and Northern Patagonia

• Day 1-2: Bariloche – Fly from Buenos Aires into Bariloche and explore this picturesque town nestled in the Andes mountains. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding lakes and mountains, visit local artisan markets, and sample some of the region’s famous chocolate.
• Day 3-4: San Martin de los Andes – Take a scenic drive along the Seven Lakes Route to reach the charming town of San Martin de los Andes. Enjoy hiking, fishing, or kayaking in the nearby Lanin National Park, and take in the views of the Andes mountains and glacial lakes.
• Day 5-7: Northern Patagonia – Head further south to explore the rugged landscapes of Northern Patagonia. Visit the Alerce Andino National Park to see ancient Alerce trees, hike in the mountains, and visit local Mapuche communities to learn about their culture and traditions.

Week 2: The Chilean Fjords and the Island of Chiloé

• Day 8-11: Chilean Fjords – Take a scenic cruise through the Chilean Fjords, a network of narrow channels, inlets, and islands that offer breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. Stop at remote villages along the way to learn about the region’s history and culture.
• Day 12-14: Chiloé Island – Visit the Island of Chiloé, known for its vibrant folklore, colorful houses, and unique cuisine. Explore the island’s many churches, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in the views of the Pacific Ocean.

Week 3: Southern Patagonia

• Day 15-18: Puerto Natales and the Última Esperanza Sound – Fly to Puerto Natales, the Torres del Paine National Park gateway, and spend a few days exploring the surrounding area. Take a boat tour of the Última Esperanza Sound to see glaciers, fjords, and sea lions.
• Day 19-21: Tierra del Fuego and the Strait of Magellan – Cross the Strait of Magellan to reach Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost tip of South America. Visit the remote town of Porvenir, explore the Karukinka Natural Park, and take a boat tour to see penguins and other wildlife.

Week 4: The Argentinean Pampas

• Day 22-26: Estancia Life – Visit a traditional estancia (ranch) on the Argentinean Pampas to experience the gaucho (cowboy) way of life. Enjoy horseback riding, cattle herding, and other outdoor activities, and learn about the region’s history and culture.

Day 22-26 alternative option: Visit Ushuaia, the “city at the end of the world,” located at the continent’s southernmost tip. Enjoy its beautiful snowcapped mountains and the waterfront views at Lapataia Bay. 

For a taste of history, visit the city’s numerous museums: the Museum of the End of the World, Casa Beban, Maritime Museum, and Historia Fueguina. You can book any of the city’s lovely hotels while you spend your days exploring Ushuaia’s museums, restaurants, coast, and so much more!

• Day 27-29: Buenos Aires – Fly to Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan capital of Argentina, and spend a few days exploring the city‘s many attractions. Visit historic neighborhoods like San Telmo and La Boca, attend a tango show, and sample some of the city’s famous cuisine.
• Day 30-31: Departure – Fly back home from Buenos Aires.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Patagonia Itinerary 

How Many Days Do You Need in Patagonia? 

If you’ve got fewer things to do, your trip will be shorter, say 2 or 3 weeks will be enough. Patagonia’s weather is always unpredictable; you can never plan your trips to the T, so you need to reserve a few days extra in case things don’t go as you want. 

If you want to make the most of it, we’d say a month should be it. Patagonia is an incredibly large area to explore. 

If you wish to see most of Patagonia, including the most magnificent places like Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine, El Chalten, Bariloche, Ushuaia, and more, you need a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks for your trip. 

How To Stay Safe In Patagonia During Your Trip?

When traveling through Patagonia, safety begins with preparation. Dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear suitable for hiking through rugged terrains and changing weather conditions. Always carry a detailed map and a compass or GPS, stay informed about the weather forecasts, and ensure someone knows your travel plans, especially if venturing into remote areas.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Is Patagonia Better in Chile or Argentina?

Size-wise, Argentinian Patagonia is the winner as a larger area offers more places to explore and visit. The small and more rugged Chilean Patagonia may have fewer sights, but it is no less beautiful than Argentinian Patagonia. 

Both have spectacular wonders which are worth seeing.

What is the Best Month to Visit Patagonia?

Most people choose the summer months from December to February to plan their hiking trails because the weather is warmer, and the winds are much less wild. But the shoulder season from September to November and February to April are good too. Who would want to miss the chance to see captivating landscapes like the famous Grey Glacier or the pumas and guanacos from the wildlife? 

Visiting Patagonia in any month can be an adventure in and of itself, so whichever month you choose, visiting Patagonia will be the best decision of your life.

Which Part of Patagonia is the Best?

This question is a tough one to answer since Patagonia has so many wonderful sights to offer, but our top pick would be the Torres del Paine Park, Chile. The park is located in the south of Chile, near Puerto Natales, and is a beautiful place to visit and explore. It has many attractions like lakes, rivers, hot springs, and glaciers. 

The landscape is characterized by glacial lakes and massive snowfields with huge crevasses, making it very challenging to visit. It also offers excellent hiking, exploring opportunities, and other activities like climbing, kayaking, or rafting on its rivers.

Conclusion – Patagonia Itinerary

From a compact week-long trip to a longer-yet-still-incomplete monthly travel calendar (or even an extended stay), you can customize your Patagonia experience to suit your travel goals, preferences, and budget. 

Do your research, ask your questions, weigh your options, and make decisions based on what is right for you. Patagonia beckons and your itinerary better be all set for your safety, pleasure, and adventure. Have fun as you plan! 

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