Two Week Patagonia Itinerary - Chile & Argentina
Welcome to Patagonia, the breathtaking, remote region at the southern tip of South America. Known for awe-inspiring landscapes and unparalleled access to nature, this place is a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Picture towering glaciers, snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and vast expanses of untouched wilderness and it’s immediately clear why people flock here. Patagonia's wild beauty is simply unrivaled.
Whether you're into hiking, trekking, kayaking, or wildlife spotting, Patagonia delivers.
Embark on epic journeys through national parks like Torres del Paine, marvel at the Perito Moreno Glacier, or simply soak up the rugged charm of the region. No matter what you plan do in the region, it’s always a guarantee that Patagonia will leave you in awe.
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Table of Contents
What to know when planning your trip
How long to spend in Patagonia
Best time to visit
Where to go on a first trip
Public transportation
Renting a car & driving
Average costs
Itinerary overview
14-day Patagonia itinerary
Day 1: Punta Arenas
Day 2: Isla Magdalena
Day 3: Travel to Puerto Natales & Cueva del Milodon
Day 4: Torres del Paine hiking
Day 5: Torres del Paine kayaking
Day 6: Travel to El Calafate
Day 7: Perito Moreno glacier
Day 8: Reserva Laguna Nimez & La Leóna Petrified Forest
Day 9: Travel to El Chaltén & horseback riding
Day 10: Laguna de Tres hike
Day 11: Chorrillo del Salto and Lago del Desierto
Day 12: Travel to Ushuaia
Day 13: Laguna Esmeralda and Beagle Channel
Day 14: Fin del Mundo train and departure from Patagonia
Plan your itinerary with local help
If you’re planning a trip to Patagonia and could use some help figuring out a great plan, schedule a Patagonia travel consultation with one of our Local Experts!
These are one-hour Zoom calls where you’ll get to chat with an Argentina or Chile-based travel pro about the trip you’re planning and they’ll share their tips and advice, answer your travel questions, and help you perfect your itinerary.
What to know when planning your trip
Below I’ve tried to cover the most important things to be aware of as you begin planning a trip to Patagonia. There’s much more to consider, but these are the basics.
How many days to spend
10 days is the absolute minimum amount of time that you need in order to plan a reasonable Patagonia itinerary.
This region is vast and travel times are significant, so with anything less than 10 days, you will wind up spending a disproportionate amount of your time in the car, on the bus, and in the air. Basically, you will have very little time to actually enjoy or see Patagonia.
Let me say it again - Patagonia is huge. It spans enormous parts of two countries and is larger than most countries on earth. It is a remote and wild part of the world, covered in mountains, lakes, rivers, and glaciers, and getting between places is rarely simple or quick. You could spend months exploring here and still not see everything. So, just know in advance that no single trip is going to be able to cover the entire region.
Even so, for most travelers, I think two weeks is a reasonable amount of time for a first visit. With 14 days you’ll be able to cover a decent chunk of both Argentine and Chilean Patagonia and you’ll have enough time to accommodate long travel days and not spend every moment rushing.
When to visit
When it comes to picking the best time to visit Patagonia, timing is everything. This region’s weather is totally unpredictable and it’s not unusual to experience all 4 seasons in a single day.
In my opinion, the late spring (mid September through October) or the early autumn (mid May through June) are the best times to visit Patagonia.
For a detailed guide to choosing the right period for you visit, have a look at my guide on when to visit Patagonia.
Spring and Autumn - Best time to visit
Although this is technically the shoulder season for the region, the weather in both these periods is quite pleasant and the crowds and prices are not nearly as intense as during the summer or winter high seasons.
This means that outdoor activities and nature exploration are still entirely doable, and most trails and roads will be open and readily accessible. And since this is the off season, the crowds are minimal, the prices are relatively low, and availability for everything from lodging, tours, and campsites will be quite good.
And if considering the scenery, the spring is a marvelous time to be in Patagonia as the region springs into life after the winter, with greenery everywhere and a kaleidoscope of colors explodes onto the scene.
The autumn treats you to a different gorgeous color palate, with the foliage turning beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow. Both seasons provide a feast for the eyes!
In short, I absolutely recommend visiting in late spring or early autumn. You get the best of everything at either time.
Summer
Having already addressed the above, I have to say that from a purely weather-focused standpoint, there’s no question that summer (from December to February) is the prime time to explore this wild wonderland.
Summer days in Patagonia are long, the temperatures are mild, and the trails are open for adventure. The scenery during this season is also especially beautiful as nature grows in abundance during the summer.
The downside to visiting in summer, however, is that this is the peak tourism season, so you can expect to pay higher prices for just about everything, and there’s stiff competition for bookings (accommodation, tours, etc.), so you’ll need to book most things well in advance.
Winter
Patagonia’s winter, from June to August, has its own charm and there are ample reasons to visit during this time of year. To be sure, it'll be colder than probably anywhere else you’ve been, but you'll be rewarded with snow-capped peaks, almost no crowds, and an incredible abundance of winter sports activities.
Just remember to pack your layers and be ready for some weather surprises - it's Patagonia, after all! Also, because of the risk of bad weather ruining your plans, if you choose to visit in winter, your itinerary should be as flexible and you probably want to have extra days to accommodate this.
Snowstorms can also cause last minute cancellations and road closures, so always check ahead.
Where to go on a first trip
This entire itinerary focuses on the places that I think you should visit on a first trip, so you’ll get more detail below, but here’s a quick answer.
For your first time visiting Patagonia, my “must visit” places are:
Punta Arenas and the Strait of Magellan
El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park (home to Perito Moreno glacier)
The El Chaltén area (including Mount Fitz Roy)
Ushuaia and its countless natural treasures
General Carrera Lake (not in this itinerary)
Bariloche (not in this itinerary)
Chile’s entire “Los Lagos” region (the Lakes District), particularly around the towns of Pucon and Futaleufú (not in this itinerary)
To be clear, this is not remotely close to a comprehensive list of all the different places worth seeing, but it does cover many of the region’s absolute highlights. As you can see, I can’t even fit all of my own “must visits” into this two week itinerary so that should tell you how big the region is and how far apart places are.
And here’s an important tip when planning your visit here: less truly is more. The entire region is magical and you come here for stunning nature. Getting into the most beautiful and remote areas takes time and you’ll want to spend at least a few days in each destination so that you can do different hikes, road trip around, get onto the water, and really experience what Patagonia is all about. Don’t rush.
For more ideas on where to visit, you can read my guide to 10 beautiful places in Patagonia.
How to get around with public transport
Despite being an enormous, rural area, Patagonia is actually pretty well served by public transportation. Remember, this is a global hub for tourism, so both Chile and Argentina have worked hard to develop robust and extensive infrastructure to facilitate travel in the region.
Long distance buses connect all major towns and attractions, and there are usually multiple departures per day, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble lining up your travel days. One-way tickets for long distance journeys should cost from $10 to $30 USD typically.
Within each destination or area, there are often local buses & shuttles that will transport you between the major sights, so you will usually be able to get where you want to go without too much hassle. Cost for local travel is quite inexpensive.
Some destinations also have local airports, so for especially long trips, a short flight will often be an option as well.
Renting a car & driving
If you crave freedom and flexibility, renting a car is absolutely the way to go. Having a car will let you maximize your time and give you the ability to get out into more remote areas. It will also give you the freedom to road trip through these stunning areas, making stops wherever you fancy. And in small towns and natural areas, it’ll mean that you don’t waste time waiting for buses.
Car rentals are available in most regional hubs and occasionally in smaller, but more touristy towns.
To compare prices and book, I always recommend using DiscoverCars. It’s a car rental websites that includes offerings from large international companies as well as smaller local ones, which are often much cheaper. You can frequently find great deals.
Expect to spend between $50 and $100 USD per day for a rental (including the cost of fuel). In high season, book well in advance to ensure availability.
Here are some other things to think about:
Multi-country permits
Since Patagonia spans two countries, Chile and Argentina, multi-country entry permits another consideration to make when renting a car. If you plan to visit both countries in the same trip, the company that you rent from will need to get a special permit on your behalf that allows you to go between countries.
The application for the permit needs to be submitted quite far in advance, so if you’re planning to hop between borders, make sure to reserve your car way ahead of time and reach out to the rental company right away to let them know that you need the permit.
One-way pick-up/drop-off fees
Another thing to think about is where your trip will start and end. If you’re not doing a loop, that will mean picking up the rental car in one location and dropping it off in another. There are usually added fees for this, which can be pretty significant.
Now what if your trip starts in one country and ends in a different one? Well, multi-country pick up and drop off is simply not an option. You need to return your rental car within the same country that you rented it from.
In that case, you’ll have to make separate car rentals for different portions of your trip. Not a big deal, but it does mean doing a little more planning.
Costs and expenses
As with any location, costs in Patagonia vary widely depending on your travel style, but it must be said that this is not a budget destination. If you are on a shoestring budget, you will struggle to get by in Patagonia and will likely find yourself quickly spending much more than you’d anticipated.
Accommodation-wise, you should plan to spend around $50 to $100 USD per night for a decent hotel or hostel. Luxurious and unique properties, of which there are many throughout the region, can run well over $400 USD per night. Some of them are truly incredible though.
Renting a car will likely set you back around $50 to $100 per day, including fuel.
Public transport is cheap, with bus tickets ranging from $10 to $30 for long-distance journeys (and much less for local routes).
Food and drink in Patagonia is more expensive than in many other parts of Chile and Argentina, so expect to spend roughly $40 per day if eating most meals out. You could also spend much more than this, so be aware that the above budget is assuming you’re eating pretty inexpensively.
Activities like hiking, park entry fees, and guided tours can add up to around $50 to $100 per day.
Remember, these are ballpark figures, so keep a little extra cash handy for unexpected surprises and souvenirs.
Itinerary overview
This is a first-timer’s itinerary for a mild adventurer. There are no multi-day treks, extreme sports, or camping trips in this itinerary. Rather, you’ll have half and full-day hikes, some light excursions, and a bit of culture and relaxation mixed in.
Of course, the outdoors are the focus of the trip, as Patagonia has some of the wildest, most breathtaking scenery in the world and the only way to fully experience it is by getting out into nature. You don’t need a high level of fitness for this itinerary, but there are a few long hikes mixed in throughout the days.
Where possible, I’ve included different hikes for varying experience levels, so it’s entirely possible to follow this itinerary even if you aren’t an avid hiker.
Here’s how this itinerary works:
You start off in Chile in Punta Arenas from where you’ll visit the Strait of Magellan and Isla Magdalena, home to a large colony of Magellanic penguins. You’ll stay for 2 nights.
From Punta Arenas, you move north to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National park. Here, it’s all about hiking, kayaking, and enjoying active days in stunning nature. You have 3 nights there.
Next, you cross into Argentina, arriving to El Calafate. You have a number of good hikes here in Los Glaciares park as well as a visit to wonderful Perito Moreno glacier and some lesser-known sights. Stay 3 nights.
Moving south, you arrive to El Chaltén and Mount Fitz Roy. You’ll have three days here to hike, horseback ride, and do some scenic sightseeing. Stay 3 nights.
From El Chaltén, it’s on to your final stop, Ushuaia. At the far southern tip of Patagonia (and the world!) the scenery here is incredible and you’ll get to do some hiking, take a boat ride on the Beagle Channel, and enjoy train ride through Tierra del Fuego national park. Stay 2 nights.
When reading through the itinerary, you will probably notice that I’ve proposed pretty jam packed days. That’s because there’s a ton to see and do, and when accounting for travel times, even 14 days isn’t that much for a region so large.
I certainly wouldn’t call it “relaxing”, but when you’ve traveled half way around the world to see one of the most spectacular places on Earth, I think some early days and a bit of hustling are well worth it.
If you’re arriving from overseas, I would definitely recommend spending a day or two in Santiago to adjust to the time difference and to recuperate from the long flight before beginning the trip.
With that said, let’s get into it!
Day 1: Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is Chile's southernmost city and is a great first stop on your Patagonian adventure - it’s the gateway to some of the region's most breathtaking landscapes.
It’s nestled along the shores of the Strait of Magellan, and most tourists use the colorful city as a base to explore the area's stunning natural surroundings and see the two colonies of penguins that call this region home.
You can get relatively cheap flights to Punta Arenas from Santiago. To make the most of your first day in Patagonia, I would recommend catching one of the earlier flights, so you can dive straight into the itinerary.
Punta Arenas, seen from Cerro de la Cruz. Photo: LBM1948, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning/Afternoon (dependent on arrival time)
Depending on the time of your arrival, you could spend some time exploring Punta Arenas’ historic center, followed by a visit to some of the city’s landmarks such as Plaza Muñoz Gamero and the Palacio Sara Braun.
Evening
In my opinion, the best way to get acquainted with a new destination is through food. In Patagonia, there is no meal better suited to this introduction than Cordero al Palo.
Picture succulent lamb slow-roasted over an open fire, resulting in juicy meat infused with aromatic herbs. It's a mouthwatering experience that showcases the rustic and hearty flavors of Patagonian cuisine.
The restaurant Parrilla Los Ganaderos is one of my favorite spots for Cordero al Palo in Punta Arenas, and makes a great choice for your first dinner in Patagonia.
If you're keen to make the most of your first evening in the ‘end of the world’, you could head to one of the craft breweries in Punta Arenas, such as Cervecería Hernando de Magallanes or Cerveza Austral.
Patagonia has had a bit of a ‘beer boom’ in recent years, with craft beer and microbreweries gaining traction over the past decade. Visiting a brewery is a great way to spend your evening and taste the beer first hand, while learning about the manufacturing process.
Overnight in Punta Arenas
Day 2: Isla Magdalena & Punta Arenas
Penguins on the beach at Isla Magdalena. Photo: Jang Woo Lee, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning
Start your day by taking the ferry from Punta Arenas to Isla Magdalena. The ferry ride itself is pretty special - if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to watch whales and dolphins swimming alongside the boat! It’s a 2 hour crossing each way and it can get pretty windy on the boat, so make sure to dress accordingly.
Isla Magdalena is home to one of the world's largest nesting sites for Magellenic penguins in the world. You’ll have about an hour to explore the island admiring these charismatic little creatures as they waddle through their daily life, before being dropped back at the port.
Afternoon
The boat will drop you at Tres Puentes pier back in Punta Arenas, which is about a 5 minute drive from the center of town. There aren’t too many restaurants by the pier, so for lunch I would suggest heading back into town and stopping by La Carioca for a bite to eat. This is an unassuming little local spot which serves great sandwiches and small plates.
After lunch, I recommend joining a walking tour. There are a range of options on offer for walking tours, varying in group size and total time, and you can find a wide host of options online.
A walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide is the perfect way to learn about Punta Arenas’ fascinating history. It’s a city these days, but it was originally used as a defensive fort, and also spent some time as a prison colony!
The area has some fascinating maritime and discovery history as well. It’s all well worth learning about, and a tour around the city's landmarks and points of interest is the most interactive way to do so.
Evening
For dinner, I would recommend heading to the area around Rio de Las Minas and picking whatever takes your fancy - there are some really high quality restaurants in this area, and during peak season there is a nice lively atmosphere here.
Overnight in Punta Arenas
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Day 3: Puerto Natales
The city of Puerto Natales is the gateway to Chile’s most prized national park - the magnificent Torres Del Paine. Many tourists visiting Patagonia use Puerto Natales as their base for treks within the park, and as a result it’s very tourist friendly and has all the infrastructure you’ll need during your time in the region.
There is an abundance of accommodation on offer, with something to suit every budget, and there is no shortage of great eateries as well.
The city itself doesn’t have many sights to see - but its colorful buildings and waterfront location make it a very charming place to stay. If you’ve got 14 days in Patagonia, I would recommend spending 2 full days in this area, as that allows ample time to complete some of Torres Del Paine’s best day hikes.
The Puerto Natales waterfront and impressive Hotel Costaustralis. Photo: Hiroki Ogawa, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning
After breakfast, it’s time to head to your next destination - Puerto Natales. The journey takes around 3.5 hours, and the route is serviced by regular buses. Depending on budget and preference, you could opt for a public bus or private transfer between the two destinations.
If you’re planning on taking the bus, make sure to book your tickets well in advance - the journey can sell out and tickets can get pretty pricey if you leave it to the last minute, particularly during high season.
Afternoon
If you leave on time in the morning, you should arrive in Puerto Natales just in time for lunch. As mentioned above, Puerto Natales is a bit of a foodie city - there are lots of fantastic options for places to eat. This is good news, as trekking in Torres Del Paine builds up quite the appetite!
After you’ve checked into your accommodation, I recommend stopping by Restaurant Amerindia for lunch. They do some of the best sandwiches in the city, and their menu is very reasonably priced.
Patagonia’s southern location means that the days are nice and long during the summer, so after lunch you’ve got enough time to visit the Cueva del Milodon. This giant cave is located about 18 miles from Puerto Natales and spans a whopping 200 meters in depth.
The cave gets its name from one of its most famous archaeological discoveries. In 1896, the remains of a giant prehistoric ground sloth (or Milodon, as it’s more formally known!) was discovered here.
The remains now reside in the British Museum in London, but a life-size replica inhabits the cave and seeing it up close puts it into perspective how enormous some prehistoric creatures were. Plus, the cave itself is pretty impressive!
To get to the cave, you can either hire a car and drive yourself (there are plenty of car rental offices in Puerto Natales), or join a tour.
Evening
One of my favorite restaurants in Puerto Natales is La Disqueria. It’s a small restaurant with only a handful of tables, serving traditional Chilean food as well as some western dishes, and plenty of seafood.
Puerto Natales is a very windy place, and even in summer the warmest it tends to get is about 15°C/59°, with the wind making it feel much cooler. As such, warming up over a hearty Chilean stew is the best way to spend an evening here.
Overnight in Puerto Natales
Day 4: Torres Del Paine
The Torres del Paine Massif with Laguna Azul in front of it. Photo: LBM1948, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning
Start your day early and make sure to fuel up with a hearty breakfast - today will be spent hiking around Torres Del Paine National Park.
Getting to Torres Del Paine
The national park is located about 1.5/2 hours away from Puerto Natales. If you’re able to, I would really recommend hiring a car to reach the park. There are public transport options, but they don’t run very frequently and the list of drop off points is quite limited.
If you can’t drive or don’t feel comfortable driving in another country, I would suggest joining a Torres Del Paine tour for this day of the itinerary. There are loads of great tours to choose from, and tour providers cater to a wide range of hiking abilities.
Preparing For Your Hike
You will need to pay the park entrance fee in advance. You can do this here. It’s not the cheapest park entrance fee in the world, but in my opinion it’s very worth it… Torres Del Paine is one of the highlights of visiting Patagonia.
It’s pretty normal to experience all four seasons over the course of one day in Torres Del Paine. Make sure to dress accordingly - wear plenty of warm layers that can be easily removed, and make sure you’ve got a sturdy waterproof on.
It’s a good idea to bring a waterproof day pack, as well as a hat, suncream, and sunglasses.
If you’re doing a self-guided hike, there are two apps you should download before leaving town - Maps.Me, and OpenStreetMap.org. Both of these can be downloaded for offline use and are very helpful to have. The park ranger will also provide you with a physical park map when you enter.
Top Tip - there are some food options for lunch inside the park, but they are extortionately priced! Stop by the supermarket in Puerto Natales and grab supplies for the day before you leave town.
Which hike should you do?
If you’ve opted to hire a car and embark on a self guided hike, you might be wondering which route to choose. There are a lot to pick from! Below, I’m going to give one recommendation for each level of hiking ability.
Difficult (for experienced hikers only): Mirador Los Torres. This is a 17 km hike with an elevation gain of 901 meters, and it takes between 7-10 hours to complete, depending on fitness.
Moderate (for hikers with a good level of fitness and some experience): Mirador Cóndor and Mirador Las Aguilas. This is a 4.8km hike with an elevation gain of 220 meters, which usually takes around 2 hours to complete. If you complete the hike and want to spend a full day in the park, you could drive to the east side of the park to do the Laguna Azul hike afterwards.
Easy (for beginner hikers): Laguna Azul. This is a 9.5km hike with an elevation gain of 200m, and it usually takes around 2.5 hours to complete.
If you’ve opted for one of the shorter hikes on this trip, you’ll have time to explore some more of the park by car after your hike.
Evening
Your day of hiking will likely have built up quite an appetite, so once you return to Puerto Natales, head to the area around Plaza Armas Arturo Prat and choose one of the many excellent restaurants there to fill up on something hearty and delicious.
Overnight in Puerto Natales
Day 5: Kayaking in Torres del Paine
A lovely stretch of the Serrano River. Photo: Evelyn Proimos, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning/Afternoon:
Today will see you back in Torres Del Paine, but you’ll be exploring it from the water, rather than on land. One of my favorite adventures to do within the park is a Serrano River kayak tour - cruising along the river amidst a backdrop of snow-capped mountains is something special.
You’ll find a few different tour operators providing this activity, but I highly recommend Bigfoot Patagonia. They offer two tours: a half day excursion which is suitable for beginners, and a full day excursion which is more difficult. Whichever one you choose, you’re sure to have an epic time.
Late Afternoon/Evening
You’ll arrive back into town in the late afternoon, and I recommend heading to Santollo for an early dinner. This is one of the best spots in the area for seafood - my favorite thing to order is the crab and scallops ceviche.
It’s a popular restaurant and is quite touristy, but still worth a visit.
Overnight in Puerto Natales
Day 6: El Calafate
The quaint little town of El Calafate is located on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. It’s the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, which is home to the giant Perito Moreno Glacier.
El Calafate may be small in size, but it certainly makes up for that in atmosphere - the town has a lively atmosphere, with plenty of tourists milling around and lots of great places to eat and drink.
Most tourists only spend 24-48 hours in El Calafate, but I think it’s a charming town that offers much more than just Los Glaciares, so I’ve allocated some more time there in this itinerary.
The town of El Calafate. Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning
Today you’ll spend the morning traveling to El Calafate. It’s about a 5 hour journey by bus, and the route is serviced well by public transport. This journey involves a border crossing into Argentina, which can add a bit of extra time during busy periods.
Afternoon
By the time you’ve crossed the border, reached El Calafate, and checked into your accommodation - it will likely be mid afternoon. The journey can be pretty tiring so this afternoon's activities are nice and relaxed.
Check out the Intendencia Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, which is located on the main street in town. This is a municipal national monument which offers the chance to learn about the explorer Perito Moreno, and is set into a background of breathtaking surrounding views.
Evening
For your first taste of Argentine Patagonian cuisine, head to the restaurant La Zaina, which is located in the center of town. The meat they serve here is divine - try the ribeye, or the braised lamb.
After dinner, there’s only one place to head for a nightcap in a town bordering a glacier - the Yeti Ice Bar. Don cozy coats and gloves before stepping into a frozen wonderland where everything, from the walls to the furniture, is made of ice.
As you sip on tasty cocktails served in glasses made of ice, you’ll be surrounded by mesmerizing ice sculptures and the vibrant lighting creates an enchanting ambience. Is it a bit of a tourist gimmick? Sure, but if there’s one place in the world to indulge in such a thing - I think El Calafate might be it.
Overnight in El Calafate
Day 7: Perito Moreno
Perito Moreno Glacier. Photo: FLASHPACKER, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning
Today you’ll explore Perito Moreno, a mammoth glacier with a face towering roughly 70 meters over the lake below. You’ll want to arrive there as early as possible as it can get pretty busy. You can catch the bus from town - it’s about a 90 minute journey, and buses run regularly.
There is nowhere to buy food in the park, and you won’t be back in town until late afternoon, so make sure to bring a packed lunch with you.
Depending on your budget, there are a few options for exploring the glacier. If your budget is on the lower end of the spectrum, I would advise exploring the park by foot - there are lots of different great vantage points where you can get an impressive view.
Perito Moreno is one of the most active glaciers in the world, and it’s one of the only glaciers that is advancing, rather than retreating. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch in awe as huge ice chunks crumble off the glacier, crashing into the lake below and creating an almighty roar in the process.
For travelers with a bigger budget, you can embark on one of the ice trekking tours and explore the glacier up close and personal. There are two options for this; the ‘big ice’ and the ‘mini trekking’, and they vary in duration and difficulty level.
I can’t recommend this enough - it’s a truly awe-inspiring experience exploring parts of the glacier you can’t see from the boardwalk. In my opinion, admiring the deep blue crevasses of Perito Moreno up close is one of the most beautiful sights in all of Patagonia.
Afternoon
After you’ve finished exploring the glacier, head back into town by bus and walk to the Provincial Tourism Department, where you can catch a shuttle bus to the Glaciarium Ice Museum.
This is a must visit spot to learn all about the glacier you’ve just visited, and it’s a really interesting interactive experience.
Evening
Mi Viejo is another one of my favorite restaurants in town - the atmosphere and decor inside is delightful, and their grilled meat is some of the highest quality in the area.
Make sure to pair whatever you choose with some of the incredible local wine they serve here.
Overnight in El Calafate
Day 8: Reserva Laguna Nimez & La Leóna Petrified Forest
Flamingos taking flight at Lago Argentino. Photo: Dimitry B., CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning
After an early breakfast, head to Reserva Laguna Nimez, which is located on the outskirts of town. This is an ecological reserve situated along the shores of Lago Argentino, covering a whopping 494 acres.
It’s a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, and features a network of trails winding through various habitats.
Aside from birdwatching, visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of Lago Argentino and the surrounding landscapes. The reserve is known for its tranquility and serenity, making it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful picnic.
Afternoon
Outside the entrance to Reserva Laguna Nimez there’s a great little lunch spot called La Cantina Piadineria. It’s a nice laid back spot with very friendly staff and plenty of tasty food options. Grab a quick meal here before heading back into town.
After lunch, it’s about an hour's drive to your next stop: the La Leóna Petrified Forest. The landscape you’ll find here is simply out of this world, and you wouldn’t be wrong for thinking you’ve teleported to mars when you arrive.
La Leona Petrified Forest. Photo: Mbranco2, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This isn’t a forest so much as a prehistoric playground full of fossils, petrified logs, and even dinosaur bones! I think this is a really underrated thing to do in Patagonia, and it’s definitely a bit of a hidden gem - a lot of tours don’t include a stop here.
You can explore the petrified forest on your own, but to get the most out of the experience and gain insight into the things you’ll see, I really recommend getting a guide.
Whenever you’re ready to leave, head back to El Calafate.
Evening
After having dinner somewhere in town, visit Chocolateria Casa Guerrero. The chocolate made in Patagonia has to be tried to be appreciated - it’s a big industry in this region, and it tastes absolutely divine.
Make sure to try the Alfajor served here - it’s a local speciality and tastes divine. This is a great spot to pick up some souvenirs to bring home for friends and family.
Overnight in El Calafate
Day 9: El Chaltén
El Chaltén is a charming mountain village in Argentina, surrounded by stunning landscapes and serving as a gateway to adventure. With the iconic peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre nearby, it attracts outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers from around the world
The town's architecture reflects its rustic and cozy charm, with wooden cabins and lodges blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings. El Chaltén exudes a laid-back and vibrant atmosphere, with a strong focus on hiking, trekking, and mountaineering.
It’s the perfect place to enjoy an array of outdoor activities, indulge in hearty cuisine, and soak in the vibrant energy of this vibrant Patagonian hub.
Morning
Set off early in the morning to travel to your next stop - El Chalten. It’s about a 3 hour bus journey along Argentine Patagonia’s iconic Ruta 40, and the scenery along the ride is pretty special.
Afternoon
Once you’ve arrived in El Chaltén, head straight to Nipo Nino for lunch. It’s a small, family run restaurant, serving the best empanadas you’ll find in town. It’s very reasonably priced for the area, so is the perfect lunch stop.
After lunch, it’s time to get in touch with your inner gaucho and join a horseback riding trip! In my opinion, El Chaltén is the best spot in Patagonia to go horseback riding.
Galloping through the area's rugged terrain, with the impressive backdrop of snow-capped mountains and the fierce wind whipping through your hair is an epic experience.
Evening
Despite El Chaltén’s remote location, the town has a pretty good food scene. You might be surprised to hear that Argentina has a strong connection with Italy, and this means there are some excellent Italian restaurants in the country, including in El Chaltén.
After 9 days of Patagonian cuisine, you might fancy something a bit different. If so, head to Maffia Trattoria and try one of their delicious pasta dishes.
Overnight in El Chaltén
Day 10: Laguna de Tres hike
Morning/Afternoon
The Laguna de tres hike is a must for anyone visiting the area. It’s a 15 mile route with an altitude gain of 882m, and it usually takes around 6 hours to complete. You can start the route from your accommodation as the trailhead is only a short distance away from the village, and it’s very well signposted.
Although it’s a fairly long hike, there are plenty of scenic stopping points so it can definitely be done by less experienced hikers. Just make sure to stop for a breather regularly, and admire the view while doing so!
The hike provides some incredible views, and you’ll pass many varying landscapes along the way. One of the most iconic sights is of the breathtaking Mount Fitz Roy - a mountain you might recognize from the clothing brand ‘Patagonia’, as they use it as their logo!
As with every trek in Patagonia, make sure to prepare for every weather condition and wear appropriate shoes. Bring plenty of water and snacks, but pack light - the final ascent of the hike is pretty steep and you won’t want to be weighed down by a heavy backpack.
Late Afternoon/Evening
You can expect the hike to take up most of the day, so I haven’t added any afternoon or evening activities into this section of the itinerary. Once you arrive back into the village, you’ll likely want to enjoy a hearty meal and relax for the evening.
Overnight in El Chaltén
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Day 11: Chorrillo del Salto and Laguna del Desierto
The Chorillo del Salto waterfall. Photo: Miguel, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning/Afternoon
Start your day early with a filling breakfast, and prepare a packed lunch for the day - you won’t be back in town until the late afternoon today.
After breakfast, head just outside of El Chaltén to Chorrillo del Salto. This is a popular spot, but by getting there early in the morning you should avoid most of the crowds. It’s about an hour's hike from the village to the waterfall, and the route passes through some stunning scenery and lush forests along the way.
The glacier-fed waterfall is beautiful and has a strong flow of water year round. Chorrillo del Salto is a really relaxing area, so spend some time here chilling out and enjoying the views.
After you’ve spent time at Chorrillo del Salto, continue onwards to Laguna del Desierto. It’s about an hour's trek to reach the lake, over mostly flat and easy terrain.
The views surrounding the lake are like something from a postcard; the sparkling waters are surrounded by trees and flowers, and the backdrop offers a whole different view of mount Fitzroy than the one you saw yesterday.
I would recommend spending a bit of time here admiring the view while enjoying your lunch, before starting your trek back to El Chaltén.
Lago del Desierto. Photo: Janitoalevic, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Evening
After a long day of hiking, I suggest a quiet evening simply relaxing in town in El Chaltén. Pick somewhere nice for dinner, enjoy a leisurely meal, and then head back to the hotel and call it an early night.
Overnight in El Chaltén
Day 12: Ushuaia
Located at the southernmost tip of Argentina, Ushuaia proudly holds the title of the world's southernmost city. With a rich history as a former penal colony, it has transformed into a vibrant tourist destination.
Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including the Beagle Channel and the Martial Mountains, Ushuaia offers unparalleled natural beauty.
Popular for its access to Antarctica cruises, trekking opportunities, and winter sports, Ushuaia attracts adventurers and nature enthusiasts. The city exudes a unique blend of adventure, wilderness, and cozy atmosphere, making it an unforgettable destination at the end of the world.
Morning
Today you’ll start the journey to your final destination of the trip - Ushuaia. You can fly directly from El Calafate to Ushuaia, so you should book an afternoon flight and spend your morning traveling back to El Calafate.
Afternoon
You’ll arrive in Ushuaia late in the afternoon, and you should have time to visit the Museo del Fin del Mundo before dinner. This museum contains a real treasure trove of artifacts and information about the first explorers within the region, and the area's indigenous inhabitants.
It’s only a small museum, but is a great first stop in Ushuaia as it’s a fascinating city and there is a lot to learn about it.
Evening
The food in Ushuaia has a very distinctive style, with much of its influence drawn from nature. Southern King Crab (or Centolla as it's known locally) is a real local delicacy, and it’s a great dish to try on your first night in Ushuaia.
El Viejo Marino is the best king crab restaurant in Ushuaia and you’ll spot it from a mile off, with its large tanks filled with even larger crabs in the window.
After dinner, visit Ramos Generales, a 900+ year old general store turned baker/restaurant/bar/coffee shop, and try a pint of the locally brewed beagle beer. The atmosphere here is great, and it’s more like a museum than a bar, with vintage expedition relics and fascinating photographs adorning every surface.
Overnight in Ushuaia
Day 13: Laguna Esmeralda and Beagle Channel
The brilliant green water of Laguna Esmeralda. Photo: Estefania Flores, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning
Start the day by grabbing a quick breakfast, then jump in a taxi to the trailhead of the Lago Esmerelda hike. The hike is about a 4 hour round trip and it isn’t too difficult, but it provides an unbeatable view.
You’ll cross through lush forests and see beaver dams along the way, before reaching the incredible aquamarine glacier lake, Lago Esmerelda. Spend some time admiring the lake, before starting the hike back and grabbing a taxi back into town.
Afternoon
Doña Lupita is a nice stop for lunch - they serve Argentinian fast food and it’s a great choice for a quick light lunch. I like their empanadas the most!
In the afternoon, it’s time to explore the majestic Beagle Channel. This waterway separates Argentinas Tierra del Fuego from Chile's Navarino Island, and gets its name from the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his 1830s scientific expedition, the HMS Beagle.
The scenery and nature you’ll encounter on a beagle channel cruise is exceptional, and there are different tours on offer depending on what you’d like to see. You can choose to visit a sea lion colony or walk amongst penguins, and you might even be accompanied by whales and dolphins along the way!
Evening
For your last dinner in Patagonia, I would recommend trying the tasting menu at Kaupe Restaurant. This is definitely a more upmarket experience and the chefs here prepare an incredible assortment of fusion flavors, perfectly complemented by a charming atmosphere and incredible view.
At some point in the evening, make sure to stop by the Oficina de Información Turística to get an ‘end of the world’ stamp in your passport!
Overnight in Ushuaia
Day 14: Fin del Mundo Train
Morning
If possible, I would recommend booking an afternoon flight out of Ushuaia so you can make the most of your last morning in Patagonia.
There’s one more experience in Ushuaia you shouldn’t miss - the Fin del Mundo train. In the early 1900’s, Tierra del Fuego was home to the End of the World Prison - one of the most feared prisons in the country.
A train line was built to transport prisoners to the forest for work duties, and after the prison closed, this train was revived and turned into what is now a popular tourist activity in the area.
Aboard the train you’ll hear a brief history of what life looked like for prisoners in Ushuaia, while admiring the beautiful landscapes of this part of the Tierra del Fuego National Park (which is inaccessible if not traveling on the train).
Afternoon:
On your way to the airport, get your taxi driver to make a stop at the Fin del Mundo post office, where you can send a postcard from the end of the world!
End of trip
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Hi, I'm Karen, and I've been a tour guide and travel consultant here in Argentina for the last 15 years. If you're looking for some local advice on your trip, I'd love to help!
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