10 Days in Patagonia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Explore Los Glaciares & Torres del Paine National Parks

Perfect for first-time visitors to Patagonia eager to tick off both the highlights, this 10-day trip features time in Argentina's Buenos Aires, Los Glaciares National Park, and Chile's Torres del Paine National Park. Starting in Buenos Aires, you'll get a sampling of Argentina's colorful culture before flying to El Calafate for an up-close view of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Then, spend the second half of the trip hiking around El Chaltén and exploring Chile's Torres del Paine's impressive viewpoints.  

Welcome to Argentina! Your adventure kicks off in Buenos Aires, and after settling into your hotel, you'll be picked up by a guide to explore the city's vibrant San Telmo, La Boca, and Palermo neighborhoods. Spend the following day cruising along the Río de la Plata to Tigre and joining a tango class. Next, it's back to the airport for a flight to El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. First, visit the Glaciarum to learn about your surroundings, then head out to see the Perito Moreno Glacier up close and enjoy a free day to relax, go horseback riding, or tour Reserva Laguna Nimez.

The second half of your trip begins with a scenic bus ride to El Chaltén, and after enjoying a leisurely evening wandering around the village, you'll embark on a full day of self-guided hiking. Options include a glacial valley hike to Laguna Torre and the Loma del Pliegue Tumbada. Next, transfer to Puerto Natales in Chile and delight in an evening admiring the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound) before heading into the Torres del Paine National Park for a guided tour and an overnight stay. Then, savor the park's breathtaking views until it's time to head back to El Calafate to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Best of Southern Patagonia

Experience the dramatic landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park and Los Glaciares National Park on this Southern Patagonia adventure. Ideal for those looking to minimize travel time and enjoy leisurely evenings, this tour features stays in El Calafate, El Chaltén, and Puerto Natales. Plus, there are a few challenging hikes and boat trips that bring you close to towering glaciers.

Your Southern Patagonia adventure begins in El Calafate, where you'll enjoy an evening as you please, visiting the town's quaint cafés and learning about the surrounding glaciers at the Glaciarium before boating to the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier the following day. Next, transfer by bus to El Chaltén and take in the region's stunning landscapes during a two-hour hike through native forest to Laguna Capri and a full-day excursion into Los Glaciares National Park, complete with a 12 miles (20 km) hike to Laguna de los Tres. Then, it's back on the road for a scenic five-hour journey to Puerto Natales.

The second half of your trip starts with an exciting day trip to Torres del Paine National Park to spot wildlife and embark on short hikes. Then, after a night back in Puerto Natales, you'll return to the park for an 11-mile (18 km) hike up Mount Almirante Nieto to enjoy views of the Asencio Valley and Lago Nordenskjöld. Spend the night in Hotel Las Torres, which allows time for a morning self-guided hike before boarding a catamaran for up-close views of Grey Glacier. Then, enjoy a relaxing evening in El Calafate before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Explore Patagonia by Land & Sea

Featuring the towering mountains of Torres del Paine National Park and the remote fjords of Tierra del Fuego, you'll cover more ground on this Patagonia adventure, perfect for travelers looking for a mix of highlights and off-the-beaten-path excursions. Throughout the trip, you'll enjoy a mix of relaxing and thrilling activities, including a winery tour in Maipo Valley, walks near the Perito Moreno Glacier, a chance to admire penguins on Isla Magdalena as you cruise the "end of the world" from Ushuaia.

Start your 10-day Patagonia adventure in Santiago, getting your bearings in Chile while strolling Barrio Bellavista's cobblestone streets and dining in the historic districts of Yungay or Italia. Settled in, you'll spend the following afternoon hopping between two of Valle de Maipo's picturesque wineries before heading back to the airport for a flight to Puerto Natales. Take full advantage of your time here by joining a well-rounded tour of Torres del Paine National Park, complete with stops at Lago Grey and Lago Nordenskjöld viewpoints, as soon it's time to transfer to Argentina.

After a scenic bus ride to El Calafate, you'll spend the afternoon admiring the grandeur of Perito Moreno Glacier. Then catch a flight bound for Ushuaia, where you'll board your multi-day glaciers and fjords cruise. Every day of your cruise will be filled with remarkable landscapes, including Cape Horn, Wulaia Bay, and the Brecknock Peninsula. Plus, you'll also have a chance to hike to a panoramic view of Pia Glacier, spot Andean condors soaring over the Condor Glacier, and visit a colony of penguins on Isla Magdalena before disembarking in Punta Arenas to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Patagonia's Glaciers & Wildlife

Spend numerous days boating near mighty glaciers and along wildlife-filled waters on this Patagonia adventure, perfect for those looking to admire the grandeur of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and Los Glaciares National Park. Throughout the tour, you'll get up close to the impressive Serrano Glacier, Grey Glacier, and Perito Moreno Glacier and embark on excursions in search of Peale's dolphins, penguins, guanacos, and condors.

After arriving in Punta Arenas and settling into your hotel, spend your first evening strolling the Plaza Muñoz Guerrero and catching the sunset from Mirador Cerro de la Cruz. The following two days are about admiring Patagonia's fascinating wildlife, with a trip to San Isidro to search for Peale's dolphins and a visit to the Isla Magdalena penguin colony on the agenda. Next, board a bus bound for Puerto Natales and delight in a relaxing evening strolling the town's waterfront promenade before boating through the Seno Última Esperanza Fjord and up the Río Serrano to reach Torres del Paine National Park.

The following two days in Torres del Paine National Park promise to be memorable, with a full-day private wildlife tour and a Grey Glacier boat trip planned. After an evening back in Puerto Natales, your journey continues to El Calafate—the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Begin your stay by visiting the Glaciarium, then board a full-day cruise for superb views of Spegazzini and Upsala glaciers. Before catching your onward flight, you'll admire the dramatic Perito Moreno Glacier by boat. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Hiking Adventure in Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park

Experienced hiking enthusiasts will love this challenging yet rewarding trekking adventure in Patagonia. Featuring eight days and seven nights spent between Torres del Paine National Park's famed O Circuit and W Trek, nature lovers will delight in getting off the beaten path and seeing a side of the park few tourists reach. Highlights include crossing the Oggioni and John Gardner passes, trekking through the French Valley, and spending nights in scenic refugios.

Welcome to Chile! Before hitting the trails, you'll begin your trip in Puerto Natales, shrugging off any jet lag and preparing for the big adventure to come. It's off to Laguna Amarga the next morning, the main entrance to Torres del Paine National Park, where you'll register with the park office and catch a shuttle ride to the start of the epic eight-day trek. Start by hiking to Campamento Japones, then leave the well-trodden path while crossing over the Oggioni Pass to Refugio & Camping Dickson, and enjoy a rest day walking around Lago Dickson.

On the morning of Day 5, you'll trek through one of the oldest forests in the park on your way to the foot of Glacier Los Perros. Next, conquer a challenging climb to Campamento Paso while soaking up the stunning views of Patagonia's Southern Ice Field before spending the night at Campamento Grey. With three more days on the trail, you'll make your way past Lago Pehoe, through the French Valley, and along Lago Nordenskjöld until you reach your final destination of Refugio & Camping Central. Then, transfer back to Puerto Natales for a celebratory evening and to catch your flight home. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Patagonia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Patagonia? Check out these other 10-day Patagonia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, wildlife trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.