10 Days in Patagonia - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Family Tour of Santiago & Chilean Patagonia

This highlights tour of Chile's Santiago and Patagonia is an excellent option for families with various interests, from animal lovers to aspiring archaeologists. Enjoy horseback riding in Bahía Esperanza Park, a visit to Quintessence Alpaca Farm, and see ancient rock art on a hike to the caves of Cerro Benítez. The whole family will be in awe in the presence of floating icebergs and the massive Grey Glacier while cruising on a catamaran on Lago Grey. This trip includes hikes and caving activities that may be best for active families and little ones four years and older, depending on their stamina.

If your family is ready to stretch their legs after the flight, take a tour of Santiago's green spaces, including Forestal Park, followed by a ride up the Teleférico tramway for city views and family photos. Then, head to Viña San Esteban Vineyard for a picnic and tasting (wine for the adults and juice for the kids!) before visiting Quintessence Alpaca Farm, where the kids can meet the furry residents. Fly to Punta Arenas on Day 3 and take a bus to Puerto Natales, where you'll meet your guide for a family hike in Torres del Paine National Park and a horseback ride at Bahía Esperanza Reserve.

Help the kids bundle up and board a catamaran at Lago Grey that will take you past floating icebergs to the face of Grey Glacier—kids of all ages will be in awe of the massive wall of ice. Then, impress your aspiring archaeologists and historians with a hike to the caves of Cerro Benítez, where you'll see ancient rock art. Catch a return flight to Santiago and spend your final days in Chile souvenir shopping, taking a family-friendly tour of the Metropolitan Zoo, letting the kids play at Kidzania interactive park, and celebrating with dinner at a parrilla (steakhouse) before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Family Discovery of Chilean Patagonia & the Lake District

Adding Punta Arenas and Puerto Varas, outdoorsy families keen on wildlife, history, and hiking will appreciate this alternate Chilean itinerary. There's plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained as you tour Santiago's sites, visit the penguins at Isla Magdalena, search for guanacos in Torres del Paine National Park, kayak on Lago Llanquihue, and birdwatch at a Patagonian estancia. Best for little ones six years of age and older.

Get to know Santiago at your own pace with a self-guided tour of the sites, such as the Plaza de Armas, then stop by Mercado Central's food stalls and satiate grumbling tummies with fresh empanadas and other kid-friendly favorites. The following day, take a guided day trip to Valparaíso, where your budding artists will appreciate street art, and the whole family can take in the views from the Reina Victoria funicular. Next, fly to Punta Arenas and delight your young wildlife lovers with a visit to Isla Magdalena to see the penguins, then take your little historians to the Nao Victoria Museum to explore famous ship replicas. 

Hike in Magallanes National Reserve on Day 5 before boarding a bus to Puerto Natales, where you'll trek in the famous Torres del Paine National Park—keep your camera ready to capture the kids' excitement when they see icebergs in Lago Grey or spot guanacos or other wildlife. Take a boat to the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound) and let the kids choose horseback riding, bird-watching, or biking. Fly to Puerto Varas on Day 8 and kayak on Lago Llanquihue, then hike in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park before wrapping up your family vacation with a tour and souvenir shopping on Isla Chiloé. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Argentine Patagonia Active Family Adventure: Buenos Aires, Ushuaia & El Calafate

This active adventure is best for fit families who are eager to spend time with the glaciers in addition to experiencing the history and culture of Buenos Aires. You'll get to know Argentina's capital with a guided city tour and a tango show, take a train at the "End of the World" in Ushuaia, and participate in several hiking and boating excursions in Los Glaciares National Park. Activities like the glacier walk at Perito Moreno Glacier have age restrictions and fitness requirements, so this trip is best for families with older (eight years) and physically fit children.

Introduce your family to Argentine history, culture, and cuisine with a Buenos Aires tour that includes Plaza de Mayo, museums, the colorful La Boca neighborhood, and a captivating tango dinner show. Then, invite the kids to become cowboys and cowgirls for the day at the Santa Susana ranch, where you'll take a horseback ride and enjoy a barbecue. Fly south to Ushuaia, the "end of the world," and surprise the kids with a train ride into Tierra del Fuego National Park, a catamaran cruise along the Beagle Channel, and a walk with charming penguins at Isla Martillo.

On Day 7, you'll fly a short way up north to El Calafate, where you'll take a boat across the Rico Arm for a glacier walk at Perito Moreno Glacier. Then, take a family-friendly Todo Glaciares (All the Glaciers) boat tour that includes a cruise along Lago Argentino and a walk at the base of the Spegazzini Glacier. Spend your final full day hiking along the Feruglio range and on to the Upsala Glacier viewpoint—a perfect place for a family photo—followed by a traditional meal at a ranch. Before departure, let the kids choose a handcrafted keepsake at Paseo de Los Artesanos market in El Calafate. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Gentle Family Tour of Chilean Patagonia: Santiago, Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas

Animal-loving kids of all ages (though best suited to children six years and up) will enjoy this family tour of Chilean Patagonia. After touring the sites in Santiago, you'll observe sea lions along the Puerto Natales waterfront, meet the furry residents of a local ranch, take a catamaran cruise to see the penguins at Isla Magdalena and spot dolphins on an excursion at Agua Fresca Bay. This itinerary includes additional outdoor experiences, such as a boat tour to Serrano Glacier and a Torres del Paine National Park hike. 

Head out on a kid-friendly tour of Santiago, which includes a ride on the Teleférico tramway and time at Plaza de Armas, where the kids can watch street performers. Then, fly south to Punta Arenas and catch a nap or enjoy the scenery on the bus to Puerto Natales. Take a waterfront walk and encourage the kids to look for dolphins and sea lions, then head to Go Bar de Hielo for an ice bar experience and fun family photos. Next, the kids will be captivated by dramatic scenery on a boat tour past the cliffs, waterfalls, and Serrano Glacier as you cruise through the Señoret Channel and Bernardo O'Higgins National Park.

Depending on your family's interests, you can spend Day 5 touring Grey Glacier or visiting a ranch where the kids can meet the animals and learn about the gaúcho (cowboy) life. Then, take a guided family hike in Torres del Paine National Park that includes a stop at Paine Waterfall and the Lago Nordenskjöld viewpoint, followed by lunch at Hosteria Pehoe. Your driver will bring you back to Punta Arenas, where you'll board a catamaran and sail to see the penguins at Isla Magdalena—sure to be a hit with the little ones. Cap off your family trip with a dolphin-spotting Zodiac tour at Agua Fresca Bay and let the kids loose at historic Fort Bulnes. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Outdoor Family Adventure in Northern Chilean Patagonia

Best suited to older kids (10 years, plus), this adventure is perfect for active families interested in outdoor experiences. First, satisfy the foodies among you with a tasting tour of Santiago before heading to Puerto Río Tranquilo for kayaking in the Marble Caves and ice hiking at Exploradores Glacier. Then, you'll travel to Puerto Varas, your base for whitewater rafting on the Río Petrohué, sightseeing in the Lake District, hiking at Osorno volcano, and kayaking on Lago Llanquihue.

Immerse your little chefs and budding foodies in the local culinary scene on a food-focused tour of Santiago's markets, including La Vega and Mercado Central, before jetting off to Balmaceda to start your Patagonia journey. Your driver will transfer you to the village of Puerto Río Tranquilo, your base, for a family-friendly kayaking excursion at the Marble Caves, followed by an ice hike at Exploradores Glacier, where you'll find ice tunnels, caves, and glacier lagoons. Then, enjoy a guided tour around Lago General Carrera, stopping in Puerto Guadal for lunch and honey-tasting for family members with a sweet tooth. 

Fly to Puerto Varas on Day 6 for a tour of the charming towns of the Lake District and whitewater rafting on the Class III rapids of Río Petrohué—a popular activity for adventurous kids. Your trip ends with more outdoor excursions and family photo ops, including a visit to Petrohué Waterfalls and Lago Todos los Santos, a hike at the Osorno volcano, and a kayaking tour on the still waters of Lago Llanquihue. You'll have free time before departure to create more memories, perhaps by swimming in Lago Llanquihue or biking at Cerro Philippi. 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, family-friendly trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.