11 Days in Patagonia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Outdoor Adventures in Patagonia's National Parks

First-time travelers to Patagonia that have a passion for hiking and nature will delight in this active Patagonia adventure filled to the brim with scenic hikes and remote landscapes. Between treks in Tierra del Fuego and Torres del Paine national parks, boat excursions in Los Glaciares National Park, and a trip to see penguins on Isla Martello, no day will go by without a memorable adventure amid the dramatic landscapes of Chile and Argentina.

Welcome to Argentina! Your outdoor adventure trip begins in Buenos Aires, where any lingering jet lag will quickly disappear as you admire Obelisco, stroll along Puerto Madero, and enjoy dinner at a traditional steakhouse. Then, it's back to the airport for a domestic flight to Ushuaia for three days of bucket list-worthy excursions. Cruise along the Beagle Channel to the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, spend a day trekking and canoeing in Tierra del Fuego National Park, and boat to Isla Martello to spot penguins in the wild before returning to the airport and catching a flight to El Calafate. 

After a relaxing evening wandering Laguna Nimez Reserve, you'll up the adventure and head into Los Glaciares National Park for a boat and walking tour, followed by a catamaran excursion to Upsala, Seco, and Spegazzini glaciers. With a camera full of stunning glacier shots, you'll continue to Puerto Natales, located in Chilean Patagonia. Embark on a scenic hike in Torres del Paine National Park along the Río Ascencio and join a day trip to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park; then, spend your final evening enjoying a typical Patagonian barbecue at Hysteria Perales before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Active Adventure in Patagonia's Los Glaciares National Park

Minimize time spent traveling and explore the highlights and hidden gems of Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park on this 11-day itinerary, perfect for active explorers. Spend the majority of your trip based out of El Chaltén, hiking, biking, rafting, and ice trekking alongside and on top of massive glaciers. Then, end your adventure with three days in El Calafate, kayaking through icebergs and exploring the park's lesser-known landscapes and glaciers. 

After flying into Buenos Aires, your Patagonia trip begins with a leisurely evening admiring Argentina's capital city's highlights. Rested and ready for adventure, hop on a short flight to El Calafate and transfer to El Chaltén, your base, to explore Los Glaciares National Park. Start with a trek to Laguna de los Tres for impressive views of Piedras Blancas Glacier; then switch to two wheels and bike alongside waterfalls to Lago del Desierto. There's still plenty more to check out, so over the following days, hike to Laguna Torre, raft down the Río de las Vueltas and strap on crampons for an ice hike on Cagliero Glacier.

You'll transfer back to El Calafate for four additional days of exploration. Enjoy your first evening in town learning about the region's glaciers at the Glaciarium, but rest up, as the next day takes you out on the water for a great day kayaking on Lago Argentino and up to 2,000 feet (600 m) away from Perito Moreno Glacier. Spend your last day ticking off the off-the-beaten-path highlights in Los Glaciares National Park, including driving, sailing, and hiking excursions to the famous Lago Frías, then transfer to El Calafate to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Discovering the Highlights of Argentine Patagonia & the Lake District

Split your time between the dramatic landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park and the charming town of Bariloche in the Lake District on this highlights tour of Argentine Patagonia. Ideal for those who want a mix of adventure, culture, sightseeing, and relaxation, this itinerary gets you out exploring under towering glaciers, trekking under massive mountain peaks, and strolling the enchanting streets of Bariloche. Top that with boat tours and a cruise to Isla Victoria, and there's plenty of time to relax while taking in scenic views.

Upon landing in Buenos Aires, your 11-day trip starts with an exciting day roaming the city's bustling streets and indulging in mouthwatering dishes at a parrilla (Argentine steakhouse). Settled in, it's right back to the airport for a flight to El Calafate, where you'll quickly discover just how dramatic Mother Nature can be. Venture into Los Glaciares National Park for an ice hiking expedition and cruise along iceberg-laden waters for up-close views of Upsala Glacier, Seco Glacier, and Spegazzini Glacier. Next, transfer to El Chaltén and settle into your three-night stay during a leisurely hike to Laguna Capri.

Numerous activities await over the following two days, including a full-day hike to Laguna de los Tres and a memorable day trekking to Laguna Torre or Los Condorés / Los Aguilas. There's another side to Patagonia, though, so on Day 8, it's back to the airport for a flight to the Lake District. While calling Bariloche home, sail to Isla Victoria and Los Arrayanes National Park for an afternoon of hiking, enjoy a day kayaking on the scenic waters of Lago Mascardi, and be sure to sample the town's famous chocolate shops before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Argentine Patagonia Day Hike Adventure: El Chaltén, El Calafate & Ushuaia

Hiking enthusiasts who also enjoy their creature comforts will love this 11-day Patagonia adventure, filled with challenging treks and stays in charming towns. Begin in El Chalten, exploring under Mount Fitz Roy and around Laguna Torre, spend two days in El Calafate learning about and exploring the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, then end your trip trekking through subantarctic forest and under coastal mountains at the "End of the World."

Your hiking adventure begins in El Chaltén, nicknamed "the trekking capital of Argentina," and the perfect place to get your first taste of Patagonia's rugged landscapes. Enjoy a relaxing first evening getting your bearings, then unpack your hiking boots and get straight to the mountains. Hike to Laguna de los Tres, join a guide for a trek across a glacial valley to Laguna Torre, and embark on a seven-hour hike to Loma del Plague Tumbado. Next, rest your legs during a scenic drive to El Calafate and a leisurely evening visiting the Glaciarium and strolling around town. 

With just one more day in El Calafate, you'll hop on a boat and sail along the Témpano Canal to see the famous Perito Moreno Glacier up close. Then, fly to Ushuaia, where you'll spend your final five days exploring the "End of the World." Embark on a guided hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park, trek through native lena trees to Laguna Esmeralda, and get off the beaten path during an adventure to Glacier Vingiguerra. Before heading to the airport the following morning to catch your flight home, enjoy one final celebration dinner in Ushuaia. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Highlights & Hidden Gems of Chilean Patagonia

Explore the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park, roam the vibrant streets of Punta Arenas, and get well off the beaten path horseback riding at Estancia La Peninsula on this 11-day Chilean Patagonia itinerary, perfect for those who love wildlife just as much as magnificent landscapes. Whether boating in search of penguins and dolphins or hiking atop a glacier, each day presents a new and exciting activity. Plus, with limited travel time, you'll have no problem enjoying relaxing mornings and evenings in picturesque towns.

After arriving in Punta Arenas, you'll begin your trip exploring the town's must-see sights, including the Plaza Muñoz Guerrero and Miradaro Cerro de la Cruz, followed by a Zodiac boat trip along the Strait of Magellan to spot dolphins and penguins. Next, transfer to Puerto Natales, known as the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Be sure to enjoy a relaxing evening, as over the following three days, you'll boat along the Seno Última Esperanza, hike in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, trek into the renowned French Valley, and venture along Lago Grey for an up-close view of Glacier Grey.

Spend your last day in Torres del Paine National Park on an epic ice hiking excursion on the island of Islatak. After an evening back in Puerto Natales, it's time to switch gears and delight in a day on Estancia La Peninsula, learning the ins and outs of wool farming and sheep shearing. More animal-focused adventures are on the horizon, so fuel up with a hearty breakfast, then enjoy spectacular views while horseback riding. Sadly, it's nearly time to head to the airport, but not before squeezing in one more adventure in Estancia La Peninsula and boating back to Puerto Natales. Learn more

More Great 11-Day Patagonia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Patagonia? Check out these other 11-day Patagonia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.