12 Days in Patagonia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Relaxing Adventure in Patagonia

Treat yourself to a well-rounded introduction to Chile and Argentina's dramatic mountains, magnificent glaciers, and charming towns on this 12-day Patagonia adventure. You'll have multiple days to explore Torres del Paine National Park and Los Glaciares National Park and enjoy a unique horseback riding excursion, free time in Santiago, and a visit to a working farm.

Welcome to Patagonia! Your adventure begins with a leisurely day exploring Chile's bustling capital, Santiago; then, it's right back to the airport for a flight to Punta Arenas. Continue to Puerto Natales, where the staggering peaks of Cerro Benitez and Cerro Toro greet your arrival, and a trip to a working wool farm on Estancia La Peninsula gives you insight into life in rural Patagonia. Next, head into Torres del Paine National Park for three epic days of exploring. While calling the renowned Patagonia Camp home, the option is yours to kayak, fish, hike in the French Valley, or tackle part of the famous W Circuit. 

As the second half of your trip begins, transfer to the equally beautiful Los Glaciares National Park. After settling into your accommodation in El Calafate, spend the following days discovering the power of Perito Moreno Glacier, Upsala Glacier, and Spegazzini Glacier. In between bucket-list-worthy cruises and hikes, you'll also have time to visit the Glaciarium, birdwatch at Laguna Nimez Nature Preserve, and enjoy relaxing afternoons in El Calafate's quaint cafés. But all too soon, it'll be time to return by bus to Puerto Natales for a final celebratory dinner before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Active Patagonia: Torres del Paine & Los Glaciares National Parks

Crafted for nature lovers looking to spend uninterrupted days hiking in extraordinary landscapes, this 12-day active Patagonia adventure of Chile and Argentina is about exploring on your own two feet or with a paddle in hand. While splitting your time between Torres del Paine National Park and Los Glaciares National Parks, you'll walk out your front door and onto a world-class hike. Plus, with a mix of guided treks and time to wander at your leisure, you'll be informed and feel refreshed by nature's gifts about the surrounding landscapes.

After hopping off the plane in Santiago and spending the first day of your adventure roaming the streets of Barrio Bellavista, you'll transfer to the small port city of Puerto Natales. Treat yourself to a stroll along the Seno Última Esperanza and dinner at a family-run restaurant, but rest up, as the following three days are about exploring Torres del Paine National Park. Start with a guided tour of the park's four ecological zones, then lace up your hiking shoes and embark on an 11-mile (18 km) trek up Mount Almirante Nieto, followed by a more gentle walk along the shores of Lago Nordenskjöld.

Next on the agenda is a transfer to El Calafate in Argentina, famous for being the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. First, head to the Glaciarium to learn about the nearby glaciers, then delight in a sailing excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier to admire the majestic glacier up close. Continue to El Chaltén the following day, and settle in for five days of ultimate exploration. Pack in a 12-mile (20 km) hike to Laguna de los Tres, an optional trek to Laguna Torre or Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, and a kayak excursion on Lago del Desierto before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Ultimate Chilean Patagonia Adventure

Explore Chilean Patagonia from top to bottom on this highlights tour packed with guided hikes, unique activities, and memorable sightseeing experiences. With most of your time spent in Torres del Paine National Park, paired with stays in the tranquil town of Puerto Natales and the bustling capital city of Santiago, this adventure is ideal for those looking for a mix of exploration, culture, and leisurely afternoons.

Your Patagonia trip begins in the vibrant city of Santiago, where, after spending your first day dusting off any jet lag with a leisurely wander, you'll enlist the help of a guide and embark on a tour of Mercado Central, Catedral Metropolitana, and more. Settled in, your next destination is Puerto Natales, located at the edge of Torres del Paine National Park. Before heading into the park, soak up the small-town tranquility while strolling along the waterfront promenade and visit a picturesque cattle ranch on the Antonio Veras Peninsula. Then, hop on a boat and ride up the Río Serrano to Pueblo Serrano.

Over the following five days, there's no shortage of adventure on the agenda. Board a catamaran and explore Grey Glacier, embark on an eight-hour hike to the Las Torres Lookout, and join a guided trek through the French Valley for magnificent views of the French Glacier. That's not all, though—you'll also meander along the shores of Lago Nordenskjöld and embark on an educational tour of the park's unique ecosystems until it's time to return to Puerto Natales. With just two days left, squeeze in a kayak trip on the Eberhard Fjord and enjoy a celebratory dinner before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Trek Torres del Paine & Explore Los Glaciares National Parks

Crafted for hiking enthusiasts, this 12-day trekking adventure immerses you in the dramatic landscapes of Chile's Torres del Paine and Argentina's Los Glaciares national parks. The highlight is sure to be a multi-day hike on Chile's renowned W Trek while staying in picturesque refugios. Still, with a cruise along the Témpano Canal to the Perito Moreno Glacier and a 12-mile (20 km) hike to Laguna de los Tres on the agenda, you'll also get a well-rounded introduction to the mighty landscapes of Argentina.

Your 12-day Patagonia adventure begins with an exciting day enjoying the hustle and bustle of Santiago, followed by a flight to Puerto Natales—the main base for trips into Torres del Paine National Park. Then, it's time to lace up your hiking boots and head out on an incredible four-day trek along the W Trek. Starting from the Las Torres sector, you'll climb up Mount Almirante and Mirador Base Torres, hike along the shores of Lago Nordenskjöld, continue through the French Valley, and walk along Lago Grey. In between, enjoy stays in Refugio & Camping el Central, Refugio Cuernos, and Refugio Paine Grande. 

After a well-earned relaxing evening back in Puerto Natales, you'll board a flight to El Calafate and spend your first day in Argentina learning about the surrounding landscapes at the Glaciarium. Next, sail into Los Glaciares National Park to admire Perito Moreno Glacier in all its glory before continuing to El Chaltén. With four days in the "trekking capital of Argentina," you'll have plenty of time to admire views of Fitz Roy and Torre during a 12-mile (20 km) hike to Laguna de los Tres and embark on a guided kayak excursion on Lago del Desierto until it's time to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Chilean Patagonia for Kayakers

If you prefer to explore with a paddle, this Chilean Patagonia kayaking itinerary involves two multi-day kayaking excursions, the first on Reloncaví Fjord and the second from Lago Grey to Serrano Glacier. You'll delight in uninterrupted days on the water pondering mighty glaciers and towering mountains. Top that with short hikes in Torres del Paine National Park and a visit to a penguin colony on Isla Magdalena.

After landing in Puerto Montt and transferring to Puerto Varas, you'll begin your 12-day Patagonia trip roaming the shores of Lago Lllanquihue. But be sure to rest up, as the following day, you'll embark on an incredible two-day kayaking adventure along the Reloncaví Fjord, stopping for a splendid overnight at Señora Yolanda's family farm. Then, it's off to Punta Arenas, which provides the perfect base to watch the sunset from Mirador Cerro de la Cruz, embark on a full-day kayaking trip from Cabo San Isidro to San Isidro Lighthouse and Bahía del Águila, and boat to Isla Magdalena to admire its robust penguin colony. 

Next on the agenda is a transfer to Puerto Natales, where you'll have an evening to wander at your leisure before continuing to Torres del Paine National Park. Explore the highlights and learn about the park's wildlife and unique ecosystems on a private tour, then gear up for another incredible multi-day kayaking excursion. Starting on Lago Grey, you'll paddle past icebergs, test your technical skills on the Río Grey, and portage around Salto del Río—all while spending cozy nights camping alongside the river. With a heart full of adventure, you'll return to Puerto Natales and catch your flight home. Learn more

More Great 12-Day Patagonia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Patagonia? Check out these other 12-day Patagonia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.