15 Days in Patagonia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Self-Guided Hiking in Patagonia

Perfect for enthusiastic hikers, this self-guided trekking tour features five days on the renowned W Trek, followed by a week exploring the highlights of Los Glaciares National Park. Between navigating the tricky trails of French Valley, admiring the staggering Perito Moreno ice walls, and taking in epic views of Fitz Roy from the Laguna de los Tres, you'll enjoy leisurely days in Santiago, Puerto Natales, and El Calafate.

Welcome to Chile! Your adventure begins in Santiago, exploring the city's iconic landmarks before catching a flight to Puerto Natales. After a relaxing evening, it's time to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail for an epic five-day hike on the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park. Between nights in quaint refugios, you'll hike alongside glaciers, lakes, and towering mountains. Highlights include the jagged peaks of Cuernos del Paine (Horns of Paine), French Valley, Lago Grey, and Grey Glacier. Finish your W Trek adventure with a scenic cruise, then kick back during a relaxing free day in Puerto Natales.

Next on the itinerary is a three-hour transfer to El Calafate, where you'll take the opportunity to visit the Glaciarium and embark on an excursion into Los Glaciares National Park before continuing to El Chaltén. Over the following few days, you'll head out on a series of self-guided hikes to picturesque spots, including Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre at the foot of Cerro Torre, and Laguna Toro. Then, after one final hike from Lago del Disierto to Laguna del Huemul, you'll transfer back to El Calafate and catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Explore Patagonia's Wildlife & Landscapes

From whale watching in Francisco Coloane Marine Park and meandering alongside a penguin colony on Isla Magdalena to hiking atop Perito Moreno Glacier, this 15-day trip is filled with memorable wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes. Ideal for nature lovers looking for a well-rounded introduction to Patagonia, you'll spend time in Torres del Paine National Park, Tierra del Fuego National Park, and Los Glaciares National Park.

Your 15-day wildlife-focused tour starts with three days in Punta Arenas, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and Isla Magdalena, and the perfect place to get close to humpback whales, sea lions, and a penguin colony. Next, transfer north to Puerto Natales, and enjoy a leisurely evening exploring the town on your own before heading into Torres del Paine National Park for a guided hike in search of cougars, guanacos, and birds of prey. Then, spend the following days cruising near the magnificent Grey Glacier and visiting a working wool farm on Estancia La Peninsula.

On the morning of Day 8, you'll hit the road for a 3.5-hour transfer to El Calafate, Argentina. Get to know the highlights of Los Glaciares National Park over the following few days during a visit to the Glaciarium, on a full-day cruise focused on Spegazzini, Upsala, and Perito Moreno glaciers, and on a thrilling ice-hike. Then, hop aboard a flight bound for Ushuaia and delight in more nature and wildlife-focused excursions, including a visit to a penguin colony on Isla Martillo, a trek in Tierra del Fuego National Park, and a 4WD adventure to see Magallanes Fault before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Best of Buenos Aires & Argentine Patagonia

Crafted for those seeking city tours, cultural excursions, rewarding hikes, and scenic cruises, this active adventure offers a blend of Argentine Patagonia's highlights. After three days touring Buenos Aires on foot and on two wheels, you'll split the rest of your time between Ushuaia, El Calafate, and El Chaltén. Embark on epic treks in Tierra del Fuego National Park and Los Glaciares National Park, and in between, relax while on breathtaking boat rides to glaciers, remote islands, and waterfalls.

Before speeding off to one of Patagonia's dramatic landscapes, you'll begin your trip with three exciting days in Buenos Aires. Explore Plaza de Mayo, La Boca, and Puerto Madero on foot, attend a traditional tango show, and end your stay cycling through the city's unique neighborhoods. Then, settled into life in Argentina, it's time to fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. During your five-day stay, you'll have plenty of time to visit a penguin colony on Isla Martillo, join a guided trek in Tierra del Fuego National Park, embark on a 4WD tour to Lago Fagnano, and hike to Laguna Esmeralda.

Next on the itinerary is another flight, this time to El Calafate, famous for being the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Make the most of your three days here by touring the Glaciarium, cruising to Perito Moreno Glacier, sailing along the Upsala Channel, and visiting a historic ranch known as Estancia Cristina. Then, after a scenic journey along the famed Route 40, you'll find yourself in El Chaltén. Spend your final days in Argentina hiking to Laguna Capri for panoramic views of the Fitz Roy massif and trekking up to Laguna del Huemul for a scenic boat ride. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Ultimate Trekking Adventure in Chilean Patagonia

Completely immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes of Chile on this 15-day trekking adventure through Chilean Patagonia. After a leisurely start to the trip wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley, you'll embark on an incredible four-day hike in Cerro Castillo National Park. Then, celebrate your achievements in Coyhaique and visit a penguin colony on Isla Magdalena before lacing up your boots for a five-day trek on the renowned W Trek.

Your exciting journey through Chile begins in Santiago, where you'll explore the city's historic attractions and spend a day wine-tasting in the Casablanca Valley before flying to Coyhaique. Then, enjoy a relaxing evening, as early the next morning, it's time to transfer to Cerro Castillo National Park and begin an incredible four-day trek. Starting at the trailhead in Las Horquetas Grandes, you'll make your way to Paso Peñon, along Laguna Cerro Castillo, and through the grasslands of Ibañez Valley to Villa Cerro Castillo. In between, camp at breathtaking sites, including Camping La Tetera and Camping New Zealand zone.

After enjoying a hearty celebratory meal and evening in Coyhaique, your adventure continues with a flight to Punta Arenas and a visit to a penguin colony on Isla Magdalena. Then, hop on a bus bound for Puerto Natales and prepare for a challenging multi-day hike on the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park. Over five days, you'll trek from the Las Torres sector, along Lago Nordenskjöld, through the French Valley, and along Lago Grey to Grey Glacier. Before catching your flight home, you'll spend your final full day celebrating your accomplishments in Puerto Natales. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Active Adventures in Los Glaciares National Park

Unleash your adventurous spirit on this 15-day itinerary, packed with outdoor activities in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park. Ideal for active travelers looking to get off the main tourist trail, you'll experience the natural beauty of Patagonia on foot, by bicycle, and with a paddle in hand. Highlights include hiking around El Chaltén, an exciting four-day trek on the Huemul Circuit, mountain biking at Lago del Desierto, and kayaking toward the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier.

Kick off your 15-day Patagonia trip in Buenos Aires, treating restless plane legs to an exciting bicycle tour through the city's historic districts and bustling ports and exploring at your leisure. Then, after a flight and a scenic drive, you'll find yourself in El Chaltén, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Spend the following three days getting to know the remote landscapes of the Fitz Roy range via a guided hike to Laguna de los Tres, a mountain bike excursion from Lago del Desierto, a trek to Laguna Torre, and a thrilling rafting trip down the Río de las Vueltas.

On the morning of Day 8, you'll get even deeper into Los Glaciares National Park, this time by way of a multi-day trek along the Huemul Circuit. Famous for its stunning views of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field, Viedma Glacier, and Lago Viedma, your four days on the Huemul Circuit will feel like a living postcard as you hike through pastures, on moraines, and over mountain passes. After completing the trek, you'll return to El Calafate for a leisurely evening indulging in local cuisine. Then, squeeze in a kayaking excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier and hike to Lago Frías before catching your onward flight. Learn more

More Great 15-Day Patagonia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Patagonia? Check out these other 15-day Patagonia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.