16 Days in Patagonia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Experience History, Culture & Nature in Patagonia

Outdoor enthusiasts and animal lovers who prefer a leisurely pace will enjoy this Patagonia history, culture, and nature tour. After preparing Chilean foods with a chef in Valparaíso and a horseback ride in the Lake District, you'll fly south to Patagonia. You'll spot dolphins in Agua Fresca Bay, meet the residents of a sheep ranch on Antonio Veras Peninsula, marvel at glaciers in Torres del Paine National Park, and check out 70-million-year-old trees on a hike through La Leona Petrified Forest. Free time in the schedule ensures you'll have a chance to explore on your own and rest as needed. 

After a free night to rest or explore Valparaíso, you'll get your first taste of Chile (yes, there are empanadas and ceviche!) in a cooking class. Then, you'll fly south to the Lake District, where you can choose to ski, fish, or ride horses against the backdrop of snowcapped volcanoes before hiking through the rainforests of Alerce Andino National Park. On Day 5, you'll meet the Huilliche people of Quechalen Aitue, who will share a traditional meal and their music with you. A day trip the next day to the archipelago of Chiloé offers the chance to hear tales of witches on Isla Grande and observe penguins in Puñihuil.

Catch a flight farther south into Patagonia to Punta Arenas, your base, for a boat tour in search of dolphins, cormorants, and other wildlife. Then, you're off to Antonio Veras Peninsula for a horseback ride and barbecue at a sheep ranch. Your next stop is Torres del Paine National Park, where you'll witness the thundering Salto Grande waterfall and cruise to Grey Glacier. Your glacier encounters continue as you board a bus and cross the border to Argentina for a boat ride to the massive ice wall of Perito Moreno. Lastly, you'll hike in La Leona Petrified Forest to see 70 million-year-old petrified trees and dinosaur fossils. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Classic Southern Patagonia Active Tour

This alternate active Patagonia itinerary is a fit for energetic and outdoorsy travelers. Highlights include a hike to Mirador Base Torres to see the iconic granite pillars, a boat ride to the Isla Magdalena penguin colony, trekking in Torres del Paine, a walk in Los Glaciares National Park, a hike through native lenga forests on the Laguna de los Tres trail, and a wildlife-spotting cruise on Beagle Channe.

Kick off your adventure in Punta Arenas with a seafood dinner and your first Patagonian sunset at Mirador Cerro de la Cruz. In the morning, join a boat trip to Isla Magdalena to see Chile's largest colony of Magellanic penguins. After that, you'll travel to Puerto Natales for a traditional asado (barbecue) at Estancia La Peninsula, a working sheep and cattle ranch. Your next destination is worth the early alarm—you're off on a guided hike (and scramble!) to Mirador Base Torres, where you'll see three granite pillars reflecting on a glacial lagoon. Your final day in Chile will be spent trekking in Torres del Paine. 

The second half of your trip takes you across the border to Argentina. Starting in El Calafate, you'll learn about glaciers at the Glaciarium museum, then see one for yourself on a boat tour and nature walk in Los Glaciares National Park. After a transfer to El Chaltén, you'll embark on the Laguna de los Tres hike, passing through native lenga forests and pausing for views of the Fitz Roy peak. Catch a flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, where you'll cap off your trip with a coastal walk along Ensenada Bay and a sunset with views of Tierra del Fuego's trees uniquely shaped by extreme winds. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Patagonia's National Parks Tour: Torres del Paine & Los Glaciares

Another excellent option for active, outdoorsy travelers, you'll experience Patagonia's varied and rugged terrain on this national parks tour. You'll cruise along the fjords to the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, hike to Serrano Glacier, trek across an ancient glacial valley at Lago Frías, tackle the Laguna de los Tres trail, kayak on Lago del Desierto, and end on a high note with a hike to the Huemul Glacier.

Start in Santiago with a tour of the city's landmarks, such as the neoclassical Catedral Metropolitana, then head to the Bellavista neighborhood to see street art and refuel with a Chilean cazuela (stew). In the morning, you'll fly to Puerto Natales, where you'll cruise along the fjords to the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park and hike to Serrano Glacier. You'll also have time to hike around the aquamarine waters of Lago Nordenskjöld and visit Estancia La Peninsula for a sheepshearing demonstration. Next, you'll hop on a bus to El Calafate, Argentina, the gateway to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

After learning about glaciers at the Glaciarium, you can grab a drink at the museum's ice bar. The following day, cruise beside floating icebergs on a boat tour to Perito Moreno Glacier. Then, trek across an ancient glacial valley on a boating and hiking excursion at Lago Frías. The final leg of your trip takes you to El Chaltén, Argentina's trekking capital. Your guide will take you on the famous Laguna de los Tres trail for views of the surrounding peaks and Piedras Blancas Glacier before grabbing a paddle to kayak on Lago del Desierto. Choose your adventure for your grand finale, perhaps a hike to the Huemul Glacier. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Hidden Wonders of Chilean Patagonia

Travelers eager to immerse themselves in the natural environment of Chilean Patagonia will appreciate this lesser-visited adventure. You'll have the chance to hike in the world's largest private nature reserve, ascend an active volcano, spot dolphins and penguins on a Zodiac tour of the Strait of Magellan, cruise on Lago Pehoé, hike the forests of the French Valley, experience an ice hike along Grey Glacier, and go bird-watching at Estancia La Peninsula.

Ease into your adventure with a stroll around Puerto Varas, a Lake District village with a unique mix of German architecture and Indigenous Mapuche heritage. Afterward, fly to Pumalín National Park, the world's largest private nature reserve, where you'll join your hiking group for a full-day trek through old-growth forests. The following day, you'll ascend Volcán Chaitén, an active volcano with an elevation gain of 1,968 feet (600 m). Then, you're off to Punta Arenas to search for dolphins and penguins (and also stop for lunch paired with Chilean wines!) on a Zodiac tour of the Strait of Magellan.

Board a bus to Puerto Natales on Day 8, where you'll marvel at glaciers and waterfalls on a speedboat tour of Última Esperanza Sound. Then, take a catamaran cruise on Lago Pehoé for a trek through the forests of the French Valley. A hike along Lago Grey grants you views of Grey Glacier and leads you to your home for the night, Refugio & Camping Grey. The following morning, venture out on an ice hike along Grey Glacier, then get your last looks on a catamaran cruise that takes you to its ice walls. Lastly, wrap up your trip at Estancia La Peninsula, where you'll spend horseback riding and bird watching. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Hiking Tour in Chilean Patagonia: Torres del Paine, Lakes District & Volcanoes

This challenging Chilean Patagonia journey is ideal for hardcore adventurers who want to spend their time hiking, camping, kayaking, and rock climbing. You'll scramble to Mirador Base Torres, tackle intense inclines to see the hanging French Glacier, and hike around Lago Grey during your five days on the W Trek. Then, you'll kayak at the Reloncaví Estuary, hike the volcanic landscapes of the Desolation Path, visit some of the oldest trees in South America at Alerce Andino National Park, join a pack rafting trip on Río Liucura, and end with a via ferrata activity in the volcanic valley of El Cerduó.

After touching down in Santiago, you'll have free time to see the La Moneda palace and other landmarks. In the morning, you'll fly south to Puerto Natales and take a bus to Torres del Paine National Park, your starting point for the W Trek. Your first day on the trail includes a scramble to Mirador Base Torres and an overnight at Refugio & Camping Chileno. Day two of the W Trek takes you along the Almirante Nieto group of mountains and offers glacier views en route to the Refugio Cuernos camp. The next day, you'll tackle intense inclines to a viewpoint where you can admire the hanging French Glacier.

Finish the W Trek with a hike through the forests along Lago Grey, followed by a catamaran tour to the face of Grey Glacier. Next, you'll fly to Puerto Varas and transfer to Reloncaví Estuary for a kayak excursion across the fjord. Next is a hike along Paso Desolación (Desolation Path), named for the low-lying vegetation amid the volcanic landscape. Then, a trek in Alerce Andino National Park brings you to some of the oldest trees in South America, which can live up to 2,500 years! Celebrate your adventure with a pack rafting trip on Río Liucura and rock climbing in the volcanic valley of El Cerduó. Learn more

More Great Patagonia Itineraries

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