2 Weeks in Patagonia - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Gentle Family Tour of Chilean & Argentine Patagonia

This classic Patagonia itinerary is an excellent option for families with a range of interests and ages, including younger children (five and older). You'll sample street food and see the sites on a family-friendly tour of Santiago, sail beside penguins at Isla Magdalena, hike in Torres del Paine National Park, admire the massive Perito Moreno Glacier, meet the furry residents of a traditional ranch, take your little artists to see the rock paintings at Punta Walichu, and celebrate with a tango show and an engaging dining experience (where the kids can interact with the chef and make their own chimichurri sauce!) in Buenos Aires.

Introduce the family to Chilean history and cuisine on a guided tour of Santiago that includes a stop at Plaza de Armas, where you can sample street food, including sopaipillas, a fried pumpkin dough treat that's a hit with kids. Then, fly to Punta Arenas and thrill your little animal lovers with a visit to the Isla Magdalena Penguin Sanctuary and a dolphin-spotting boat ride in Agua Fresca Bay. Next, fly to Puerto Natales, where you'll take a family hike in Torres del Paine National Park (encourage the kids to watch for guanacos and other wildlife) and a boat tour to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers.

Your driver will transfer you to El Calafate, Argentina, where your little adventures and artists will enjoy a visit to the Punta Walichu archaeological site. Here, they can admire rock paintings and eat dinner inside a cave. Cruise into Los Glaciares National Park by boat on Day 10, then disembark to wander the kid-friendly boardwalks and the viewing platforms before heading to a traditional ranch to experience the gaúcho (cowboy) life. Fly to Buenos Aires, where you'll end your journey with a family walking tour of the colorful neighborhoods, a tango performance, and an interactive dinner at Fogón Steakhouse. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Family Exploration of Patagonia's National Parks

This itinerary is ideal for active families who enjoy hiking and wildlife—best suited to children eight years and older due to the hiking. You'll explore Santiago, hike in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, visit the glaciers in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park by boat, embark on a full day of trekking lesser-known trails in Torres del Paine National Park, and end your trip with a hike of your choice in El Chaltén. This is also a fantastic itinerary for your budding birders with the chance to go bird-watching in Alerce Andino National Park, spot skuas and cormorants at Isla Marta, and observe Chilean flamingoes at Reserva Laguna.

On arrival in Santiago, take the kids on a family-friendly tour that includes a walk up to the hills of Santa Lucia or San Cristóbal for views of the city and a family photo. Then, fly to Puerto Montt and transfer to Puerto Varas in the Lake District, where you'll take a gentle hike to the Saltos del Río Petrohué on a tour of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park and do some bird-watching in Alerce Andino National Park. Fly to Punta Arenas and surprise the kids with a visit to the penguin colony on Isla Magdalena before boarding a bus to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park.

Stop by Cueva del Milodón and capture a photo of the kids with a mylodon (giant prehistoric sloth) replica, then enjoy a family picnic at Lago Grey. Next, embark on a boat tour in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, followed by a barbecue at a traditional ranch. Help the kids search for condors and other wildlife on a full day of hiking near Lago Sarmiento and Cañadón Macho before continuing to El Calafate in Argentina. Go bird-watching at Reserva Laguna Nimez, then impress the kids with a visit to the massive Perito Moreno Glacier. Fit in one last family hike in El Chaltén before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Ultimate Family Tour of Patagonia: Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

Families keen on visiting the "End of the World" in Ushuaia will enjoy this Patagonia adventure. After observing Isla Magdalena's penguins, head to Puerto Natales to marvel at glaciers in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park and take a family hike in Torres del Paine National Park. Then, you'll tour Los Glaciares National Park before ending your family adventure with a 4WD excursion in Carbajal Valley and a trek in Tierra del Fuego National Park. With self-guided tours in Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, and El Calafate, this trip is also a fit for families who prefer some time to explore independently. (Best suited for children five years and older, depending on hiking abilities.)

After being cooped up in the plane, the kids may be ready to burn off some energy on arrival in Punta Arenas (Chile). Take a self-guided walking tour or hit the trails at nearby Reserva Nacional Magallanes, then refuel with a seafood dinner back in the city. Your animal-loving kids will be delighted with the activities for Day 2: a visit to Isla Magdalena's penguin sanctuary and dolphin watching in Agua Fresca Bay. Next, your driver will take you to Puerto Natales, where you can see the sites at your family's pace before heading to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park for a glacier tour and a walk at Laguna de Los Témpanos.

Invite your kids to experience ranch life at Estancia La Peninsula on Day 5 before transferring to Torres del Paine National Park for a guided family hike, followed by a boat tour of Grey Glacier. If the little ones are weary, they can catch a nap on the bus to El Calafate (Argentina), where you'll learn about glaciers at the Glaciarium and dine at a family-friendly restaurant on Avenida del Libertador. Spend a day walking the catwalks and witnessing calving glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park. Cap off your trip in Ushuaia with a hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park and a 4WD tour of the Carbajal Valley. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Outdoor Family Adventure in Chilean Patagonia

This active itinerary is best suited to fit families with older children who enjoy outdoor activities. After a tasting tour of Santiago's markets, you'll head to Puerto Río Tranquilo for a kayaking excursion to the Marble Caves and an ice hike at Exploradores Glacier. Then you can satiate your daring kids' appetite for adventure with a whitewater trip on the Río Petrohué. You'll also have a chance to take a penguin walk on Isla Magdalena, explore Agua Fresca Bay by kayak, and challenge your family to a memorable hike on the Mirador Base trail in Torres del Paine National Park. 

Introduce the kids to Chilean cuisine on a tasting tour of Santiago's markets, including Mercado Central, considered one of the best in the world. Then, fly to Balmaceda and transfer to Puerto Río Tranquilo for a family-friendly kayaking trip to the Marble Caves and an ice hike at Exploradores Glacier, where your intrepid kids can explore ice tunnels, caves, and glacier lagoons. Snap family photos at Lago Negro, then stop by Puerto Guadal to meet some villagers and taste their local honey. Fly to Puerto Varas for another exciting excursion your adventurers will enjoy: whitewater on the Río Petrohué.

The following day, you'll visit Petrohué Waterfalls, then take a hike at Osorno Volcano before flying to Punta Arenas on Day 9. Spark the kids' imaginations with a visit to the Nao Victoria Museum, where they can check out replicas of ships used by Patagonian explorers. Sail to Isla Magdalena for a walk with the resident penguins (a highlight for kids of all ages), then take a family kayak tour of Agua Fresca Bay before boarding the bus to Puerto Natales. End your journey on a high note as you tackle the challenging Mirador Base de las Torres trail, creating more family memories together before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Outdoor Family Fun in Buenos Aires & Argentine Patagonia

Families interested in learning about local culture (and experiencing Patagonia's natural wonders) will appreciate this relaxed-paced trip that offers an afternoon in Uruguay. Attend a tango show in Buenos Aires, take a boat tour along the Paraná River Delta, bring your budding chefs to a cooking workshop, take family hikes in Los Glaciares National Park, learn about ranching at Nibepo Aike Estancia and San Antonio de Areco, and experience several glaciers, including Perito Moreno and Upsala. With the ability to opt for additional activities based on age and fitness levels, this trip is also suitable for families with a range of ages (eight and older is recommended) and who prefer flexibility.

See Buenos Aires' sites—by bike or on foot, depending on your family's preference—including San Telmo and the Obelisco, then head to Café de los Angelitos for a tango show and dinner. Witness local life along the Paraná River Delta on a boat tour before cheering on your aspiring chefs as they learn the secrets of the perfect empanada in an Argentine cooking lesson. On Day 4, you'll ferry across the border to Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay) for a walking tour of the Historic Quarter. After a seafood lunch, return to Buenos Aires and tuck the little ones in early so they'll be well-rested for the next leg of your trip.

Fly to El Calafate and transfer to El Chaltén, where you'll have three days to hike at your own pace, choosing trails to match your family's fitness level. Break up the return trip to El Calafate with a 4WD tour of Lago Argentino, then visit the Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Spegazzini glaciers (with options to kayak or hike, depending on ages and abilities). Immerse the kids in ranch life, including riding and sheep shearing demonstrations, on a day trip to Nibepo Aike Estancia before flying back to Buenos Aires to enjoy one last day of horseback riding, music, and Argentine fare in San Antonio de Areco. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Patagonia Itineraries

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