3 Weeks in Patagonia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Patagonia Grand Tour: Between Cities, Lakes & Glaciers

Discover Patagonia's beauty on this three-week highlights tour, ideal for those new to Chile and Argentina. From the vibrant cities of Santiago and Buenos Aires to the lush Lake District and the breathtaking Los Glaciares National Park, this tour covers it all. You'll stay in Puerto Varas, Bariloche, El Calafate, and El Chaltén, perfect hubs for remarkable hikes and nature trips. Plus, visits to working ranches and day trips to colorful villages add a lovely touch of culture to your journey.

Welcome to Patagonia! Your extended expedition begins with a three-day stay in Chile's vibrant capital of Santiago, the first two of which you'll spend getting to know the city's highlights and lush public parks. Then, dedicate a day roaming the colorful streets of nearby Valparaíso before transferring south to Puerto Varas. Tucked within the gorgeous Lake District and backed by Osorno Volcano, this picturesque city is the perfect spot to tuck into nature activities. Over three days, hike amid volcanic landscapes, stand in awe of the cascading Petrohué Falls, and brave rapids in a raft.

From Puerto Varas, your adventure continues via a spectacular boat and bus journey to Bariloche, where more superb outdoor excursions await. Kick things off with a trek along the famous Circuito Chico route, then spend a day each sailing across Nahuel Huapi and taking in panoramic views along the Seven Lakes Road. Next, fly to El Calafate for a series of exclusive activities in Los Glaciares National Park. A scenic cruise to the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier delights first, followed by a hike along the Patagonian steppe and a heartwarming afternoon at a working ranch. 

Landing next on your itinerary is the mountain-immersed town of El Chaltén, and throughout a three-day stay, you'll conquer a range of its finest hiking trails. Depending on your preferences, choose between challenging hikes to impressive viewpoints or stick to lower ground and explore amid waterfalls and rocky foothills. Afterward, pack up your hiking gear and shift your attention to Buenos Aires and its surrounding villages and countryside. Attend a fun-filled dinner party, horseback ride at Estancia El Ombú, and boat to the Venetian-style village of Tigre before catching your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Patagonia's Lake District & Beyond: Buenos Aires, Puerto Iguazú, Lake District & Santiago

Complete with three flights, a ferry journey, and a boat and bus transfer, you'll experience the best of Central and Northern Argentina and Chile on this three-week adventure. Perfect for those who want to spend uninterrupted time in nature, you'll embark on hikes around Iguazú Falls and the Patagonia Lake District, kayak the glassy water of Reloncaví Estuary, and explore the rainforests of Chiloé National Park. Moreover, visit Buenos Aires and Santiago for engaging city tours and cultural experiences.

Your finely tuned trip begins in Buenos Aires, where, over a three-day stay, you'll get to know the city's fascinating barrios and nearby villages. A free afternoon allows you to discover highlights independently, while guided walking tours reveal hidden details you may have otherwise overlooked. Your next destination is Iguazú Falls, and again, you'll have three exciting days to take in its wonders. Split your time between the Argentine side, hiking along elevated walkways, and the Brazilian side, relaxing at terraced restaurants showcasing spectacular views.

From Iguazú Falls, your adventure continues to Bariloche, and with a five-day stay booked in, you'll have plenty of time to hike, sightsee, shop, and unwind. A must-do is a cable car ride up the Cerro Catedral massif for dazzling panoramic views, as well as a guided drive along the famous Seven Lakes Road. Then, depending on your preferences, opt to tackle the half-day Circuito Chico hike, spend an afternoon at Museo del Chocolate, or meander along the shores of Nahuel Huapi. Afterward, pack your bags for a scenic full-day boat and bus adventure across the Lake District to Chile's Puerto Varas.

Your stay in Puerto Varas begins with a guided trek through the temperate forests of Alerce Andino National Park, followed by opportunities to kayak, enjoy lunch at a family farm, and admire the striking blue waters of Petrohué Falls. Then, spend the next two days exploring the islands of the Chiloé Archipelago, home to brightly painted old churches and biodiverse rainforests. Later, fly to Santiago, where your trip wraps up with a roundup of city excursions. Explore city highlights alongside a guide, hop over to Valparaíso, and sip wine in the Casablanca Valley before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Patagonia Nature & Trekking Adventure: Puerto Madryn, Los Glaciares & Torres del Paine

Unleash your adventurous spirit on this nature and trekking itinerary, packed with outdoor activities in Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine National Parks. Ideal for active travelers seeking a mix of challenging treks and gentler nature-immersed activities, you'll experience the natural beauty of Patagonia on foot, while cruising, and with a paddle in hand. Highlights include whale watching at Puerto Madryn, an ice hike atop Perito Moreno Glacier, conquering three days on the W Trek, and self-guided hikes around El Chaltén.

After arriving in Buenos Aires and taking the day to shrug off travel fatigue over a guided city tour, return to the airport for a flight south to Puerto Madryn. Spend your first evening exploring this welcoming coastal city independently before joining up with local guides for a full-day wildlife-watching tour around Península Valdés and a tea experience in the charming village of Gaiman. Then, board another flight, this one bound for El Calafate, where a bucket list-worthy trek atop the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier awaits. Continuing south, you'll next find yourself settling in for a four-day stay in El Chaltén.

Deemed the "trekking capital of Argentina," El Chaltén is an excellent base to embark on a range of hikes that can be catered to your interests. Perhaps you'll conquer challenging treks up to Laguna de los Tres and amid lush valleys or stick to a lower altitude while walking to Cerro Torre viewpoint. Either way, a scenic bus journey to Puerto Natales will come as a welcome break for your legs, especially as you'll soon be off to Torres del Paine National Park for a remarkable three-day hike.

Famously known as the W Trek, this spectacular trail runs alongside Lago Nordenskjöld, through the rocky French Valley to the dramatic French Glacier, and onward to the expansive Grey Glacier. Along the way, spend nights in quaint refugios, each offering superb views and comfortable amenities. Afterward, you'll thrill to an ice hiking adventure on Grey Glacier and a cruise on Lago Pehoé to Puerto Natales. Then, with your trip winding down, enjoy a rejuvenating overnight stay in El Calafate before catching your departing flight to Buenos Aires. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Ultimate Patagonia Trekking & Fjords Cruise

Completely immerse yourself in Chile and Argentina's dramatic southerly landscapes throughout this ultimate Patagonia expedition. Perfect for those eager to get off the beaten path in dramatic fashion, you'll dedicate three days to Torres del Paine's W Trek, conquer hikes of your choosing in El Chaltén, and embark on a multiday cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas. Other notable highlights include a Perito Moreno Glacier tour, a two-day stay in Santiago, and rejuvenating free days in Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas.

Your Patagonia journey first begins in Santiago, where you'll visit the city's historic attractions and explore the nearby seaside destinations of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso. Then, a flight and a bus ride later, find yourself tucked amid the dramatic mountains of Torres del Paine National Park. Spend your first full day hiking through narrow valleys to Base Torres, which promises to warm up your legs for the following three days on the W Trek. Between nights in idyllic refugios, hike alongside far-reaching glaciers, past turquoise lakes, and under towering mountains, eventually reaching Refugio & Camping Grey.

Week two of your adventure kicks off with a leisurely day back in Puerto Natales; then, you're off to El Chaltén for a series of choose-your-own adventures. If you're in the mood for a challenge, trek up to the Huemul Glacier and to Laguna de los Tres, or for something gentler, opt for a walk to Cerro Torro viewpoint or the Chorrillo del Salto waterfall. The equally picturesque town of El Calafate lands next on your itinerary, and throughout your stay, you'll hike and boat alongside the staggering Perito Moreno Glacier. Afterward, fly to Ushuaia—the southernmost city in the world.

Upon arrival, the evening and following day are yours to explore as you please, with options ranging from nature walks in Tierra del Fuego National Park to boating along the Beagle Channel. Yet, the best is yet to come, and on the evening of Day 16, board an Australis cruise ship and embark on a remarkable four-day cruise. Throughout, witness unforgiving landscapes brimming with maritime history, including Cape Horn, Pia Fjord, Garibaldi Glacier, and the remote Agostini Sound. Then, once you've reached Punta Arenas, grab your bags and enjoy a guided city tour before prepping for your departing flight. Learn more

More Great 3-Week Patagonia Itineraries

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