6 Days in Patagonia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Active Adventures in Chile's Lake District

This active adventure is ideal for travelers interested in hiking and kayaking Chile's tranquil Lake District. After a city tour in Santiago, you'll trek around the active Osorno Volcano, kayak and spot wildlife on the Reloncaví Sound, hike through ancient forests in Alerce Andino National Park, and kayak the glacial waters of Laguna La Poza. 

Start in Chile's capital, Santiago, where you'll taste some local eats at Mercado Central, visit the presidential palace, and ride the cable car up Cerro San Cristóbal for views of the city and surrounding mountains. Then, head to Puerto Varas in the Lake District and fuel up on a fusion of European-style cuisine and classic Chilean flavors before turning in early to rest up for Day 3's adventure. In the morning, set out on a guided hike, circumventing Osorno Volcano as you trek along the Paso Desolació and enjoy views of the Tronador and Puntiagudo volcanoes and snow-covered summits of the Andes.

Day 4 has you embarking on a kayaking excursion on Reloncaví Sound, where you'll get the chance to observe pelicans, cormorants, and possibly sea lions or dolphins. Fit in one more hike on your final full day, a trek through ancient forests along the edge of the Río Chaicas in Alerce Andino National Park. Before returning to Santiago for your flight home, you'll have the chance to fit in another kayak excursion atop the glacial waters of Laguna La Poza. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego Adventure in Argentine Patagonia

Travelers eager to immerse themselves in the history and natural beauty of Ushuaia and the surrounding area will enjoy this Argentine Patagonia itinerary. You'll familiarize yourself with regional history at the museums in Ushuaia, cruise Beagle Channel by catamaran, meet the penguins of Isla Martillo, learn about traditional fishing and village life while eating lunch with a local family in Puerto Almanza, and hike a coastal path through Tierra del Fuego National Park. 

On arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina, catch your connecting flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. After you've spent some time learning about the region at the local museums, you'll cruise by colonies of fur seals and enjoy views of the canal and surrounding mountains on a catamaran ride at Beagle Channel. The following day, board a boat at Brown Bay and sail to Isla Martillo to meet the resident Magellanic penguins, then enjoy a seafood lunch with a local family in the village of Puerto Almanza. The day ends with a hike to Cascada Lasifashaj and sunset at the Flag Tree of Tierra del Fuego.

On Day 3, you'll trek through forests of native lenga trees, across a peat bog, and along a stream to Laguna Esmeralda, where you'll pause for a picnic by the water. On Day 4, you'll see glacial valleys and hit some of the best viewpoints with the help of a 4WD, stopping to sip Argentine tea and snacks by the forest-fringed Lago Escondido. Make the most of your final full day with a hike along a coastal path through Tierra del Fuego National Park and lunch at Alakush Visitor Center with views of the Río Lapataia and Lago Roca. Cap off your adventure with dinner and a tango show back in Buenos Aires. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Active Exploration of Patagonia's Los Glaciares National Park

This active exploration is a match for outdoor enthusiasts who are particularly interested in hiking and glaciers. Highlights include rafting on the Río de las Vueltas, hikes to Laguna de los Tres and the glacial Laguna Torre, and an ice trek across the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Your driver will be waiting at El Calafate International Airport to transfer you to El Chaltén, the gateway to Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park. Your first activity will get your heart pumping as you raft the white water rapids of the Río de las Vueltas. The following day, you'll trek through ancient lenga trees in the Fitz Roy mountain range to reach Laguna de los Tres, catching sight of the Río de las Vueltas, which you paddled yesterday. Then, enjoy a longer but primarily flat hike through ancient beech forests to Laguna Torre, keeping an eye out for Andean condors and other wildlife along the way.

Spend the final days of your trip in El Calafate, located on the southern shore of Lago Argentino. Here, you'll don crampons for an engaging lesson about glaciers as you trek across the popular-for-good-reason Perito Moreno Glacier with a knowledgeable guide. Your Patagonian journey ends with a visit to the Glaciarium, an immersive museum offering a deeper understanding of the region's glacial ecosystem, and a cocktail in the on-site ice bar. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Quick W Trek Adventure in Patagonia

This alternative active itinerary is for hiking enthusiasts keen on completing a section of the famous W Trek. Along the way, you'll hike up Monte Almirante Nieto, walk along the shores of Lago Nordenskjöld, camp at the foot of the Cuernos del Paine Mountains, view the hanging French Glacier on a trek to Mirador del Francés, and enjoy a catamaran cruise to Grey Glacier. 

Ease into your Patagonia adventure with a stroll along the Puerto Natales waterfront, souvenir shopping in the artisanal markets, and a Chilean dinner. After a good night's rest, your driver will transfer you to Torres del Paine National Park, where you'll begin the famous W Trek with a hike up Monte Almirante Nieto. The following day, you'll take a leisurely walk along the shores of Lago Nordenskjöld, ending at a campsite at the foot of the Cuernos del Paine Mountains. Your third day of the W Trek will take you to Mirador del Francés, where you can enjoy views of Lago Pehoé and the hanging French Glacier.

After retracing your steps, you'll continue to Refugio Paine Grande for a well-earned rest and hearty meal. On the final day of the W Trek, you'll hike to and along the shores of Lago Grey before boarding a catamaran that will bring you close to Grey Glacier. Disembark at Grey Beach and complete a short hike to a parking lot where the bus back to Puerto Natales awaits. If you're up for it on your last day, there's an optional horseback ride around Laguna Sofia, before you fly home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Best of Torres del Paine & Southern Chilean Patagonia

Outdoorsy travelers and animal lovers will enjoy the opportunity to immerse in nature and spot wildlife on this best-of-Patagonia adventure. You'll search for seabirds and Peale's dolphins on a boat tour in the Magellan Strait, walk alongside penguins at Isla Magdalena, hike in Torres del Paine National Park, trek to Mirador Base Las Torres, and ride horseback to Laguna Sofia.

On arrival in Punta Arenas, an adventure base in southern Chile, you'll set off on a boat tour of the Magellan Strait, spotting the small, black and white Peale's dolphins and observing local seabirds. The following day, you'll board another boat and head to Isla Magdalena for a lighthouse hike alongside the resident Magellanic penguins. Then, catch the bus to Puerto Natales, where you'll spend the whole of Day 3 hiking in Torres del Paine National Park.

Next, you'll board a boat to tour Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound), reaching Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, where you'll disembark for an easy hike through native forests to reach the Serrano Glacier. After returning to the boat, your next stop is a traditional barbecue at a nearby ranch, Estancia Perales. End your trip on a high note with a full-day guided hike to Mirador Base Las Torres in Torres del Paine National Park to see the iconic peaks, or torres, that give the park its name and a leisurely horseback ride to Laguna Sofia. Learn more

More Great 6-Day Patagonia Itineraries

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