8 Days in Patagonia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Active Adventure in Los Glaciares National Park

Pack your hiking shoes and get ready to explore dramatic landscapes on this active highlights adventure in Patagonia. Perfect for those who want to experience Los Glaciares National Park with the power of their own two feet, you'll embark on an ice hike atop a glacier, trek to Laguna de los Tres, and admire Cerro Torre's granite peak from Laguna Torre. Plus, you'll have a free afternoon to roam Buenos Aires and El Chaltén and time to embark on activities of your choice in El Calafate.

Welcome to Argentina! Your active adventure begins in the capital city of Buenos Aires. You'll shake out your plane legs with a leisurely day checking out the towering Obelisco monument, roaming Puerto Madero, and enjoying a late-night dinner Argentina-style. Geared up for the outdoors, catch a domestic flight to El Calafate the following day and settle into your base for the next three days. Spend the afternoon learning about the nearby glaciers at the Galciarium; then it's off to Los Glaciers National Park for a bucket-list-worthy trek on Perito Moreno Glacier, complete with blue ice crevice crossings.

After a free day in El Calafate to wander Laguna Nimez Nature Preserve, it's on the road to El Chaltén. Enjoy a leisurely evening wandering the charming small town, as the following day, you'll conquer a 16-mile (26 km) hike to Laguna de los Tres to admire jaw-dropping views of Fitz Roy, Poincenot, and Torre peaks. Yet another incredible hike awaits next, and you'll no doubt appreciate the gentler gradient trekking through lenga forests to Laguna Torre. Enjoy one last leisurely evening before packing your bags, transferring to El Calafate, and catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Explore Argentine Patagonia: Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn & Ushuaia

Take a trip to the "End of the World" and get close to endangered marine animals in their natural habitat on this eight-day itinerary, perfect for those looking to experience Patagonia's wild landscapes. With stays in Puerto Madryn and Ushuaia, it's easy to pack in bucket list experiences, including wandering through a penguin colony, testing your luck spotting endangered southern right whales, and hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Then, as you end your trip sampling Argentine wines and catching a live tango show, you'll get a fascinating introduction to Buenos Aires' lively culture.

After arriving in Buenos Aires, your Argentine Patagonia trip starts with an exciting guided city tour exploring Plaza de Mayo, roaming through San Telmo, and admiring the brightly-painted houses in La Boca. Then, it's time to trade in the city for the wildlife haven Peninsula Valdés, and during two days based in Puerto Madryn, you'll have plenty of time to meet its many residents. First up is a memorable visit to the San Lorenzo Penguin Colony, home to 60,000 penguins in peak season, followed by time at the Istmo Ameghino Interpretation Center and a cruise from Puerto Pirámides to spot whales, orcas, and sea lions.

Next on the agenda is a trip to the "End of the World," otherwise known as Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego. After a leisurely afternoon, you'll be well-rested and ready to head into Tierra del Fuego National Park. Embark on a 5-mile (8 km) hike to the edge of Río Lapataia and canoe from Lago Acigami to Lapataia Bay; spend the following day on an epic 4WD adventure exploring Garibaldi Pass and splashing through Lago Pagnano. All too soon, it's time to fly back to Buenos Aires and wrap up your trip with a live tango performance before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Active Chilean Patagonia Adventure in Torres del Paine National Park

Spend four incredible days hiking the W Trek and spoil yourself with fantastic meals and sunset strolls in Puerto Natales on this active adventure focusing on the Chilean Patagonia. Crafted for those who want to spend uninterrupted time in Torres del Paine National Park without missing out on more gentle experiences, you'll tackle everything from a challenging climb up Mount Almirante Nieto and a trek through French Valley to sampling traditional Patagonian asado (barbecue) on a working sheep farm and indulging in seafood stew in Puerto Natales. 

Hop off the plane in Santiago and get straight to the sightseeing, with a whole afternoon to explore Palacio de la Moneda and indulge in world-class food in the Bellavista neighborhood, followed by a transfer to Puerto Natales. While another leisurely afternoon brings you on a stroll around town, you'll want to be sure to get some rest, as the next day, it's time to head into Torres del Paine National Park for four days of trekking. After transferring to Laguna Amarga and taking a shuttle to the Las Torres sector, you'll embark on the famous W Trek, starting with a hike to Refugio & Camping Chileno.

Over the following two days on the W Trek, you'll take in breathtaking views of Torres del Paine, spend the night at Refugio Cuernos, hike along the French Valley, and ponder the hanging French Glacier. Spend your final day on the trail trekking along Lago Grey and admiring Glacier Grey from a catamaran before refreshing and relaxing in Puerto Natales. Next on the itinerary is a relaxing day of horseback riding or bird watching on the stunning Estancia La Peninsula on the Antonio Veras Peninsula until it's time to transfer back to Santiago and catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Active Patagonia: Los Glaciares & Torres del Paine National Parks

Ideal for those who want to pack in as much outdoor adventuring as possible, this exhilarating active itinerary gets you out exploring the best of Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine National Parks. Complete with an overnight stay in a scenic refugio, a cruise along the Témpano Canal to Perito Moreno Glacier, and treks to Mirador Cerro Torre and Laguna de los Tres.

Your adventure begins in El Calafate, the perfect place to get your first taste of Patagonia's impressive landscapes and wildlife during a visit to the Glaciarium or a bird-watching excursion in Laguna Nimez Nature Preserve. It's off to Puerto Natales next, and after a leisurely evening, lace up the hiking boots and head to Torres del Paine National Park. Over two days, you'll conquer a hike up Mount Almirante Nieto, admire views from Mirador Base Torres, spend the night at Refugio Torre Central, and embark on a full-day guided tour to learn about the park's four ecological zones before returning to El Calafate.

As the second half of your trip begins, you'll transfer to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park by boat. After stopping for several short but stunning hikes, you'll continue your journey to El Chaltén. Over the following two days, there's no shortage of exciting moments as you trek 15 miles (24 km) along a glacial valley to Laguna Torre. Then, hike a similar distance through the alpine forest to Laguna de los Tres and back to El Chaltén via Laguna Capri. Happily exhausted, say farewell to Patagonia's stunning landscapes and catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Patagonia Wildlife & Photography Tour

Wildlife photography enthusiasts will delight in this Patagonia tour packed with captivating moments waiting to be captured. Throughout the eight-day adventure, seek pumas in Torres del Paine National Park, jump aboard a zodiac boat and search for Peale's dolphins, and capture lovable photos of penguins hopping along on Isla Magdalena. Top it off with a boating excursion to the rarely visited O'Higgins National Park, and you'll no doubt leave with a camera full of epic shots.

After arriving in Punta Arenas, enjoy a gentle introduction to Chile's impressive natural attractions while wandering Plaza Muñoz Guerrero, touring the Palacio Sara Braun, or exploring Reserva Nacional Magallanes. Settled in, spend the next two days capturing iconic pictures of Punta Arenas' nearby highlights. Venture to San Isidro in pursuit of photographic moments with Peale's dolphins, observe sea lions on Isla Marta and marvel at the sight of up to 170,000 penguins traversing the rocky terrain of Isla Magdalena. Then, head to Puerto Natales for a leisurely day strolling the town's waterfront promenade.

Plenty more photo-worthy moments await, so after a transfer to Torres del Paine National Park, you'll spend the following two days on a private puma observation program. With a guide leading the way, explore sections of the park and keep your eye out for the Andean condor, guanaco herds, and the South American gray fox. Then, transfer back to Puerto Natales and spend a day boating along the Ultima Esperanza Sound to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park–famous for its native forests and impressive Serrano Glacier, before saying goodbye to Patagonia and catching your flight home. Learn more

More Great 8-Day Patagonia Itineraries

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