9 Days in Patagonia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Best of Argentine Patagonia: El Chaltén, El Calafate & Ushuaia

First-time visitors to Argentine Patagonia will delight in this well-rounded adventure featuring towering mountains, magnificent glaciers, and a playful penguin colony. Starting in El Chaltén, you'll hike to Laguna de los Tres for views of Fitz Roy, Poincenot, and Torre. Then, continue to El Calafate and admire the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier onboard a boat before ending your trip in Ushuaia, trekking in Tierra del Fuego National Park, and boating to Isla Martillo.

Welcome to Patagonia! Your adventure begins in El Chaltén, deemed the trekking capital of Argentina and the ideal place to soak up views of Lago Argentino and Mount Fitz Roy while shrugging off any jet lag. After a relaxing evening wandering the village, you'll wake early the following day for your first big excursion—a 12-mile (20 km) hike to Laguna de los Tres for magnificent panoramas of Fitz Roy, Poincenot, and Torre peaks. There are plenty more stunning landscapes to explore, so the choice is yours to hike to Laguna Torre or Loma del Pliegue Tumbado before transferring three hours to El Calafate.

Begin your two days in El Calafate, learning about the surrounding glaciers at the Glaciarium and relaxing at one of the many quaint cafés dotted around town. Then, immerse yourself amid glaciers and mountains on a sailing trip along the Témpano Canal to Perito Moreno Glacier the following day. A flight bound for Ushuaia is next on the agenda. And after settling into your accommodation for three nights, you'll spend your final days visiting the Maritime Museum, trekking along the Beagle Channel in Tierra del Fuego National Park, and joining a boat trip to admire the penguin colony on Isla Martillo. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Southern Chilean Patagonia

Highlighting Chile's vibrant capital city, Torres del Paine National Park, and the charming port city of Puerto Natales, this Chilean Patagonia itinerary is ideal for those looking to mix challenging hikes with leisurely days of exploring. Throughout the itinerary, you'll visit a penguin colony on Isla Magdalena, explore the Strait of Magellan by horseback, and embark on numerous hikes in Torres del Paine National Park. Plus, with a boat tour to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park on the agenda, you'll discover just how remote and wild Patagonia is.

Begin your nine-day trip in Chile's bustling capital of Santiago, embarking on a self-guided tour of Palacio de la Moneda, Plaza de Armas, and Mercado Central. Settled in, it's back to the airport for a short flight south to Punta Arenas—your base for the following three nights and the perfect spot to delve into the postcard-perfect landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. Spend your first evening wandering around Plaza Muñoz Guerrero, then wake early for a day cruising to Isla Magdalena to hike among its penguin colony, followed by a horseback riding excursion on the Strait of Magellan the next day.

As you wake up on the morning of Day 5, another transfer is on the itinerary, this time by bus to Puerto Natales. After spending your first day strolling the promenade alongside the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound), it's time to get deep into Torres del Paine National Park, starting with an 11.2-mile (18 km) hike from Laguna Amaga to Mirador Base Torres. Join a full-day guided tour the next morning, which includes a trek to the thundering Salto Grande waterfall, then spend your last full day boating to the remote Bernardo O'Higgins National Park before ending your trip back to Santiago. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Discover Chile's Lake District & Chilean Patagonia

With plenty of time to explore between guided hikes in the Lake District and Torres del Paine National Park, this Chilean Patagonia itinerary is ideal for active explorers. Highlights include a trek on Osorno Volcano, a day on the famous W Trek, and a guided hike to Salto Grande waterfall and Laguna Azul. Yet, with two penguin-watching excursions, time to explore the bustling streets of Santiago, and a day admiring Punta Arenas' unique architecture, you'll leave feeling well-acquainted with Chile's culture and landscapes.

Kickstart your adventure in Santiago, admiring city views from the top of Cerro San Cristóbal and strolling the cobblestone street of Barrio Bellavista. Then, it's back to the airport for a short flight to Puerto Montt, followed by a transfer to Puerto Varas in Chile's beautiful Lake District. Spend your first evening learning about the mix of German architecture and Mapuche cultural influences on a guided village tour. Then, with a further two days based in this charming port city, you'll have plenty of time to hike up Osorno volcano, admire the waterfalls of the Río Petrohué, and enjoy a day trip to Isla Chiloé.

With Southern Patagonia calling, it's time to hop on a flight to Punta Arenas. Enjoy a leisurely day touring the Plaza Muñoz Guerrero and Palacio Sara Braun, then continue your journey to Torres del Paine National Park, stopping at Isla Marta and Isla Magdalena on the way. While basing yourself in a picturesque mountain-style lodge, you can fill your final two days as you please. Opt to hike part of the famous W Trek, join a guided hike to the Salto Grande waterfall and Laguna Azul, or spend a day horseback riding, ice hiking, or kayaking before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Buenos Aires, Ushuaia & El Calafate Adventure

Split your time between Ushuaia and El Calafate, between stays in Buenos Aires, on this activity-packed tour crafted especially for those looking for a mix of well-known sites and off-the-beaten-path excursions in Argentina. Complete with time in Tierra del Fuego National Park and Los Glaciares National Park, a day walking alongside penguins on Isla Martillo, and an excursions to witness Perito Moreno "calving," you'll no doubt leave with a thorough introduction to Argentina's vast landscapes and friendly culture.

Your action-packed trip begins in Buenos Aires, and after a transfer from the airport to your hotel, the evening is yours to visit the Obelisco, stroll through Puerto Madero, and delight in dinner at a parrilla (Argentine steakhouse). Head straight back to the airport the following day, where you'll catch a flight to Ushuaia and enjoy three days exploring the surroundings of the world's southernmost city. Start with a cruise on the Beagle Channel, spend a day in Tierra del Fuego National Park hiking and kayaking, then end your stay during a full-day penguin excursion on Isla Martillo and Estancia Harberton. 

All too soon, it's time to head back to the airport for a flight to El Calafate. After a relaxing evening watching the sunset over Lago Argentino, you're off on an epic excursion into Los Glaciares National Park. Witness the impressive glacier "calving," then spend the following day well off the beaten tourist path, boating up the Upsala Channel and Cristina Channel and exploring the Continental Ice Field Refuge in a 4WD. With your trip winding down, you'll hop on a flight back to Buenos Aires and enjoy a traditional tango show on your final evening before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Trek Torres del Paine & Explore Los Glaciares National Park

Hiking enthusiasts will delight in this trekking and adventure tour of Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, featuring five days on the famous W Trek. While staying in picturesque refugios, you'll hike through the dramatic French Valley alongside Lago Grey and atop Grey Glacier. Then, transfer south to El Calafate and spend your final days discovering the highlights of Los Glaciares National Park, including the massive Perito Moreno Glacier.

Your trip begins with a laid-back day in Punta Arenas; then, it's off to Torres del Paine National Park for five incredible days on the W Trek. Starting at the Las Torres sector, you'll trek to Mirador Base Torres, continue along Lago Nordenskjöld, hike through the renowned French Valley, and end your excursion at Bigfoot Basecamp after a hike along Lago Grey. In between walks, reward yourself with picturesque stays at Refugio & Camping el Central, Refugio Cuernos, and Refugio Paine Grande. And enjoy a grand finale ice hike on Grey Glacier until it's time to return to Puerto Natales.

With one bucket-list excursion ticked off, you'll transfer to El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Delight in a relaxing afternoon visiting the Glaciarium, but rest up, as the following day takes you to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Sail along the Témpano Canal, stopping for numerous short hikes through old forests, and after arriving at the visitor's center, you'll have time to admire the mighty glacier from viewing platforms. Somehow, your trip is already ending, and a celebratory evening in El Calafate is on the agenda before transferring to the airport the next morning. Learn more

More Great 9-Day Patagonia Itineraries

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