Highlights
- See the city highlights of famous capitals like Buenos Aires and Santiago
- Meet Patagonia's iconic wildlife, including Magellanic penguins and guanacos
- Cruise up to the massive ice walls of famous glaciers in Patagonia
- Embark on some of the most famous hikes in Torres del Paine National Park
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Walking Tour | Buenos Aires |
| Day 2 | Fly to Ushuaia, Optional Activities | Ushuaia |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Isla Martillo Penguin Colony | Ushuaia |
| Day 4 | Trekking & Canoeing in Tierra del Fuego | Ushuaia |
| Day 5 | Fly to El Calafate, 4WD Tour & Cave Dinner | El Calafate |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Perito Moreno & Boat Tour | El Calafate |
| Day 7 | Bus to El Chaltén, Optional Activities | El Chaltén |
| Day 8 | Hike to Laguna de Los Tres | El Chaltén |
| Day 9 | Bus to Torres del Paine (Chile) | Torres del Paine |
| Day 10 | Boat Trip to Grey Glacier | Torres del Paine |
| Day 11 | Day Hike to Base Torres | Torres del Paine |
| Day 12 | Fly to Santiago, City Tour | Santiago |
| Day 13 | Depart Santiago |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Walking Tour
Welcome to Argentina! This is one of two countries (the other being Chile) that claim the continent's southern cone, a rugged wilderness region known as Patagonia. You'll arrive in the capital of Buenos Aires, a great global metropolis that serves as an exciting intro to all things Argentine. Filled with equal parts rich history and tireless energy, you'll experience its virtues when, after transferring from the airport to your hotel, you'll meet a local guide for a walking tour.
This half-day excursion begins downtown, where you'll stroll down 9 de Julio (the widest avenue in the world). It's home to the soaring Obelisco monument and the Teatro Colón, the latter of which has consistently been ranked one of the great opera houses in the world since its opening in 1908. Nearby is the upscale waterfront area of Puerto Madero and the historic Plaza de Mayo, home to the iconic Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace).
Farther south, you'll arrive at the cobbled streets of San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood in the city. Continue to adjacent La Boca, an old port area known for its zinc houses and colorful Caminito Street. It's home to La Bombonera, the country's most famous fútbol stadium. Later in the evening, you can enjoy dinner at one of the city's famous parrillas (steakhouses).
Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia, Optional Activities
And you're off! Return to the airport this morning, where you'll board a plane for the 3.5-hour flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Located on a bay in the Patagonian region of Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia sits between the jagged peaks of the Martial Mountains and the silver waters of the Beagle Channel. This is the same waterway Charles Darwin explored while sailing on the HMS Beagle almost 200 years ago.
A driver will pick you up at the airport for the ride to your hotel. After checking in, feel free to head out and explore Ushuaia's compact city center on a self-guided tour. Highlights include the Maritime Museum, housed in a building that was once a prison, or the Museo del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Museum). Located on the waterfront, this small museum features fascinating exhibits on the region's natural and Indigenous history. There will be ample opportunity to do some shopping on Avenida San Martín, plus you can stop in at a local seafood restaurant—be sure to try the centolla (king crab).
Day 3: Day Trip to Isla Martillo Penguin Colony
Wildlife lovers rejoice! Today, you'll board a private boat and set sail along the Beagle Channel to view some of the region's most exotic animals. Enjoy the mountain and coastal views as you pass Isla de los Lobos, a rocky islet that's home to large herds of sea lions. You'll have ample opportunity to view these creatures and take plenty of photos. Continue to Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island), a natural seabird habitat for cormorants and imperial shags. It's a bird-watcher's dream, so keep your binoculars close.
Eventually, you'll reach Isla Martillo, where, during a one-hour walk on shore, you can observe large colonies of Gentoo and Magellanic penguins. Witness these flightless birds in their natural habitat while your guide shares information about their habits and nesting areas. Keep in mind that visitors are not allowed to approach or feed the penguins, and silence is encouraged in order to prevent any disturbance to the bird's nesting habits or daily activities. At the end of the day, you'll cruise back to the port as the sun sets over the Beagle Channel.
Day 4: Trekking & Canoeing in Tierra del Fuego
Spend a full day among the wonders of Tierra del Fuego National Park, one of the most frequently visited places around Ushuaia. Your guide will help you discover some of the best spots within the 155,000 acres (62,726 ha) of the park, which stretches from mountains to the ocean with its landscape of meadows, rivers, valleys, forests, lakes, and bays.
It starts with a transfer from your hotel to the park entrance, where you'll embark on a 4.3-mile (7 km) hike on a coastal path that follows the Beagle Channel. Enjoy the sublime views of the channel, appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of the area, and pass remnants of ancient settlements once occupied by the Yámana people, a local Indigenous group.
The three-hour hike concludes at Lago Roca, where a hot lunch will be served. After eating, you'll hop in a canoe for a ride down the Río Lapataia, which terminates at Lapataia Bay. Located at the end of the Pan American Highway and Nacional Route No. 3, this bay offers sweeping views of the Beagle Channel and is the perfect spot to cap your park adventure.Day 5: Fly to El Calafate, 4WD Tour & Cave Dinner
Say goodbye to Tierra del Fuego, as this morning, you'll catch a 1.5-hour flight to El Calafate. Located on the shores of Lago Argentino and surrounded by the vast Patagonian steppe, this town is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Within this protected area is Perito Moreno, perhaps the most famous glacier in all of South America. A driver/guide will pick you up at the airport for the ride to your hotel.
After dropping off your bags, you'll head back out in a rugged 4WD vehicle for an introduction to the area's history and natural beauty. During this three-hour nativo tour, you'll make various stops, including at a historic estancia (Patagonian ranch) dating to the days of the first settlers. You'll also travel up to prime viewpoints on cliffs overlooking the lake to the Andes mountains beyond. The adventure culminates with a visit to archaeological caves adorned with ancient rock art. But that's not all—dinner this evening will be served al fresco near the caves, under the twinkling stars of the Patagonian sky.
Day 6: Day Trip to Perito Moreno & Boat Tour
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Meet your driver this morning and head out on a tour of Los Glaciares National Park. The ride there takes about an hour, and as you enter the park, you'll catch your first glimpse of the mighty Perito Moreno. This expansive glacier flows down from the Andes over the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino, ending in a great wall that curves around the lake. You can enjoy views of this marvel of Mother Nature via a network of wooden boardwalks on the waterfront (be sure to take plenty of photos).
Then, you'll head over to the port and board a boat for a one-hour tour of the glacier's southern face. The first 20 minutes of the trip will take you past icebergs floating on the lake. These are the result of "calving," a periodic occurrence when ice breaks off the face of the glacier. Eventually, you'll get up close with Perito Moreno's massive ice wall reaching 230 feet (70 m). After the hourlong tour, you'll return to the port and transfer back to El Calafate.
Day 7: Bus to El Chaltén, Optional Activities
Day 8: Hike to Laguna de Los Tres
After an early breakfast, meet your guide and head out on one of the most famous day hikes in El Chaltén: the trail up to Laguna de los Tres. Starting in town, the route covers 14 miles (23 km) and takes 8-9 hours to complete. During the trek, you'll pass through native lenga forests and stop at incredible viewpoints looking out to the Fitz Roy Valley and Piedras Blancas Glacier.
Then, cross a suspension bridge to reach Río Blanco Basecamp, a major hub for rock climbers. From there, it's a final push to Mirador Laguna de los Tres, which looks out to the gorgeous lagoon and affords panoramic views of three surrounding peaks: Fitz Roy, Poincenot, and Torre. After a break for lunch, you'll have some time to relax and enjoy the scenery before descending back to El Chaltén.
Day 9: Bus to Torres del Paine (Chile)
This morning you'll hop the border into Chile on a 5-6-hour bus ride from El Chaltén south to Torres del Paine. One of South America's most impressive national parks, Torres del Paine is named after the soaring granite pillars that rise over 6,562 feet (2,000 m) above the Patagonian steppe. This pristine wilderness is home to turquoise lakes, rushing rivers, glaciers, dramatic peaks, and dense forests and extends across roughly 700 square miles (1,813 sq km). Once here, you'll check into your hotel, which is located within or adjacent to the park.
Day 10: Boat Trip to Grey Glacier
Get ready for another exciting boat ride! This time, you'll transfer to the shores of Lago Grey and board the Grey III catamaran. Then, set off on a journey toward Grey Glacier, a massive floe in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field that feeds the lake. The scenic cruise will take you along shimmering waters past ice burgs and to the glacier's massive walls, which rise as high as 98 feet (30 m). Needless to say, it's a prime photo opportunity. Afterward, the boat will return to shore and you'll transfer back to your hotel.
Day 11: Day Hike to Base Torres
Lace up your hiking boots once again, as this morning you'll embark on perhaps the most famous day hike in Torres del Paine. The moderately difficult 11.2-mile (18 km) trek to Mirador Base Torres culminates with a rewarding view of the granite torres (towers) that give the park its name.
It starts at the base of Mont Almirante Nieto, where you'll be treated to panoramic views of Lago Nordenskjöld as you journey toward Refugio Chileno, a stop along the park's famous W Trek circuit. Here you can rest for a bit before continuing through a dense lenga beech forest, which gives way to moraine as you near your destination, a crystalline glacial lagoon that reflects the iconic towers. After admiring the view and taking photos, you'll hike back down the trail and return to your hotel.
Day 12: Fly to Santiago, City Tour
Say your goodbyes to Patagonia this morning as you leave Torres del Paine on a transfer to the nearby city of Puerto Natales. At the airport, you'll hop on a plane for the three-hour flight north to Santiago. Chile's sprawling capital sits at 1,700 feet (518 m) above sea level and is surrounded by snowcapped Andean peaks. Lining its wide boulevards are a mix of modern skyscrapers and historical landmarks dating back to the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up at the terminal and transfer you to your hotel in the city. You'll have the rest of the day free to relax.
After checking in, you'll hit the streets on a guided tour. Depending on the schedule, you might start at Palacio de la Moneda, Chile's opulent presidential palace, and continue a short way to Plaza de Armas, the city's main square. Among other historical landmarks, it's home to the Palacio de la Real Audiencia (Palace of the Royal Court), built in 1808, which houses the National History Museum of Chile.
Then, you can hike up Cerro Santa Lucía, a lovely park and remnant of an ancient volcano. Conquistadors used this hill as a lookout in the 16th century, and it was here that Pedro de Valdivia officially founded Santiago in 1541. After stopping by other famous landmarks, like the Museum of Fine Arts, continue to the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood and relax at a café before returning to your hotel.
Day 13: Depart Santiago
More Great Patagonia Itineraries
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