Best of Southern Patagonia - 10 Days
Highlights
- Visit Perito Moreno, the most famous glacier in Patagonia
- Embark on a multi-day excursion in Torres del Paine National Park
- Step inside the Cuevas de Milodón, an extensive network of caves
- Boat across Lago Grey for views of Grey Glacier
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in El Calafate (Argentina), Visit the Glaciarium | El Calafate |
| Day 2 | Explore the Perito Moreno Glacier | El Calafate |
| Day 3 | Scenic Bus Journey to El Chaltén | El Chaltén |
| Day 4 | Hike to Laguna de Los Tres | El Chaltén |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Puerto Natales (Chile) via El Calafate | Puerto Natales |
| Day 6 | Explore Torres del Paine on a Private Guided Tour | Puerto Natales |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Torres del Paine, Trek to the Base of the Towers | Torres del Paine |
| Day 8 | Go on a Boat Excursion to Grey Glacier, Return to Puerto Natales | Puerto Natales |
| Day 9 | Return to El Calafate (Argentina), Free Afternoon | El Calafate |
| Day 10 | Depart El Calafate |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in El Calafate (Argentina), Visit the Glaciarium
Welcome to Argentina! Today you'll arrive in the Patagonian destination of El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. If you can, get a window seat to take in the stunning views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field as you fly over it. El Calafate is known for its location on Lago Argentino, Argentina's largest freshwater lake. After checking in at your hotel, you'll have the afternoon and evening free to stroll around town and do some sightseeing.
Get ready for tomorrow's visit to the nearby glaciers by visiting the Glaciarium. This interactive museum offers hands-on displays and an ice bar where you can take a break for drinks. You could also tour Reserva Laguna Nimez, a protected area that's home to exotic birds like the Chilean flamingo. The reserve is located just a short walk outside town. Stop in the quaint cafés and shops around El Calafate, then have dinner in a local restaurant before getting some rest at your hotel.
Day 2: Explore the Perito Moreno Glacier
Today's adventure takes you to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. The transfer from your hotel takes about one hour. As you enter the park, you'll catch your first glimpse of the majestic glacier. This extensive ice mass flows down from the Andes out over Lago Argentino, ending abruptly in a great wall that curves around the lake.
Witness "calving," the awe-inspiring sight of ice breaking off the facade and crashing into the tranquil waters below. Near the visitor's center, you'll have time to explore the boardwalks and viewing platforms offering sweeping views of the glacier. You'll also have the chance to get closer to the glacier's massive ice walls on a boat tour. Then head back to El Calafate for the evening.
Day 3: Scenic Bus Journey to El Chaltén
Today you'll board a bus for the incredibly scenic three-hour ride to El Chaltén. This small Patagonian village, nicknamed "the trekking capital of Argentina," sits on the shores of Lago Argentino. Like El Calafate, it's a gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, with towering peaks rising 10,000 feet (3,048 m) above the windswept landscape. As you drive into El Chaltén, enjoy incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy.
Check in to your hotel, then take the rest of the day to acclimate to the area. If you're up for a short outdoor adventure, go on a brisk two-hour hike to Laguna Capri, a lake at the foot of the mountains. Or walk around the village and have a relaxing evening in one of El Chaltén's many restaurants and craft beer bars. For dinner, sample local dishes like roast Patagonian lamb, rib-eye steak, and empanadas. Then get some rest before tomorrow's early start.Day 4: Hike to Laguna de Los Tres
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Transfer to Puerto Natales (Chile) via El Calafate
Today you'll cross into Chilean Patagonia from Argentina. The first step is to transfer back to El Calafate, where you can have lunch and go for a stroll around town. In the late afternoon, continue to the Chilean town of Puerto Natales. This journey can take upwards of five hours, depending on traffic conditions at the Argentina/Chile border. Formerly a fishing port, Puerto Natales is now the main base for excursions into Torres del Paine National Park. The town is set on the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound), offering scenic views across the water to the mountains beyond.
Facing north from here, you'll see the peaks of Cerro Benitez and Cerro Toro, and the sight is especially phenomenal at sunset. Depending on your arrival time, you might take a stroll around town and stop for a drink at one of the town's many bars and cafés. Try a traditional seafood stew in a family-run restaurant before you get some rest at your hotel. More adventures in Patagonia's landscapes await tomorrow!
Day 6: Explore Torres del Paine on a Private Guided Tour
Transfer from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park this morning. The drive takes about two hours, and you'll stop to visit the Cuevas del Milodón (Mylodon Caves), an impressive network of caves, along the way. Then you'll get your first glimpses of Torres del Paine's massive peaks as you approach the park, arriving at the Laguna Amarga main entrance and registering with the park office. On this full-day guided tour, you'll explore Torres del Paine's unique ecosystem and impressive viewpoints at your own pace with a knowledgeable guide.
Throughout the day, visit the park's four ecological zones: the Andean desert, Magellanic subpolar forest, pre-Andean shrubland, and Patagonian steppe. You'll spot plenty of local wildlife, which might include cougars, foxes, guanacos, and birds of prey. Take in stunning landscapes, from the park's distinctive horn-shaped peaks to glacial lakes. Enjoy a few short hikes and a picnic lunch with a view. You'll leave the park late in the afternoon and transfer back to Puerto Natales to spend the night.
Day 7: Transfer to Torres del Paine, Trek to the Base of the Towers
Leave Puerto Natales early to drive back to Torres del Paine National Park this morning. Today you'll hike up Mount Almirante Nieto to enjoy views of the Asencio Valley and Lago Nordenskjöld. The round-trip hike is about 11 miles (18 km) in total. You'll begin by walking through ancient forests, taking breaks along the way as needed. The next part is a challenging steep ascent for 45 minutes until you reach the top, known as Mirador Base Torres.
This section of the mountain, with the Torres del Paine (torre is "tower" in Spanish), looming over a green lagoon, offers one of the best views in the park! You can also marvel at the towering peaks of nearby Torre Sur, Torre Central, Torre Norte, Condor's Nest, and Glacier Torre, all set amid the sweeping backdrop of the Patagonian highlands. Break for a picnic lunch before you start returning to the Hotel Las Torres to spend the evening.
Day 8: Go on a Boat Excursion to Grey Glacier, Return to Puerto Natales
Go for a self-guided hike in the park this morning. In the afternoon, you'll board a catamaran to see Grey Glacier from a privileged perspective. The boat will cruise across the lake and stop close to the glacier, allowing passengers to snap photos of its massive ice walls. After arriving on the other side of the lake, disembark and transfer back to Puerto Natales. Spend a relaxing evening enjoying Chilean cuisine before crossing the border back to Argentina tomorrow.
Day 9: Return to El Calafate (Argentina), Free Afternoon
In the morning, board the bus bound for El Calafate, Argentina. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy as you see fit. You could book a luxurious spa treatment and spend the day relaxing. Go on an active adventure, like horseback riding at a nearby ranch, or opt for a kayak trip on the lake. Then enjoy one last Argentine meal before departing tomorrow.
Day 10: Depart El Calafate
The adventure has come to an end. After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport to catch your flight home. Safe travels!
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