Highlights of Southern Patagonia - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Optional Activities

Welcome to Argentina! After a connecting flight, you'll arrive in the southernmost city in the world: Ushuaia. This popular resort town on the southern Tierra del Fuego archipelago occupies an idyllic location. It's nestled between the Martial Mountains and sits on the Beagle Channel, the same waterway that Charles Darwin sailed through nearly 200 years ago. Today, people come for nature excursions, wildlife tours, and boat trips.

Upon arrival, you'll check in to your hotel near the center. After settling in, you can stroll around this remote city with a small-town vibe. Perhaps go shopping in the city center and stop at a restaurant to try Ushuaia's famous seafood. You should also visit the Museo del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Museum), which has exhibits on the region's natural and Indigenous history.

Day 2: National Park & Beagle Channel Tour

This morning, you'll leave on a half-day group tour into Tierra del Fuego National Park. Located just outside the city, this vast protected area encompasses 155,000 acres (62,726 ha) of pristine wilderness. On a hike along nature trails through subantarctic forests, you'll visit tranquil bays, rushing rivers, and the glassy waters of Lake Roca. You'll also ride the famous Tren del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Train). This historic steam train originally served the local prison back in the 19th century but runs scenic tours in the national park today.

After the hike and train ride, you'll embark on a half-day boat tour on the Beagle Channel. As the boat cruises the silver waters, you'll be on deck marveling at panoramic views of the channel and surrounding mountain peaks. You'll pass by the famous Isla de los Lobos, a group of rocks home to a colony of sea lions, and Isla de los Pájaros, where flocks of cormorants reside. After visiting the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, you'll return to port and have free the rest of the day.

Day 3: Tierra del Fuego Tour & Estancia Visit

A driver will pick you up after breakfast for a full-day tour of the impressive landscapes and landmarks around Tierra del Fuego. You'll visit serene Lake Escondido and the charming waterfront town of Tolhuin before the road ends at Cape San Pablo and the Atlantic Ocean. You'll hike up an isolated mountain to an abandoned lighthouse, where you'll enjoy panoramic views. On the coast below, you'll see the wreckage of the Desdémona, a merchant ship that ran aground nearly 40 years ago.

Later, continue on to Estancia Rolito, a historic, family-run ranch that has served as a sheep farm for generations. There will also be time for a nature hike through part of the virgin lenga forest, whose pathways will take you beneath a bright green canopy of foliage. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel in Ushuaia. 

Day 4: Foodie Experience at the End of the World

In the morning, you'll leave on another full-day scenic drive around Tierra del Fuego. However, today's excursion adds a delicious twist in the form of a Patagonian food tour. You'll first prime your appetite with a leisurely snack on the shores of Laguna Victoria. Then, travel to a nearby bay dotted with "flag" trees. These subarctic trees are unique in that constant winds have bent and shaped them for hundreds of years to the point they look perpetually one-sided.

Then, you'll continue driving to Puerto Almanza, the main port where local fishermen bring in centolla (king crab). Here you'll visit the home of a local fisherwoman who currently is the only female ship captain on the Beagle Channel. After welcoming you into her house, she'll lead an informal culinary workshop in which she prepares various regional dishes while explaining the steps that go into each one. When finished, everyone will sit down to enjoy good food and company. 

Day 5: Flight to El Calafate

Your driver will transfer you to the airport today to catch a 1.5-hour flight north to the town of El Calafate. Sitting on the southern shore of Lago Argentino, El Calafate is the gateway to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, which is home to Los Glaciares National Park. Within this protected area is the star of the region: Perito Moreno, a 96-sq-mile (250 sq km) ice formation that is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will transfer you to your hotel, and you'll have free the remainder of the day.

Day 6: Estancia Visit & Perito Moreno Glacier

In the morning, you'll leave on a full-day group tour of the highlights around Lago Argentina. First, you'll travel to Lake Roca, located just south of Los Glaciares National Park. Hike along the Patagonian steppe until you reach Estancia Nibepo Aike. You'll spend time at this working ranch and see daily activities like sheep shearing and equestrian demonstrations. Afterward, you'll sit down to a traditional asado (barbecue) of grilled meats followed by pancakes with dulce de leche (Argentine caramelized milk).

After lunch, you'll board a boat and travel up the lake's western arms to Perito Moreno glacier. The boat will arrive at Playa de las Monedas, and from there, it's an easy 20-minute hike through the forest to viewpoints overlooking the glacier's southern face. You'll have approximately two hours to hike around the boardwalks and snap photos from different vantage points. You may even witness calving, in which great sections of the glacier break off and crash into the lake below. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel in El Calafate.

Day 7: Los Glaciares Boat Tour

Rise early for a day trip that will take you to even farther into Los Glaciares National Park. Board a bus for the one-hour drive to the port at Punta Bandera. Once there, you'll hop on a boat and continue up the arm of Lago Argentino, crossing the Upsala Channel between massive icebergs. Shortly after that, you'll get your first glimpse of Spegazzini, an impressive glacier whose massive walls are 440 feet (130 m) in places.

Disembark at the base of Spegazzini and head out on an easy wilderness path to a refuge affording stunning views of the bay and glacier. After lunch and browsing the souvenir shop here, you'll have time to snap more photos or embark on a short mountain hike. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 8: Transfer to El Chaltén

In the morning, you'll board a bus for the 3.5-hour ride north to El Chaltén. Located near the border with Chile, this Patagonian mountain town is one of the most popular hiking spots in the country. It's home to legendary Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy, whose arrowhead-shaped peaks draw mountaineers and trekkers from around the world. Upon arrival, you'll check in to your hotel and will have the rest of the day free to enjoy the town.

Day 9: El Chaltén Free Day, Optional Hike

Today is a free day in El Chaltén. You'll probably want to hit the trail, and one great option is the hike up to the famous Laguna de los Tres for a picnic lunch. The route starts just north of town, where a sign reading "Sendero al Fitz Roy" marks the trailhead. It runs 6 miles (10 km) to reach the lagoon, which sits at 3,838 feet (1,170 m) above sea level. The hike takes about five hours, but once there, you'll be rewarded with turquoise blue waters at your feet, the sight of the Piedras Blancas glacier, and the peak of Mount Fitz Roy in the background.  

Day 10: Transfer to El Calafate & Depart

Unfortunately, it's time to say goodbye to Argentine Patagonia. You'll transfer to the airport in El Calafate at the appropriate time, where you'll catch your connecting flight home. Safe travels!

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