Highlights
- Cruise up to the massive ice walls of Perito Moreno Glacier on a boat tour
- Hike around the waterfalls and glacial lakes in Torres del Paine
- Explore mysterious caves home to rock art and ancient fossils
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in El Calafate (Argentina), Optional Activities | El Calafate |
| Day 2 | Day Trip to Perito Moreno & Boat Tour | El Calafate |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Nibepo Aike Estancia | El Calafate |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Puerto Natales (Chile), Optional Activities | Puerto Natales |
| Day 5 | Guided Day Trip to Torres del Paine | Puerto Natales |
| Day 6 | Cerro Benítez Hike & Cave Paintings | Puerto Natales |
| Day 7 | Fly to Santiago, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in El Calafate (Argentina), Optional Activities
Welcome to Patagonia! This ruggedly beautiful wilderness region takes up both the Chilean and Argentine sides of South America's southern cone. Your adventure kicks off in Argentina's capital Buenos Aires, where you'll board a connecting flight 3.5 hours south to El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. This city sits on the shores of massive Lago Argentino and is known for its proximity to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. After checking in at your hotel, you'll have the afternoon and evening free to stroll around town and do some sightseeing.
You can prime yourself 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: Day Trip to Perito Moreno & Boat Tour
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 3: Day Trip to Nibepo Aike Estancia
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Transfer to Puerto Natales (Chile), Optional Activities
After breakfast, you'll board a bus for the six-hour transfer south out of Argentina and into Chile and Puerto Natales. This small port city on the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound) is famous as a base for nature excursions in Torres del Paine, the crown jewel of Chile's national parks. This legendary protected area covers 700 square miles (1,810 sq km) and is renowned for its circuit treks. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel and can relax as you prepare for tomorrow's adventure in Torres del Paine.
Day 5: Guided Day Trip to Torres del Paine
Set out on an action-packed day exploring Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO-listed gem that's one of Chile's most-visited parks. After a pickup at your hotel, your first stop will be near the park at the Milodón Cave. In 1895, an explorer found fragments of a giant mylodon here—an extinct bear-like creature from 10,000 years ago (there's a replica of the giant mylodon in the cave). En route, you can also snap pics of the Silla del Diablo (Devil's Chair) rock formation nearby.
Once you've looked around the cave, continue north along the road to Torres del Paine National Park to reach Lago Grey, where you can walk to the scenic viewpoint. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then head to the park's Salto Grande sector, where the beautiful Lago Nordenskjöld and thundering Paine Waterfall await. On the way back to Puerto Natales, stop at the Lago Sarmiento viewpoint to grab some epic photos with a backdrop of snowcapped mountains.
Day 6: Cerro Benítez Hike & Cave Paintings
It's about a 30-minute ride north from Puerto Natales to see the cave paintings of Cerro Benítez. Part of an archaeological park, the caves here are perfect for amateur spelunkers and history buffs. Upon arrival at the park, you'll set off on a guided hike through a valley surrounded by forests and mountains as you listen to the calls of condors soaring overhead. The hike is approximately 6 miles (9 km) and is considered moderate in difficulty.
Eventually, you'll summit Cerro Benítez, which offers views of the Eberhard Fjord and Señoret Channel. Then, enter the caves, starting with a visit to Ventana Cave. From here, you'll visit the secluded Escondida Cave, which requires a headlamp and a quick crawl through the narrow entrance. Inside, it stretches 13 feet (4 m), and is filled with dangling stalactites. Finish with a walk through the forest to reach the well-preserved cave paintings dating back approximately 3,500 years. At the end of the afternoon, you'll transfer back to your hotel.
Day 7: Fly to Santiago, Depart
After a week packed with memorable Patagonian adventures, it's time to complete the journey. In the morning, you'll transfer to the airport in Puerto Natales, where you'll board a 4.5-hour flight to Santiago and meet your connecting flight home. ¡Adiós!
More Great Patagonia Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Argentina? Check out these other Patagonia itineraries, explore different ways to spend a week in Patagonia, or discover the best time to visit Patagonia.
Map
