Patagonia Grand Tour: Between Cities, Lakes & Glaciers - 21 Days

Highlights

• Travel from glitzy Santiago to colorful Valparaíso—and the wine country in between
• Hike up volcanoes and brave river rapids in Patagonia's pristine Lake District
• Go on sailing adventures and epic road trips around Argentina's Seven Lakes Road
• Explore massive glaciers and trek up to the glassy lakes around Mount Fitz Roy
• Tour Buenos Aires and its nearby highlights, from the river delta to rural ranches

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Santiago (Chile), Optional Activities

Welcome to Santiago! A small, thin nation on South America's western edge, this country nevertheless draws adventurers to its many natural highlights. The star is Patagonia, a region that occupies the southern ends of both Argentina and Chile. You'll arrive in the capital of Santiago, which, like most travelers, you'll use as a base for expeditions farther south. However, stick around for a few days and you'll discover many highlights within this metropolis and a couple of hours away at the coast.

A driver will pick you up at the airport for the ride to your hotel in the city. After checking in, you can hit the streets on a self-guided tour. Begin 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, 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 2: Santiago Public Parks Tour

It might come as a surprise to learn that within this urban jungle surrounded by Andes peaks, Santiago actually features some impressive parks and green spaces. To that end, meet your guide this morning and set off to the first destination on today's tour: Forestal Park. Located downtown, this urban oasis features plenty of green space for relaxation, as well as performers and food vendors. From here, walk to the Bellavista neighborhood, a vibrant district with restaurants and shopping.

Then, ride a teleférico (gondola) to Metropolitan Park. Sitting near Cerro San Cristóbal and stretching across more than 1,700 acres (687 ha), this is Santiago's largest park, with a zoo, botanical gardens, pools, and a children's park. The tour ends at Bicentennial Park, which spans 66 acres (27 ha) in eastern Santiago. Another massive green space, it runs along the Río Mapocho and features thousands of trees as well as lagoons home to flamingoes, herons, black-necked swans, and more.

Day 3: Day Trip to Valparaíso & Casablanca Valley

After breakfast, you'll meet a local guide and hit the road on a full-day tour. It's a 1.5-hour drive west from Santiago to Valparaíso, one of the most colorful coastal cities in the world. During this scenic journey, you'll pass the hills and vineyards of the fertile Casablanca Valley, home to many top wineries. During a stop here, you'll tour a vineyard and sample a few Chilean wines, like the famous carménère varietal.

Eventually, you'll reach the coast and the historic port city of Valparaíso. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its funky hillside neighborhoods, winding stairways, and abundance of street art. It's a well-preserved snapshot of a time when electric trolleys coasted through downtown in front of Art Nouveau buildings.

On a tour, you'll visit landmarks such as Plaza de la Victoria and the Naval Academy and ride a rumbling funicular elevator into the hills for panoramic vistas of the Pacific. A highlight is visiting La Sebastiana, the coastal home (now a museum) of Pablo Neruda. Afterward, you'll return to Santiago.

Day 4: Fly to Puerto Varas & the Lake District

And you're off! This morning, your driver will transfer you to the airport for the two-hour flight to the port city of Puerto Montt in Chile's gorgeous Lake District, the gateway to Patagonia. Here, snowcapped volcanoes meet forested islands dotted with shimmering lakes. From the airport, it's a 30-minute drive north to Puerto Varas, which sits on the vast shores of Lago Llanquihue. Known as "the City of Roses," Puerto Varas is home to elegant plazas full of roses (hence the nickname) and alpine-style architecture.

From its streets you can look out across the lake to the snowcapped cones of nearby Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. The town is also a hub for Lake District adventures—from here, you can hike, ski, climb various volcanoes, fish, raft, and go horseback riding. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a restaurant in town, then turn in early to rest up for tomorrow's adventures.

Day 5: Day Trip to Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Falls

After breakfast at your hotel, a driver will pick you up for a full-day scenic tour of the area's famous volcanoes and waterfalls. The first part of the drive takes you along the shores of Lago Llanquihue to where it meets the mouth of Río Pescado. After passing the charming villages of La Poza and Los Riscos, you'll arrive at Ensenada, a small town at the foot of the Osorno volcano. From a trailhead, you'll hike about halfway up Osorno to an impressive lookout at 4,068 feet (1,240 m) above sea level.

When the hike is complete, you'll break for lunch and continue to the famous Río Petrohué waterfall. Fed by the nearby Lago Todos Los Santos, Petrohué is famous for its electric blue waters and cascading falls that have carved a network of chutes into the surrounding basaltic lava rock. There are various pathways around here that offer different vantage points where you can observe these thundering falls in all their glory. The tour finishes with a visit to the turquoise waters of Todos los Santos before returning to Puerto Varas in time to enjoy dinner in town.

Day 6: Whitewater Rafting on the Río Petrohué

Get ready for a wild ride down the Río Petrohué, which stretches for 22 miles (35 km) through the Patagonian Lake District and originates at Petrohué Falls. The river is a blend of calmer waters and Class III rapids, making for an exhilarating half-day outing that delivers whitewater fun and gorgeous views.

Your guides will pick you up in the morning, and you'll head to the put-in near Ensenada. Here, you'll receive your equipment and safety briefing, plus learn basic paddling techniques before hopping in the raft and commencing the adventure. During the journey, you'll pass by riverine forests backed by the cone of Osorno and filled with birds and wildlife. After the ride, relax with a snack and refreshment on the riverbank before returning to Puerto Varas. 

Day 7: Transfer to Bariloche (Argentina) by Boat & Bus

Wake up early and embark on a full-day excursion that will take you from Chile to Argentina. The trip involves boat rides across three lakes plus overland bus trips. Throughout the 12-hour journey, you'll enjoy views of glaciers, volcanic peaks, and alpine forests on your way to San Carlos de Bariloche.

This mountain resort destination is the largest city in Argentina's Lake District, a region home to some of the most impressive scenery in the entire country. Bariloche was founded in 1902 on the southeastern shore of Lago Nahuel Huapi, part of the larger Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. The name comes from the Mapuche native people who once inhabited the area ("Nahuel Huapi" means "Jaguar Island"). Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and can unwind after the long day.

Day 8: Half-Day Circuito Chico Trek

In the morning, meet your guide and set off on a half-day excursion that follows the famous Circuito Chico (Short Circuit) tourist route. You'll follow the lakeshore west from the city to Playa Bonita, a tranquil pebble beach that looks out to Isla Huemul. Then, continue to some of the area's most famous viewpoints, like Cerro Campanario and the Llao Llao Peninsula. The former is a mountain offering panoramic views of Lago Nahuel Huapi from its summit, while the latter is the site of the most impressive hotel in the country, Hotel Llao Llao.

Continue over a bridge that crosses the Río Angostura, which joins the lakes of Moreno and Nahuel Huapi. You'll then stop at another fine lookout point to snap photos. Afterward, head to Laguna el Trebol, a small lagoon surrounded by woodlands. From there, you'll turn back toward Bariloche and complete the circuit. Throughout the tour, your guide will impart knowledge about the region's rich Indigenous history.

Day 9: Sailing Trip to Blest Port & Los Cantaros 

Return to the water this morning as you sail across Nahuel Huapi on a full-day boat tour. It starts with an overland transfer to Puerto Pañuelo, where you'll board the boat and set off along a far-eastern arm of the lake. Highlights include visiting the enchanting island of Centinela, marveling at the terraced falls of Cascada de los Cántaros, and hiking through the temperate rainforest. You can opt to finish in the charming lakeside town of Puerto Blest or continue on to the emerald waters of Lago Frías before returning to Bariloche for the evening.

Day 10: Day Trip to San Martín de los Andes

In the morning, you'll meet your driver for a full-day road trip to experience the majesty of the Lake District. You'll follow the scenic Seven Lakes Road: a 66-mile (107 km) route that connects the lake towns of San Martín de Los Andes and Villa La Angostura. On this jaw-dropping journey, you'll see magnificent landscapes as you pass through two national parks. These include rich coihue forests and azure lakes like Falkner, Escondido, and Nahuel Huapi.

As you pass one such lake, Correntoso, you'll arrive in the small town of Ruca Malén. Then, continue on to San Martín de los Andes, a charming town located on the shores of Lago Lacar. After visiting the town and snapping photos around the impressive waterfront, you'll return to Bariloche in the afternoon.

Day 11: Fly to El Calafate, Gateway to Los Glaciares National Park

Meet your driver early at the hotel for the ride to the airport. There, you'll catch a connecting flight deeper into Patagonia and El Calafate. Sitting on the southern shore of Lago Argentino, this town is the gateway to the massive Southern Patagonian Ice Field, home to Los Glaciares National Park. Within this protected area is the region's star, Perito Moreno, a 96-square-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 the rest of the day free.

Day 12: 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 at Bajo de Las Sombras 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 13: Glaciar Sur Pioneers Tour: Estancia Visit, Glaciers & Hiking

One trip to Perito simply isn't enough, so today, you'll see this star of Patagonia on another outdoor adventure. First, you'll travel to Lago Roca, 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 sheepshearing and equestrian demonstrations. Afterward, you'll sit down to a traditional asado (barbecue) of grilled Patagonian lamb 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 native lenga forest to viewpoints overlooking the glacier's southern face. Then, return to the boat for a ride to the south face of Perito Moreno. While there, you may witness the aforementioned calving when sections of the glacier break off the face. As an added treat, you'll enjoy a refreshment of chocolate and a glass of whiskey chilled with glacial ice. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 14: Transfer to El Chaltén, Argentina's Trekking Capital

Leave El Calafate this morning on a three-hour drive north to El Chaltén. Nicknamed "the trekking capital of Argentina," this town sits on the banks of the Río Las Vueltas. 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. If the skies are clear during the drive, you'll have incredible views of the granite massif of Mount Fitz Roy.

You'll arrive at your hotel or cabin later in the afternoon and will have the evening free to relax. If you like, take a walk around town and pop in at one of El Chaltén's many cafés and craft beer bars. 

Days 15-16: Self-Guided Hikes in El Chaltén

The next two days are free for you to choose your own adventure in the Patagonia wilderness. The area surrounding El Chaltén offers a wide range of hiking paths with varying levels of difficulty, all of which are maintained and well-marked. One easy option from town includes a 1.9-mile (3 km) walk to Cerro Torre viewpoint, which takes about an hour. Here, you can enjoy views of the Río Las Vueltas and lenga beech forests. This area is also home to many types of birds, including woodpeckers.

Should you choose, you can extend the hike from Cerro Torre to other impressive viewpoints around Mount Fitz Roy and the emerald waters of Laguna de los Tres. Though this hike becomes challenging near the end, it's well worth it. A local secret: seize the day by waking up early to watch the sunrise at Laguna de los Tres, where the peaks often turn bright red—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for nature lovers.

Day 17: Fly to Buenos Aires, Dinner & Tango Show

Your journey comes full circle, beginning in one capital and ending in another. Your driver will pick you up this morning for the ride to the airport in El Chaltén, where you'll catch a three-hour flight north to Buenos Aires. Argentina's capital is known as the "Paris of the South" due to its abundance of Baroque and neoclassical architecture. You'll discover these romantic streets over a few days of city tours and cultural activities.

When you arrive at Ezeiza International Airport, a driver will transfer you to your hotel in the city. After settling in, you'll head out in the evening to discover Argentina's most famous export: tango. Born in the 19th century near the port of the historic San Telmo district, this musical/dance style merged the country dances of rural Spain with other influences from newly arriving immigrants. By the early 20th century, it had become famous around the world. You'll see the magic of this genre live when you sit down for dinner and a live performance at a local milonga (tango venue).

After dinner, you can learn the tango steps during a dance lesson and/or sample various Argentine wines with an optional tasting. Later, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 18: Buenos Aires City Tour, Argentine Dinner Party

Wake up early and meet your guide for a city tour around Buenos Aires by vehicle. This three-hour, small-group tour will take you to famous landmarks like 9 de Julio (the widest avenue in the world), the soaring Obelisco monument, and the Teatro Colón, which has consistently been ranked one of the great opera houses in the world since its opening in 1908.

You'll also visit upscale Puerto Madero and historic Plaza de Mayo, home to the iconic Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace), plus stroll the cobbled streets of San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood in the city. Continue south to 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 (soccer) stadium. The tour ends in the Recoleta neighborhood with a visit to its stately cemetery (the final resting place of Eva Perón), after which you'll return to the hotel.

In the evening, transfer to the trendy Palermo neighborhood for an evening you won't soon forget. The Argentina Experience is a "dinner party" in which guests share a table and prepare a gourmet meal. Professional hosts and sommeliers guide you through the evening, teaching you how to prepare malbec cocktails and handmade empanadas. Then sit down to a dinner of Argentina's famous gaucho-raised beef paired with local wines, and finish the meal by preparing your own maté (an herbal tea) and delicious alfajores (Argentine cookies). 

Day 19: Day Trip to San Antonio de Areco & Estancia el Ombú

Argentina has a rich frontier history that remains well-represented in its famous gaúcho (cowboy) culture. To fully appreciate Argentines' mastery of cattle ranching and horsemanship, it's necessary to visit a working estancia (ranch)—which is exactly what you'll do today. In the morning, meet your driver for the 72-mile (117 km) transfer northwest to San Antonio de Areco. This bucolic town is the heart of gaúcho country and still retains its equestrian and silversmith traditions.

Your destination is right outside San Antonio, at Estancia El Ombú. This colonial-style mansion was built in 1880 and sits on expansive green grounds, offering visitors an authentic Argentine countryside experience. Once here, there's a variety of options for activities: you can go horseback riding, hiking, or sightseeing in an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage. The estancia is also a working farm, and you can observe typical ranch-style activities such as herding animals, branding cattle, and milking cows.

A highlight of the day is sitting down to a traditional asado. Enjoy grilled meat and empanadas paired with Argentine wine while being entertained by horse shows and traditional folk dancing. Afterward, you'll transfer back to Buenos Aires and your hotel.

Day 20: Day Trip to Tigre, Palermo Foodie Tour

Time for another boat trip! This morning, you'll meet your private guide and transfer along the mighty Río de la Plata to the point where it converges with the Paraña River Delta. This region, located about an hour north of Buenos Aires, comprises a series of islands and waterfront communities.

There, you'll enter a network of freshwater canals, eventually arriving at Tigre, a Venetian-style village. During a day tour, you'll stroll the waterfront, visit museums, browse the Puerto de Frutos marketplace, and experience this riverside gem any way you like. Don't miss Tigre's Museum of Fine Arts, housed in an impressive Belle Époque building. Later, you'll transfer back to Buenos Aires.

Later in the day, you'll return to Palermo, one of the city's trendiest enclaves. Filled with cool bars and restaurants, you'll take a four-hour food walk and visit four local eateries. It's a great excuse to try Argentina's culinary staples (like its succulent beef) and sample its fine wines (like the famous malbec). Even better, throughout the walk, your guide will point out colorful street art and other cultural highlights the neighborhood is known for.

Day 21: Depart Buenos Aires

You've experienced the highlights of Patagonia and had some wild city fun—now it's time to move on to the next adventure. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Buenos Aires, after which a driver will take you to the international airport, where you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!

More Great Argentina Itineraries