Southern Patagonia's Best Day Hikes - 13 Days

Day 5: Trek Along Lago Nordenskjöld 

Day 6: Private Tour of Torres del Paine, Return to Puerto Natales

Have breakfast at your hotel this morning. Then you'll be picked up to embark on a journey around Torres del Paine National Park. On this full-day guided tour, you'll explore Torres del Paine's unique ecosystem and impressive viewpoints at your own pace alongside a knowledgeable guide. Throughout the day, visit different areas of the park—its four ecological zones include the Andean desert, Magellanic subpolar forest, Pre-Andean shrubland, and Patagonian steppe.

Along the way, you'll spot some of the park's diverse wildlife, which includes cougars, foxes, guanacos, and birds of prey. Take in stunning landscapes, from the park's iconic 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 El Calafate (Argentina), Visit the Glaciarium

In the morning, transfer to El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Welcome to Argentina! El Calafate is also known for its location on Lago Argentino, Argentina's largest freshwater lake. After checking in at your hotel and getting settled, 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. If you'd rather explore the outdoors, check out the birds at the Laguna Nimez Nature Preserve just outside of town. Stop in the quaint cafés and shops around El Calafate, then have dinner in a local parrilla (steakhouse) before getting some rest at your hotel.

Day 8: Experience the Perito Moreno Glacier

Today's adventure takes you to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Transfer from your hotel to the port, where you'll board a boat and start your day sailing along the Témpano Canal. The journey takes you past stunning landscapes, glaciers, and mountains, and you'll disembark several times for short hikes. Walk through some of the oldest forests in the area, admire pristine waterfalls, and take in impressive panoramic views.

As you enter the park by boat, you'll catch your first glimpse of the majestic Perito Moreno. 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. The boat will drop you near the visitor's center, where you'll have time to explore the boardwalks and viewing platforms offering sweeping views of the glacier. Head back to El Calafate for the evening.

Day 9: Bus to El Chaltén, Explore

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, well-marked trails lead away from town. Or walk around the village and have a relaxing evening in one of El Chaltén's many restaurants and craft beer bars. Sample local dishes like roast Patagonian lamb, rib-eye steak, and empanadas for dinner. Then get some rest before tomorrow's early start. 

Day 10: Hike to Laguna de Los Tres 

This morning you'll embark on a full-day excursion into Los Glaciares National Park. Today's hike through an alpine forest will take about eight to nine hours and cover over 12 miles (20 km). Your destination is Laguna de los Tres, a gorgeous lagoon facing panoramic views of three peaks: Fitz Roy, Poincenot, and Torre. Along the trek, you'll also take in views of Piedras Blancas Glacier. Break for lunch at the lagoon, then descend toward El Chaltén via the photogenic Laguna Capri. Relax in El Chaltén in the evening.

Day 11: Explore Mountain Trails Around El Chaltén

Spend today discovering the numerous hiking trails of El Chaltén at your own pace. One popular option is the hike to Laguna Torre, leading through a glacial valley to a scenic lagoon. This trek takes about six hours. Another possibility is the hike to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, which takes between six and seven hours and features excellent views over the park. If the weather is clear, you might enjoy the vistas of Viedma Lake. In the evening, return to El Chaltén.

Day 12: Kayak Lago del Desierto

Get ready to hit the water today! Your guide will pick you up at your hotel; then, you'll set out along the scenic route toward one of the region's highlights, Lago del Desierto. Its name means "lake of the desert," and the trip takes about two hours each way. On arrival, your guide will teach you some of the basics of kayaking in the area and get you properly outfitted with the necessary equipment.

Then you'll push off onto the lake's calm, glassy water and begin your paddling adventure, enjoying views of beautiful forests and impressive peaks in the distance. Take a break at Bahía Tranquila, a section of the lake protected from the wind. Since the water is shallow here, it's a nice place to hop off the kayak and enjoy your surroundings. After a 2.5-hour trip around the lake, return to shore. Take some free time to explore the nearby trails or visit the viewpoint of the nearby Huemul Glacier before returning to town for the evening.

Day 13: Depart El Chaltén

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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