How many days do you need in Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas?
- Most travelers spend 6-8 days in Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas combined
- Visiting Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas in 4 or 5 days is possible but will feel rushed
- With 9 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Santiago and El Calafate
How Many Days to Spend in Chile
Recommended Itineraries for Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas
Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Punta Arenas, Explore | Punta Arenas |
Day 2 | See the Wildlife of the Magellan Strait | Punta Arenas |
Day 3 | Visit the Isla Magdalena Penguin Colony | Punta Arenas |
Day 4 | Transfer to Puerto Natales & Explore | Puerto Natales |
Day 5 | Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park, Puma Observation | Torres del Paine |
Day 6 | Puma Observation (Day 2), Transfer to Puerto Natales | Puerto Natales |
Day 7 | Boat Tour to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Serrano & Balmaceda Glaciers | Puerto Natales |
Day 8 | Depart Puerto Natales |
This eight-day tour is perfect for any keen photographer, giving you the opportunity to see a variety of natural wonders and wildlife throughout Patagonia. Start in Punta Arenas, which you'll use as a base for visiting the Strait of Magellan and Isla Magdalena as you spot penguins, albatrosses, and a variety of other birdlife. Move on to Torres del Paine National Park to search for pumas with a specialized guide, then finish your adventure with some scenic hiking in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
8-Day Itinerary Including Santiago
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Santiago de Chile, Explore | Santiago |
Day 2 | Santiago City Tour | Santiago |
Day 3 | Transfer to Valparaíso, Wine & City Tour | Santiago |
Day 4 | Fly to Punta Arenas, Explore | Punta Arenas |
Day 5 | Isla Magdalena & Penguin Colony | Punta Arenas |
Day 6 | Torres del Paine: Trekking to the Base of the Towers | Puerto Natales |
Day 7 | Lake Pehoé & Lake Grey | Torres del Paine |
Day 8 | Return to Santiago, Depart |
Immerse yourself in the unique landscapes and culture of Chile. Start your journey in Santiago and head to the Casablanca Valley to indulge in Chilean wine before traveling to the coastal city of Valparaíso to discover its beautiful murals and artsy vibe. Then, get an up-close look at a 150,000-strong penguin colony before heading to the famed Torres del Paine National Park to experience some of the best hiking trails and landscapes the region has to offer. Read more
11-Day Itinerary Including El Calafate & El Chaltén
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Santiago, Fly to Punta Arenas | Punta Arenas |
Day 2 | Explore the Wildlife of the Magellan Strait | Punta Arenas |
Day 3 | Bus to Puerto Natales, Explore | Puerto Natales |
Day 4 | Enter Torres del Paine National Park, Hike to the Famous Granite Towers | Torres del Paine |
Day 5 | Kayak Lago & Rio Grey, Return to Puerto Natales | Puerto Natales |
Day 6 | Bus to El Calafate (Argentina) | El Calafate |
Day 7 | Experience the Perito Moreno Glacier, Bus to El Chaltén | El Chaltén |
Day 8 | El Chaltén Day Hike to Laguna de los Tres | El Chaltén |
Day 9 | Ice Trek Cagliero Glacier | El Chaltén |
Day 10 | Hike to Mirador Cerro Torre | El Chaltén |
Day 11 | Fly to Buenos Aires, Depart |
This active 11-day itinerary combines Patagonia's most stunning landscapes with thrilling excursions to create a perfect tour for the adventurous at heart. Start in Chile, where you'll spot dolphins on the Magellan Strait, hike to the famous granite towers of Torres del Paine National Park, and kayak past icebergs on the beautiful Lago Grey. Hop over to Argentina to see the dramatic Perito Moreno Glacier by boat, hike to the magnificent Mount Fitz Roy, and go ice trekking in Los Glaciares National Park. Read more
How to travel between Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas
How to get from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales
The distance between Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales is 154 miles (247 km), and the best way to travel between the two cities is by car, either self-driving or with a private transfer. Driving via Route 9 takes about three hours without stops, though you'll likely want to take your time at the various scenic points along the way, making it a full-day trip. You can also take the bus, either from the airport or from Punta Arenas city, though this is a less convenient option. Read more
How to get to Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most visited places in Chile—and South America. It's close to both Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas, and you'll often travel via one or both of these cities. This five-day trip will bring you face-to-face with all the best places and is especially great to consider if you're traveling from Santiago. Read more
How to get to Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is one of those places that isn't easily overseen and attracts many travelers. Except for being just a boat tour away from Magdalena Island (also called Penguin Island), Punta Arenas is also the main stop before heading to Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine. If you're traveling through Chile, then you'll most likely want to include Punta Arenas in your travel plans. Read more