Patagonia in one week is going to be tough. Patagonia is a region that spans around 300,000 sq mi over the southernmost tip of South America. It is home to multiple National Parks that are spread between Chile and Argentina.
If you can swing an extra week, I would highly suggest checking out one of our TWO unique travel itineraries for two weeks in Patagonia!
Patagonia is known for its rugged, untamed mountain landscape as well as being home to the one of the largest non-arctic supplies of freshwater on Earth, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. It can be super overwhelming to plan with so much to see in such a short period of time. Below, I have outlined three possible itineraries for those wanting to get the most bang for their buck out of a week in Patagonia!
***Don’t forget to bring these International Travel Essentials on your trip
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A Week in Argentine Patagonia
From mountains to glaciers to penguins, this itinerary does it ALL! You will be travelling to 3 gorgeous regions of Argentine Patagonia, with each one boasting a unique landscape and offering a little taste of what all of Patagonia has to offer!
Day 1: Fly Buenos Aires - El Calafate, bus to El Chalten
You will fly into El Calafate, usually from Buenos Aires, and immediately hop on a bus from the airport to the town of El Chalten. It’s about a 2.5 hr. ride to get to town. You can use this time to rest up in the comfy reclining seats on the bus or enjoy the vast FLAT desert landscape that will make you wonder where in the world these massive mountains are going to pop up from!
There are multiple bus companies that run throughout the day during high season from 8am-6pm. You can book them here.
Once you get to town, you can spend the afternoon exploring the charming town of El Chalten, or if the weather is nice you can hike to the Cerro Torre Lookout! The lookout hike is 3.6 mi out and back with ~700 ft elevation gain. It’s a good way to stretch your legs and get ready for the next couple of days!
Day 2: Laguna de los Tres hike
Days 2 & 3 are interchangeable. Both days include long hikes and epic views in Los Glaciares National Park! The hike to Laguna de los Tres starts right in the town of El Chalten. It is a 13 mile out and back hike with 3,300 ft elevation gain.
Considered one of the most iconic hikes in Patagonia, Laguna de los Tres offers gorgeous panoramic views of Mount Fitz Roy and its surrounding peaks. It is also the starting point for the infamously difficult ascent of Mount Fitz Roy itself. Pack a lunch (and a beer) and enjoy the huge granite walls while pondering how the heck people climb them.
Day 3: Laguna Cerro Torre hike, bus to El Calafate
Another day, another epic hike! The hike to Laguna Cerro Torre also begins in town. It is an 11-mile out and back trail with 1800 ft elevation gain. This is a much easier hike than Laguna de los Tres and offers jaw dropping views of Cerro Torre! Once you’ve made it to Laguna Torre, there is an option to hike an additional 1.2 miles to get to the Maestri viewpoint, which gives a better view of the Grande Glacier! You’re already there so just DO IT, it’s worth it!
You will want to make sure to finish your hike and arrive back in town by 5 pm because you’ll be catching the 6 pm bus from El Chalten to El Calafate.
***If you only have one good weather day, I recommend the hike to Laguna de los Tres. It is much more difficult, but it is a Patagonia staple.
Day 4: Perito Moreno Glacier
Today you will be visiting the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier! The Perito Moreno is one of the largest glaciers in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The glacier is 80 m tall and covers an area of almost 100 sq mi! Another reason this glacier is so popular, is because of its accessibility. You do not have to be a strong hiker or “in-shape” to be able to enjoy this massive world wonder.
The tourist area consists of a series of man-built walkways with multiple lookout spots containing wooden benches where you can sit and watch the glacier calve! It is a cool experience, that everyone in the family can enjoy.
Normally I would not recommend booking a tour, because I like to oversee how I spend my day; BUT this is one of those times where a tour is worth it for the convenience. There are a few different tours to choose from, all depending on how deep you’re willing to stretch your wallet (of course). The options include kayaking around the glacier, a boat ride around the glacier, and/or trekking ON the glacier! Check out the options.
Day 5: Fly to Ushuai, Penguins
It’s time to go to “The End of the World”! Ushuai is the world’s southernmost city and the last stop before Antarctica! It is also home to Patagonia’s Tierra del Fuego National Park!
A nonstop flight to Ushuai is only 1.5 hr long; Try to book one early in morning to make the most of your day!
Arrive to Ushuai by noon if possible so you can take the 2 pm beagle channel penguin watching boat tour! There are multiple companies that offer this tour. If you are looking to book in advance online, prices are DOUBLE the amount than when you book locally in town. To book a tour in town, just head down to the port in the center of town and there are a ton of little tourist booths offering tours!
The boat tour is about 5 hours long; you can opt to bring your own food/drinks OR the boat sells snacks and alcohol that are surprisingly affordable. The best part about the 2 pm tour is that you get to watch the sunset on your cruise back!
If your wallet can handle it, I would suggest booking the option to walk on the island with the penguins!! We couldn’t quite afford it, but we did see people doing it and they got super close to the penguins… and we were very jealous!
Day 6: “End of the World” Train and Tierra del Fuego National Park
The “End of the World” Train is a 1-hour train ride that takes you into Tierra del Fuego National Park. The rail line follows the route of the original convict train that ran in Ushuaia from 1910 to 1947. Each person will have a headset that will feed you a history of the region (multiple languages offered), as you ride through the park.
**the train travels VERY SLOWLY. It is touristy and overpriced, but one of those things you should at least do once. The history was very compelling, even though the train ride itself was anticlimactic.
After the train ride, you will visit Tierra del Fuego National Park. The National Park is small and tours will usually hit a few main spots- including the southernmost post office in the world! You can either rent a car to get around the park or go with a tour. Same as before, it will be cheaper to book through a local tour in town.
Day 7: Fly Ushuai - El Calafate – Buenos Aires
It’s time to head home! Catch a morning flight to El Calafate where you will head back to Buenos Aires. I can assure you, that you will already be booking your trip back to Patagonia as you say goodbye!
A week in Chilean Patagonia
Three words… TORRES DEL PAINE! Chilean Patagonia is home to the wild Torres del Paine National Park. If you’re looking to experience all the best highlights of the park, then this itinerary is for you! This week is packed full of backpacking, kayaking, ice hiking, and FUN!
Day 1: Fly Santiago- Puerto Natales
The best way to get to Torres del Paine is via Puerto Natales. It is a small little mountain town on the outskirts of the park. There is only a couple of flights that run daily from Santiago during high season. If you don’t have the option to fly straight into Puerto Natales, you can always fly into Punta Arenas and then catch a bus to Puerto Natales.
You will be starting the W trek tomorrow, so whenever you arrive in Puerto Natales, you should do a quick gear check and then head into town to purchase any last-minute items (camp fuel, batteries, etc.) that you might need.
Once you feel prepared for your upcoming backpacking trek, make sure to catch dinner at Café Kaiken. It is the BEST local little dinner spot in town, run by a one man show. He cooks, plates, and serves, all while providing a wonderful environment. The food is delicious, and the service is incredibly intentional!
Day 2: The W, Towers Hike - Camp Central
You’ll want to catch the earliest bus departing at 0645 am to get to Torres del Paine. You should arrive at the park around 9 am and will immediately start your hike up to the Towers! It will be a long first day, but an iconic one to say the least!
For more information on how to book the campsites on the W, and details on each day check out our post on the W trek.
Day 3: The W, Camp Frances
Camp Central – Camp Frances, 10.1 miles
For more information on how to book the campsites on the W, and details on each day check out our post on the W trek.
Day 4: The W, Camp Paine Grande
Camp Frances – Camp Paine Grande, 12.8 miles
For more information on how to book the campsites on the W, and details on each day check out our post on the W trek.
Day 5: The W, Camp Grey/ Ice Kayaking
Camp Paine Grande – Camp Grey, 6.7 miles
The last day of your trek! Today will be a shorter and easier day, leaving you plenty of time to set up camp and then go ICE KAYAKING around glacier grey! It is such a cool experience to get up close and personal to the numerous icebergs floating around the glacier. You can book this with Big Foot Patagonia. They will set you up with wetsuits/helmets/kayaks/drybags and everything you need! The launch site is right at camp Grey, just a 5-minute hike down to the water.
For more information on how to book the campsites on the W, and details on each day check out our post on the W trek.
Day 6: Ice Hike, boat to Puerto Natales
Today, you will sadly be heading back to Puerto Natales; BUT FIRST you have the option to strap on some crampons and hike out onto Glacier Grey! It is such a unique experience to be standing on this massive glacier that is a part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field! I would highly recommend this tour! It is expensive, but a once in a life-time experience.
Big Foot Patagonia is the go-to company for this adventure as well. You’ll launch from the same place you did for kayaking, a 5-minute walk from the campground.
After your morning on the ice, you will catch the catamaran boat that departs at 2 pm. It’s a 1-hour boat ride, that includes a celebratory pisco sour! Once you doc, you will have a 3 km walk along Grey Beach to get to the bus station. This bus station is called Terminal Pudeto. Take the 630 pm bus back to Puerto Natales.
Day 7: Fly Puerto Natales -Santiago
Once again, time has passed way to quickly and it is the day of departure! It’s time to say goodbye to Torres del Paine for now and get started planning your trip back the park to do the full O trek!
A week in Patagonia, the highlights of both
Okay this last and final itinerary is not for the faint of heart. It is FAST PACED and has a lot of travel involved, but if you’re looking to go to both Chilean and Argentine Patagonia in one week, this is the way to do it.
Day 1: Arrive Puerto Natales, Myledon Cave
Fly into Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine. Try to catch an early flight so that you can spend the afternoon exploring the Mylodon Cave Natural Monument.
Once settled into your accommodation, you have a couple of options for visiting the cave. You can take a taxi to the mouth of the cave. It is located about 25 km north of Puerto Natales; Most taxis will offer a fixed rate for the trip. OR you can go with a guided tour. I prefer the latter, because the caves offer a lot of history about the area and first humans that settled there, none of which you will get on a trip of your own. This is time and weather dependent, so I suggest waiting to book your tour until you get settled in town. Most of the tours can be booked easily through your accommodation.
If you have time tonight, catch dinner at Café Kaiken. It is the BEST local little dinner spot in town, run by a one man show. He cooks, plates, and serves, all while providing a wonderful environment. The food is delicious, and the service is incredibly intentional!
Day 2: Towers Hike
Today you will head into Torres del Paine National Park to tackle the iconic towers hike! You’ll want to catch the earliest bus at 0645 am to get to the park, which will put you there around 9 am. It’s a long and tough day, but the views are WORTH IT! Catch the last bus home at 0730 pm to give yourself extra time to finish the hike.
Day 3: Bus to El Calafate
Take the bus from Puerto Natales to El Calafate (lots of bus riding happening this week). Spend the afternoon exploring the town and drinking some of the local brews. Grab a bite at Cerveza Patagonia! Good food, good brews, what else can you ask for??
Day 4: Perito Moreno, bus to El Chalten
Today you will be visiting the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier! The Perito Moreno is one of the largest glaciers in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The glacier is 80 m tall and covers an area of almost 100 sq mi! Another reason this glacier is so popular, is because of its accessibility. You do not have to be a strong hiker or “in-shape” to be able to enjoy this massive world wonder.
The tourist area consists of a series of man-built walkways with multiple lookout spots containing wooden benches where you can sit and watch the glacier calve! It is a cool experience, that everyone in the family can enjoy.
Normally I would not recommend booking a tour, because I like to oversee how I spend my day; BUT this is one of those times where a tour is worth it for the convenience. There are a few different tours to choose from, all depending on how deep you’re willing to stretch your wallet (of course). The options include kayaking around the glacier, a boat ride around the glacier, and/or trekking ON the glacier! Check out the options here.
Catch a late bus to El Chalten and get settled in for the evening.
Day 5: Laguna de los Tres hike
Days 5 & 6 are interchangeable. Both days include long hikes and epic views in Los Glaciares National Park! The hike to Laguna de los Tres starts right in the town of El Chalten. It is a 13 mile out and back hike with 3,300 ft elevation gain. Considered one of the most iconic hikes in Patagonia, Laguna de los Tres offers gorgeous panoramic views of Mount Fitz Roy and its surrounding peaks. It is also the starting point for the infamously difficult ascent of Mount Fitz Roy itself. Pack a lunch (and a beer) and enjoy the huge granite walls while pondering how the heck people climb them.
Day 6: Laguna Cerro Torre hike, bus to El Calafate
Another day, another epic hike! The hike to Laguna Cerro Torre also begins in town. It is an 11-mile out and back trail with 1800 ft elevation gain. This is a much easier hike than Laguna de los Tres and offers jaw dropping views of Cerro Torre! Once you’ve made it to Laguna Torre, there is an option to hike an additional 1.2 miles to get to the Maestri viewpoint, which gives a better view of the Grande Glacier! You’re already there so just DO IT, it’s worth it!
You will want to make sure to finish your hike and arrive back in town by 5 pm because you’ll be catching the 6 pm bus from El Chalten to El Calafate.
***If you only have one good weather day, I recommend the hike to Laguna de los Tres. It is much more difficult, but it is a Patagonia staple.
Day 7: Fly out of El Calafate
AND it’s time… Your crazy week in Patagonia is over! I KNOW this one will leave you wanting more. It’s never enough time in the mountains!
Patagonia Hiking Essentials
Shoes: We LOVE these Salomon’s in women’s and men’s!
Pack: A good day pack makes ALL the difference! We both use this 30L Ortovox pack. It’s the perfect size for day hiking and we love that it unzips all of the way down the front! ***This REI brand is a great option too and it comes in men’s and women’s specific.
Sun protection: a brimmer hat and sun hoodie (women’s and men’s) are essentials in the sun!
Water: Be sure to bring a water bladder for your daypack. Plus this reusable water bottle is great for travel days!
Snacks: Make sure to pack some trail snacks too! We love these coffee waffle bars! They are delicious AND have some caffeine! We also usually bring these meal replacement bars along with us (although we use them as a snack not a meal!)
First aid kit: Just this standard first aid kit should suffice if anything were to happen!
Light: A headlamp and extra batteries are important to carry in case you are out hiking later than you suspect.
Happy Travels!
