13 Days in Patagonia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Hike, Kayak, Cycle & Ice Trek in Southern Patagonia

This Southern Patagonia itinerary of both sides of the Chile and Argentina border presents an exciting range of activities for outdoor adventurers, from hiking and mountain biking to kayaking and ice trekking. Enjoy epic hikes in Torres del Paine National Park on the Chilean side. Then cross the border to Argentina, where you'll go ice trekking on the surface of two glaciers, kayak on a glacial lake and a pristine river, and cycle through the mountains of Los Glaciares National Park. 

Settle into Chile's Puerto Natales before hiking Mount Almirante Nieto in Torres del Paine National Park. The following day, you'll take a catamaran across Lago Pehoé and trek from your camp into the French Valley for striking views of glaciers and mountain peaks. Continue along the lakeside trail, admiring Glacier Grey and the Southern Ice Field. Try ice hiking on the glacier and kayaking past magnificent scenery on Lago Grey, including the famous Cuernos del Paine. Transfer north to Argentina's El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Next, visit the Glaciarium, an interactive museum with an ice bar.

Experience the famous Perito Moreno Glacier after sailing and hiking along the Témpano Canal past stunning landscapes and glaciers. Then, on a scenic bus ride to El Chaltén, enjoy incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy. Hiking on Day 10 takes you to Laguna de los Tres, which offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains. Next, gear up for more ice trekking in Los Huemules Reserve, switching it up the following day. Thrill to a cycling excursion to soak up views of Lago del Desierto, returning via the valley basin of the Río de las Vueltas and past scenic waterfalls—a great way to cool off. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Iconic Southern Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego: Wildlife, Hikes & Glaciers

Picking up the pace, this classic itinerary of Southern Patagonia starts in Santiago and ends in Buenos Aires, with  Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, El Calafate, and Ushuaia—the world's southernmost city—in between. Suitable for those seeking adventure and wildlife, you'll hike past glacial lakes and snowcapped peaks in Torres del Paine, walk amid the Isla Magdalena penguin colony, boat in Los Glaciares National Park, visit the Museo del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Museum) in Ushuaia, and trek beside ancient ruins in Tierra del Fuego. 

Explore Santiago's landmarks, like Palacio de la Moneda and the Plaza de Armas, and neighborhoods like Barrio Bellavista to see colorful houses and street art. Fly to Punta Arenas, sightsee the Plaza Muñoz Guerrero and Palacio Sara Braun, and watch the sun go down from an impressive viewpoint that looks out to the Strait of Magellan. Sail to Isla Marta to see Patagonian sea lions and continue to Isla Magdalena, home to Chile's largest penguin colony. Transfer to Puerto Natales on Day 4, your base for three days, and where you'll hike to sites like the Mirador Base Torres.

Transfer to El Calafate to sail along the Témpano Canal past glaciers and mountains and visit the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Once in Ushuaia, enjoy two days of discovering the Martial Mountains, the silver waters of the Beagle Channel, and the city's museums. Join a guided trek in Tierra del Fuego and on the La Lenga Trail over a peat bog and through a forest full of native lenga trees. You'll then follow a stream to reach the turquoise waters of Laguna Esmeralda. On Day 12, you'll fly to Buenos Aires to explore its vibrant neighborhoods, including San Telmo, where you might catch a tango street performance. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Trekking in Chilean Patagonia: Lake District & Torres del Paine

Spend the full 13 days of your trip in Chile with this trekking itinerary, ideal for active travelers focused on hiking in two of the country's best regions for outdoor adventures. Begin in the stunning Lake District to trek through Pumalín Park and up the snowcapped volcano of Osorno. Further explore the Lake District's national parks before flying deep into southern Patagonia, where you'll embark on one of the world's most famous treks: the five-day W Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park. 

Start your adventure in Puerto Varas on Lago Llanquihue and transfer to Pumalín National Park, where you'll hike around the glacier and volcanoes of Pumalín. The following day, return to Puerto Varas to prepare for the next round of hiking. Take the Paso Desolación trail in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park to the iconic Osorno volcano. More adventures await in Alerce Andino National Park, where hiking trails wind up soaring mountains and around glassy lakes. Follow the edge of the Río Chaicas to two tranquil mountain lagoons. In Puerto Natales, enjoy the sunset views against the mountain peaks.

On Day 8, begin the W Trek Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park. Take a trail up Mount Almirante Nieto, with stunning views of Lago Nordenskjöld and the Asencio Valley below. Next, scramble to the top of Mirador Base Torres with views of towering peaks. Day 2 of the W Trek brings you to a refuge at the foot of the Cuernos del Paine. Hit the trail again, this time to the French Valley and a viewpoint to look out to the incredible French Glacier. Continue along the shores of Lago Grey to Glacier Grey, which is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and marvel at its towering ice walls. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Southern Patagonia's Best Day Hikes

Another active itinerary, this best day hikes trip is perfect for hikers who want to experience southern Chilean and Argentine Patagonia swapping Ushuaia for more time in El Chaltén. Begin with an exciting trek to Mount Tarn, a historic route once traveled by Charles Darwin. Then spend several days hiking in Torres del Paine National Park before crossing the border to Argentina, where you'll base yourself in El Calafate and El Chaltén, enjoying guided day hikes to glaciers, dramatic mountain scenery, and a boat ride to Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. 

After arriving in the charming coastal town of Punta Arenas, admire the impressive architecture and neoclassical mansions, tour the Palacio Sara Braun, and watch the sunset at Mirador Cerro de la Cruz. The following day, hike in Charles Darwin's footsteps as you ascend Mount Tarn. Then on Day 3, transfer to Puerto Natales' and explore its waterfront with views of the peaks of Cerro Benitez and Cerro Toro. Spend two days hiking and overnighting in Torres del Paine National Park, trekking up Mount Almirante Nieto and Mirador Base Torres, and marveling at nearby towering peaks.

After learning about the park's ecological zones and diverse wildlife on a guided tour, you'll transfer to El Calafate to visit the Glaciarium Museum or check out the Laguna Nimez Nature Preserve. Sail along the Témpano Canal and to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier on Day 8. Afterward, see incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy en route to El Chaltén. Hike in Los Glaciares National Park on a day trip to the Laguna de los Tres and discover El Chaltén's trails, such as the hike to Laguna Torre or Loma del Pliegue Tumbado the following day. On your final day, kayak around the calm Lago del Desierto before your departure onward. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Buenos Aires & Argentine Patagonia

Focusing solely on the Argentine capital and Patagonia, this highlights itinerary showcases a few differing regions. Start by wandering Buenos Aires' wide boulevards and enjoy sultry tango music before jetting off to Ushuaia, "the end of the world." This kicks off many days of Patagonia excursions, including walking with penguins and hiking through national parks, taking a boat tour to visit the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, hiking the trails around El Chaltén, and enjoying views of Mount Fitz Roy. 

With two days, you'll have more time to explore Buenos Aires' highlights, including the Obelisco monument, the Teatro Colón, and the Plaza de Mayo. Wander around vibrant neighborhoods before a live tango performance at El Viejo Almacén. Fly south to Ushuaia on Day 3, where you can try centolla (king crab), a regional specialty. Sail down the Beagle Channel to Isla Martillo, home to Magellanic penguins. Afterward, hike to the Río Lasifashaj, with a picturesque waterfall. Trek along a coastal trail in Tierra del Fuego National Park the following day and enjoy the scenery of the Carbajal Valley, where you'll see Fagnano Lake and the Magallanes Fault.

Hike to the famous turquoise waters of Laguna Esmeralda on Day 7 before transferring to El Calafate on Day 8. Relax or visit the Glaciarium Museum's ice bar and get close to the Perito Moreno glacier on a boat tour of Los Glaciares National Park and watch for "calving" ice. Then search for fossils at La Leona Petrified Forest the next day, followed by a hike up to Laguna Capri in the Río de Las Vueltas Valley. Then hike around the deep-blue waters of Lago del Desierto and Huemul Lagoon, where you'll hop on a boat, passing waterfalls and hanging glaciers before readying for departure the next day. Learn more

More Great 13-Day Patagonia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Patagonia? Check out these other 13-day Patagonia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.