Active Patagonia: Los Glaciares & Torres del Paine National Parks - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in El Calafate, Visit the Glaciarium

Welcome to Argentina! Today you'll arrive in the Patagonian destination of El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. El Calafate is 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 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 2: Transfer to Puerto Natales, Explore

Today you'll travel to the small port city of Puerto Natales, formerly a fishing port and now the main base for excursions into Torres del Paine National Park. The town is set on the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound), offering scenic views across the water to the mountains beyond. Facing north from here, you'll see the peaks of Cerro Benitez and Cerro Toro, and the sight is especially phenomenal at sunset.

Depending on your arrival time, you might take a stroll around town and stop for a drink at one of the town's many bars and cafés. Try a traditional seafood stew in a family-run restaurant before you get some rest at your hotel. Adventures in Patagonia's landscapes await tomorrow!

Day 3: Hike to the Mirador Base Torres

Hop on a bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park this morning. The total distance is 70 miles (112 km), and the drive takes about two hours, with a short stop at Cerro Castillo Village. Arrive at the Laguna Amarga main entrance and register with the park office. Then it's a quick shuttle ride to the Las Torres sector, where you'll check in and drop your heavier bags before trekking up the mountain. From here, you'll hike up Mount Almirante Nieto, which features stunning views of the Asencio Valley below and Lago Nordenskjöld. After two hours of hiking, you'll reach Refugio Chileno, an excellent spot for lunch and a rest.

It's another hour of hiking through ancient forests before arriving at a moraine. The next part is a challenging steep ascent for 45 minutes until you reach the top, known as Mirador Base Torres. This section of the mountain, with the Torres del Paine looming over a green lagoon, is the best view in the park. From here, you can also marvel at the towering peaks of nearby Torre Sur, Central Tower, North Tower, Condor's Nest, and Glacier Torre, all set amid the sweeping backdrop of the Patagonian highlands. After enjoying the views, hike to Refugio Torre Central to rest for the evening. 

Day 4: Tour Torres del Paine National Park, Return to El Calafate

After breakfast, 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 the park's unique ecosystem and impressive viewpoints at your own pace with 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 wildlife, including cougars, foxes, guanacos, and birds of prey. Take in stunning landscapes, from the park's iconic horn-shaped peaks to glacial lakes. You'll stop for short hikes and a scenic picnic lunch. At the end of the tour, you'll be brought to the park entrances, where you can arrange a private transfer back to El Calafate or opt to spend the night in the nearer Puerto Natales.

Day 5: See Perito Moreno Glacier, Transfer to El Chaltén

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. In the evening, catch your onward transfer to El Chaltén.

Day 6: Hike to Mirador Cerro Torre

This morning, you'll leave town on foot with your guide. On this trek, you'll be traversing a glacial valley that has long fascinated geologists due to its perfect "U" shape, the result of the area once being covered by large swaths of ice. The total distance of this hike is 15 miles (24 km), and it takes about six hours to complete.

The hike will take you through bright green lenga forests and around lagoons until you reach the day's final destination, Laguna Torre. This glacial lake sits at the foot of the sharp granite peak of Cerro Torre, and you'll also see the glacier that feeds the lake. After spending some time at the lake and admiring the views, you'll return to El Chaltén along the same path.

Day 7: Trek to Laguna de los Tres

This morning you'll embark on a full-day excursion into the national park. Today's hike through an alpine forest will take between eight and eleven hours, depending on pace, and cover around 16 miles (26 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 8: 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 in El Calafate to catch your flight home. Safe travels!

More Great Patagonia Itineraries