Most people visiting Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas spend about nine to 11 days in Chile, which usually includes some time in Santiago as well. For travelers wanting to visit Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas exclusively, plan six to eight days for a well-paced trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as four or five days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas, and beyond.

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

Capture shots of some of Patagonia's greatest wildlife and landscapes
Capture shots of some of Patagonia's greatest wildlife and landscapes
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

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Extended Itineraries

8-Day Itinerary Including Santiago

Santiago, Valparaíso & Patagonia Nature Trip - 8 Days
Santiago, Valparaíso & Patagonia Nature Trip - 8 Days
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

Sunset over Torres del Paine National Park.
Sunset over Torres del Paine National Park.
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

Map

Map of Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas: Best Itinerary Ideas