Patagonia Travel Insights

An Active Tour of Chile: Santiago, Valparaíso, & Torres del Paine - 9 Days

Explore the best of Chile's urban and natural landscapes on this nine-day adventure. Begin in the capital city of Santiago. Explore modern Chilean culture while visiting the markets, skyscrapers, and parks. Next, head to Valparaíso, the bohemian port town that features bright graffiti and classic architecture. Enjoy a visit to the Maipo Valley to take in its stunning mountain landscapes while sipping Chilean wine. Then, venture south to Patagonia for a visit to Torres del Paine National Park—one of the most famous and beautiful protected areas in the world.

Striking scenery from the roadside in Patagonia

2 Weeks in Patagonia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Patagonia, you could stick to one side—Argentine or Chilean—or visit both. On these four unique itineraries, you'll trek on glaciers, see penguins in the wild, dine on fresh seafood in the southernmost city in the world, camp under the stars, and hike in South America's finest national park.

10 Days in Patagonia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Patagonia stretches over a million square kilometers, but you'd be surprised at how much you can cover in just 10 days. Embark on a highlights tour, visiting the most famous places in Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks. Or plan a ski holiday on the powdery slopes near San Carlos de Bariloche, in Argentina’s Lake District. Learn about your best options with our roundup below.

7 Days in Patagonia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With a week to spend in Patagonia, it's easy to plan a trip around your interests. Trekkers can hit the trails among the granite peaks of Torres del Paine. Outdoor enthusiasts will love visiting the famed Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. For wildlife, head to Punta Arenas, and visit an island home to a colony of Magellanic penguins. Learn more about your options in our roundup below.

5 Days in Patagonia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With five days, you'll want to focus on one region of Patagonia. Pay a visit to Perito Moreno in Los Glaciares National Park, road trip the Carretera Austral, make a whirlwind circuit through Torres del Paine, or step just outside of Patagonia to southern Chile's incredible Lake District.

Patagonia FAQ

Patagonia is the dream destination for any outdoor enthusiast. It encompasses 402,700 miles of wilderness in both Chile and Argentina, every inch abounding with mountains, glaciers, and near endless expanses of steppe grassland. There's a lot to see and do here—read this FAQ to get your questions answered.

Patagonia in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July is winter season in Patagonia, and that means ski resorts are open for business and local snow festivals are underway. Low tourist numbers and prices appeal to the adventurous (and those equipped with outdoor gear). Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Patagonia this month.

Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park

Patagonia in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

A quiet month overall, August signifies the last full month of Patagonia's ski season with lower prices than July. Everywhere else, winter rains begin to wane while daylight hours begin to lengthen—a sure sign of spring. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

A sunset in Torres del Paine National Park

Patagonia in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

September is a transition month in Patagonia, when the region comes out of hibernation in preparation for the upcoming high season. This is also the best time for spring skiing at the mountain resorts and whale watching around Península Valdés. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia

Patagonia in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

October in Patagonia is the heart of spring and prime shoulder season—a great time to visit the region's most popular spots before peak crowds arrive. Hint: This is a favorite month for savvy travelers in the know. Read on to learn more.

Patagonia in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

With springtime blooms, November is a beautiful month in Patagonia—arguably the best of the year. If that's not enough, you can visit popular sites and national parks while the crowds and high prices are still a month away. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Lake Pehoe, Torres del Paine National Park

Patagonia in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The transition from spring to summer is a spectacular time to visit Patagonia with plenty of sunshine for enjoying the great outdoors. Plus, the first half of the month is still quiet—in other words, get here before the tour groups arrive for the holidays. Find out what to do and where to go with this December guide.

Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world

Patagonia in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

With the onset of winter, snowcapped Patagonia practically empties out in terms of tourism for the season (except for ski resorts). Let this monthly guide show you the best sights and culture during the shortest days of the year.

Patagonia in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

It’s late autumn in Patagonia with shorter days, cooler weather, and waning crowds. This is a great time to enjoy the last of the autumn foliage and spectacular landscapes in peace before winter (and ski season) arrives. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Patagonia in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Autumn is in full swing this time of year in Patagonia with cooling temperatures and fiery colors. Crowds thin out across the region making this a great time to visit with decent hiking weather and lower prices (except for Easter week). Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.

Patagonia in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

March is a great time to travel to Patagonia for the first glimpses of autumn. This is when crowds and prices beginning to taper off, making popular national parks like Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares, more peaceful. Read on to learn more.

Patagonia in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

February is the last full month of Patagonia's high season with peak temperatures and longish days of summer—perfect for all sorts of outdoor adventures that capitalize on the views. Despite peak crowds and prices, this is a wonderful time to visit. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.

Patagonia in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

January in one of the best months of the year to visit Patagonia and the crowds confirm it. This is peak season for international tourists who come to see glaciers, wildlife, and national parks with warmer temperatures and longer days for enjoying outdoor activities. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go, including lesser-known options.

Going Off the Beaten Path in Patagonia: 5 Places to Know

Come for the whale-watching and national parks, stay for the charming Welsh towns, little-known hot springs, and far-flung marble caves. Patagonia is huge, and while the classic attractions shouldn't be missed, there's plenty to see and do off the beaten path, from hiking to ancient cave art to sleeping beside a glacier.

Ultimate Guide to Puerto Madryn: Wildlife Hub of Argentine Patagonia

Overlooking the sheltered waters of the Golfo Nuevo, this fast-growing city is the main tourist hub in Argentine Patagonia. It's the perfect base for visiting the internationally renowned Península Valdés marine reserve—famous for southern right whales—and exploring the region’s Welsh heritage. This guide will help you plan your trip and find the best that Puerto Madryn has to offer.

Hike to Mirador Cerro Torre while staying in El Chaltén

Patagonia's Best Day Hikes - 14 Days

If you love hiking, this active 14-day trip highlights Patagonia's best trails with some of the most spectacular scenery in the world (thanks to two UNESCO-listed parks). Start off in Argentine Patagonia for Los Glaciares National Park—home to 13 glaciers and the iconic Mt. Fitz Roy. Then head across the border to Torres del Paine National Park, dominated by snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and rare wildlife.

Hike to the base of the Paine Massif on your first day in Torres del Paine

Southern Patagonia - 14 Days

Explore the best sites of Southern Patagonia (both countries) on this two-week adventure. First, there's Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina Patagonia for a boat trip to Perito Moreno Glacier. Next is Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia for three days of guided hikes. Head back across the border to Ushuaia—the southernmost city in the world—for ice trekking and free time to see the penguins.

Punta Arenas & the "O" Trek - 14 Days

This two-week Chilean trip combines the southern tip of Patagonia with a major trek in Torres del Paine National Park. Starting from Santiago, fly to Punta Arenas for neoclassical architecture and penguins before heading to Puerto Natales—the jumping on/off point for Torres del Paine. Then join the Paine Massif Circuit ("O"), a more challenging option than its sister trek ("W"). You'll beat the crowds by hiking the remote backside of the park for an even more memorable experience with nature.

Hiking to Mirador Las Torres in Torres del Paine National Park

Best Time to Visit Patagonia

In Patagonia, as the old saying goes, you can experience four seasons in a single day. It's true that you should pack for sun, cold, rain, and snow—but in reality, the seasons here differ greatly with respect to crowds, prices, and wildlife. Read on for more about whale-watching in spring months, winter skiing, fall foliage photography, and summertime treks in some of the world's best national parks.

Traveler Interview: Hiking & Highlights in Argentine Patagonia

Patagonia is an epic destination, perfect for celebrating a milestone—and for Peter Bonnell's 40th birthday, he did just that. His group toured the Perito Moreno Glacier, paddled through Ushuaia National Park, and did plenty of trekking around El Chaltén with trailside views of iconic peaks and glacial lakes. Hear more about Peter's adventure and check out his photos below.

Entering the town of El Chaltén and the Fitz Roy Massif

Best of Argentine Patagonia - 14 Days

Two weeks is a fantastic length of time to experience Southern Argentina. After kicking off in Buenos Aires, fly to Patagonia for glaciers and treks around Los Glaciares National Park (and iconic Mt. Fitz Roy). Then head to Ushuaia—the southernmost city in the world—for canoeing, channel cruising, and frolicking with penguins. Each night is another opportunity to taste the region's best food, wine, and local culture.

Classic Argentine Patagonia - 13 Days

This 13-day tour of Argentina's far south covers the classics. Starting in Buenos Aires, you'll fly to Patagonia for a range of outdoor activities and wildlife. On the itinerary are two national parks: Tierra del Fuego (rivers and ancient settlements) and Los Glaciares (glaciers and iconic mountains). There's also whale watching and a visit to South America´s largest Magellanic Penguin colony for the ultimate photo ops.

The Fitz Roy Massif near Argentina's El Chaltén

Trekking in Chilean & Argentine Patagonia - 15 Days

Experience the best treks in Patagonia on this 15-day adventure, including two UNESCO-listed national parks. Start off in Argentina's Los Glaciares with 13 major glaciers and the iconic Mt. Fitz Roy. Across the border, you'll take the "W Trek" in Chile's Torres del Paine for snow-capped peaks, thundering waterfalls, and turquoise lakes. Kick off the whole trip in Buenos Aires for some big-city culture.

Torres del Paine & Última Esperanza - 12 Days

Few places in the world are more coveted as a trekking destination than Torres del Paine National Park. Located in Chilean Patagonia, this protected mountain wilderness is open to anyone looking for outdoor adventure. Accomplish the highlights on this 12-day trip, including waterfalls, glaciers, and enormous peaks. You'll also visit Última Esperanza Sound for fjord tours, kayaking, and a cave with 11,000 years of history.

Sunrise in Torres del Paine National Park

Relaxing Adventure in Patagonia - 12 Days

This exciting 12-day itinerary explores key highlights of Patagonia (in both countries) at a relaxed pace. After a day in Chile's capital, fly south to Puerto Natales, a port city that acts as the jumping on/off point for Torres del Paine—one of the most famous national parks in the world. Here, you'll hike and stay two nights at a luxury eco-camp before crossing the border for the best glaciers in Argentina.

Patagonia Highlights in Argentina & Chile - 11 Days

This 11-day tour dives into Argentina and Chilean Patagonia with a slew of moderate, yet incredibly scenic day trips. Starting in Buenos Aires, you'll get a taste of mind-boggling glaciers, sail the ice rivers in El Calafate, and enjoy the magnitude of Chile's most famous national park. Mixing relaxation and adrenaline, the tours (many by boat) are flexible for those who prefer more challenging activities.

Chile's Puerto Varas & W Trek - 11 Days

This 11-day adventure combines sightseeing in central Chile with a multi-day trek in Patagonia's most scenic national park. Kicking off in Santiago, you'll head to a German-style village known for its volcano views and breweries before continuing south to Torres del Paine for the W Trek. Here, you'll hike past turquoise lakes, emerald forests, roaring rivers, and a massive glacier to get to the best view in the house: Paine Massif.

Trekking in Chilean & Argentine Patagonia - 12 Days

Chile and Argentina's far south is a trekker’s dream. This is where Patagonia's craggy mountains, massive glaciers, and rushing waterfalls create countless opportunities for exploration on foot. After a day in Buenos Aires, head to Los Glaciares National Park for some ice trekking on Perito Moreno, a glacier that is actually advancing. You'll then head to Torres del Paine—the crown jewel of national parks in Patagonia—for a multi-day hike through Grey Glacier, French Valley, and the imposing towers of Las Torres.

Catch a sunrise at Lake Pehoe on your multi-day trek

Wonders of Chilean Patagonia - 10 Days

This 10-day tour combines Chile's most picturesque attractions with a nice mix of relaxation and physical exertion. After starting in the cosmopolitan capital, you'll head to a lakeside village (adorned with a snowcapped volcano) before continuing south to Patagonia. Then it's time for the "W Trek" in Torres del Paine, one of the most scenic national parks in the world. Here you'll hike past turquoise lakes, emerald forests, roaring rivers, and a massive glacier to get to the best view in the house: Paine Massif.

Get your fill of Mt. Fitz Roy while staying in El Chaltén

Hiking in Argentine Patagonia - 10 Days

Argentina, particularly the Patagonia region, offers some of the continent’s best hiking opportunities and this 10-day trip hits the top three spots. Starting in Buenos Aires, you'll head to El Calafate for ice trekking on an advancing glacier. Next is El Chaltén, Argentina's ground zero for iconic peaks like Mt. Fitz Roy. Finish in Bariloche—a Swiss-rooted hub in the Lake District offering a plethora of trails and chocolate shops.

Argentina's Mt. Fitz Roy looming in the distance

Patagonia Multi-Sport Adventure - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary combines outdoor activities in Argentina and Chile's deep south. After a day in Buenos Aires, head to Los Glaciares National Park for some ice trekking on a major glacier. Next is an overnight hiking trip to Chile's Torres del Paine National Park. You'll finish in Argentina's El Chaltén—home of Mt. Fitz Roy and craft-beer bars—and complete a rock climbing course (there's no better place to learn!)

Patagonia's W Trek & Laguna Azul - 8 Days

Starting in Chile's capital, most of this itinerary takes place in Torres del Paine—the crown jewel of national parks in Patagonia. Here you will embark on a multi-day hike known as the W Circuit through Grey Glacier, French Valley, and the imposing towers of Las Torres. Finish off with a relaxed (yet no less beautiful) excursion to Laguna Azul to round out this adventure.

Spend a day at Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina

Torres del Paine & El Calafate - 8 Days

Deep south of Chile and Argentina, this 8-day itinerary explores some of the most magnificent scenery in the world. First, head to Chilean Patagonia's Torres del Paine for snow-capped peaks and thundering waterfalls. Next, bus to Argentine Patagonia for a glacier hike and other activities while based in El Calafate—a traveler hub with a range of services. Kick off the whole trip in Santiago for a taste of big-city culture.

Torres del Paine "O" Circuit Adventure - 11 Days

This 11-day trip achieves the Paine Massif Circuit—commonly called the "O"—in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park. More adventurous than its sister trek, the "W" (which follows a portion of this trek), the "O" is suited for those seeking a lesser-visited and more challenging route. You'll also get two nights in Puerto Natales and an arrival day in Chile's capital with just enough time to check out the sites.

Los Cuernos, or “the Horns,” in Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park

Patagonia's W Trek & Marble Caves - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary packs a lot of punch for those keen on experiencing as much Chilean nature as possible. Start off with some urban culture before flying south to frolic with thousands of penguins. Next, you’ll spend several days trekking in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Finish in northern Patagonia's Aysén region for glaciers and marble cave formations you won't soon forget.

Santiago & Patagonia Exploration - 13 Days

Few other places in the world can compete with the wild, jagged mountains and enormous panoramas of Patagonia. With this 13-day adventure, you’ll get the best of the region—in both countries— starting with Chilean Patagonia. Here you'll partake in the famed 'W' trek—a multi-day hike that covers the furthest reaches of Torres del Paine. Then bus over to Argentine Patagonia for ancient glaciers and the iconic Mt. Fitz Roy. Kick off the adventure in Chile's capital for a dose of big-city culture.

Mt. Fitz Roy looms above the town of El Chaltén

Los Glaciares & Torres del Paine - 8 Days

This active trip highlights two UNESCO-listed parks in South America with some of the most magnificent scenery in the world. Start off in Argentine Patagonia for several days in Los Glaciares National Park—home to a whopping 13 major glaciers and the iconic Mt. Fitz Roy. Next is Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia for snow-capped peaks, thundering waterfalls, and turquoise lakes. Kick off the adventure in Buenos Aires for a taste of big-city culture.

Torres del Paine Relaxed Adventure - 6 Days

This itinerary covers a lot of ground in less than a week yet sticks to a relaxed pace. After a day exploring Santiago, fly south to Torres del Paine—one of the most famous national parks in the world. Here you'll stay two nights at a luxury eco-camp for a range of outdoor activities that capitalize on the views. As an added bonus, you'll visit a working Patagonian ranch for the ultimate taste of local culture.

Multi-Day Hiking in Torres del Paine - 7 Days

This weeklong itinerary highlights Torres del Paine National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime hiking trip in Patagonia. After a day to explore Chile's capital, fly south to experience the park's nearly 450,000 acres of glaciers, ice fields, forests, lakes, and rugged mountains that will get your heart racing. Your jumping on/off point will be Puerto Natales—a port city attracting trekkers from all over the world.

Chile's Lake Carrera in the Patagonia region

Marble Caves & Carretera Austral - 5 Days

Chile is chock-full of distinct natural wonders. Case in point, the otherworldly marble caves of the unspoiled Aysén region, in Chilean Patagonia. On this five-day jaunt, you'll visit these geological formations, along with massive glaciers and marine life in Laguna San Rafael National Park. Round out the adventure with a night in Santiago for a dose of cosmopolitan cuisine and culture.

A four-day trek along the southern tip of Chile

Patagonia's Navarinos Teeth Trek - 7 Days

This weeklong adventure highlights an important trail on the very tip of South America. Part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve called Cabo de Hornos, Chile’s Navarino Island is the home to human settlements of Yagan people—one of the last native groups on the continent. After getting a taste of urban Santiago, fly south for a four-day guided trek while experiencing a range of Sub-Antarctic ecological wonders.

Patagonia Wildlife Adventure - 6 Days

This in-depth itinerary allows you to go deeper into Torres del Paine National Park than most have an opportunity to. Over six days you'll get an up-close view of the local wildlife on guided tours, visit a working Patagonian estancia (ranch), and even explore the Strait of Magellan on a hair-raising zodiac excursion. It's a naturalist's dream and an adventure you won't soon forget.

Discover Ushuaia - 6 Days

The city of Ushuaia, located in Tierra del Fuego, has the distinction of being the southernmost city of the world. You can imagine, then, the unspoiled nature and rugged landscapes that abound in this region of Patagonia. In just under a week you'll be able to experience the natural highlights in and around Ushuaia on trekking excursions, canoe trips, boat rides on the Beagle Channel, and even an outing to do some penguin spotting. It's the most fun you can have at the "end of the world."

Torres del Paine Experience - 6 Days

You don't need two full weeks to experience Chilean Patagonia. In fact, you can enjoy the major highlights in one national park: Torres del Paine. Not only is this one of the most famous trekking destinations in the world, but it's overflowing with snow-capped peaks, thundering waterfalls, and turquoise lakes. This quick six-day itinerary includes the best sites and treks in the park, and you'll kick off the adventure by exploring Chile's capital of Santiago.

Lake District & W Trek Adventure - 12 Days

This extensive 12-day itinerary covers the major highlights of central and southern Chile: the Lake District and Torres del Paine National Park. The Lake District is justifiably famous for its charming villages, Prussian-blue lakes, and snow-capped volcanoes. Torres del Paine, on the other hand, is the crown jewel of national parks in Patagonia, and here you will embark on a multi-day hike known as the W Circuit Trek. Throw in a visit to a Patagonian penguin colony and a jaunt to the mystical and beautiful island of Chiloé, and you have the perfect recipe for the trip of a lifetime.