2 Weeks in Patagonia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Discover the Best of Argentine Patagonia

On this two-week trip, you'll trek some of the glaciers of Argentine Patagonia, then head to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, to observe penguins in their natural habitat and canoe and hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park. With the inclusion of free time—for horseback riding, spa treatments, or exploration on your own—this itinerary is well-suited to travelers that prefer some flexibility in their schedule.  

Start with sightseeing in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a night out on the town—if you have the energy. Then, fly to El Calafate for a trek at Perito Moreno in Los Glaciares National Park, where you'll witness massive chunks of ice breaking off. Book a spa treatment, go for a horseback ride, or do some bird-watching at Reserva Laguna Nimez on a free day in El Calafate. Enjoy views of Mount Fitz Roy on the drive to El Chaltén, then hike to Laguna de los Tres, a lagoon with views of three peaks: Fitz Roy, Poincenot, and Torre. On Day 6, you'll hike a trail of your choice, such as one that leads to the glacial lake of Laguna Torre.

Visit Huemul Glacier on a free day, then head back to El Chaltén to sample some craft beer before catching a flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Go trekking and canoeing in Tierra del Fuego National Park, then take a cruise around Beagle Channel to spot a sea lion colony and Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Your journey culminates with a full-day excursion to Isla Martillo and Estancia Harberton, where you'll see hundreds or even thousands of penguins in their natural habitat, then enjoy a seafood lunch with a local family in the village of Almanza before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Patagonia's Best Day Hikes

This active itinerary highlights some of Patagonia's best trails in Chile's Torres del Paine and Argentina's El Calafate and El Chaltén. The opportunity to trek almost every day, in addition to ice hiking the Perito Moreno glacier and catamaran cruising around Grey Glacier, makes this ideal for active travelers keen on experiencing Patagonia's natural beauty and challenging terrain.  

Get acquainted with Buenos Aires on a guided tour that includes the San Telmo neighborhood, famous for its bohemian atmosphere, street tango performances, and antique shops. Fly to El Calafate for an ice trek on the Perito Moreno Glacier. Transfer to El Chaltén, where you'll hike to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre before returning to El Calafate for a night of rest. Cross the border to Chile and Torres del Paine National Park, dominated by snowcapped peaks and turquoise lakes. Visit the Salto Grande waterfall and Lago Pehoé before settling into your lodgings inside the park.

Hike to the base of Paine Massif, where you'll find views of the rock formations reflecting in the lagoon. Spend Day 10 trekking the French Valley, then cross Lake Pehoé on a catamaran, and end with a view of the French Glacier. Cruise around Grey Glacier, then ice hike to Bigfoot Basecamp. Trek to Lago Pehoé for a chance to cross one of the park's suspension bridges, then enjoy views of the lake at sunset. Finally, trek along the shore of Lago Nordenskjöld and up Almirante Nieto, and spend your final night at Refugio & Camping Chileno before transferring to Punta Arenas for your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Torres del Paine "O" Circuit & Punta Arenas

This itinerary is a great choice for travelers that want to combine urban exploration in Santiago and a visit to a penguin colony near Punta Arenas with the "O" Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park. Given that a large part of the trip involves camping and some challenging hikes, such as the ascent to John Gardner Pass, this itinerary is best for experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.  

Visit Santiago's sites, including the iconic Palacio de la Moneda, before flying to Punta Arenas. Take a tour to Isla Magdalena and Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, home to the country's largest penguin colony, before continuing to Puerto Natales. Cruise to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, where you'll hike to Hosteria Perales, then refuel with a Patagonian barbecue. Next, head to Torres del Paine National Park and set out on the Paine Massif Circuit ("O" Circuit). A more challenging option than the popular "W" Trek, the "O" Circuit allows you to escape the crowds and hike the remote backside of the park.

Walk along Río Paine and camp under the stars at Dome & Camping Seron. Spot the imposing Southern Ice Field en route to Camping Dickson, then continue through the native Lenga forests and camp at the base of Glacier Los Perros. Make your way along John Gardner Pass, enjoying views of Grey Glacier and crossing some suspension bridges before reaching Campamento Grey. The trek concludes with a hike along Lake Pehoé and into the French Valley. Catch a shuttle to Puerto Natales for a celebratory seafood dinner and pisco sours before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Southern Patagonia

Hit the highlights of southern Patagonia on this two-week journey, including the chance to see icebergs calving in Los Glaciares National Park, hiking and camping in Torres del Paine National Park, and a glacier hike in Ushuaia. This trip is an excellent option for first-time visitors eager to experience some of the highlights of the Argentine and Chilean sides of Patagonia.

Tour Buenos Aires and dine at an Argentine parrilla (steakhouse) before flying to El Calafate, where the Patagonian adventure begins on the Argentine side. Take a boat tour around the glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park and witness "calving," the sight of ice breaking off the facade and crashing into the waters. Cross the border into Chile, where you'll spend the next four days hiking, camping, and cruising on a catamaran in Torres del Paine National Park.

Cross back into Argentina and take a day to rest or join another hike or glacier tour. Catch a flight to Ushuaia on Day 11, where you'll hike to Ojo de Albino Glacier, then cruise the Beagle Channel or visit the penguin colony at Isla Martillo. Before departure, celebrate your two-country adventure with a fresh seafood dinner—Ushuaia's centolla (king crab) is world-famous. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Chilean Patagonia's National Parks & Outdoor Highlights

Wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers will appreciate the opportunities for bird-watching in Alerce Andino National Park, cougar-spotting in Torres del Paine National Park, and the chance to see four ecological zones and kayak among glaciers on this Chilean Patagonia itinerary. 

Get a taste of Santiago on arrival with a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Barrio Bellavista, followed by your first Chilean dinner. Fly to Puerto Varas, where you can walk the waterfront and enjoy views of Lago Llanquihue and snowcapped Andean peaks in the distance. Catch a flight to Chaitén for a guided hike in Pumalín National Park. Next, head to Osorno Volcano for a 7.5-mile (12 km) hike along Paso Desolación (Desolation Path). Then, enjoy bird-watching as you trek through temperate forests and pause for breaks at Lagos Chaiquenes and Triangulo in Alerce Andino National Park.

Fly to Puerto Natales on Day 8 and fuel up on a seafood stew before heading to Torres del Paine National Park. Walk through ancient forests as you hike Mount Almirante Nieto for views of the Asencio Valley and Lago Nordenskjöld. Search for cougars and other wildlife while visiting Torres del Paine National Park's four ecological zones—the Andean desert, the Magellanic subpolar, the shrubland, and the Patagonian steppe. Visit Grey Glacier, where you can kayak among icebergs and ice hike on Islatak. Spend your final full day horseback riding, bird-watching, and more at Estancia La Peninsula ranch. Learn more

More Great Patagonia Itineraries

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