Highlights
- Boat around Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world's only advancing glaciers
- Hike and ride a horse across the scenery of Mount Fitz Roy and El Chalten
- See the stunning lakes, mountains, and waterfalls of Torres del Paine
- Trek to the Torres Base for the region's most spectacular mountain views
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Destination | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Explore the City | Buenos Aires |
| Day 2 | Side Trip to Tigre, Tango Lesson | Buenos Aires |
| Day 3 | Fly to El Calafate, Visit the Glaciarium | El Calafate |
| Day 4 | See the Perito Moreno Glacier | El Calafate |
| Day 5 | Ride Horses, Kayak, or See Wildlife Near El Calafate | El Calafate |
| Day 6 | Scenic Bus Trip to El Chaltén, Explore | El Chaltén |
| Day 7 | Discover Mountain Trails Around El Chaltén | El Chaltén |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Puerto Natales (Chile) via El Calafate | Puerto Natales |
| Day 9 | Private Tour of Torres del Paine | Torres del Paine |
| Day 10 | Transfer to El Calafate & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Explore the City
Welcome to Argentina! Begin your trip in Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital city. Nicknamed the "Paris of South America," it's famous for its rich tango heritage, European-inspired architecture, and fervent fútbol (soccer) fans. You'll transfer from the airport to your hotel and have some time to get settled before heading off on an afternoon tour. Your guide will pick you up and start by showing you Plaza de Mayo, home to the national government palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Continue to nearby San Telmo, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods; it's famous for its bohemian atmosphere, street tango performances, antique shops, and cobblestoned streets. Explore more of the city's neighborhoods throughout the afternoon. La Boca is known for its brightly-painted houses and the legendary Boca Juniors Football Club, where Diego Maradona played. Puerto Madero is on the riverside, with former industrial warehouses turned into elegant bars, restaurants, and offices.
Palermo is home to trendy bars, clubs, and boutiques, plus parks, lakes, and wooded areas. Recoleta is famous for its cemetery, where some of Argentina's most famous residents are buried—including Eva Perón, also known as Evita. After the tour, have dinner near your hotel—try an Argentine parrilla, or steakhouse—and get some rest before traveling onward tomorrow.
Day 2: Side Trip to Tigre, Tango Lesson
After breakfast, head down to the waterfront in Puerto Madero to board a boat for a half-day adventure. Cruise along the Río de la Plata to the Paraná Delta, navigating its network of canals. You'll disembark to visit a few spots in the city of Tigre, including the Naval Museum and the Tigre Art Museum. At the Puerto de Frutos marketplace, take a break to have lunch and shop for artisan-made souvenirs. You'll cruise back to Buenos Aires in the afternoon.
In the evening, you'll participate in a tango class with a local teacher at a venue in San Telmo. Then sit down to watch the professionals dance to the music of a live orchestra as you enjoy a multicourse dinner with wine pairings. Return to your hotel to get some rest after a busy day out.
Day 3: Fly to El Calafate, Visit the Glaciarium
Today you'll fly to the Patagonian destination of El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. If you can, get a window seat to take in the stunning views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field as you fly over it. 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. Stop in the quaint cafés and shops around El Calafate, then have dinner in a local restaurant before getting some rest at your hotel.
Day 4: See the Perito Moreno Glacier
Today's adventure takes you to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. The transfer from your hotel takes about one hour. As you enter the park, you'll catch your first glimpse of the majestic glacier. 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. Near the visitor's center, you'll have time to explore the boardwalks and viewing platforms offering sweeping views of the glacier. Head back to El Calafate for the evening.
Day 5: Ride Horses, Kayak, or See Wildlife Near El Calafate
Today you'll have free time to enjoy El Calafate however you like. You could book a luxurious spa treatment and spend the day relaxing. Embark on an active adventure, like horseback riding at a nearby ranch, or go for a kayak trip on the lake. You could also tour Reserva Laguna Nimez, a protected area that's home to exotic birds like the Chilean flamingo. The reserve is located just a short walk outside town.
Day 6: Scenic Bus Trip to El Chaltén, Explore
Today you'll board a bus for the incredibly scenic three-hour ride to El Chaltén. (Be on the lookout for the La Leona Road House, the former hideout spot of Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid after their notorious bank robbery.) This small Patagonian village, nicknamed "the trekking capital of Argentina," sits on the shores of Lago Argentino. Like El Calafate, it's a gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, with towering peaks rising 10,000 feet (3,048 m) above the windswept landscape. As you drive into El Chaltén, enjoy incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy.
Check in to your hotel, then take the rest of the day to acclimate to the area. If you're up for a short outdoor adventure, well-marked trails lead away from town. Or walk around the village and have a relaxing evening in one of El Chaltén's many restaurants and craft beer bars. For dinner, sample local dishes like roast Patagonian lamb, rib-eye steak, and empanadas. Then get some rest before tomorrow's early start.
Day 7: Discover Mountain Trails Around El Chaltén
Spend today discovering the numerous hiking trails of El Chaltén at your own pace. One popular option is the hike to Laguna Torre, leading through a glacial valley to a scenic lagoon. This trek takes about six hours. Another possibility is the hike to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, which takes between six and seven hours and features excellent views over the park. If the weather is clear, you might enjoy the vistas of Lago Viedma.
In the evening, return to El Chaltén and relax in one of the town's many restaurants and craft beer bars. For dinner, sample local dishes like roast Patagonian lamb, rib-eye steak, and empanadas.
Day 8: Transfer to Puerto Natales (Chile) via El Calafate
Today you'll cross into Chilean Patagonia from Argentina. The first step is to transfer back to El Calafate, where you can have lunch and go for a stroll around town. In the late afternoon, continue to the Chilean town of Puerto Natales. This journey can take upward of five hours, depending on traffic conditions at the Argentina/Chile border. Formerly a fishing port, Puerto Natales is 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. More adventures in Patagonia's landscapes await tomorrow!
Day 9: Private Tour of Torres del Paine
Have breakfast at your hotel this morning. Then 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 Torres del Paine's unique ecosystem and impressive viewpoints at your own pace alongside 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 some of the park's diverse wildlife, which includes cougars, foxes, guanacos, and birds of prey. Take in stunning landscapes, from the park's iconic horn-shaped peaks to glacial lakes. Enjoy a few short hikes, including one to the famous thundering waterfalls of Salto Grande and a picnic lunch with a view. You'll transfer to your lodgings in the national park to have dinner and spend the night.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 10: Transfer to El Calafate, Depart
More Great Patagonia Itineraries
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