Torres del Paine, El Calafate, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas & El Chaltén: Best Itinerary Ideas
How many days do you need in Torres del Paine, El Calafate, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas & El Chaltén?
- Most travelers spend 10-14 days in Torres del Paine, El Calafate, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas, and El Chaltén combined
- Visiting Torres del Paine, El Calafate, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas, and El Chaltén in 8 or 9 days is possible but will feel rushed
- With 15 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extension is Santiago
How Many Days to Spend in Patagonia
Recommended Itineraries for Torres del Paine, El Calafate, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas & El Chaltén
Recommended Itinerary for 11 Days
| 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 | Transfer to Puerto Natales | Puerto Natales |
| Day 4 | Hike to the Famous Granite Towers in Torres del Paine National Park | Torres del Paine |
| Day 5 | Kayak Lago & Rio Grey, Return to Puerto Natales | Puerto Natales |
| Day 6 | Transfer to El Calafate | El Calafate |
| Day 7 | Perito Moreno Boat & Walking Tour, Transfer to El Chaltén | El Chaltén |
| Day 8 | Hike to Mount Fitz Roy | El Chaltén |
| Day 9 | Ice Trekking at Cagliero Glacier | El Chaltén |
| Day 10 | Hike to Mirador Cerro Torre | El Chaltén |
| Day 11 | Transfer to El Calafate, Depart Patagonia |
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. Then, 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
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
15-Day Itinerary Including Santiago
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Santiago, Explore | Santiago |
| Day 2 | Fly to Punta Arenas, Self-Guided Tour | Punta Arenas |
| Day 3 | Magdalena Island & Marta Island Wildlife Tours | Punta Arenas |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Puerto Natales | Puerto Natales |
| Day 5 | Patagonian Estancia Day Trip | Puerto Natales |
| Day 6 | Ultima Esperanza Sound & Rio Serrano Boat Tours | Torres del Paine |
| Day 7 | Torres del Paine Wildlife Tour | Torres del Paine |
| Day 8 | Hike to Base Torres | Puerto Natales |
| Day 9 | Boat Trip to Grey Glacier | Torres del Paine |
| Day 10 | Transfer to El Calafate (Argentina) | El Calafate |
| Day 11 | Explore the Perito Moreno Glacier | El Calafate |
| Day 12 | Transfer to El Chaltén | El Chaltén |
| Day 13 | Hike to Laguna de Los Tres | El Chaltén |
| Day 14 | Self-Guided Hiking in El Chaltén | El Chaltén |
| Day 15 | Transfer to El Calafate, Depart Patagonia |
This 15-day trip combines outdoor attractions around Chile and Argentina's spectacular far south, also known as Patagonia. You'll start with penguins, horses, and glaciers before entering Torres del Paine National Park for three days of guided tours. Then head across the border for Los Glaciares National Park, where you'll go ice trekking and partake in several jaw-dropping trails near Mount Fitz Roy. Read more
How to travel between Torres del Paine, El Calafate, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas & El Chaltén
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 El Chaltén
Known as one of the most spectacular destinations for hiking in Patagonia, El Chaltén practically sits in the shadow of Mount Fitz Roy and a truly spectacular section of the Andes. The nearest local airport is three hours away in El Calafate, and the easiest way to reach El Chaltén is to travel to El Calafate and drive (by private transfer, rental car, or bus) from there. 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 El Calafate
Perched on the shore of the ice-blue Lago Argentino, El Calafate is most known as the gateway to the Los Glaciares National Park and its famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Many visitors choose to fly directly to El Calafate from Buenos Aires or visit El Calafate on the way back north from Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. Your best bet to reach El Calafate is to take a plane—the notable exception is if you're traveling to or from El Chaltén, which is only about 133 miles (214 km) to the north. 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
