For most travelers, 12 to 15 days is the perfect amount of time for a Patagonia trip, with stops in Santiago, Torres del Paine, Buenos Aires, El Calafate, and El Chaltén. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, or Puerto Natales. Get inspired with the below Santiago, Torres del Paine, Buenos Aires, El Calafate, and El Chaltén trip ideas.
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Discovering the Ideal Duration for Your Journey: Santiago, Torres del Paine, Buenos Aires, El Calafate & El Chaltén
- Most travelers find that a combined trip encompassing Santiago, Torres del Paine, Buenos Aires, El Calafate, and El Chaltén benefits from a duration of 12 to 15 days, allowing for a comfortable pace and immersive experiences.
- While a shorter visit to Santiago, Torres del Paine, Buenos Aires, El Calafate, and El Chaltén within 9 to 11 days is feasible, it often results in a rushed itinerary, leaving limited time for in-depth exploration and relaxation.
- For those fortunate enough to have 16 or more days at their disposal, the opportunity arises to enrich their journey by incorporating additional captivating destinations.
- Popular extensions to these itineraries commonly include the captivating landscapes of Ushuaia, the charming city of Punta Arenas, or the picturesque town of Puerto Natales, each offering unique experiences and perspectives.
Exploring the vibrant city of Buenos Aires deserves dedicated time.
Curated Itineraries for Santiago, Torres del Paine, Buenos Aires, El Calafate & El Chaltén
Recommended Itinerary for a 12-Day Adventure
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Upon arrival in the dynamic city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, immerse yourself in the local culture with a delightful dinner followed by a captivating Tango Show, a true spectacle of Argentine passion and artistry. | Buenos Aires |
| Day 2 | Embark on a morning flight to El Calafate, the gateway to Patagonia’s glaciers. In the afternoon, experience an exhilarating 4WD tour, culminating in a unique Cave Dinner within the Patagonian landscape. | El Calafate |
| Day 3 | Journey to Lago Frías for a scenic hiking and boat tour, exploring the hidden beauty of this glacial lake and its surrounding forests. | El Calafate |
| Day 4 | Set sail on the Todo Glaciares Navigation, a boat tour that takes you up close to the majestic glaciers of the Los Glaciares National Park. | El Calafate |
| Day 5 | Transfer to El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital, and embark on a rewarding hike to Mirador Los Condores, offering panoramic views of the Fitz Roy massif. | El Chaltén |
| Day 6 | Challenge yourself with a hike to Laguna de Los Tres, a stunning glacial lake nestled at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy, offering breathtaking views. | El Chaltén |
| Day 7 | Take a bus to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, crossing the border and entering a landscape of towering granite peaks and turquoise lakes. | Torres del Paine |
| Day 8 | Immerse yourself in Torres del Paine with a horseback riding adventure, exploring the park’s vast landscapes and encountering its diverse wildlife. | Torres del Paine |
| Day 9 | Discover the park’s iconic lakes and hiking trails with a guided tour, revealing the natural wonders and geological history of Torres del Paine. | Torres del Paine |
| Day 10 | Experience the thrill of rock climbing in Torres del Paine, scaling granite cliffs and enjoying unparalleled views of the Patagonian wilderness. | Torres del Paine |
| Day 11 | Fly to Santiago, the capital of Chile, and take an afternoon city tour, exploring its historical landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods. | Santiago |
| Day 12 | Embark on a half-day Maipo Valley tour, sampling Chilean wines amidst stunning vineyard landscapes, before departing from Santiago. |
A journey to Patagonia remains incomplete without experiencing both the Argentinian and Chilean sides. The 12-day adventure begins with a cultural immersion in Buenos Aires, featuring a captivating tango show. Travelers then fly south to El Calafate, where they can marvel at the impressive Perito Moreno glacier. Mountain treks around the legendary Fitz Roy massif await before heading to Chile to explore the stunning lakes and mountain peaks of Torres del Paine National Park.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Expanding Your Horizons: Extended Itineraries
Unveiling Patagonia & Ushuaia: A 13-Day Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Begin your journey in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a guided walking tour, discovering the city’s architectural gems and historical landmarks. | Buenos Aires |
| Day 2 | Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and explore the city, choosing from optional activities such as a boat tour or a museum visit. | Ushuaia |
| Day 3 | Take a day trip to Isla Martillo to visit the Penguin Colony, observing thousands of Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat. | Ushuaia |
| Day 4 | Experience the beauty of Tierra del Fuego National Park with a trekking and canoeing excursion, exploring its forests, lakes, and rivers. | Ushuaia |
| Day 5 | Fly to El Calafate and enjoy a 4WD tour. | El Calafate |
| Day 6 | Day trip to Perito Moreno, taking the boat tour. | El Calafate |
| Day 7 | Bus to El Chaltén. Explore the town. | El Chaltén |
| Day 8 | Hike to Laguna de Los Tres. | El Chaltén |
| Day 9 | Bus to Torres del Paine. | Torres del Paine |
| Day 10 | Boat trip to Grey Glacier. | Torres del Paine |
| Day 11 | Day hike to Base Torres. | Torres del Paine |
| Day 12 | Fly to Santiago. | Santiago |
| Day 13 | Depart Santiago. |
The 13-day journey covers Patagonia and starts with hikes, canoeing, and wildlife tours in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego. Glaciers are next as you travel to El Calafate and marvel at the massive ice walls of Perito Moreno. Stretch your legs with mountain hikes in El Chaltén before trips in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park.
Navigating Patagonia: Travel Between Santiago, Torres del Paine, Buenos Aires, El Calafate & El Chaltén
Reaching Santiago de Chile
Santiago, a prominent city in Chile and South America, is accessible via car, plane, or bus, depending on the origin. The city is well connected with airports and highways.
Venturing into Torres del Paine National Park
As a popular destination in Chile and South America, Torres del Paine National Park is near Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas. Travelers often transit through these cities. A five-day trip showcases the park’s highlights, especially suitable for travelers from Santiago.
Connecting Santiago and Buenos Aires
The 890-mile (1,435 km) distance between Santiago de Chile and Buenos Aires can be covered by direct flight. This offers the best and most convenient option for travel.
Accessing El Calafate
Located on Lago Argentino‘s shore, El Calafate is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and the Perito Moreno Glacier. Many fly directly from Buenos Aires or visit from Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. A plane is the best option except when traveling from El Chaltén, which is only 133 miles (214 km) north.
Journeying to El Chaltén
Renowned for hiking, El Chaltén sits near Mount Fitz Roy. The nearest airport is in El Calafate, three hours away. The easiest way to reach El Chaltén is to travel to El Calafate and drive (by private transfer, rental car, or bus) from there.
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