Finest Patagonia itinerary 2023 (Argentina and Chile)

Patagonia an unbelievable area in South America is a superb place to return for an final journey. There are various wonderful locations to go to and issues to do within the area. Your Patagonia itinerary will rely on how a lot time you might have within the area. I’d suggest having a minimal of seven days and deciding what you wish to see and do. In my view, southern Patagonia is one of the best place to return in case you don’t have a lot time and wish to see among the highlights of the area. The advised itineraries are targeted on the south of Patagonia and embrace Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, El Chalten, and Ushuaia.

The place is Patagonia?

Patagonia is an unlimited area divided between Argentina and Chile. The Andes Mountains function a pure border between the 2 international locations. The area occupies over 1 million sq. kilometers (620,000 sq. miles) within the south of the South American continent. There are a whole lot of distinctive locations to go to together with a number of Patagonia Nationwide Parks that provide nice alternatives for outside actions. Patagonia is an actual paradise for nature lovers; glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains, and indigenous forests create an ideal pure habitat for numerous wildlife within the area. 

Find out how to get to Patagonia?

You’ll be able to fly to totally different cities in Patagonia. Relying in your Patagonia itinerary you possibly can fly to Bariloche, El Calafate, and Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales in Chile. These cities are near some common vacationer sights corresponding to Perito Moreno Glacier or Torres del Paine Nationwide Park.

It’s cheaper to fly inside a rustic. So in case you’re in Santiago de Chile it’s cheaper to fly to one of many cities in Chilean Patagonia and the identical for Argentina. 

For locating the most cost effective flights and the airways that function them I’d recommend utilizing Skyscanner however reserving flights is healthier immediately by way of the airline web site. Needless to say in South America there aren’t any finances flights like in Europe the place you possibly can fly for US$10. The typical value for an area flight is round US$50-60.

Airways that function flights between Buenos Aires (and another Argentinian cities) and Patagonia.

Aerolineas Argentinas, Flybondi, and JetSmart are the airways that function flights from Buenos Aires to El Calafate, Bariloche, and Ushuaia. Costs fluctuate relying on vacation spot and departure date.

Airways that function flights between Santiago de Chile and Patagonia.

There are three major airways in Chile: SKY, LATAM, and JetSmart. All three have flights from Santiago de Chile to Puerto Natales, the closest to Torres del Paine city. LATAM is normally fairly a bit costlier. Costs fluctuate relying on the time and day. In the course of the peak season between December and February, costs are increased. If there aren’t any flights to Puerto Natales you possibly can fly to Punta Arenas which is 250 km south and from there get a bus to Torres del Paine.

How a lot time do you want for Patagonia?

Truthfully as a lot time as doable. We spent two months in Patagonia and nonetheless didn’t have sufficient time to do all we wished. I’d say at the very least one week to see the highlights of the area corresponding to El Chalten, Perito Moreno Glacier, and Torres del Paine Nationwide Park. If you wish to see solely Perito Moreno Glacier, one of many prime sights in Argentina 2 or 3 days shall be sufficient. In two weeks you possibly can go mountain climbing in El Chalten or Torres del Paine and go to the glacier. In case you have one month to spend in Patagonia you possibly can embrace in your itinerary Bariloche and Ushuaia in Argentina or the Carretera Austral in Chile. 

What are one of the best months to journey?

The summer season months between November and April are one of the best months to go to the Patagonia area. December, January, and February are the warmest months with the least rainfall. These months are one of the best time for mountain climbing in Torres del Paine as properly.

The interval from the second half of December to February is the excessive season within the area, it’s the time of summer season holidays in Argentina and Chile. For those who resolve to go to Patagonia throughout that point I’d strongly suggest reserving aircraft tickets, transport, and campsites in Torres del Paine (for multi-day routes) prematurely.

If you wish to have good climate and escape crowds border months of November and the primary half of December and March could be one of the best time to go to Patagonia.

Learn our publish to search out out what to pack for touring in Patagonia.

Is Patagonia price visiting?

Patagonia is certainly price visiting in case you like wilderness, tenting, and mountain climbing. The area is understood for its untouched nature, distinctive panorama, spectacular surroundings, and numerous wildlife. Even in case you don’t like mountain climbing it’s price visiting Patagonia. It’s a tremendous place for a street journey. For those who lease a automobile you possibly can embrace a number of prime sights in your Patagonia itinerary.  

Journey insurance coverage in your journey

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Renting a automobile in Patagonia

Renting a automobile is a good way to have flexibility in your Patagonia itinerary. It’s the quickest manner of getting round in Patagonia, particularly within the Chilean a part of it on the Carretera Austral. Renting a automobile would possibly work out cheaper as properly in case you’re a household or a gaggle of mates touring collectively.

For those who fly to El Calafate airport you possibly can lease a automobile there on arrival.

It’s doable to lease a automobile at Punta Arenas airport or in Puerto Natales (within the city itself) however your choices shall be extra restricted.

Find out how to get round?

To get across the Argentinian Patagonia and not using a automobile you need to use buses. There’s a extensive community of buses that join the cities and the area with the remainder of the nation. You will get by bus to any touristy place although typically you’ll have to modify buses. General touring by bus in Argentina is good and simple. Lengthy-distance buses are very snug some even have absolutely inclined seats. 

Chilean Patagonia, particularly the a part of the Carretera Austral (it’s not included within the advised Patagonia itinerary), is a little more difficult to get round by bus. As a result of many ferry crossings and remoteness within the area. If you wish to cowl lengthy distances it could be higher to take a ferry to fly. Buses are operated by small native corporations which frequently don’t have web sites so it’s tough to search out the precise timetable, routes, and costs. 

7-day Patagonia itinerary (Perito Moreno and Torres del Paine)

In case you have 7 days in Patagonia, I’d recommend visiting the 2 highlights of the area: the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina and Torres del Paine Nationwide Park in Chile. Each locations are amongst among the prime pure landmarks to go to in South America.

The place to start out the itinerary is dependent upon the place you’re coming from. For those who fly to Patagonia from someplace in Argentina then it’s higher to start out in El Calafate. For those who fly from Chile then Puerto Natales is a greater possibility. Flying inside a rustic be it Argentina or Chile is considerably cheaper than flying internationally. 

The highlights of the advised 7-day itinerary are Perito Moreno Glacier and Torres del Paine Nationwide Park. 

Instead as an alternative of utilizing buses and shifting between cities you possibly can keep in El Calafate and go to Torres del Paine with a day tour. On this case, you’ll have time to go to El Chalten and do some mountain climbing there.

You’ll save lots of time if as an alternative of utilizing public buses you lease a automobile or use a non-public shuttle service. There are direct buses between El Calafate and Puerto Natales however they aren’t very frequent and take longer than driving. 

Day 1. Flight Buenos Aires – El Calafate 

I’d recommend reserving an early flight to El Calafate so you might have time to discover the city, relaxation, and put together for the subsequent day. El Calafate is a small city often known as a gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier. The city caters to vacationers there are many lodging choices, eating places, and outlets. 

For those who begin your Patagonia journey in Chile then it’s higher to fly to Puerto Natales.

Fligths from Buenos Aires to El Calafate

There are three airways (Aerolineas Argentinas, Flybondi, and JetSmart) that function fights from the Argentinian capital to El Calafate. Flybondi appears to have the most cost effective flights, from US$70 a method. The opposite two airways supply flights from US$100 a method. The period of the battle is 3h30min.

El Calafate is a small and fairly costly city it’s not one of the best place to purchase mountain climbing or tenting gear. If it’s essential to purchase some stuff it’s higher to do it in Puerto Natales.

Locations to remain in El Calafate

Day 2. Perito Moreno Glacier

Spend a day exploring Perito Moreno Glacier. The glacier is without doubt one of the prime locations to go to in South America. It’s positioned in Los Glaciares Nationwide Park. You’ll be able to go to the park, stroll on boardwalks, and luxuriate in spectacular views of the glacier from a number of lookout factors. It’s the most cost effective possibility to go to Perito Moreno.

If you wish to get near the glacier, you are able to do a ship tour that can take you very near it.

For an final journey go on a glacier hike.

• Opening hours of Perito Moreno Nationwide Park – day by day from 8 am to 7 pm
• Admission price – ARS 10 000/US$36 per individual
• Getting there – by bus, driving, hitchhiking

Day 3. El Calafate, Argentina – Puerto Natales, Chile

Get from El Calafate to Puerto Natales. You’ll be able to take a direct bus, a shuttle, or lease a automobile. The final two shall be a lot quicker. For those who plan a multi-day hike in Torres del Paine it’s higher if you may get to the park on the identical day. It’s simpler to do if in case you have a automobile with buses you may not make it.  

On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays there’s a morning bus that leaves El Calafate at 8 am and arrives in Puerto Natales at 2.05 pm. In the course of the months of November, December, January, and February there’s a bus to Torres del Paine that leaves at 2.30 pm. You will get to the park from El Calafate in at some point.

On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays there may be a day bus that leaves at 4.30 pm and arrives in Puerto Natales at 9.30 pm. It means you’ll have to remain in a single day in Puerto Natales and go to the park the subsequent morning. The value is CLP 28 000/US$30. You should purchase tickets and ensure the timetable on the Bus Sur web site.

For those who keep in a single day you possibly can take the 6.45 am or 7 am bus that arrives at Torres del Paine (Laguna Amarga) at 8.45 am or 9 am. You should purchase tickets on the Bus Sur web site.

For those who lease a automobile or use a non-public shuttle you may get from El Calafate to Torres del Paine in at some point. Needless to say the W trek begins and ends at totally different locations you’ll need to get again to your automobile after finishing the hike. It’s doable to do that utilizing the bus that connects Torres del Paine with Puerto Natales. It makes a number of stops within the park.

Locations to remain in Puerto Natales

Day 4-6. Torres del Paine Nationwide Park

In case you have 3 full days in Torres del Paine Nationwide Park you are able to do a shorter model of the W trek. It’s a multi-day route within the south a part of the park that takes hikers to the primary highlights. Needless to say it’ll be fairly intense and also you’ll need to plan your logistics properly.

The W trek – a 3-day itinerary

Please, remember the fact that departure occasions and costs would possibly change. At all times test the data on the web sites of transport corporations (you will discover hyperlinks within the publish).

Day 4. Hike Lodge Las Torres – Mirador Las Torres and again, 20 km

Get on one of many first buses from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine. They go away at 6.45 am and seven am from the bus terminal. It’s higher to ebook your ticket prematurely within the peak season. The bus arrives at Laguna Amarga (the primary cease in Torres del Paine) at 8.45 am/9 am. Get off the bus at Laguna Amarga and get on one other bus to Lodge Las Torres/Central campsite. It’s a 15-minute drive. Learn our detailed directions on how you can get to Torres del Paine.

At round 10 am arrive at Lodge Las Torres, go away your backpack, and begin mountain climbing to Mirador Las Torres, one of the crucial iconic views in Torres del Paine. It’s a strenuous ascent for about 10 km to the point of view. Be certain to take water and snacks with you. There shall be one place to cease about midway (Chileno campsite) the place you should buy meals and relaxation.

From the Mirador hike again to Lodge Las Torres. The stroll to and again takes 5-6 hours together with time spent on the viewpoint.

Day 5. Hike Lodge Las Torres – Paine Grande campsite, 23 km

Subsequent morning I’d recommend beginning early as a way to have sufficient time to benefit from the spectacular surroundings. There are some aspect hikes to the viewpoints (Britanico and Frances) however 23 km is already a protracted day I wouldn’t recommend doing any additional routes. 

Day 6. Hike Paine Grande campsite – Gray campsite, 11 km

It’ll be a protracted day although the hike itself is sort of brief however attending to Puerto Natalles will take an enormous a part of the day. The stroll from Paine Grande to Gray campsite is round 11 km. You are able to do it in 3 hours. In case you have time you possibly can hike to one of many suspension bridges to have a view of the glacier from the highest.

You have got two choices to get again to Puerto Natales

1. to take a ship from Gray campsite to Lodge Lago Gray and from there get on a bus to Puerto Natales
2. to stroll again to Paine Grande, take a ferry to Pudeto, after which get on a bus to Puerto Natales.

The primary possibility

It’s much more costly since you do a cruise on Gray Lake. A one-way ticket prices CLP 90 000/US$100 per individual. There are 3 day by day departures at 11 am, 2 pm, and 5.45 pm. Purchase your tickets and ensure departure occasions on-line. The primary two boats embrace a go to to the glacier (takes 1h45min.) and the third boat (takes 1 hour) goes on to the lodge.

From Lodge Lago Gray take a bus to Puerto Natales. There are 2 day by day departures at 1.30 pm and 5 pm. The journey takes 4 hours and prices CLP 20 000/US$23. Purchase your bus tickets and ensure the timetable on the web site.

The whole price is US$123 per individual.

The most effective can be to take the two pm boat that arrives at Lodge Lago Gray at 3.45 pm. You’ll have sufficient time to get to the bus cease to catch the 5 pm bus. The bus arrives in Puerto Natales at 9.30 pm.

The second possibility

The second possibility is cheaper but it surely provides 11 km additional to your hike which takes 2-3 hours. In whole your hike shall be 5-6 hours. For those who go for this selection, you possibly can go away your backpack at Paine Grande and stroll with a day pack to Gray campsite and again. From Paine Grande take a ferry to Pudeto. There are 2-4 day by day ferries relying on the month. It takes half-hour, the value is US$30 per individual. Discover extra particulars and departure occasions on the web site.

At Pudeto get on a bus to Puerto Natales. There are a number of day by day departures discover out extra on the BusSur web site. The journey to Puerto Natales is 2 hours. The value is CLP 12 000/US$13.

The whole price of this selection is US$43 per individual. US$80 cheaper than the primary one.

Day hikes in Torres del Paine

If the 3-day mountain climbing itinerary appears too intense you possibly can keep within the park and do day hikes in Torres del Paine. In case you have a automobile, it’ll be straightforward to maneuver between totally different components of the park for one of the best mountain climbing trails. And not using a automobile, you need to use a bus that connects the park with Puerto Natales. It makes a number of stops in Torres del Paine. The Mirador Las Torres path is without doubt one of the hottest hikes within the park. It’s doable to do horseback driving and glacier mountain climbing in Torres del Paine. 

And not using a automobile staying at Lodge Las Torres/Central campsite shall be among the finest choices. From there you are able to do the Mirador Las Torres hike, a not-to-miss path in Torres del Paine, and hike to Valle Frances and Nordenskjord Lake.

In case you have a automobile you possibly can keep exterior the park e.g. Goiien Lodge, Konkashken Lodge, and do day journeys to totally different components of Torres del Paine. You’ll be able to keep contained in the park at one of many accommodations however they’re fairly expensive e.g. It’s doable to camp in Torres del Paine. There are totally different choices and costs. Campsites need to be booked properly prematurely. You will discover extra data on tenting in Torres del Paine on this publish.

You’ll be able to keep in Puerto Natales and go to Torres del Paine on a guided tour. 

Day 7. Puerto Natales – El Calafate

For those who’re going to fly from El Calafate attempt to ebook a late flight so you might have sufficient time to get from Puerto Natales to the airport in El Calafate. There are morning buses from the Puerto Natales bus terminal to El Calafate that go away at 7.30 am and eight am. They arrive round 2 pm on the bus station in El Calafate.

Flying from Puerto Natales as an alternative of going again to El Calafate will prevent time however shall be costlier if you wish to fly someplace in Argentina.

A ten-day Patagonia itinerary (El Chalten, Perito Moreno, and Torres del Paine)

In case you have 10 days to spend in Patagonia it will likely be sufficient to go to El Chaltén, Perito Moreno Glacier, and Torres del Paine. These are the highlights of Southern Patagonia and among the most stunning locations within the area.

El Chalten and Perito Moreno Glacier are among the not-to-miss sights in Argentinian Patagonia so is Torres del Paine in Chile. The advised 10-day Patagonia itinerary provides you sufficient time to discover the world. 

You’ll be able to be part of an organized 9-day tour that begins and finishes in El Calafate. In the course of the tour, you get to go to Perito Moreno Glacier and hike in El Chalten and Torres del Paine. It consists of transportation, lodging, and a few actions. It’s a neater possibility in case you don’t have a lot time to plan your Patagonia itinerary.

Day 1. Flight Buenos Aires to El Calafate.

You will get a direct flight to El Calafate from the Argentinian capital. For those who plan to return in the course of the summer season season, reserving your flight prematurely is healthier. There are three airways (Aerolineas Argentinas, Flybondi, and JetSmart) that function flights to El Calafate. Flybondi has the most cost effective flights.

Relying in your arrival time you possibly can go to El Chalten. For those who lease a automobile on the airport it will likely be straightforward, it’s a 2-hour drive. There are direct buses from El Calafate airport to El Chalten bus station. A bus experience takes round 3 hours. You should purchase your ticket and test the timetable on the TAQSA and CalTur web sites.

For those who’re in Chile it’ll be higher to fly to Puerto Natales and begin your itinerary there.

Day 2-3. Mountaineering in El Chalten

El Chalten is commonly referred to as the mountain climbing capital of Argentina. Mount Fitz Roy is probably the most well-known attraction within the space. The city is sort of small but it surely has good infrastructure. You’ll be able to camp in El Chalten and do day hikes from the city. The Laguna de Los Tres hike affords among the finest views. It’s most likely one of the crucial well-known hikes within the Argentinian Patagonia. Laguna Torre is one other common path with stunning views. Discover extra data on hikes in El Chalten right here.

Locations to remain in El Chalten

You’ll be able to hike independently in El Chalten or be part of a tour.

Day 4. El Chalten to El Calafate

Take a bus again to El Calafate. Even in case you take a morning bus it’s fairly a 3-hour experience it’s unlikely you’ll have time to go to Perito Moreno Glacier the identical day. For those who do have some additional time you possibly can go to Punta Walichu. It’s an attention-grabbing website to incorporate in your Patagonia itinerary. Punta Walichu is a community of caves with incident rock work. You will get there by automobile, biking, or with a tour from El Calafate.

Day 5. El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno is without doubt one of the highlights of the advised Patagonia itinerary. Spend your entire day exploring the spectacular glacier. You’ll be able to go to the glacier independently or with a tour. There’s a shuttle bus from El Calafate to Perito Moreno. The park is 80 km from the city. It takes 1h30min. to get there by bus. Relying on the season there are 1 to 4 day by day buses to Perito Moreno Glacier. You’ll be able to test the timetable and purchase tickets on the TAQSA web site.

You’ll be able to go to the glacier with a tour or get a non-public return shuttle.

Locations to remain in El Calafate

Day 6. El Calafate (Argentina) to Puerto Natales (Chile)

You have got a full day to get to Puerto Natales. The bus experience from El Calafate takes 6 hours. You’ll be able to catch the early morning bus at 8 am (solely on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays). It arrives in Puerto Natales at 2.05 pm. Then you may get on the bus to Torres del Paine at 2.30 pm. It runs solely in the course of the summer season months (November to February). You will get to Torres del Paine from El Calafate in at some point.

Discover extra particulars on attending to Torres del Paine from El Calafate right here.

Day 7-9. Torres del Paine Nationwide Park

In case you have 3 full days in Torres del Paine you are able to do the W trek. I’d suggest taking an early morning bus to Torres del Paine to be sure to have sufficient time for mountain climbing. You will discover an in depth 3-day itinerary for the W trek within the 7-day Patagonia itinerary part.

As an alternative choice to multi-day hikes, you possibly can keep within the park and do day hikes or keep in Puerto Natales and go to Torres del Paine on a day journey independently or with a tour. For those who lease a automobile staying within the park is a greater possibility as you possibly can simply go to totally different components of Torres del Paine. You are able to do so and not using a automobile counting on a bus service but it surely’ll take longer and would require thorough planning.

Locations to remain in Puerto Natales

Day 10. Puerto Natales to El Calafate

When reserving a return flight be certain that to decide on one which departs within the night so you might have sufficient time to get to the airport from Puerto Natales. Needless to say the bus experience would possibly take longer as a consequence of border crossing which may get fairly busy within the peak season.

As an possibility, you possibly can ebook a flight from Puerto Natales airport which is just some kilometers away from the city. It’ll prevent a day of journey.

14 days Patagonia itinerary

In case you have 14 days to spend within the area, I’d suggest including Ushuaia to the advised 10-day Patagonia itinerary. 

You’ll be able to be part of an organized 14-day tour with the same itinerary that features transport, lodging, and a few excursions. It’s an incredible possibility in case you don’t really feel like planning your itinerary and reserving every little thing individually.

Day 1-10 (El Chalten, Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine)

The primary 10 days of the 2-week Patagonia itinerary are the identical because the 10-day itinerary. After returning to El Calafate you possibly can catch a direct flight to Ushuaia. The flight is simply over 1 hour. 

Day 11-13. Ushuaia

Ushuaia is commonly referred to as the top of the world. It’s the southernmost city (there’s a small settlement extra south in Chile but it surely’s hardly a city as its inhabitants counts a few hundreds) on the earth. Ushuaia is named a gateway to Antarctica. Cruises go away from the port of Ushuaia. A regular tour period is one week. In case you have additional money and time you would add this lifetime journey to your Patagonia itinerary.

Even in case you don’t have time to go to Antarctica it’s price visiting Ushuaia. You are able to do a day boat journey to the Beagle Channel, go to Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park, and do a penguin-watching tour. 

Extra excursions and actions in Ushuaia

Locations to remain in Ushuaia

Day 14. Fly from Ushuaia. 

​You will get a direct flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires. The three airways Aerolineas Argentinas, Flybondi, and JetSmart supply direct flights. The flight is 3h30min. The value begins at US$60 per individual relying on the month.

The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, answerable for all our land adventures (mountain climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a baby, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack somewhat than to do a ten 000 km street journey (really any street journey). Alya is an enormous fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.