Ultimate 7-Day Patagonia Itinerary: Best Hikes, Glaciers and Wildlife in Chile & Argentina

Welcome to Punta Arenas! Your Patagonia adventure begins as you fly into Punta Arenas, a historic port city located in southern Chile. This town, with its colorful houses and proximity to the Strait of Magellan, is often considered the gateway to Patagonia. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, Cabo de Hornos, and get settled in.

After your journey, take a leisurely stroll through the town. Visit the Plaza Muñoz Gamero, the main square, and enjoy views of the nearby fjords. For dinner, try some traditional Patagonian lamb or king crab at one of the local restaurants like La Cueva del Gaucho.

Morning: Isla Magdalena Penguin Tour (October–March). Start your day with an exciting boat tour to Isla Magdalena, home to a massive Magellanic penguin colony. From October to March, the island is bustling with thousands of these charming birds, making it a must-see experience for wildlife enthusiasts. The boat ride will also give you stunning views of the southern coastline, and if you're lucky, you might spot sea lions and dolphins along the way.

Afternoon: Scenic Drive to Puerto Natales. After your penguin adventure, it’s time to hit the road for the scenic drive to Puerto Natales, a small town located about three hours north of Punta Arenas. The drive itself is an experience, as you’ll pass through the sweeping landscapes of Patagonian steppe, rolling hills and towering mountains in the distance. Once you arrive in Puerto Natales, check into your hotel, The Singular Patagonia, and enjoy a relaxed evening. If you have time, explore the charming streets or enjoy a meal at a local café.

Morning: Base Torres Hike. Today is the day you’ll take on one of the most iconic hikes in Patagonia: the Base Torres Hike in Torres del Paine National Park. This challenging 22 km (13.7 miles) hike will take you through forests, past glacial lakes and up steep rocky terrain to the foot of the famous Torres del Paine towers. The hike takes 7–8 hours round-trip, but the incredible views of the jagged granite peaks and turquoise lagoons are well worth the effort.

Afternoon: Grey Glacier Boat Tour. After your hike, it’s time to wind down with a boat tour to Grey Glacier, one of the park’s most striking natural features. On this 3-hour boat trip, you’ll sail across the stunning Grey Lake, surrounded by towering icebergs, and get a closer look at the massive glacier itself. You’ll be able to marvel at the immense scale and beauty of the glacier as it feeds into the lake.

Evening: Return to Puerto Natales for a relaxing evening. Consider enjoying a hearty Patagonian meal at a local restaurant like Aldea Restaurant or Café Ríos.

Morning: Scenic Drive to El Calafate. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive south into Argentina, crossing the border into El Calafate (roughly a 5-hour drive). The drive offers more of Patagonia’s iconic landscapes, with expansive steppes, vast plains and the occasional guanaco or fox spotted in the wild.

Afternoon: Explore El Calafate. Upon arrival in El Calafate, a charming town located by Lake Argentino, you’ll have time to explore. Walk along the Avenida del Libertador, the town’s main street, lined with artisan shops and cozy cafés. Be sure to sample local specialties, such as trout or Patagonian lamb. If you're interested in nature, take a walk to Laguna Nimez, a nearby bird reserve where you can spot flamingos and other migratory birds.

Evening: Check in to your hotel, Estancia Cristina, and enjoy a quiet evening in town.

Morning: Perito Moreno Glacier. Today’s adventure takes you to one of the most famous glaciers in the world: Perito Moreno Glacier. Located about 80 km from El Calafate, the glacier is one of the few in the world that is still advancing, making it an incredible sight. Spend the morning exploring the various viewing platforms that offer stunning views of the glacier’s massive ice walls. The walkways provide the perfect vantage point for photos. If you're feeling adventurous, you can book a glacier trek (advanced bookings required) or take a boat tour to get closer to the ice.

Afternoon. After your glacier experience, enjoy lunch at the on-site restaurant with panoramic views of the glacier. Afterward, head back to El Calafate and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing or exploring more of the town.

Morning: Travel to El Chaltén. Today, you’ll leave El Calafate behind and travel to El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital. Located within Los Glaciares National Park, El Chaltén is the starting point for some of Patagonia’s best hikes. Including the famous Laguna Capri and Laguna de los Tres. Check into your hotel, Explora El Chaltén, and get ready for the rest of the day ahead!

Afternoon: Hike to Laguna Capri. Once you arrive in El Chaltén, you’ll be treated to an afternoon of hiking. One popular route is the Laguna Capri hike (about 4–5 hours), which offers stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy, Patagonia’s iconic peak. The hike is relatively moderate and takes you through forested areas and along crystal-clear streams to a picturesque lagoon with views of Fitz Roy towering in the background.

Evening: After your hike, relax in one of El Chaltén’s cozy restaurants. Try a traditional Argentine asado (barbecue) or a warming bowl of locro (a hearty meat and vegetable stew).

Morning: Laguna Torre Hike. On your final day in Patagonia, take a morning hike to Laguna Torre. This 10 km (6.2 miles) round-trip hike is relatively moderate, with mostly flat terrain until the final stretch. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Cerro Torre, a dramatic granite peak that rises nearly 3,100 meters (10,170 feet). The lagoon at the base of the mountain is an unforgettable sight, surrounded by glaciers and jagged cliffs.

Afternoon: Departure: After your hike, return to El Chaltén for lunch and some final souvenir shopping. Depending on your flight, you can either take a bus back to Punta Arenas for your departure or catch a flight directly from El Calafate (via a 3-hour drive).