Best of Patagonia – 9 Days: El Chaltén, El Calafate & Torres del Paine – Chile & Argentina

‍Experience the Best of Patagonia on this unforgettable 9-day adventure through Argentina and Chile’s most iconic landscapes. From the jagged peaks of Mount Fitz Roy in El Chaltén to the legendary Perito Moreno Glacier and the dramatic wilderness of Torres del Paine National Park, this is the ultimate way to discover the highlights of southern Patagonia in one seamless journey.

This expertly crafted itinerary blends world-class hiking, glacier exploration, and scenic navigation tours, offering a perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and natural beauty. Designed for active travelers, this route takes you through the most breathtaking regions of Patagonia—with all logistics arranged so you can focus on the experience.

Why Choose This Trip?

Covers both Argentina and Chilean Patagonia in one seamless itinerary
Includes El Chaltén, El Calafate, Torres del Paine, and iconic glaciers
Perfect for travelers looking for the top things to do in Patagonia
Guided tours, transfers, and logistics fully arranged
Ideal for first-time Patagonia travelers or those seeking the highlights without multi-day treks

Trip Details:

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Countries Visited: Argentina & Chile
Season: October to April (best weather and hiking conditions)
Trip Style: Semi-private, guided day tours, overland journey
Entry Airport: El Calafate (FTE), Argentina
Exit Airport: El Calafate (FTE) or Punta Arenas (PUQ), Chile
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (day hikes, glacier walks, scenic tours)
Group Size: Customizable (private or small group options available)
Accommodation: Comfortable hotels and lodges (upgrades available on request)

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: El Calafate / El Chalten

Upon arrival at El Calafate Airport, meet your shared transfer for a scenic 3-hour journey to El Chaltén, traveling along the iconic Route 40 through the vast Patagonian steppe.

Along the way, enjoy views of Lake Argentino—the largest lake in southern Patagonia—and Lake Viedma, a glacial lake fed by the massive Viedma Glacier. You'll follow the course of the La Leona River, which connects both lakes and passes by the historic La Leona Roadhouse. This remote outpost once sheltered the infamous outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid during their time in Patagonia.

As the landscape shifts from open plains to rugged mountains, you’ll arrive in El Chaltén, Argentina’s premier hiking destination. This charming village lies at the base of the legendary Mount Fitz Roy and is surrounded by dramatic peaks, forests, rivers, and glacial lakes—making it the ideal base for trekkers and climbers.

Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Included: Shared transportation from El Calafate Airport to your hotel in El Chaltén (no guide)
Note: Luggage allowance is limited to one bag up to 18 kg. Excess baggage may incur additional fees.

Overnight: Vertical Lodge or similar, El Chaltén

Day 2: El Chalten - Full Day Lago del Desierto

Today’s adventure takes you deep into one of the most remote and pristine corners of Patagonia—an unforgettable experience that engages all five senses.

Begin the journey with a scenic drive through winding forest roads and alongside rivers, offering countless opportunities for photography. From Punta Sur, board a shared boat for a 50-minute navigation across Lago del Desierto, with views of the Huemul and Crestón Glaciers along the way.

Upon arrival at the Vespignani Glacier Reserve, choose from one of three well-marked trails of varying difficulty to explore at your own pace. Each route winds through one of the region’s most beautiful native forests and leads to breathtaking views of the glacier and surrounding peaks.

After your hike, return to the pier and sail back to Punta Sur, followed by the return transfer to El Chaltén.

Included:

Breakfast
Shared round-trip boat navigation
Box lunch

Not Included:

Entrance ticket to the Vespignani Glacier Reserve

Alternative: Guided hikes within the park can be arranged upon request.

Overnight: Vertical Lodge or similar, El Chaltén

Day 3: Morning in El Chaltén & Transfer to El Calafate

Enjoy a relaxed morning in El Chaltén with time for a short self-guided hike or a peaceful walk around town. A popular option is the scenic trail to El Chorrillo del Salto, an easy 3–4 hour round-trip hike that leads to a picturesque waterfall surrounded by native trees and Patagonian orchids.

In the afternoon, board your scheduled shared bus for the return journey to El Calafate. The 3-hour drive offers the perfect chance to unwind and take in the sweeping Patagonian scenery through your window.

Upon arrival in El Calafate, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. This evening is yours to explore the town’s diverse culinary offerings—whether it’s savoring tender Patagonian lamb, indulging in locally made Calafate berry ice cream, or enjoying a gourmet meal at one of the town’s many restaurants or cozy taverns.

Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Included: Shared bus transfer from El Chaltén to El Calafate (no guide)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Tierra Tehuelche or similar, El Calafate

Day 4: El Calafate - Full Day Perito Moreno Glacier & Navigation

This morning, set out on a full-day shared excursion to one of Patagonia’s most iconic natural wonders—Perito Moreno Glacier, located in Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.

The drive from El Calafate to the park covers 40 km (25 miles) through the Patagonian steppe, offering sweeping views of the vast and rugged landscape. Once inside the park, follow a network of walkways and balconies that provide up-close panoramic views of the glacier’s towering 80-meter (262-foot) ice walls. If conditions are right, you might even witness dramatic ice calving—a thrilling spectacle as massive ice chunks crash into the lake below.

A bilingual guide (English/Spanish) will accompany you for approximately one hour, offering insights into the glacier’s formation, behavior, and importance within the Patagonian Ice Field, the second-largest ice mass outside of Antarctica.

Later, enjoy a boat ride that brings you within striking distance of Perito Moreno’s imposing ice cliffs—an unforgettable perspective of this frozen giant.

After the excursion, return to your hotel in El Calafate.

Duration: Approx. 6 hours
Included:

Shared transportation
Bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
Boat navigation
Entrance to Los Glaciares National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

Optional Add-On: For an even more immersive experience, consider upgrading to the Mini-Trekking or Big Ice excursion (at an additional cost). These guided glacier hikes offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk directly on the ice. Advance booking required—please inquire.

Overnight: Tierra Tehuelche or similar, El Calafate

Day 5: Journey from El Calafate to Puerto Natales (Chile)

This morning, begin your journey from Argentina to Chile as you travel by bus to the scenic town of Puerto Natales, gateway to Torres del Paine National Park.

Make your way to the El Calafate bus terminal in time for your scheduled departure (please arrive at least 30 minutes early). Most hotels are within walking distance, but taxis are available for approximately USD $5–7. Private transfers can also be arranged upon request for an additional fee.

Important Note: Chilean customs regulations strictly prohibit bringing fresh food, seeds, plants, or animal products across the border. Fines for undeclared items can be steep. When in doubt, declare all items—customs officers will advise you on what’s permitted.

During the scenic 5-hour drive, you’ll cross vast Patagonian landscapes dotted with mountains and open plains. Upon arrival in Puerto Natales, you’ll be greeted by the town’s iconic statue of the Milodón, a prehistoric ground sloth that once roamed the region.

Check into your hotel (most are within a few blocks of the bus terminal), then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Explore the peaceful waterfront along the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound), browse local shops and cafés, or stock up on last-minute provisions before entering Torres del Paine tomorrow. Please note: plastic bags are not provided in shops, so bring a reusable or eco-friendly bag with you.

Duration: Approx. 5 hours
Included: Bus ticket from El Calafate to Puerto Natales
Not Included: Transportation to/from the bus stations in El Calafate and Puerto Natales
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Big Sur Hotel or similar, Puerto Natales

Day 6: Full-Day Excursion to Torres del Paine National Park

Your Patagonian adventure continues with a full-day guided tour through the legendary Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most spectacular natural areas in South America.

We’ll pick you up early from your hotel (shared service) and begin with a visit to the Milodón Cave, a natural monument located 24 km north of Puerto Natales. This site features three impressive caverns and the eerie rock formation known as La Silla del Diablo (The Devil’s Chair), shrouded in local legend. According to Patagonian folklore, those who dared seek the devil here on moonless nights might actually find him.

From here, we continue toward Torres del Paine, passing striking natural landmarks such as Laguna Sofía, Prat Mountain Range, Lago Porteño, and the panoramic Grey Lake viewpoint. Once in the Grey Lake sector, you’ll have time to walk along the lake’s shoreline, soaking in views of the glacier-fed waters and surrounding peaks.

Afterward, we’ll stop at a nearby restaurant where you can purchase lunch and rest before continuing the day’s explorations. (Lunch not included.)

In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Salto Grande area to visit the powerful Paine waterfall and admire the turquoise waters of Nordenskjöld Lake. We’ll continue through a scenic route to the Amarga Lagoon and finally stop at the Sarmiento Lake viewpoint—the perfect spot to capture one last photo of Torres del Paine’s iconic silhouette.

At the end of the day, return to Puerto Natales by shared transport.

Duration: Approx. 10 hours
Included:

Shared transportation
Bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
Torres del Paine National Park entrance fee
Light snack

Not Included:

Entrance fee to Milodón Cave Natural Monument
Lunch (available for purchase en route)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Snack
Overnight: Big Sur Hotel or similar, Puerto Natales

Day 7: Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier Boat Navigation

Today we take a day trip to Balmaceda and Serrano Navigation, where you’ll sail the fjords like the first pioneers of Patagonia and discover the natural wonders of the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. This is a full day trip to be in contact with nature and one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes of Chilean Patagonia.

Meals Included: BreakfastToday’s adventure takes you deep into the remote fjords of Chilean Patagonia on a full-day boat excursion to the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers, located within the vast Bernardo O'Higgins National Park—Chile’s largest protected area.

Sail through the stunning Última Esperanza Sound, following the same waterways once explored by the earliest Patagonian pioneers. Along the way, marvel at dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, sea lion colonies, and native forest landscapes. The journey culminates in breathtaking close-up views of the Balmaceda Glacier, cascading down the side of a rugged mountain, and the Serrano Glacier, accessible via a short trail through the forest.

This is a day of pure immersion in nature—one of the most awe-inspiring experiences in southern Chile.

Included: Shared boat navigation to Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Big Sur Hotel or similar, Puerto Natales

Day 8: Journey to Punta Arenas – Gateway to the Strait of Magellan

This morning, make your way to the Puerto Natales bus station to begin your journey to Punta Arenas by shared service. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.

The scenic drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, winding through the Patagonian steppe and along fjord-lined landscapes. Upon arrival at the Punta Arenas bus terminal, you can walk or take a short taxi ride (approx. USD $5–7) to your hotel. Private transfers to Punta Arenas or back to El Calafate are also available on request at an additional cost.

Punta Arenas is the southernmost city in continental Chile, located on the legendary Strait of Magellan. Once a major maritime hub before the opening of the Panama Canal, the city developed into a thriving trade center, reflected in its European-inspired architecture, historic mansions, and colorful homes set against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains.

How to Spend Your Afternoon:

City Tour (Optional): Join a guided 3-hour tour to explore Punta Arenas' highlights, including Mirador Hill for panoramic views of the strait and a visit to the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum, home to exhibits on the Ona, Yaghan, and other native cultures of the region.
Or simply stroll the waterfront promenade, browse artisan shops, and soak in the relaxed southern charm of this remote port town.

Duration: Approx. 3–4 hours
Included: Bus ticket from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas (shared service)
Not Included:

Transfers to/from bus terminals in Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas
Optional city tour
Bus tickets can be picked up at the company counter or delivered to your hotel for an additional fee

Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Tierra del Fuego Hotel or similar, Punta Arenas

Day 9: Punta Arenas or El Calafate

At the appropriate time you’ll be taken to the airport to take your flight (shared service)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Additional Trip Info

3 nights in El Calafate
2 nights in El Chalten
3 nights in Puerto Natales
Transfers & Meals mentioned in the itinerary
Tours described in the itinerary
Bilingual guides (English/Spanish) when mentioned in the itinerary
Park Entrance, Fees & Mandatory Documentation

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International or Domestic Flights
Travel Insurance - We recommend Insuremytrip, or Global Rescue
Gratuity
Ice Trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier: Mini Ice Trek: $200 per person Big Ice Trek: $350 per person (please inquire for these additions). Mini trekking has an age limit from 10 to 65 years old and Big Ice from 18 to 50 years old due to National Park regulations (very strict).

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