Patagonia 10 days

The main gateway airport to El Calafate and surrounding areas. It's a small but functional airport.

Settle into your accommodation and take a stroll through the charming town center. Browse local artisan shops and enjoy the Patagonian atmosphere.

• Many shops close for a few hours in the early afternoon.

A popular spot for traditional Patagonian lamb barbecue (cordero patagónico). Enjoy a hearty, authentic meal.

Witness the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few advancing glaciers in the world. Marvel at its immense size and the dramatic calving of ice.

• Arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Wear layers as the weather can change rapidly.

Take a boat tour to get closer to the glacier's southern face and witness icebergs calve into the water. This offers a unique perspective and fantastic photo opportunities.

Explore the extensive network of boardwalks offering various vantage points of the glacier. Listen for the thunderous sound of ice breaking off.

Enjoy a meal cooked on a 'disco' (plow disc), a traditional Patagonian cooking method. Offers hearty and flavorful dishes.

Scenic bus journey through the Patagonian steppe to the trekking capital of Argentina. The route offers wide-open landscapes.

Arrive and check into your accommodation. El Chaltén is a small, laid-back village nestled at the base of iconic peaks.

A short, relatively easy hike offering panoramic views of the village and surrounding mountains, including Fitz Roy on a clear day. Excellent for photography.

• Often windy, so bring a windbreaker.
• Look for condors soaring overhead.

Enjoy craft beers brewed locally and hearty pub fare. A great place to relax after a day of hiking.

The iconic trek to Laguna de los Tres, offering the most famous and breathtaking views of Mount Fitz Roy. This is a challenging but incredibly rewarding hike.

• Start early, as this is a full-day hike.
• The final ascent is steep and can be challenging.
• Pack plenty of water and snacks.

A beautiful intermediate stop on the way to Laguna de los Tres, with stunning views of Fitz Roy reflected in the water. A perfect spot for a packed lunch.

Descend back to El Chaltén, taking in the changing light and landscapes as the day progresses.

Enjoy well-deserved pizza and a relaxed atmosphere after a long day of hiking. A popular spot for trekkers.

Hike to Laguna Torre, a glacial lake at the base of the dramatic Cerro Torre. This trail offers different, but equally spectacular, mountain vistas.

• The trail is generally flatter than Laguna de los Tres.
• Keep an eye out for icebergs in the lake.

A viewpoint along the Laguna Torre trail offering excellent perspectives of the Adela range and the glaciers feeding the lake.

Browse local handicrafts, wool products, and souvenirs. A great place to find a unique memento of your trip.

A cozy restaurant known for its delicious empanadas and local dishes. A good option for a more intimate dinner.

Return bus journey from El Chaltén back to El Calafate.

International bus journey to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine. Be prepared for border crossing procedures.

Arrive in Puerto Natales and take a walk along the scenic waterfront. Enjoy views of the Ultima Esperanza Sound.

Enjoy a meal in Puerto Natales. This restaurant offers a mix of local and international cuisine.

Transfer from Puerto Natales to the entrance of Torres del Paine National Park. The journey offers initial glimpses of the park's dramatic landscapes.

Embark on the challenging but iconic trek to the base of the Torres del Paine granite spires. The views are unparalleled and a photographer's dream.

• The last section of the hike is very steep and rocky.
• Check the weather forecast before starting; conditions can be extreme.
• Entrance fee for the park is separate and usually paid upon entry.

A beautiful, serene lagoon offering stunning reflections of the Torres on clear days. A less crowded alternative viewpoint.

Dine at your accommodation or a nearby hosteria within the park. Enjoy a meal with incredible natural surroundings.

Take a boat trip on Lago Grey to get up close to the immense Grey Glacier. Witness icebergs and the glacier's impressive ice walls.

• Book this tour in advance, especially during peak season.
• Wear warm, waterproof clothing; it can get cold and windy on the lake.

Visit the powerful Salto Grande waterfall, where the water from Lago Nordenskjöld cascades dramatically. A short walk from the parking area.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic Cuernos del Paine (Horns of Paine) from this viewpoint overlooking Lago Pehoé.

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant within the park, savoring local flavors after a day of exploration.

Depart from Torres del Paine National Park and travel back to Puerto Natales.

Cross the border back into Argentina and travel back to El Calafate.

Learn more about glaciers and Patagonia's ice fields at this modern museum. Includes an ice bar.

• The ice bar requires an extra fee and is a fun experience.

Enjoy a final Patagonian dinner, perhaps trying local trout or other regional specialties.

A short visit to this nearby bird sanctuary for some final nature photography. It's easily accessible from town.

Pick up any last-minute gifts or mementos from El Calafate's shops.

Depart from El Calafate.