Patagonia 2 weeks

The main airport serving El Calafate and the gateway to Argentinian Patagonia. It's a modern facility where you'll arrange your onward transport.

Arrange a shuttle or taxi from the airport to your hotel in El Calafate. The town is small and walkable, but settling in first is key.

• Book airport transfers in advance during peak season.

A popular spot in El Calafate known for its Patagonian lamb and cozy atmosphere. It's a great place to sample local cuisine after your travel day.

An iconic, massive glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Witness its calving events from the extensive boardwalks offering various viewpoints.

• Wear layers; the weather can change rapidly. Bring snacks and water.

Take a boat trip for a closer perspective of the Perito Moreno Glacier's immense ice walls. Many tours offer views of the glacier's southern face.

• Choose a tour that goes close to the glacier face for dramatic photos.

Travel back to El Calafate after a day of glacial wonders. You'll have some free time to relax or explore the town further.

Experience Patagonian flavors cooked on a 'disco' (plow disk), a unique and delicious culinary tradition. This restaurant offers a rustic ambiance.

A scenic bus journey through the Patagonian steppe to the hiking capital, El Chaltén. Enjoy views of Lago Argentino and Lago Viedma.

• Book tickets in advance, especially in high season. Sit on the left for better lake views.

Settle into your lodging in El Chaltén. The town is small and oriented towards hikers, with many options for various budgets.

A relatively easy introductory hike from El Chaltén, offering stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy. The trail is well-maintained and takes you through forests.

• Start early to maximize daylight. Carry water and snacks.

A popular brewery and restaurant in El Chaltén serving craft beers and hearty meals. It's a great place to refuel after a day of hiking.

The iconic full-day trek to the base of Mount Fitz Roy. This challenging hike rewards with breathtaking views of the granite peaks and a glacial lake.

• This is a strenuous hike; start very early. Check weather forecasts before departing.

Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the stunning Patagonian landscape during your trek. The trail offers numerous spots with incredible photographic opportunities.

• Prepare your lunch the night before or purchase a pre-made hiker's lunch.

After a demanding hike, explore the charming town of El Chaltén. Enjoy a well-deserved dinner at one of its local eateries.

A less strenuous but equally rewarding hike to Laguna Torre, offering spectacular views of Cerro Torre and its surrounding glaciers.

• This trail is generally flatter than Laguna de los Tres, but still requires good fitness.

A long but scenic bus journey crossing the border into Chile, heading towards Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park.

• Allow extra time for border crossing. Pack snacks and entertainment for the journey.

Arrive in Puerto Natales and enjoy a hearty dinner. This port town offers a variety of dining options after your travel day.

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

• Consider a guided transfer for ease of logistics and park entry.

The most famous hike in Torres del Paine, leading to the iconic granite towers. This challenging trek is a highlight for many visitors.

• This hike is strenuous. Start early and be prepared for varied terrain and weather.

Enjoy a packed lunch with unparalleled views within Torres del Paine. The park offers numerous breathtaking spots for a scenic meal.

After a day of trekking, return to Puerto Natales. Relax and enjoy dinner in town.

Travel to the Pudeto area and take a catamaran across Lake Pehoé to Paine Grande. This is a scenic journey with views of the Paine Massif.

From Paine Grande, hike towards Refugio Grey to get stunning views of the massive Grey Glacier and icebergs on Lago Grey.

• The trail offers varying viewpoints; walk as far as comfortable.
• Keep an eye out for icebergs calving from the glacier.

Take the catamaran back across Lake Pehoé and then transfer back to Puerto Natales.

Enjoy a final Patagonian dinner in Puerto Natales, perhaps trying some fresh seafood.

A spectacular boat tour through the fjords of Ultima Esperanza Sound to see the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. This trip often includes a short hike and a Patagonian lamb barbecue.

• This is a full-day excursion, so be prepared for varying weather conditions.
• The boat trip offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting (e.g., cormorants, sea lions).

Included in the boat tour, enjoy a traditional Patagonian lamb barbecue in a scenic, remote setting. This is a quintessential local culinary experience.

Return to Puerto Natales after a day of fjord exploration. Enjoy a relaxed evening.

Travel south along the coast to Punta Arenas, a larger city with a rich maritime history. The journey offers different Patagonian landscapes.

• Book bus tickets in advance, especially during peak season.

Settle into your hotel in Punta Arenas. The city has a more urban feel than El Chaltén or Puerto Natales.

Visit Isla Magdalena, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to a massive colony of Magellanic penguins. This is a fantastic opportunity for wildlife photography.

• Penguin season is typically October to March. Book this tour well in advance.

Enjoy dinner in Punta Arenas. The city offers a range of dining options, including fresh seafood.

Explore a replica of Ferdinand Magellan's flagship, the Nao Victoria. This open-air museum offers a fascinating look into early exploration.

Wander through the historic city center, visit Plaza Muñoz Gamero with its monument to Magellan, and explore the local shops.

A surprisingly beautiful and historic cemetery known for its ornate mausoleums and cypress trees. It offers a unique perspective on the city's past.

A highly-rated restaurant in Punta Arenas known for its creative seafood dishes and cozy atmosphere. A great place for a final Patagonian meal.

Fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. This is the most efficient way to travel between these two points.

• Book flights well in advance, as they can be expensive and sell out.
• Check baggage allowances carefully.

Take a taxi or shuttle from Ushuaia's airport to your hotel. The city is built on a hillside overlooking the Beagle Channel.

Explore the charming streets of Ushuaia, visit the waterfront, and get acquainted with this unique 'end of the world' city.

Enjoy a meal at one of Ushuaia's highly-regarded restaurants, often featuring king crab (centolla) and other local specialties.

Discover the southernmost national park in Argentina, featuring dramatic coastlines, forests, and lakes. It's a unique ecosystem where the Andes meet the sea.

• Consider hiring a guide or taking a tour for deeper insights into the park's flora and fauna.
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes.

Ride the historic 'End of the World Train' through the national park, following the old penal colony railway route. It offers scenic views and historical context.

Visit the iconic Lapataia Bay, marking the official end of the Pan-American Highway, and nearby Bahia Azul. These spots offer stunning coastal vistas.

Enjoy dinner in Ushuaia, perhaps trying a different local specialty.

Embark on a boat tour of the Beagle Channel, a historic waterway. You'll see sea lions, cormorants, and the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.

• Bring binoculars for better wildlife viewing.
• The weather can be windy and cold, even in summer.

Have lunch in Ushuaia after your cruise. Many restaurants offer views of the Beagle Channel.

Visit the 'End of the World Museum' to learn about the natural history, indigenous peoples, and maritime past of Tierra del Fuego.

Enjoy a final celebratory dinner in Ushuaia, reminiscing about your Patagonian adventure.

Pick up any last-minute souvenirs or gifts in Ushuaia before heading to the airport.

Take a taxi or shuttle to the airport for your departure. Allow ample time for check-in and security.

Depart from Ushuaia, concluding your Patagonian adventure.