Patagonia Itinerary: From One Week to One Month
Are you embarking on a long-awaited road trip to Patagonia? Whether your vacation takes one, two, three weeks, or even a month, we have the perfect Patagonia itinerary for every traveler. Our four-week tried end tested itinerary includes all highlights both Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia offers, but we also created options for visitors with less time.
Creating the perfect Patagonia itinerary is not an easy task. First, the region spans between two countries, Chile and Argentina, and it usually requires multiple border crossings.
Second, the weather can be an even more unpredictable factor than anywhere else in the world.
And third, this place is so beautiful that it is almost heartbreaking to choose what destination to visit and what is better to miss out on.
We've created this itinerary for every one of you who wants to visit Patagonia, and it does not matter if you have only one week, two weeks, three weeks, or an entire month.
There's always an alternative for every type of traveler, and we want to show you the best this region has to offer, no matter how much time you have.
Except for the one-week itinerary, when we think it is better to rent a car to save as much time as you can, all schedules are perfectly doable by public transport to keep your expenses low.
Keep in mind that distances between places in Patagonia are vast, and buses, especially in the Chilean part of Patagonia not that frequent, so always incorporate travel times and times for relaxation into your itinerary.
As we traveled this route ourselves, we know that all versions of these itineraries are perfectly doable, though.
We've also written a full post about the essential things you need to know before traveling to Patagonia, which should also help you to plan the perfect vacation.
Happy planning!
1-Week Patagonia Itinerary
Patagonia is a vast region, so we won't lie to you - one week is not a long time to explore all the highlights, but it is for sure still better than nothing.
When creating your itinerary for one week in Patagonia, we recommend you to stick to one area and not try to cover long distances as you would spend most of your precious time in the transport instead of outside, where all the fun begins.
To get maximum out of your time, the itinerary is packed to the brim.
If you feel you need to slow down, there is always an option to take a day off and admire the beauty of Patagonia leisurely than from the hiking trail.
In one week in Patagonia, you can still see the best things the Chilean and Argentinian part of the region has to offer, so no worries, we cannot only emphasize how important the itinerary planning part is.
Our Tip: When traveling during high season and with only a short time, we recommend you rent a car so you won't have to be dependent on public transport, which could significantly slow you down.
Although we found buses in Patagonia reliable, we always had to look for up-to-date information after our arrival at a new destination, and tickets were often not possible to book online.
And it even happened to us once that buses were full between El Calafate and Puerto Natales (we traveled in the summer season), so we lost one day, which you with only one week can hardly afford.
Day 1: Flight From Buenos Aires to El Calafate - El Chalten
We don't know from where you plan your trip to Patagonia, but it makes sense to buy a flight ticket to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, and start from here.
From Buenos Aires, take a direct flight to Patagonia.
In our case, if you decided to follow our itinerary step-by-step, a morning flight to El Calafate, so you should be at your first destination around 8 AM.
Pick up your rental car at the airport, and set off on your amazing one-week-long journey!
Today, your main goal is to drive to El Chalten, the Argentinian hiking capital.
The drive between El Calafate and El Chalten takes approximately 3.5 hours, and it is very scenic, so you can take your time and soak in the first moments in Patagonia.
Once you reach El Chalten, you can check-in in your hotel, and because it is already an afternoon, you will have time only for a short hike.
One of the shortest but rewarding hikes in the El Chalten area is a trek to Los Condores and Las Aguilas Viewpoints, which takes approximately 2 hours to return.
It is possible to travel from El Calafate to El Chalten by bus.
Some bus companies stop even at the airport. Check the up-to-date schedule, but buses usually leave El Calafate at 8 AM, 1 or 2 PM, and 6 PM.
Either way, you should make it to El Chalten the same way as well, and with a bit of luck, you can also do a short hike.
There is also an option to reserve a shuttle bus, which will take you from the airport directly to your hotel in El Chalten.
Travel Resources
Where to stay in El Chalten: Budget: Lo de Guille | Mid-range: Pudu Lodge | Luxury: Destino Sur Hotel and Spa de Montana
Day 2-3: El Chalten: Laguna De Los Tres & Laguna Cerro Torre
El Chalten has two of the most iconic hikes no traveler who loves hiking cannot miss, Laguna de Los Tres and Laguna Cerro Torre.
Both hikes are moderately difficult but quite long, 23 kilometers and 18 kilometers retrospectively, but what we could see, either the less experienced and less fit visitors made it to both lakes.
The most characteristic view in Argentinian Patagonia is the one of Mount Fitz Roy towering above Laguna de Los Tres, so we would plan it for a day with the best weather forecast.
Also, check the weather forecast frequently and adjust your plans accordingly, as the weather in Patagonia can change a couple of times a day, so it is always hit or miss.
Travel Resources
Both one-day treks are doable on your own as the path is well-marked, but you can book a Laguna de Los Tres Tour or Laguna Torre Tour as well.
If hiking crowded trails is not your thing, which is completely fine, you can explore Vespignani Glacier and the Lago del Desierto area instead either independently or with a tour.
Here you can reserve a Vespignani Glacier Tour.
Or you can try Rio de las Vueltas Kayaking and Rafting Tour.
Day 4: El Chalten - El Calafate - Perito Moreno
In the morning, drive from El Chalten to El Calafate, check-in, and carry on for a day trip to Perito Moreno Glacier.
The glacier is one of the most awe-inspiring natural sights in Patagonia, so take your time.
You can either admire the glacier from boardwalks, but there is also an option to do kayaking or ice trekking.
Or you can simply take a super popular Perito Moreno Cruise.
When traveling by bus, we recommend you to leave El Chalten early in the morning at 7:30 AM or 8 AM so that you will be in El Calafate around noon, and you'll still have a chance to get to Perito Moreno.
The afternoon buses to Perito Moreno were leaving El Calafate at 1 PM.
This means that you can buy your ticket once you arrive at the bus station and leave your backpacks there as well, or you can reserve a Perito Moreno Private Tour in advance to make sure you will make it.
Travel Resources
Where to stay in El Calafate: Budget: Bla Lodge | Mid-range: Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate | Luxury: Xelena Hotel and Suites
Day 5: Puerto Natales
Today you will cross borders to Chile. When traveling by car, try to get on the road as soon as possible because there can be queues at the borders in the high season.
The drive from El Calafate to Puerto Natales will take you around four hours.
Because your itinerary is pretty flexible with a car, here we will outline two options you have.
You can either stay overnight in Puerto Natales and enjoy a lazy afternoon walking around the bay.
Or you can carry on to the national park and stay in one of the most beautiful hotels surrounded by mountains, Hotel Las Torres Patagonia, and and spend the rest of the day in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park.
When taking the 7:30 AM or 8 AM bus from El Calafate to Puerto Natales, you will be at today's destination at 1 PM.
So you will most likely not catch the public transport to the national park (buses sometimes leave at 1 PM, sometimes at 2 PM), in case you would want to spend a night there instead of in Puerto Natales.
In January, when the season in Patagonia was in full swing, we had trouble buying a ticket.
When you are on a strict schedule, you might want to book your bus ticket in advance.
Travel Resources
Where to Stay: Budget: Hostal Andes Patagonicos | Mid-range: Kau Lodge | Luxury: Hotel Simple Patagonia
Day 6: Torres del Paine
No matter if you have decided to stay in Torres del Paine National Park or Puerto Natales, today's itinerary will take you to this incredible park.
Once inside the park, you will hike the most famous one-day trek in Chile, Mirador Las Torres Hike.
Alternatively, you can hike the equally beautiful Grey Glacier Hike.
If you do not have a car, you can take shuttles buses from Puerto Natales, leaving at 7 AM and returning around 7 PM.
Mirador Las Torres is a moderately difficult trek that takes approximately 8 or 9 hours to finish, but it is one of those things you don't want to miss when in Patagonia.
Travel Resources
There is also an option to take a Torres Del Paine National Park Tour to enjoy the best vistas without that much hiking.
Day 7: Punta Arenas
On your last day of the holiday, drive to Punta Arenas (buses also frequently run between those two towns).
And if your time allows, you can take a Penguin Watching Tour from Punta Arenas. The departure is early in the morning but can be postponed due to severe weather conditions.
After that, when traveling by bus, you can take a bus to the airport and wait for your flight back home.
When traveling by car, you must drop it off, but unfortunately you must drive back to El Calafate, as when you rented the car in Argentina, you must return it in Argentina as well.
Our Tip: It is also possible to follow this itinerary in reverse order, in case you'll find cheaper flight tickets to Punta Arenas and then return home from El Calafate.
2-Week Patagonia Itinerary
Two weeks in Patagonia give you an excellent opportunity to explore the best highlights in the area, plus you can do one multi-day trek, which will lead you through some spectacular scenery.
You can either travel by rental car or take buses.
Because a 14-day Patagonia itinerary gives you more freedom, more time to get from one place to another, and your schedule does not need to be that strict, feel free to add more places of interest.
Or, on the other hand, you can add a few days for relaxing.
Two weeks for Patagonia are also great for another reason.
You can be more flexible with your itinerary and adjust it in case something happens or when the weather is not cooperating.
Day 1-5: Buenos Aires - Puerto Natales
For the first five days, follow the one-week itinerary and then keep on reading this section.
We'll just summarize it here real quick. After you arrive in El Calafate, get to El Chalten, where you can do two one-day hikes.
Then come back to El Calafate, from where you visit Perito Moreno Glacier. From El Calafate take a bus or drive to Puerto Natales.
Instead of enjoying your free afternoon, you will need to stock up on food and rent camping gear (in case you don't have your own) for 5-day W Trek.
Day 6-10: W Trek
W Trek is one of the best multi-day hikes in the world, and because of the popularity of the trek, campsites or huts in the mountains must be reserved well in advance.
Take your time while preparing for the trek, because several companies are running the accommodation, so you will need to reserve huts or campsites one by one, often on different websites.
W Trek can be finished in four days, but to enjoy the stunning scenery, we think it is better to allow yourself one more day.
Travel Resources
In case you do not want to carry own tent and food, do not want to spend that much time by planning where to sleep every night, you can book this W Trek Tour, and your the only responsibility will be hiking.
After five days of hiking in the wilderness, we think you might be looking for some comfortable hotels in Puerto Natales.
Here, you can find a few tips on hotels in Puerto Natales.
Where to Stay: Budget: Hostal Andes Patagonicos | Mid-range: Kau Lodge | Luxury: Hotel Simple Patagonia
Day 11: Punta Arenas
From Puerto Natales head to Punta Arenas. It is quite a short drive by car and buses frequently run between these two destinations as well.
You might be a bit exhausted after the multi-day trek, but we think the great way how to relax is to take a Penguin Watching Tour.
The departure is early in the morning but can be postponed.
Travel Resources
Where to stay in Punta Arenas: Budget: Hostal Ventisqueros | Mid-range: Apart Hotel Endurance | Luxury: Hotel Cabo De Hornos
Day 12: Drive to Ushuaia
Ushuaia is the world's southernmost city, and we believe it is worth it to visit it, although it is quite far.
Ushuaia is nicknamed the 'End of the World' for a reason.
You will spend this day on the road; you need to cross borders again from Chile to Argentina, but the drive is scenic (you will cross waters on the ferry) and yet again different than you'd seen in Patagonia.
Bus from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia leave early in the morning.
Travel Resources
Where to stay in Ushuaia: Budget: Oshovia Hostel | Mid-range: Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel | Luxury: Arakur Ushuaia Resort and Spa
Day 13: Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a special place, and there are several things you can do at the end of the world.
Our favorite thing was hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park - there are several trails, and you can choose one according to your physical abilities and mood.
We made one of the most challenging hikes in the park, the Cerro Guanaco trail, but the views from the top of the hill were spectacular.
If you have had enough demanding hiking, you can take a combo Tierra del Fuego National Park and The End of the World Train Tour to enjoy the specific scenery.
Our Tip: We found pretty cheap last-minute flight tickets from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires.
Day 14: Buenos Aires
After almost two weeks in the wilderness, when you spent the majority of your days in the mountains, it is time to explore Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires - something there was no time for in our one-week itinerary.
The city's center is quite compact, so it is easy to walk around, and there are so many things to do that Buenos Aires will keep you busy before your flight back home.
Travel Resources
Where to stay in Buenos Aires: Budget: Up Recoleta Hotel | Mid-range: Tango de Mayo Hotel | Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires
3-Week & 1-Month Patagonia Itinerary
Three or four weeks in Patagonia is a perfect amount of time to see both the highlights and even things regular short-time travelers don't have time to visit.
This itinerary starts in Santiago, Chile; from here, you need to take a flight to Puerto Montt.
This will be the official gateway to your Patagonia journey via one of the most scenic roads in the world, Carretera Austral.
You can rent a car in Puerto Montt, or it's possible to travel the Carretera Austral by public transport (which is irregular, but everything is doable) or hitchhike in case you have the full month or more.
The itinerary is a bit different when you travel by car.
You need to cross borders to Argentina elsewhere because only people traveling without their own transport can do the border crossing between Villa O'Higgins and El Chalten, but we'll guide you through.
Day 1: Santiago to Puerto Montt - Chaiten
Fly into the capital city of Chile, Santiago, here take another morning flight to Puerto Montt. If you have extra time, then you can make a day trip to Valparaiso from Santiago.
No matter if you plan on renting a car or travel by public transport, you need to wait here for the overnight ferry to Chaiten.
Check the up-to-date schedule as the Naviera Austral ferry usually runs six times a week.
Alternatively, it's possible to drive from Puerto Montt to Chaiten by car, but there are three ferries on this road you have to take, so you would need to plan your trip even more carefully.
If time allows, you can visit Puerto Varas, a gateway to Llanquihue National Reserve, which is nearby Puerto Montt.
Day 2-7 or Day 2-14
Depending on if you travel to Patagonia for three or four weeks, you can spend on Carretera Austral either remaining six or thirteen days.
Firstly, here's everything you should know about Carretera Austral.
Now, this is the list of places you should not miss, and it is only up to you how much time you will spend there, what places you decide to see and what spots won't make it to your Carretera Austral itinerary.
Do not forget that sometimes it is time-consuming to get from one place to another when traveling by bus.
Pumalin National Park
One of the least known and often skipped national parks along Carretera Austral is Pumalin National Park.
If you are looking for a place in Patagonia without crowds and an authentic feel, you've just found it.
We spent two days hiking in Pumalin National Park, as we hiked both El Mirador Trail and Volcano Chaiten Trail, but when short on time, we recommend you do the latter.
The base for trekking in Pumalin National Park is a small village Chaiten.
Travel Resources
Where to stay in Chaiten: Budget: Paraiso Patagonico | Mid-range: Posada de Expediciones Kahuel | Luxury: Yelcho en la Patagonia
Queulat National Park
The reason why to visit Queulat National Park is the awe-inspiring Hanging Glacier and several waterfalls along the way.
If you do not travel by car, you need to hitchhike from Puyuhuapi to the entrance gate of the national park because public transport is not reliable here.
Puyuhuapi is a small village, and the real shining star here is really the glacier, but there's also a perfect lodge sitting on the shore of the inlet, in case you are looking to be pampered.
Travel Resources
Where to stay in Puyuhuapi: Budget: Hostal y Cabanas Ventisquero | Mid-range: Cabana Senderos Puyuhuapi | Luxury: Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa
Laguna Cerro Castillo
One of Patagonia's most amazing day hikes is Laguna Cerro Castillo leading from the same-name village high to the mountains until you reach towering peaks above the insanely blue lagoon.
You can stay either in a larger city Coyhaique where it is possible to do proper shopping, or in Villa Cerro Castillo.
Travel Resources
Where to stay in Villa Cerro Castillo: Mid-range: Casa Cerro Castillo | Mid-range: Cabanas Cerro Castillo
Where to stay in Coyhaique: Budget: Hostal Espanol Coyhaique | Mid-range: Huellas y Senderos Hotel | Luxury: Entre Cumbres Hotel and Apart Hotel
Puerto Rio Tranquilo
The small village of Puerto Tranquilo is a great base for visiting either Marble Caves or (and) Exploradores Glacier.
For Marble Caves, it is easy to arrange a tour within a couple of minutes on the lake's shore.
The glacier hike is better to book, at least one day in advance.
Marble Caves are very photogenic, and it is yet another example of how nature in Patagonia did its best to captivate travelers' attention.
Travel Resources
Where to stay in Puerto Rio Tranquilo: Budget: Los Alamos | Mid-range: Cabana la Vasca | Mid-range: Chelenko Lodge
Patagonia National Park
The newest national park along Carretera Austral, simply called Patagonia National Park, is worth exploring.
You can find here a growing number of trails, but we recommend you download Maps.me, for better orientation.
We did our own version of Lagunas Altas Trail. It was more than 30 kilometers long trek, but beautiful, especially because we did not meet here a single person.
Travel Resources
Where to stay in Cochrane: Budget: Hostal Lejana Patagonia | Mid-range: Kalfu Patagonia | Mid-range: Hotel Ultimo Paraiso
Villa O'Higgins
The last stop on Carretera Austral is a village, Villa O'Higgins - literally because the road ends here.
If you made it here, congratulations!
The village is surrounded by mountains and glaciers, so you can do plenty of hikes here, including multi-day ones. We did Altavista Trail, and from the path, we got truly stunning views.
When you make it to the southernmost point of Carretera Austral by car, you need to turn here and drive back to Chile Chico border crossing.
From here, continue your journey via Argentina's Ruta 40, which is, by the way, another scenic route with many worthwhile stops.
Travel Resources
Where to stay in Villa O'Higgins: Budget: Ruedas de la Patagonia | Mid-range: Puesto Canogas Hostel | Luxury: Robinson Crusoe Deep Patagonia Lodge
Border Crossing Villa O'Higgins to El Chalten
If you are looking for a way to make your Patagonia trip even more special, look no further.
Simply put, crossing borders between Chile and Argentina is a must-do.
It was the most memorable border crossing we've ever done, accompanied by wonderful views.
We did the crossing in one day, but you can spend in the wilderness even longer if you have camping equipment.
Crossing borders between Villa O'Higgins and El Chalten requires a bit of planning as you need to combine bus, boat, walking, boat and bus again, but we promise, it is well worth it.
Day 14-28: From El Chalten To Ushuaia
Once you get to El Chalten, you can take either a day off or continue in your program.
Follow our two-week itinerary for the rest of your journey; you will only skip the drive from El Calafate to El Chalten.
Our Tip: When traveling Carretera Austral by car, you have more options on how to adjust your itinerary. You don't need to start your journey in Puerto Montt, but on Argentina's side in Bariloche.
From there, you can either first explore the Lake District and then cross borders to Chile at Paso Cardenal.
Or you can drive down Ruta 40 and cross borders to Chile in Chile Chico, explore as much as you want Carretera Austral, and then cross the borders back and continue down south to El Chalten.
Plan your trip well ahead to find out what would be the best option for you, and always include vast distances in your itinerary.
Do not forget that if you travel to Patagonia by car, you do not have to drop off the car in the same location, but it must be in the same country.
So if you rented the car in Puerto Montt in Chile, you must drive back to Punta Arenas, where it is possible to drop off the car and fly back home.
Patagonia Tour
Have we inspired you to visit Patagonia, but do you feel overwhelmed as traveling on own is not your thing?
Or you just don't have that much time for planning your holiday?
You can always book a hassle-free 13-Day Best of Patagonia Tour from El Calafate to Ushuaia and enjoy Patagonia's beauty without worrying about the trip details.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
What to Pack for Patagonia
With the combination of unpredictable weather and the fact that you will spend most of your day out, you should arrive well-equipped.
Martin soon found out that his old waterproof jacket was not that waterproof any more here in Patagonia.
We've handpicked five essential things you should pack with you for your Patagonia trip.
Backpack 45-55L | To make your trip as comfortable as possible, carry a high-quality backpack with back support and waist strap.
Down Jacket | The region of Patagonia is extremely cold even in summer, so bring along a down jacket or any additional layer with long sleeves not to feel cold. We spent quite a lot of time on the lake's shore, and a warm jacket came in handy.
Rain Poncho | It can start raining any time of the year in Patagonia's mountains, and rain poncho will protect you and your valuables as well.
Windproof Rain Jacket | Wind in Patagonia is so strong, especially during the summer hiking season, that you must pack a quality waterproof and windproof jacket; otherwise, the day could be quite miserable.
Trekking Poles | We always find hiking poles useful, especially when we know there will be a steep descent on the trek's profile.
We've also created a helpful Patagonia Packing List, in case you want to read what to bring and what to leave behind.
Also, don't forget to check out our post on when to visit Patagonia.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
