2-week Patagonia itinerary: best of Torres del Paine & Los Glaciares/El Chaltén
Rugged, remote, and wildly beautiful, Patagonia is a vast region that stretches across the southern tips of Chile and Argentina, where jagged mountains meet windswept plains and ancient glaciers calve into turquoise lakes. I’ve explored both sides of Patagonia on three trips over the past decade (most recently in 2024), travelling by car and by bus, in different seasons, solo and even hosting group hiking trips— and every time, I’ve discovered something new to love about this incredible region at the edge of the world.
Built from extensive personal experience and designed for eager hikers, this 2-week Patagonia itinerary showcases the classic highlights of both Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia, featuring two spectacular national parks (Torres del Paine & Los Glaciares), two of the region’s most iconic multi-day treks (the W-Trek and the Fitz Roy Loop), and countless other adventures along the way.
Patagonia trip logistics
When to go
The best time to follow this 2-week Patagonia itinerary is during the main trekking season (November to March), when trails and camp facilities are fully operational and the weather is at its most stable.
- November: early-season hiking with fewer crowds, cooler temps, and some lingering snow
- December – mid February: peak season with stable trail conditions, long daylight hours, and full access to the parks, but intense winds (up to 100km/hr) and a LOT of other hikers on the trail; this can be a challenging time to secure bookings, so plan ahead and be prepared to pay more for accommodation
- late February – early April: my absolute favourite time in Patagonia, with magical autumn colours and far less people on the trail; temps are cooler and the weather is a little less reliable, but overall worth it for the solitude!
Getting there
This itinerary is designed as a one-way route from Chilean Patagonia to Argentinian Patagonia, but it can also be done in reverse.
- Starting point: Puerto Natales, Chile (domestic flight via Santiago or bus from Punta Arenas)
- Ending point: El Calafate, Argentina
Getting around
This itinerary is perfectly manageable by public transport, with frequent buses connecting Puerto Natales, Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, El Calafate, and El Chaltén.
On my 2nd trip to Patagonia, I hired a car in Puerto Natales to drive this exact itinerary with my family, which was super convenient and a really fun way to explore Patagonia with more independence— but it’s not strictly necessary and you can definitely do this trip without your own set of wheels.
Where to stay
To follow this 2-week itinerary, book accommodation in:
- Puerto Natales (3 nights): Wild Hostel (fantastic vibe and comfortable private rooms) or Casa de la Patagonia (mid-range hotel)
- Torres del Paine (4 nights): camping or dorms at Refugio Grey, Paine Grande, Cuernos, Chileno (reserve Las Torres campsites and Vértice campsites separately, well in advance)
- Puerto Natales (1 night): return to the same hotel (retrieve luggage stored during the trek)
- El Calafate (1 night): Posada Karut Josh (charming central guesthouse) or Mabra Suites (stylish new hotel, a bit cheaper)
- El Chaltén (1 night): Fitz Roy Hostería de Montaña (basic, but best location) or Hotel Lunajuim (mid-range hotel)
- Fitz Roy Loop (2 nights): camping at D’Agostini and Poincenot (free, first-come/first-serve camping in the park)
- El Chaltén (2 nights): return to the same hotel (retrieve luggage stored during the trek)
🗺️ TRAVEL TIPS FOR PATAGONIA
→ Tourist visa: 90-day visa-free entry for most nationalities (AUS, USA, EU) to both Chile & Argentina
→ SIM card: install an eSIM for Chile & Argentina via Airalo; no service in national parks
→ Entry fees & permits: Torres del Paine must be booked online (46,200CLP / $49 USD); Perito Moreno sector of Los Glaciares can be paid online or in-person (45,000ARS / $39USD); El Chaltén sector of Los Glaciares is free
→ Packing list: check out specific packing lists for the W-Trek and Fitz Roy Loop for layers, weatherproof gear & other trail essentials
→ Essential apps: Google Maps (download for offline use); CalTopo GPS (best low-cost GPS map for outdoor nav); BusBud (book bus tickets easily online, check current schedules)
→ Route map: download my custom GPS tracks for Torres del Paine (W-Trek/O-Circuit) and the Fitz Roy Loop
*Detailed 2-week Patagonia itinerary
- Day 1: fly into Puerto Natales, Chile
- Days 2–3: explore Puerto Natales
- Days 4–8: W-Trek (5D/4N), Torres del Paine National Park
- Day 9: travel to El Calafate, Argentina
- Day 10: Perito Moreno Glacier & travel to El Chaltén
- Days 11–13: Fitz Roy Loop (3D/2N), Los Glaciares National Park
- Day 14: explore El Chaltén
- Day 15: return to El Calafate & fly out
Days 1–3: Puerto Natales, Chile
Puerto Natales is the gateway to Patagonia’s most-visited national park, Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, and the perfect place to start your adventure! This charming hiker town on the edge of the Última Esperanza Fjord is full of cozy cafés, excellent restaurants, and outdoor shops positively buzzing with energy as trekkers set off and return from bucket-list hikes nearby.
What to do in Puerto Natales
Spending two full days in Puerto Natales gives you ample time to relax, get organised for the W-Trek, and enjoy a few worthwhile Patagonian adventures. I can personally recommend:
- Kayaking the Eberhard Fjord: paddle a calm inlet near Puerto Prat with beautiful mountain views and heaps of birdlife
- Sport climbing at Cerro Benítez: just 25km from town, this rugged cliffside near Laguna Sofía has over 100 sport routes on chunky conglomerate rock; local guides provide all gear and instruction for beginners or experienced climbers
- Horseback riding at Estancia Pingo Salvaje: an authentic, family-operated farm offering 1, 3, or 6hr rides through lenga forests and open steppe in the Patagonian hills; authentic, family-run, and with incredibly gentle horses (perfect for nervous first-timers, like me)!
✨ Read my guide to Puerto Natales for more ideas!
Where to eat in Puerto Natales
This little town is packed with fantastic food, perfect for fuelling up before and after your hike! Here are some of our favourites:
- Napoli Pizzería Italiana: with Neapolitan-style crust and authentic toppings, this is James’ and my favourite pizza spot in a town overflowing with pizzerias
- El Asador Patagónico: classic Patagonian parrilla with melt-in-your-mouth lamb & bold reds, perfect for a cozy date night
- Restaurant Bahía Mansa: my favourite spot for Chilean ceviche, a national delicacy of fresh seafood marinated in lime (truly incredible, highly recommend!)
- Gelatería Aluen Patagonia: best gelato in Puerto Natales with heaps of lactose-free options for sensitive types (me); try the calafate, an endemic Patagonian berry somewhat similar to a blueberry!
- JAU Natales: stylish restaurant specialising in grilled meat and fantastic cocktails, a short walk from the centre of town
- Cafetería La Matería: relaxed café right on the waterfront, perfect for coffee, cakes, and easy breakfasts
Where to stay in Puerto Natales
Book 3 nights at Wild Hostel, our favourite spot in Puerto Natales with a relaxed vibe, excellent free breakfast, and comfortable private rooms at a great price. Alternatively, Casa de la Patagonia is a good choice. Both are located in the centre of town for easy walking access to restaurants, supermarkets, and gear rental shops.
Days 4–8: Torres del Paine National Park
The next 5 days of this itinerary are dedicated to hiking the W-Trek, Patagonia’s most iconic multi-day route through Torres del Paine National Park. Travelling west to east for 80km, the trail connects many of the park’s most jaw-dropping highlights into a single route: Glacier Grey, the hanging glaciers of the French Valley, and the soaring granite spires of Las Torres.
The trail is well-marked and supported by a network of refugios and campgrounds, making it accessible to even beginner hikers— this was the first multi-day trek I did as an adult back in 2014 and I’ve been back to repeat it multiple times, as recently as 2023! Trust me when I say this hike will be a lifetime highlight.
🏔️ Plan your hike: The W-Trek: ultimate guide to Patagonia’s most iconic multi-day hike
Getting to Torres del Paine
To begin the W-Trek from Paine Grande (west to east), you’ll need to:
- catch a bus from Puerto Natales to Pudeto (3hrs); tickets cost 14,000CLP ($15USD) and can be booked in advance through Bus Sur, Buses Gómez, or Buses Base Torres
- take the catamaran across Lago Pehoé to Paine Grande (30min); the ferry departs at 8.30am & 10.30am and costs 35,000 CLP ($37USD), payable in cash
Optional extension: Hiking the O-Circuit
If you have 3 extra nights, consider the full 8-day O-Circuit in Torres del Paine, which includes all the same incredible views as the W-Trek plus a quieter loop around the back of the park with dramatic alpine views and fewer crowds.
🏔️ Read my trail guide: O-Circuit: the ultimate guide to hiking Torres del Paine in 8 days
Where to stay in Torres del Paine
Accommodation inside the park must be booked in advance (up to 6mo during peak season). For this 5-day W-Trek, you’ll need 1 night at each of the following sites:
- Refugio/Camping Grey
- Refugio/Camping Paine Grande
- Refugio/Camping Cuernos (or Francés, as an alternative)
- Refugio/Camping Chileno
You can choose between tent camping, pre-set rental tents, or dorm-style beds in the refugios. For more details on each option (and instructions on how to book), check out my complete guide to the W-Trek.
🏔️ Read my complete W-Trek & O-Circuit packing list: what to pack for Patagonia’s best multi-day trek
Day 9: El Calafate, Argentina
Spend the second half of this itinerary exploring Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, an enormous and spectacularly glaciated national park in Argentinian Patagonia that protects more than 7,000km² of wilderness. The park is bookended by El Chaltén in the north and El Calafate in the south, each offering access to entirely different landscapes: alpine peaks and rugged trails in the north, and massive glaciers and vast icefields in the south.
In many ways, the northern part of the park is more spectacular— but El Calafate is an important part of this itinerary (1) for access to Perito Moreno, arguably the most impressive glacier in the world, and (2) because you have to pass through El Calafate to get to El Chaltén anyway. Spending a night here makes perfect sense, both logistically and as an opportunity to experience one of Patagonia’s natural wonders.
Getting to El Calafate, Argentina
Depart Puerto Natales and cross the border into Argentinian Patagonia by bus (5-7hrs to El Calafate). Depending on the bus schedule and how busy customs is, this journey will eat up a majority of the day, so just plan to relax, have dinner, and get an early start for Perito Moreno tomorrow.
Where to eat in El Calafate
Go for dinner at Mi Viejo, a beloved local asador and one of the best places in town to experience the rich Argentinian tradition of parilla— more than just a cooking method, it’s a full culinary ritual built around fire, patience, and good meat. Try the lamb or a mixed grill platter, and don’t skip the chimichurri! This spot is wildly popular, so try to line up around 6pm ahead of their 6.30pm opening; if you enjoy good meat, it will be worth the wait.
Where to stay in El Calafate
Stay 1 night somewhere central for easy access to restaurants and the bus station— Posada Karut Josh is a charming budget-friendly guesthouse, while Mabra Suites offers stylish rooms and great service at a mid-range price.
Day 10: Perito Moreno Glacier & travel to El Chaltén
Kick off your Los Glaciares experience with a visit to Perito Moreno Glacier, the world’s third-largest ice cap (after Antarctica and Greenland) and one of the very few glaciers that is still advancing (at a rate of 2m every year). Perito Moreno is also famous for spectacular ice calving, where huge blocks of ice crash into Lago Argentino, and it is truly incredible to witness this close-up!
Getting to Perito Moreno Glacier
Buses from El Calafate to Perito Moreno take about 1.5hrs (50,000ARS / $45USD for return ticket), or you can opt for a tour with hotel pickup in El Calafate (usually $50-70). Neither of these options include the park entrance fee of 45,000ARS ($39), but I promise it’s worth it!
Explore Perito Moreno Glacier
At Perito Moreno, a network of elevated boardwalks offers incredible panoramic views and the chance to witness thunderous ice calving into the lake below— allow at least 3hrs to explore the many viewpoints and just watch the glacier breathe (there’s honestly no other way to describe it). For an even closer perspective, I highly recommend booking a boat cruise to get up close to the glacier’s towering blue face!
Getting to El Chaltén
From Perito Moreno, return to El Calafate and then hop on a 3hr bus to El Chaltén, Argentina’s hiking capital. While El Calafate is the gateway to the southern icefields, El Chaltén provides access to rugged alpine trails around Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in the park’s northern sector— spend the next few days exploring this part of Los Glaciares National Park!
Where to stay in El Chaltén
Check into Fitz Roy Hostería de Montaña (budget; simple double or triple rooms in a great location) or Hotel Lunajuim (mid-range hotel), both centrally located and within easy walking distance of trailheads, restaurants, and gear shops. You can store your luggage here while you’re out hiking, so I’d recommend staying at the same place before and after the Fitz Roy Loop.
Days 11–13: Fitz Roy Loop
The next part of the itinerary is dedicated to a 3-day backcountry adventure around Mount Fitz Roy, linking El Chaltén’s two most iconic trails (Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre) into one incredible loop. While many visitors opt to explore the park on day-hikes, I think it’s way more worthwhile to extend the route over 2-3 days and enjoy sunrise views, uncrowded trails, and hidden gems that hardly anyone sees.
The trail is well-marked, relatively non-technical, and accessible to most fit hikers, as well as entirely FREE— no permits, camping reservations, or park entry fees!
🏔️ Read my complete trail guide: Fitz Roy Loop: the ultimate 3-day backpacking trip in El Chaltén, Patagonia
Getting to the Fitz Roy Loop
My suggested route starts right from town at the Laguna Torre trailhead and finishes at the Río Eléctrico Bridge, about 15km north of El Chaltén (it’s easy to hitchhike or book a taxi back into town).
Where to stay on the Fitz Roy Loop
Free camping is available at D’Agostini (night 1 of the loop) and Poincenot (night 2) on a first-come, first-served basis; there are simple pit toilets, but no other ammenities. Bring your own gear or rent in town before setting off.
🏔️ Check out my complete Fitz Roy Trek packing list: what to pack for hiking in El Chaltén, Patagonia
Days 14–15: El Chaltén
After completing the Fitz Roy Loop, I’d recommend spending your final two days in Patagonia soaking up more of El Chaltén’s charm. This tiny mountain town has a special kind of magic, and even if all you do is eat good food, wander the streets, and rest your legs, it’ll still feel like time well spent.
What to do in El Chaltén
If you’ve got a bit of energy left, here are a few memorable ways to cap off your adventure in El Chaltén (all of which I’ve personally done!):
- Via ferrata: Bonanza Adventure recently opened a new via ferrata route just outside of town that offers even those without climbing experience the opportunity to ascend (on fixed metal cables) to a spectacular viewpoint over Fitz Roy; if you only do one activity, it should be this!
- Whitewater rafting on the Río de las Vueltas: paddle through glacial waters with phenomenal views of Fitz Roy, starting on calm stretches before tackling thrilling class III+ rapids through a scenic canyon. This is the exact tour we did on the group trip I hosted to Patagonia in 2024!
- Horseback riding: a fantastic way to connect with Patagonian gaucho culture, horseback riding offers a glimpse into the life of the region’s original cowboys— once nomadic horsemen who roamed the steppe, later becoming skilled ranch hands on local estancias, and now operating authentic experiences for travellers who want a bit of tradition with their adventure
Where to eat in El Chaltén
Work up an appetite on the trail and then return to El Chaltén for some fantastic food! Our favourites include:
- The Asadores: fantastic Argentinian parilla; get the tasting menu to try guanaco, chorizo, sweetbreads, steak, and provoleta (skillet-melted provolone, my favourite Argentine dish)
- Fuegia: another excellent place for parilla, with amazing wine and steaks (bife de chorizo is a great cut of meat, if you don’t know where to start!)
- Maffia: exceptional homemade pasta with an extensive wine list
- Dominga Trattoria Napoletana: small but truly exceptional little restaurant serving perfect puffy crust, Naples-style pizzas at the north end of town
- La Cervecería Chaltén: local brewery with a great lunch menu and charming garden seating
- Bourbon Smokehouse: the BEST spot in El Chaltén for post-hike drinks (we order the same pink cocktail from our favourite bartender every time we’re in town!)
- Heladería Domo Blanco: favourite ice creamery, with endless flavours
Where to stay in El Chaltén
Return to your previous accommodation (where you stored your luggage on the trek) for another 2 nights. Again, I’d recommend Fitz Roy Hostería de Montaña or Hotel Lunajuim.
Getting back to El Calafate
Catch a 3hr bus back to El Calafate to connect with your departing flight. Bon voyage!
Patagonia itinerary extensions
- With 3 weeks? Add time in Ushuaia or hike the full O-Circuit (adds 3 nights in Torres del Paine)
- With only 10 days? Skip El Calafate and cut down time in Puerto Natales to prioritise the W-Trek (5 days) and the 2-day Fitz Roy Loop from El Chaltén
- Day-hikes only? You can access the east and west end of Torres del Paine on 2x day hikes (to Las Torres & Glacier Grey) and the two most famous lakes in Los Glaciares the same way (Laguna Torre & Laguna de los Tres). This theoretically reduces the itinerary to 10 days or gives you the opportunity to add something else, like Tierra del Fuego.
- Something totally different? Fly down to Ushuaia and sail across the Beagle Channel to the southernmost trek in the entire world, Dientes de Navarino (I did this in 2023 and haven’t written it up yet, but contact me if you want details!)
Explore all my Patagonia hiking guides & itineraries
O-Circuit: the ultimate guide to hiking Torres del Paine in 8 days
The W-Trek: ultimate trail guide to Patagonia’s most iconic multi-day hike
navigate confidently on the trail ->complete O-Circuit GPS map (also works for the W-Trek!)
Complete W-Trek & O-Circuit packing list: what to pack for Patagonia’s best multi-day treks
10 amazing things to do in Puerto Natales, Chile
Fitz Roy Loop: the ultimate 3-day backpacking trip in El Chaltén, Patagonia
navigate confidently on the trail ->Fitz Roy Loop GPS map
Complete Fitz Roy Trek packing list: what to pack for hiking in El Chaltén, Patagonia
