Patagonia had been on my list forever, and it didn't disappoint. I led a WeRoad trekking trip across Argentina and Chile: granite peaks, blue glaciers, the Strait of Magellan and finally Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world.
This is an active trip. Most days involve long hikes, early starts and unpredictable weather (sun, rain and strong wind can all happen in one afternoon). Good boots and layers make all the difference.
Itinerary
13 days covers Buenos Aires, the Argentinian and Chilean sides of southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Distances are big, so there are a couple of internal flights and long bus transfers.
Day 1 – Welcome to Buenos Aires
Arrival and welcome dinner. Argentinian steak and Malbec are the perfect way to meet the group.
Day 2 – Fly south to El Calafate & El Chaltén
Domestic flight to El Calafate, then a transfer north to El Chaltén, Argentina's trekking capital, right at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy.
Day 3 – Trek to Laguna de los Tres
The big one: around 20km (8–10h) to Laguna de los Tres, with the final hour climbing steeply to the lake at the foot of Fitz Roy. Hard, but the view at the top is one of the best of my life.
Day 4 – Laguna Torre
A gentler hike (~18km) through forest and along the river to Laguna Torre and the view of Cerro Torre, often with icebergs floating in the lake.
Day 5 – Perito Moreno Glacier
Back to El Calafate to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier. Walk the balconies facing the 70m-high ice wall and wait for blocks of ice to crash into the lake.
Day 6 – Cross into Chile: Puerto Natales
Cross the border by bus to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine. Afternoon to rest and prepare the trekking gear.
Day 7 – Torres del Paine: Base de las Torres
The classic hike to the Base of the Towers (~20km, 8–9h), ending at the lake below the three granite towers.
Day 8 – Torres del Paine: lakes & viewpoints
A full day exploring the park: Lago Pehoé, the Salto Grande waterfall and the Cuernos del Paine viewpoints, spotting guanacos along the way.
Day 9 – Punta Arenas & the Strait of Magellan
Drive south to Punta Arenas, on the Strait of Magellan. Optional visit to see the Magellanic penguins.
Day 10 – Across Tierra del Fuego to Ushuaia
A long journey crossing the Strait by ferry and driving across Tierra del Fuego to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.
Day 11 – Tierra del Fuego National Park & Beagle Channel
Hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park, then a boat trip on the Beagle Channel to see sea lions and the Les Éclaireurs lighthouse.
Day 12 – Back to Buenos Aires
Flight back to the capital. Evening of tango in San Telmo and a farewell dinner.
Day 13 – Farewell
Free time to explore La Boca, Recoleta or Plaza de Mayo before departures.
Practical tips
- Weather: pack for four seasons in a day: waterproof jacket, fleece, thermal layers, hat and gloves, even in summer.
- Boots: worn-in trekking boots are essential; trails to Laguna de los Tres and Base de las Torres are steep and rocky.
- Money: bring some cash in US dollars or euros for Argentina, and pesos for Chile. Cards are widely accepted in towns.
- Border: you can't bring fresh fruit, meat or dairy into Chile, so finish your snacks before the crossing.
- Torres del Paine: park tickets must be bought online in advance.
Budget
Patagonia isn't a cheap destination. Distances are huge, so internal flights and long transfers make up a big part of the cost, and prices in the national parks are higher than in the rest of Argentina and Chile.
Return flights
From London to Buenos Aires, with one layover.
1.000€
Travel Insurance
Remember to always have your insurance when you travel. I normally get an annual MultiTrip so it covers me all year round.
50€
Food
Breakfasts plus lunches and dinners for 13 days, including picnic lunches on the trekking days.
400€
Local Transport
Two internal flights, buses between El Calafate, El Chaltén, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas and Ushuaia, and the Magellan ferry.
800€
Accommodation
Hotels and hostels in shared rooms throughout the trip.
600€
Entry fees & Excursions
Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine park tickets, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Beagle Channel boat trip and tips.
250€
Total:
3.100€
Photos: Unsplash and Wikimedia Commons (Creative Commons licences).
