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Patagonia Itinerary 2026

Day-by-day plans for 3, 5, and 7 days — organised to make the most of your time.

Torres del Paine W Trek

The classic Patagonia trekking itinerary — five days through the most spectacular scenery in the southern hemisphere.

Day 1 Fly to Punta Arenas / Puerto Natales

Fly to Punta Arenas (or Balmaceda for the Argentine side). Bus or transfer to Puerto Natales. Gear check, orientation, and an early dinner at a local restaurant before the next day's early start.

💡 Tip: Buy any last supplies in Puerto Natales — prices and selection in the park are very limited.
Day 2 Day 1: Lago Pehoé — Paine Grande Refugio

Bus to the park, catamaran across Lago Pehoé. Trek from Paine Grande to the Grey Glacier viewpoint and back — 22km, 7 hours. Overnight at Refugio/Camping Paine Grande.

💡 Tip: The afternoon catamaran is the standard arrival; the Grey walk can be done that same afternoon with an early departure.
Day 3 Day 2: Grey Glacier Walk

Trek from Paine Grande to Grey Glacier and back — 22km, 7 hours. Optional ice walk on the glacier surface (pre-book). Return to Paine Grande for second night.

💡 Tip: Book the ICE Experience boat/glacier walk through Fantastico Sur well in advance — it runs only at set times.
Day 4 Day 3: Valle del Francés

Trek across to the Italiano campsite and up through Valle del Francés to Mirador Británico — one of the finest viewpoints in Patagonia. Return and continue to Cuernos refugio.

💡 Tip: Leave Paine Grande at 7am to reach the Mirador Británico with time to linger before returning.
Day 5 Day 4: Base Torres

Early start for the most iconic hike — 18km return to the viewpoint beneath the three granite towers. The final 45-minute scramble up loose moraine leads to the turquoise lake.

💡 Tip: Start at 5:30am for the best light on the towers and to avoid the main rush of day-hikers arriving from 8am.

Patagonia: Both Sides in 7 Days

Combines Torres del Paine (Chile) with Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina).

Day 1 Arrive Punta Arenas — Puerto Natales

Transfer to Puerto Natales. Gear up and plan the trek.

Day 2 Torres del Paine — Day 1 (Grey)

Catamaran to Paine Grande. Afternoon: Grey Glacier viewpoint walk.

Day 3 Torres del Paine — Day 2 (Francés)

Full-day walk through Valle del Francés to Mirador Británico.

Day 4 Torres del Paine — Day 3 (Base Torres)

The iconic hike to Base Torres at dawn. Return to Puerto Natales in the afternoon.

Day 5 Cross to El Calafate (Argentina) — Perito Moreno

Bus across the border to El Calafate (3h). Afternoon at Perito Moreno Glacier — watch icebergs calve from the elevated walkways.

💡 Tip: The border crossing is straightforward but add 1–2 hours to the journey time; have documents ready.
Day 6 Perito Moreno — Ice Trekking

Morning: return to the glacier for a guided mini-trekking on the ice surface — crampons provided. Afternoon: explore El Calafate town and the excellent Glaciarium museum.

💡 Tip: Big Ice is the more adventurous ice trek option (4h on the glacier); book through your hotel in El Calafate.
Day 7 Fly Home from El Calafate or Back to Santiago

El Calafate airport has direct flights to Buenos Aires and connections worldwide.