Contents
Is 21 Days Enough to See Patagonia?
Three weeks gives you ample time to explore Patagonia’s highlights, but the region is vast, and choosing a route that aligns with your interests is essential.
Here’s an overview of the four itineraries in this post:
| Itinerary | Locations Covered | Perfect For... |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 Argentina |
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, El Calafate, El Chaltén, Bariloche |
Hikers and glacier lovers |
|
#2 Chile |
Santiago, Pucon, Puerto Montt, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine, Punta Arenas |
Adventure seekers |
|
#3 Chile & Argentina |
Santiago, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine, El Calafate, El Chaltén, Bariloche, Buenos Aires |
Those who want a bit of both |
|
#4 Lake District |
Buenos Aires, Bariloche, San Martín de los Andes, Puerto Montt, Pucon, Santiago |
Scenic landscapes & outdoor lovers |
Itinerary 1: Argentina
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1-3 |
Buenos Aires |
Explore vibrant neighborhoods, tango shows |
|
4-6 |
Ushuaia |
Beagle Channel tour, Tierra del Fuego NP |
|
7-9 |
El Calafate |
Perito Moreno Glacier, boat tours |
|
10-13 |
El Chaltén |
Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre hikes |
|
14-17 |
Bariloche |
Scenic hikes, Nahuel Huapi National Park |
|
18-21 |
Buenos Aires |
Final days of sightseeing, relaxing |
Overview
- Perfect for: Hikers and glacier enthusiasts
- Budget: $$ – Moderate
- Best time to visit: November to March
Days 1-3 - Buenos Aires
- Walk through San Telmo, La Boca, and Palermo to experience the city’s culture.
- Visit Plaza de Mayo, Teatro Colón, and Recoleta Cemetery.
- Enjoy an authentic asado (Argentinian BBQ) and watch a tango show.
Days 4-6 - Ushuaia
- Cruise the Beagle Channel to see sea lions, cormorants, and glaciers.
- Hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park for breathtaking coastal views.
- Ride the End of the World Train, a historic railway through scenic landscapes.
Days 7-9 - El Calafate
- Witness the massive Perito Moreno Glacier and watch ice calving.
- Take a boat tour for a close-up view of the glacier’s towering walls.
- Visit Laguna Nimez Reserve for birdwatching and a peaceful walk.
Days 10-13 - El Chaltén
- Trek to Laguna de los Tres, the best viewpoint of Mount Fitz Roy.
- Hike to Laguna Torre for stunning views of Cerro Torre.
- Opt for Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, a panoramic but less crowded hike.
Days 14-17 - Bariloche
- Explore Nahuel Huapi National Park with its alpine scenery.
- Hike Cerro Campanario for a spectacular 360-degree view.
- Drive the Circuito Chico, a scenic route through lakes and mountains.
Days 18-21 - Buenos Aires
- Shop and relax in Recoleta, San Telmo, or Palermo Soho.
- Try traditional empanadas and sip on mate tea.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at a top parrilla (steakhouse).
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our 3-month trip feel easy.”
Sam & Amy – 3 Months In South America
Planning a trip to
Struggling with any of this?
✔ Don’t know where to start planning
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo.
I help travellers like you plan custom South America trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
Itinerary 2: Chile
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1-3 |
Santiago |
Explore the city, visit Cerro San Cristóbal |
|
4-6 |
Pucon |
Hike Villarrica Volcano, visit hot springs |
|
7-9 |
Puerto Montt |
Lakes, fjords, and outdoor adventures |
|
10-13 |
Torres Del Paine |
W Trek, Grey Glacier |
|
14-17 |
Puerto Natales |
Explore the Magallanes region |
|
18-21 |
Santiago |
Final day of sightseeing |
Overview
- Perfect for: Adventure seekers exploring Chile’s best landscapes
- Budget: $$$ – Expensive
- Best time to visit: November to April
Days 1-3 - Santiago
- Visit Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic city views.
- Explore Bellavista for street art, cafés, and nightlife.
- Wander through La Moneda Palace and Plaza de Armas.
Days 4-6 - Pucon
- Hike Villarrica Volcano, an active volcano with stunning views.
- Relax in Termas Geométricas, one of Chile’s best hot springs.
- Visit Huerquehue National Park for scenic hiking trails.
Days 7-9 - Puerto Montt
- Discover Lake Llanquihue with breathtaking views of Osorno Volcano.
- Take a boat trip through the fjords to experience remote landscapes.
- Explore Puerto Varas, a charming town with German influences.
Days 10-13 - Torres Del Paine
- Hike the W Trek, visiting Mirador Base Torres and Grey Glacier.
- Take a catamaran across Lago Pehoé for jaw-dropping views.
- Spot guanacos and condors in this world-famous national park.
Days 14-17 - Punta Arenas
- Visit Magdalena Island to see thousands of penguins up close.
- Explore the Nao Victoria Museum, featuring a replica of Magellan’s ship.
- Walk along the Strait of Magellan for historical landmarks.
Days 18-21 - Santiago
- Enjoy a Chilean wine-tasting tour in the Maipo Valley.
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Lastarria and Providencia.
- Savor a final meal of pastel de choclo or seafood empanadas.
If you want to know how many days you need in Patagonia, head to the post below:
“Joe saved us so many hours of research and planning. His expertise turned our stress into a clear, custom itinerary we could actually enjoy.”
Maeve & Martin – 6 Weeks In South America
Planning a trip to
Struggling with any of this?
✔ Don’t know where to start planning
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spending hours researching… and still feeling stuck
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo.
I help travellers like you plan custom South America trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
Itinerary 3: Chile & Argentina
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1-2 |
Santiago |
Explore the city, visit museums |
|
3-4 |
Puerto Natales |
Scenic bus ride, gateway to Torres del Paine |
|
5-9 |
Torres Del Paine |
W Trek, Mirador Base Torres, Grey Glacier |
|
10-12 |
El Calafate |
Visit Perito Moreno Glacier, boat tours |
|
13-16 |
El Chaltén |
Trek Laguna de los Tres, explore town |
|
17-19 |
Bariloche |
Scenic hikes, Nahuel Huapi National Park |
|
20-21 |
Buenos Aires |
Final day of sightseeing |
Overview
- Perfect for: Travelers who want a mix of Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia
- Budget: $$$ – Expensive
- Best time to visit: November to March
Day 1-2 - Santiago
- Walk around Plaza de Armas and visit La Moneda Palace.
- Take the funicular to Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic views.
- Explore Barrio Bellavista for street art, cafes, and nightlife.
Day 3-4 - Puerto Natales
- Travel to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine.
- Walk along the waterfront and visit the Mylodon Cave.
- Prepare for the trek with gear rentals and food supplies.
Days 5-9 - Torres Del Paine
- Trek the W Trek, visiting highlights like Mirador Base Torres and Grey Glacier.
- Take a catamaran ride across Lago Pehoé.
- Stay in refugios or camp under the stars.
Days 10-12 - El Calafate
- Cross into Argentina and visit Perito Moreno Glacier.
- Take a boat tour to see the glacier up close.
- Visit Glaciarium Museum to learn about Patagonia’s ice fields.
Days 13-16 - El Chaltén
- Hike to Laguna de los Tres, one of Patagonia’s best trails.
- Trek to Laguna Torre and admire the stunning glacial lake.
- Enjoy a sunset at Mirador Los Cóndores.
Days 17-19 - Bariloche
- Explore Nahuel Huapi National Park.
- Drive the scenic Circuito Chico.
- Try local chocolates and enjoy the town’s European charm.
Days 20-21 - Buenos Aires
- Visit Recoleta Cemetery and San Telmo Market.
- Enjoy a final steak dinner and wine tasting.
If you want to know how many days you need in South America, check out the post below:
Itinerary 4: Patagonia’s Lake District
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1-2 |
Buenos Aires |
Explore city, local cuisine, tango |
|
3-6 |
Bariloche |
Nahuel Huapi National Park, scenic hikes |
|
7-9 |
San Martin De Los Andes |
Scenic drive through Seven Lakes Route |
|
10-13 |
Puerto Montt |
Lakes, volcanoes, fjords |
|
14-17 |
Pucon |
Hike Villarrica Volcano, relax in hot springs |
|
18-21 |
Santiago |
Final days of sightseeing |
Overview
- Perfect for: Scenic landscapes, lakes, and outdoor adventures
- Budget: $$ – Moderate
- Best time to visit: November to March
Day 1-2 - Buenos Aires
- Explore the historic San Telmo Market.
- Walk through La Boca and see the colorful houses.
- Dine at a traditional parrilla for an Argentinian BBQ.
Days 3-6 - Bariloche
- Visit Nahuel Huapi National Park for hiking and kayaking.
- Take the Seven Lakes Drive to admire breathtaking landscapes.
- Enjoy Swiss-style chocolate and craft beer in town.
Days 7-9 - San Martín de los Andes
- Drive through the Seven Lakes Route, stopping at viewpoints.
- Hike in Lanín National Park, home to an impressive volcano.
- Stroll through the picturesque town and relax by the lake.
Days 10-13 - Puerto Montt
- Take a ferry ride through Chilean fjords.
- Visit Angelmo Market for seafood and crafts.
- Explore the Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Waterfalls.
Days 14-17 - Pucon
- Hike Villarrica Volcano, one of Chile’s most famous hikes.
- Relax in Termas Geométricas hot springs.
- Visit the Ojos del Caburgua waterfalls.
Days 18-21 - Santiago
- Discover the vibrant Lastarria and Bellavista neighborhoods.
- Visit Cerro Santa Lucía and take in city views.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner with pisco sours and pastel de choclo.
“We ended up with a better itinerary than anything a travel agent suggested – and without the hefty price tag!
Jerry & Maria – 5 Weeks In South America
Planning a trip to
Struggling with any of this?
✔ Don’t know where to start planning
✔ Spending hours researching… and still feeling stuck
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo.
I help travellers like you plan custom South America trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
Other Chile Guides & Itineraries
Short South America Itineraries
Medium South America Itineraries
Long South America Itineraries
Popular South America Itineraries & Guides
