Three Week Patagonia Itinerary: 4 Epic Routes

Patagonia is an adventurer’s paradise, filled with glaciers, rugged mountains, and vast landscapes. With three weeks to explore, you have the chance to experience the region in depth, whether you focus on Argentina, Chile, or a mix of both. This guide outlines four incredible itineraries to help you plan your journey.

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).

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:

• How Many Days Do You Need In Patagonia?

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:

• How Many Days Do You Need In South America?

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.

---

If you have one month, head to the page below:

• 1-Month Patagonia Itinerary: The Ultimate Adventure