Chile & Argentina, Chile · Trip plan
7 days in Patagonia
Granite towers, glaciers and the end of the world.
- Best time
- Nov – Mar
- Ideal length
- 7 days
- A day, mid-range
- $280 per person
- Trip for two
- about $3,920
Planning a 7-day trip to Patagonia? Here's a day-by-day Patagonia itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
November to March is the southern summer, the only season when Patagonia's trails and boats fully open.
Patagonia spans the southern tip of Chile and Argentina: granite peaks, icefields, turquoise lakes and vast open steppe.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec: a good time to go
November to March: 5–20°C, very windy and changeable.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Patagonia
- 01
Torres del Paine
The famous towers and the W trek.
- 02
Perito Moreno Glacier
A calving glacier you can walk on.
- 03
El Chaltén
Hikes to Mount Fitz Roy.
- 04
Wildlife
Guanacos, condors and pumas.
Day by day
Patagonia itinerary for 7 days
- D1
Day 1: Puerto Natales
- Morning
- Fly into Puerto Natales (or Punta Arenas, then a 3-hour bus), the gateway to Torres del Paine.
- Afternoon
- Walk the waterfront along the Última Esperanza fjord and pick up any last gear.
- Evening
- Dinner of slow-roasted Patagonian lamb.
Buy your Torres del Paine entry online before you go.
- D2
Day 2: Into Torres del Paine
- Morning
- Bus into the park and take the catamaran across Lake Pehoé.
- Afternoon
- Hike towards Grey Glacier, or take a boat to its blue ice face.
- Evening
- Night in a refugio or campsite.
Pack proper rain and wind gear; weather changes in minutes.
- D3
Day 3: French Valley
- Morning
- Hike into the French Valley, surrounded by hanging glaciers and granite walls.
- Afternoon
- Lunch on the trail at the Británico viewpoint.
- Evening
- Night at a refugio along the W trek.
It's a long day of about 8–10 hours.
- D4
Day 4: The towers
- Morning
- Pre-dawn hike up to the Base of the Towers to see the granite spires turn red at sunrise.
- Afternoon
- Descend and rest your legs.
- Evening
- Bus back to Puerto Natales.
Start by 4 AM for sunrise.
- D5
Day 5: To El Calafate
- Morning
- Bus across the border to El Calafate in Argentina (about 5–6 hours).
- Afternoon
- Wander the town and Laguna Nimez bird reserve.
- Evening
- Dinner and Patagonian craft beer.
Border crossings take time; carry snacks.
- D6
Day 6: Perito Moreno
- Morning
- Walk the balconies facing Perito Moreno Glacier as chunks of ice crash into the lake.
- Afternoon
- Join a 'mini-trekking' tour with crampons on the glacier itself.
- Evening
- Farewell lamb dinner.
Book glacier treks in advance.
- D7
Day 7: Home
- Morning
- Morning in El Calafate.
- Afternoon
- Fly to Buenos Aires.
- Evening
- Connect home.
Leave a buffer for weather delays.
Shorter or longer
Patagonia in 6, 7 or 9 days
6 days in Patagonia
Follow days 1 to 6 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
9 days in Patagonia
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.
What it costs
Patagonia trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 7 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $130 | $1,820 |
| Mid-range | $280 | $3,920 |
| Luxury | $800+ | $11,200 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Patagonia is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Patagonia for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Patagonia
Patagonian lamb
Slow-roasted over a fire.
Calafate berry
Legend says eating it means you'll return.
Empanadas
Hand pies.
Getting there
How to reach Patagonia
- Travel
- Fly to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales (Chile), or El Calafate (Argentina).
- Getting around
- Buses and tours; a car is useful in Argentina.
- Book refugios months ahead.
- Wind is extreme; pack layers.
Before you go
What to pack for Patagonia
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Thermals, gloves and a woollen cap
- Waterproof boots
- A small first-aid kit
- A reusable water bottle
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Patagonia trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Patagonia?
7 days are enough to see the highlights: Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chaltén. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 7-day Patagonia trip cost?
Roughly $130 a day per person on a budget, $280 mid-range and $800+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $3,920 for 7 days.
What is the best time to visit Patagonia?
Nov – Mar. November to March is the southern summer, the only season when Patagonia's trails and boats fully open.
Where should I stay in Patagonia?
Budget: Refugios on the W trek (Torres del Paine), from about $100 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in Puerto Natales (Puerto Natales), from about $200 a night. Luxury: Awasi Patagonia (Torres del Paine), from about $1,500 a night.
How do I reach Patagonia?
Fly to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales (Chile), or El Calafate (Argentina).
Is 6 days enough for Patagonia?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 6 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 7 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Patagonia?
November to March: 5–20°C, very windy and changeable.
What food should I try in Patagonia?
Patagonian lamb: Slow-roasted over a fire. Calafate berry: Legend says eating it means you'll return. Empanadas: Hand pies.
How do I get around Patagonia?
Buses and tours; a car is useful in Argentina.
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