Patagonia: A Majestic Adventure
11-Day Patagonia Itinerary
Here’s a quick overview of the trip! For the full details and my special recommendations, keep reading through the day-to-day breakdown below
Helpful Tips:
A quick heads-up for anyone planning to cross country borders with a rental car—be sure to inform your rental company to get all the necessary paperwork in order. It’ll save you time and hassle along the way!
One thing we quickly learned: AllTrails' listed hike distances were a bit underestimated for the trails we did. Be sure to factor in extra time when planning your hikes—you'll want to give yourself a bit of breathing room to fully enjoy the journey.
Hotel Recommendations:
In Buenos Aires, Argentina: Esplendor by Wyndham Buenos Aires Tango
In El Chalten, Argentina: Destino Sur Hotel & Spa Montana
Now to the good stuff!…
Nestled between the borders of Argentina and Chile lies Patagonia—an enchanting land of vast landscapes, old-world charm, and boundless adventure. I had the incredible opportunity to explore this magical place in December 2023 with a group of 8 friends from graduate school. As we began to plan our trip, I found myself asking: Argentina or Chile first? Should we kayak by the glacier or somewhere else? The options seemed endless!
Like many, I often reflect on past trips and think, I would’ve done that differently, or stayed longer here. But not with this trip. I can say, without hesitation, that I wouldn’t change a thing. From the order of our journey to the pace we set, it truly had a little bit of everything—nature, culture, adventure, and moments that took our breath away. I hope you enjoy Patagonia as much as we did (and let’s be honest, how could you not, with its beauty?).
Day 1: Land in Buenos Aires & Explore
Our adventure began in the vibrant heart of Argentina—Buenos Aires. After landing, we checked into our hotel and immediately set out to wander the city. Our first stop: Monserrat, where we marveled at Plaza de Mayo and the iconic Casa Rosada. We then headed to Puerto Madero and Parque Micaela, taking in the views and the fresh air.
For dinner, we made our way to Elena, a world-renowned steakhouse inside the Four Seasons Hotel. (If you’re a Swiftie, you’ll be pleased to know this is the very spot where Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce dined during her Eras Tour!) The meal was an absolute highlight—exquisite doesn’t even begin to describe it. But the best Argentinian steak? Read on to find out where we had that!
Day 2: Into the Mountains – Travel to El Chaltén
We were ready to leave the city behind and head for the mountains. We flew to El Calafate and after picking up our rental car, set out on the scenic drive to El Chaltén, a charming town at the foot of the Andes.
Day 3: Kayaking in El Chaltén
What’s a Patagonia adventure without a little kayaking? I opted for a kayak tour in El Chaltén instead of on the El Calafate glacier—and I’m so glad I did. Gliding across the Gatorade-blue waters, we were experienced a unique perspective of the stunning landscapes. After the tour, we were treated to a traditional lunch at Estancia Bonanza, a beautiful cabin in the midst of all that grandeur. The meal, surrounded by Patagonia’s natural beauty, was a unanimous favorite of the trip for both the food and the views.
Note on why kayak here: While the views from glacier kayaking are undeniably breathtaking, I felt that the viewpoint at Perito Moreno Glacier offered a similar, awe-inspiring perspective. Kayaking here, however, gave us something unique—an intimate connection with the natural surroundings that you don’t quite experience on the hike. It felt like a more personal way to immerse ourselves in the beauty of this incredible landscape.
Day 4: Hiking Laguna de los Tres
The day began with one of the most iconic hikes in Argentina—Laguna de los Tres. Be sure to ask your hotel where to start on this hike – there are several options depending on what you are looking for! After a full day of hiking, our group headed to Parrilla La Oveja Negra for the best steak of the trip (hands down!). After our epic hike, we all ordered a little bit of everything, and let me tell you, the joy of sitting around the table after a challenging day with good food and even better company was unbeatable—even though we mostly ate in exhausted silence. LOL The steaks, the vegetables, the fries—everything was sublime.
Day 5: Rest & Recover – Travel Day to El Calafate
We took the day slow, savoring a moment of recovery. Some of us slept in, others wandered through the charming town, while a few indulged in relaxing spa treatments at the hotel. By midday, we made our way to El Calafate, where we explored the town and enjoyed food and drinks at Patagonia Beer Garden. It's also a wonderful spot to pick up a thoughtful gift for friends and family—think beautifully packaged beer glassware that will fit in any kitchen.
Day 6: The Magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier
This day was dedicated to one of Patagonia’s true crown jewels—the Perito Moreno Glacier. The tour we booked began with a scenic bus ride from El Calafate to the glacier, where we were given time to explore on the viewing walkways. If you’re lucky, you might even witness some of the glacier’s majestic movement—trust me, it’s an unforgettable sight.
Next, we hopped on a boat to the other side of the glacier, where the ice is a little more stable (no breaking off here!). From there, we geared up in helmets and spikes, ready to step onto the ice. And let me tell you, it was WILD. I’ve never experienced anything like it—frozen mountain formations all around, the feeling of walking on an ancient, untouched world. I even had the chance to taste glacier water straight from the ground (yum!).
We hiked up hills, down into crevasses, and over otherworldly terrain—someone on my trip compared the views to the West World show. It was an adventure through a landscape that felt like it was from another planet. We capped off the experience with a cheers of whiskey on the rocks—made with glacier ice, of course!
https://hieloyaventura.com/en/excursiones/minitrekking
(bring gloves for the glacier hike!)
Day 7: Crossing Into Chile
Today was all about the journey. We had breakfast in El Calafate, then set out for Puerto Natales, Chile. Be prepared for a long day of travel, as the border crossing takes some time. This is where that rental car paperwork comes in handy! And if you’re not fluent in Spanish, it’s helpful to have translation tech ready for this day.
Day 8: Torres del Paine Bus Tour
We only had two days to explore the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park so I opted for a bus tour, and I’m so glad I did. The park is vast and awe-inspiring, and this tour gave us a comprehensive overview of its stunning landscapes via its best viewpoints. Sure, it felt a little rushed, but with a place as big as this, it was the best way to see the highlights (and not have to drive yourself through all the dirt roads). We were guided by Juan, who might just be the most enthusiastic tour guide I’ve ever had. His energy made the experience even more unforgettable.
Get yourself a tour guide that brings back 2012 jumping photos for the group!
Day 9: Hiking Mirador Los Torres
This hike is definitely more challenging than the one we tackled in Argentina. I did my fair share of research—Googling, reading Reddit threads, checking every resource I could find—but the answer of which is more difficult was never clear! Well, let me tell you, the answer became crystal clear once we were on the trail. It’s tough, but absolutely worth it. The hike is more about navigating steps than steep inclines (which, personally, I prefer), and the views shift constantly—each one more breathtaking than the last.
There’s a lovely spot at the Refugee camp halfway up where you can grab a beer. I recommend leaving this for on your way down—as you’ll want all the energy for the peak and there is nothing better than a refreshing beer and a break after hiking for hours. When you reach the peak, you’ll want to give yourself space to sit, reflect, and simply be. The view is nothing short of stunning. FYI - we hiked from 10 AM until about 7-8 PM.
Day 10: Border Crossing & Travel to Buenos Aires
We took the morning to drive back to El Calafate, with plenty of time for another border crossing. Then it was a flight back to Buenos Aires—a chance to unwind and reflect on everything we’d experienced. After a long journey, we opted for an easy night in, ordering take-out via Rappi (Argentina’s version of UberEats).
Day 11: Soaking Up Buenos Aires
Our final day was dedicated to soaking in the last bits of Buenos Aires. We walked through bustling markets, shopped in trendy neighborhoods, visited the La Recoleta Cemetery, and ended our day strolling the colorful streets of Caminito in La Boca. It was the perfect way to complete the circle, bringing our journey back to where it all began before our evening flight home.
A Final Thought
Patagonia is a place that leaves you speechless, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you're marveling at glaciers, hiking through mountains, or enjoying a quiet moment by a turquoise lake, every experience is infused with awe. I hope this itinerary inspires you to pack your bags and venture to this magical corner of the world. Trust me, you’ll return home with more than just memories—you’ll bring back a sense of wonder that stays with you long after you’ve left.