The Ultimate South American Patagonia Adventure: From Buenos Aires to the End of the World

If you’re dreaming of jagged peaks, blue glaciers, tango nights, and world-class Malbec, there’s no trip quite like Patagonia. This is the adventure of a lifetime; one that starts in one of my favorite cities on Earth (Buenos Aires!) and winds down through Argentina and Chile’s wild southern tip.

I spent a summer in Buenos Aires back in 2014 and I still can’t shut up about how much I love it. Whether you’re a culture lover, a hiker, or someone just craving a real adventure, here’s your ultimate two-week itinerary through Buenos Aires, El Chaltén, El Calafate, Torres del Paine, and beyond.

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📍 Days 1–3: Explore Buenos Aires

Welcome to Argentina! Most international flights arrive in the morning, and the city is buzzing from the moment you land. I recommend staying in Recoleta — it’s beautiful, walkable, and close to the Subte (subway).

Day 1: Classic City Highlights

• Morning: Drop off your bags and head to Plaza de Mayo to see the Casa Rosada, Metropolitan Cathedral, and the historic Cabildo.

• Late Morning: Walk down Avenida de Mayo and grab a bite or coffee at Café Tortoni, one of the oldest and most famous cafés in the city.

• Afternoon: Check out the Obelisco, then hop on the Subte to Recoleta Cemetery (a gothic wonderland of tombs and Evita is buried here!). Afterward, treat yourself to a local wine tasting.

• Dinner: Head to Palermo for dinner. Don Julio is a must for the best steak of your life. Seriously.

Day 2: Markets, Murals, and Mate

• Morning: Visit San Telmo Market (especially vibrant on Sundays and my favorite place to get local art) then take a Cabify to La Boca to see the famous colorful houses on Caminito Street and the iconic Bombonera Stadium.

• Afternoon: Return to Recoleta and take part in a traditional mate tasting at Matea. It’s cultural, caffeinated, and fun. My favorite flavor is the berry flavor!

• Evening: Head to Michelangelo for a tango lesson and tango show with dinner; a dramatic, romantic, totally unforgettable experience.

Day 3: Chill in the Parks & Arts

• Morning: Have breakfast in Recoleta, then explore Ecoparque Palermo, a gorgeous eco-conscious animal reserve.

• Grab alfajores from a bakery in Palermo (the dulce de leche ones are addictive and I always end up taking so many home in my suitcase).

• Afternoon: Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, then freshen up and head to Puerto Madero for a sunset dinner.

• Dinner: Try Cabaña Las Lilas or El Mercado for upscale Argentinian cuisine. End the night with gelato from Lucciano’s and a scenic stroll along the water.

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Days 4-7: Argentine Patagonia

✈️ Day 4: Fly to El Calafate, Drive to El Chaltén

Catch a morning flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate (FTE), pick up your rental car, and drive the 3-hour scenic route to El Chaltén, Argentina’s hiking capital.

• Where to stay: Check into Los Cerros del Chaltén Hotel & Spa for mountain views and cozy vibes.

• Dinner: Try La Tapera for lamb stew or Patagonia Rebelde for local trout and craft beer.

  

  Relaxing after sauna session at the hotel spa.

🥾 Day 5: Hike to Laguna de los Tres

This is the big one. The hike to Laguna de los Tres is iconic for a reason. It’s long but unbelievably beautiful.

• Distance: 13.3 miles (21.4 km) roundtrip

• Elevation gain: ~3,280 feet (1,000 meters)

• Trailhead: Rio Electrico

• Permit/Fees: No permits or entrance fees required if you enter at Rio Electrico. Rules are routinely changing so check for updates before you go.

The trail takes you through lenga forests, past glaciers, and finally up to the brilliant turquoise lagoon beneath Mount Fitz Roy. The weather can be finicky here so be prepared to wait for the clouds to cooperate! We waited a couple hours for clouds to dissipate and show the peaks!

• Dinner: You earned it. Celebrate at La Cervecería, a rustic microbrewery with great empanadas and locally brewed beers.

🚘 Day 6: Lago del Desierto + Glacier Huemul

Take a day trip north to Lago del Desierto, about 23 miles from El Chaltén. The drive is bumpy but worth it. We stopped over ten times just to take photos of the electric blue river along the road!

• Hike: Do the short but steep trail to Glacier Huemul (about 1.2 miles RT with ~820 ft of gain).

• Optional: Take a boat ride on Lago del Desierto or just chill by the lakeshore with a picnic.

• Dinner: Head back to El Chaltén and dine at Techado Negro or Ahonikenk, both known for great local meat and pasta.

  
  

🚘 Day 7: Drive Back to El Calafate + Perito Moreno Glacier

In the morning, drive back to El Calafate (about 3 hours). Once there, head to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares to see Perito Moreno Glacier.

• Book a boat tour or opt for a mini-trekking experience on the glacier (book in advance).

• Entry fee: ~$20–25 USD per person for the park

• Dinner: Try Mi Rancho or Pura Vida for home-cooked-style meals and cozy ambience. Also catch the flamingos by the lake!

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Days 8-11: Chilean Patagonia

🚌 Day 8: Cross into Chile – Bus to Puerto Natales

Take a morning bus from El Calafate to Puerto Natales, Chile. It’s about 5–6 hours with a border stop. Book in advance via Bus Sur or Cootra.

Once in Puerto Natales, pick up a rental car.

• Dinner: Dine at Aldea for fine dining or La Guanaca for wood-fired pizza.

• Where to stay: Overnight at a cozy hostel or hotel near the town center. We snagged a cute airbnb with a view in town!

🏔️ Days 9–10: Torres del Paine National Park

Drive into Torres del Paine National Park early the next day. Entry is ~$35–40 USD for foreigners, valid for 3 days.

Day 9: Mirador Los Cuernos + Hotel Río Serrano

• Hike: Mirador Los Cuernos (easy to moderate, 3.7 miles RT, ~650 ft gain)

• Views of Lake Nordenskjöld and the Cuernos del Paine.

• Stay: Hotel Río Serrano – jaw-dropping views of the Paine Massif.

• Dinner: Eat at the hotel restaurant – it’s upscale and relaxing and bonus - they have the cutest horses at the hotel.

  
  

Day 10: Base of the Towers Hike + Hostería Pehoé

• Hike: Mirador Base Las Torres

  
  

  • Distance: ~11.2 miles (18 km) roundtrip

  • Elevation gain: ~3,000 feet (915 m)

  • Time: 7–9 hours round trip

  
  

• Stay: Hostería Pehoé – located on an island in Lake Pehoé with postcard-perfect views.

• Dinner: At the hotel.

✈️ Day 11: Back to Puerto Natales & Fly to Santiago

Drive back to Puerto Natales, return the rental car, and fly to Santiago.

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Days 12-14: Santiago Area

🍷 Day 12: Day Trip to Valparaíso + Wine Tasting

Take a full-day trip to the coast.

• Morning: Walk the colorful hills of Valparaíso, a bohemian, street art-filled port city.

• Afternoon: Visit Casillero del Diablo (Concha y Toro Winery) in Maipo Valley for a wine tasting and cellar tour. They actually let you taste the grapes during your tour which is super cool and unique! Reservations recommended.

• Evening: Return to Santiago and enjoy dinner at Bocanáriz — a chic wine bar in Lastarria. Stay in the heart of Santiago.

🚶‍♀️ Day 13: Walking Tour of Santiago

Spend your last full day exploring the Chilean capital.

One-Day Santiago Walking Itinerary:

• Morning:

  • Start in Plaza de Armas, visit the Metropolitan Cathedral

  • Walk to Cerro Santa Lucía for city views

• Lunch: Eat at Fuente Alemana for a classic Chilean sandwich

• Afternoon:

  • Visit the Museum of Memory and Human Rights

  • Explore the Bellavista neighborhood

• Evening:

  • Stroll Cerro San Cristóbal or ride the funicular for sunset

  • End with dinner in Barrio Italia — try Ambrosía Bistro or Casa Luz

  
  

✈️ Day 14: Departure

After nearly two weeks of epic hiking, wine, and wild landscapes — it’s time to fly home. Patagonia will leave you changed — and probably already planning your return.