Southern Patagonia Adventure from Buenos Aires
About the trip
This 14-day journey takes you from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the remote landscapes of Southern Patagonia. Begin by discovering the city’s neighborhoods and cultural traditions, before heading south to explore some of the most iconic natural settings in Argentina and Chile.
Along the way, you will hike in El Chaltén with views of Mount Fitz Roy, get close to the Perito Moreno Glacier, and navigate the waters of Tierra del Fuego. The journey continues across the border into Chile, where Torres del Paine National Park and Punta Arenas reveal another side of Patagonia’s rugged beauty.
Designed for travelers seeking both activity and scenery, this itinerary combines outdoor experiences with moments to take in the scale and diversity of the region.
Welcome to Buenos Aires
Exploring the City
From Buenos Aires to El Calafate
Meeting the Glacier
From El Calafate to El Chaltén
Today, you will leave El Calafate and travel north to El Chaltén, known as Argentina’s trekking capital. The journey follows Route 40 across the Patagonian steppe, with wide open landscapes stretching to the horizon.
Along the way, you will pass the La Leona River, which connects Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma, and make brief stops to take in the surroundings before continuing toward the mountains.
Welcome to El Chaltén
Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to relax or begin exploring the village at your own pace.
Set at the base of Mount Fitz Roy, El Chaltén is surrounded by glaciers, rivers, and forests, making it the starting point for many of the region’s hiking trails. Whether you choose to walk through town, visit nearby viewpoints, or simply take in the landscape, this first afternoon offers a quiet introduction to Patagonia’s outdoor setting.
Exploring Patagonia on Foot
A Final Morning in El Chaltén
This morning is free to enjoy your last moments in El Chaltén. You may choose to take a short walk around the village or head out on an easy hike to Chorrillo del Salto, a nearby waterfall surrounded by native forest. It is a gentle way to experience the landscape before continuing your journey.
Back to El Calafate
In the afternoon, you will board your bus back to El Calafate. The drive takes around three hours, offering time to relax while taking in the changing Patagonian scenery along the way.
Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel, where you can settle in and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.
Across Patagonia to Puerto Natales
This morning, you will make your way to the bus station to begin your journey to Puerto Natales. The route crosses into Chile, traveling through wide stretches of Patagonian steppe framed by distant mountains.
After several hours on the road, you will arrive in Puerto Natales, a small town set along the fjords and known as the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. From the bus station, you will head to your hotel and have some time to settle in before continuing with the day.
Discovering Puerto Natales
Later, you will explore the town on a guided city tour. Walking through its streets offers insight into the region’s history, shaped by early settlers, maritime routes, and ranching traditions.
Stops along the way include local landmarks such as the Historical Museum and traditional buildings that reflect life in Patagonia during the early 20th century. Along the waterfront, the views of the fjord and surrounding landscapes add context to the town’s connection with nature and its role as a regional hub.
After the visit, you will return to your hotel, with the evening free to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of Puerto Natales.
Into Patagonia’s Iconic Landscapes
From Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas
Today, you will make your way to the bus station in Puerto Natales to travel to Punta Arenas. The journey takes around three hours, following the southern Patagonian landscape toward the Strait of Magellan.
Upon arrival, you will head to your accommodation and have time to begin exploring the city.
Located along the historic maritime route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Punta Arenas developed as an important port long before the Panama Canal existed. Its streets still reflect that past, with European-style buildings, colorful houses, and views of the surrounding landscapes.
Optional Experience: Magdalena Island
For those looking to explore further, an optional excursion takes you by boat across the Strait of Magellan to Magdalena Island. This protected area is home to a large colony of Magellanic penguins, offering the chance to observe them in their natural habitat.
During the visit, you will walk along marked paths through the island, surrounded by coastal scenery and wildlife. The excursion may also offer sightings of marine species along the way.
After the experience, you will return to Punta Arenas and your hotel, closing the day in this southern gateway to Antarctica.
Across Patagonia to Tierra del Fuego
Early in the morning, you will head to the bus station to begin a full-day journey to Ushuaia. This route crosses remote areas of Patagonia and includes border crossings between Chile and Argentina.
As you travel across the steppe, the landscape stretches into open plains before reaching the Strait of Magellan, where you will board a ferry to cross this historic waterway. Back on land, the route continues through southern Chile before entering Tierra del Fuego.
Gradually, the scenery begins to change, with forests, mountains, and wildlife appearing as you approach Ushuaia.
Welcome to Ushuaia
Upon arrival, you will make your way to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon will be free to explore the town at your own pace.
Known as the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia sits between the mountains and the Beagle Channel. Its compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, with options to visit local museums, walk along the waterfront, or simply take in the atmosphere of this remote setting.
This marks the final stage of your journey through Patagonia, in a place defined by its location and history.
Into Patagonia’s Southern Landscapes
Today, you will set out on a full-day adventure in Tierra del Fuego National Park, located just outside Ushuaia along the Beagle Channel. Surrounded by forests, mountains, and coastal scenery, this protected area offers a different perspective of Patagonia’s southern edge.
The experience begins at Ensenada Bay, where you will take in views of the channel before starting a coastal hike. The trail follows the shoreline through native forest, with opportunities to observe local flora and traces of the region’s early inhabitants.
After the hike, you will reach Lake Roca, where you will have time to rest and enjoy lunch in a natural setting.
Paddling to the End of the Road
In the afternoon, the journey continues on the water with a canoeing experience along the Lapataia River. As you paddle through calm waters, the landscape gradually opens toward Lapataia Bay, where the Pan-American Highway comes to its southern end.
This combination of hiking and paddling allows you to experience the park from different angles, connecting land and water in a remote and quiet environment.
At the end of the excursion, you will return to your hotel in Ushuaia, closing your time in Patagonia.
Sailing the Beagle Channel
Farewell to Argentina
At the scheduled time, you will be transferred from your hotel to Buenos Aires airport for your international flight.
As your journey comes to an end, you will leave with a collection of experiences shaped by Patagonia’s landscapes, from glaciers and mountains to remote coastlines and southern forests.
Whether this is the conclusion of your trip or the beginning of a new one, there is always more to discover across South America.
Included
- 3-night accommodation in a hotel (Buenos Aires)
- 3-night accommodation in a hotel (El Calafate)
- 2-night accommodation in a hotel (El Chaltén)
- 2-night accommodation in a hotel (Puerto Natales, Chile)
- 1-night accommodation in a hotel (Punta Arenas)
- 2-night accommodation in a hotel (Ushuaia)
- Transfers and tours mentioned in the itinerary
- Round trip bus El Calafate / El Chalten / El Calafate
- One-way bus El Calafate/ Puerto Natales
- One-way bus Puerto Natales/ Punta Arenas
- One-way bus Punta Arenas/ Ushuaia
- Bilingual local guide (English / Spanish)
- Daily breakfast
- Meals: Snacks and dinner (day 2), boxed lunch (day 9), lunch (day 12)
- Torres del Paine National Park entrance fee.
Not Included
- International or domestic flights
- National Park entrance fees
- Port tax
- Travel / Medical Insurance – Follow this link to get a free quote (only available for U.S. Travelers)
- Guides during your days in El Chaltén are not included as the trails are well-marked. However, if you would like to be accompanied by a guide, please let us know at the time of booking and we will advise you of the additional cost.
- Magdalena Island Tour (Day 10)