Chile & Argentina · 7–10 days
Patagonia: Torres del Paine & the glaciers
Patagonia spans the southern tip of Chile and Argentina, and the classic first trip pairs two icons: Torres del Paine in Chile — granite towers, turquoise lakes and guanaco — and the Perito Moreno glacier near El Calafate in Argentina, a wall of ice you can stand in front of as it calves into the lake. They're a few hours apart by road across the border, which makes a satisfying two-country loop.
When to go
The season is the southern summer: November to March, with December–February the warmest and busiest (book lodges and any treks months ahead). November and March are quieter shoulder months with good colour and slightly lower prices. Outside that window many lodges close and weather and daylight shrink. Whenever you go, expect famous wind and fast-changing skies — four seasons in an afternoon is the norm.
How long, and a sensible shape
Give it seven to ten days on the ground (plus the long flights). A clean loop:
- Torres del Paine (3–4 nights) — base in or near the park; even non-trekkers get the famous viewpoints on day walks and drives. The Base of the Towers hike is the signature day.
- El Calafate (2–3 nights) — for the Perito Moreno glacier (boardwalks and boat trips) and, if time allows, a big-ice mini-trek.
- El Chaltén (optional 2 nights) — Argentina's trekking village under Mount Fitz Roy, for the Laguna de los Tres hike.
- Gateways: fly via Santiago (Chile) into Puerto Natales/Punta Arenas, and out of El Calafate via Buenos Aires — an open-jaw avoids backtracking.
Trek or stay comfortable?
Torres del Paine's "W" trek (4–5 days, hut or camp) is world-class but committing. You don't need it to see the best of the park: a few well-chosen day hikes plus a comfortable lodge deliver the towers, the lakes and the wildlife with hot showers at night. Decide early — the W's refugios and the in-park hotels both book out far ahead.
Good to know
- It's remote and weather-driven — build in buffer days and keep plans flexible; a clear morning for the towers is worth reshuffling for.
- The Chile–Argentina border crossing between the parks takes time; bring your passport and don't carry fresh food across.
- Pack proper layers and a real windproof shell — the wind is the headline act.
- Distances are big and transfers long; private transfers or a guide make the logistics painless.
See a real Patagonia trip, built end to end. Our example site lays out an 8-day, 5-star route — Torres del Paine, Grey Glacier and the Perito Moreno — at Relais & Châteaux lodges with private guides, plus the day-by-day plan, an interactive map and the logistics.
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