A Perfect Itinerary | Ten-Day Itinerary in Patagonia, Argentina

I recently had the incredible opportunity to spend a month in Argentina – a mix of work and play. For for the vacation part, we knew we had to make the most of it. So we headed down to Patagonia for ten days of unforgettable adventures. In those 10-Days I put together the perfect Patagonia itinerary.

From spotting incredible wildlife to experiencing views that leave us breathless, Patagonia is a land of rugged beauty and breathtaking landscapes you can’t miss.

I’m excited to share my 10-day Patagonia itinerary with you, featuring the three must-see destinations in Patagonia: Ushuaia, El Chalten, and El Calafate. So get ready for a journey filled with outdoor adventures that will push you to your limits while taking in the natural beauty surrounding you.

So what can you expect on this trip of a lifetime? Keep reading this Patagonia itinerary, and get ready to add Patagonia to the top of your travel bucket list.

Day 1 – Arrive in Ushuaia 

Welcome to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. You’ve made it after a long journey! Now it’s time to check into the stunning Hotel Los Yámanas de Ushuaia, which offers breathtaking views of the Beagle Channel. Although it’s a bit far from town, the cozy rooms and a fantastic bar option are worth the cab ride to and from town.

Looking for more hotel options? Check out the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa or the budget-friendly Hotel Los Acebos.

When it comes to food, you can’t miss the traditional Argentine cuisine at Paso Garibaldi Restobar. They serve up hearty dishes like beef, lamb, and seafood. But if you’re in the mood for something more relaxed, El Viejo y El Mar is a seafood restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere and fantastic harbor views.

After dinner, why not hit up one of the bars or pubs in the city for a drink and some live music? We recommend checking out the Jeremy Button Gintoneria, a cocktail bar on the channel that makes some of the best gin drinks. Cheers to a great start to your Patagonian adventure!

Day 2 – Hike in Tierra Fuego National Park

Explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park on day two of this Patagonia itinerary. This fantastic park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the guanaco, Andean condor, and the southern beaver. It’s a must-visit spot for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

One of the most popular hikes in the park is the Esmeralda Lagoon hike. This hike is perfect for all ages and fitness levels, as it is relatively easy and the trail is well-maintained. The hike starts at the park’s main entrance and takes you through a dense forest of lenga and coigüe trees, where you’ll come across several small streams and waterfalls.

The highlight of the hike is the stunning Esmeralda Lagoon, a crystal-clear lake surrounded by towering mountains. It’s an absolute feast for the eyes and soul! The hike is around 4 miles round trip and takes about 2-3 hours depending on your pace. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife as the trail offers some great spotting opportunities.

The trail is well-marked, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost. But for those who want to add a touch of luxury to their hiking adventure, I highly recommend the Latitud Ushuaia Travel agency. They offer guided tours, including delicious tea and coffee by the lagoon and a cozy cabin dinner after the hike. Trust me; it’s the perfect way to end an already perfect day.

Day 3 – Paddle the Beagle Channel and See Penguin Island

On your third day in Ushuaia, experience the breathtaking beauty of the Beagle Channel by paddle boat and visit the famous Penguin Island! The channel is surrounded by majestic mountains and is home to various marine life, including sea lions, dolphins, and cormorants. As you glide along the channel, take in the stunning scenery and spot some local wildlife.

Once your paddle boat ride comes to an end, hop aboard a motor boat for a ride to Penguin Island, home to a colony of adorable Magellanic penguins. This protected wildlife reserve offers a unique opportunity to get up close to these charming birds as they waddle around their colony.

On our specific tour (this is a great tour option), we finished the day with a lovely fish dinner and a nature walk back to our bus home to the hotel.

Day 4 – Travel to El Chaltén 

For your next stop on your Patagonia itinerary El Chaltén. To get to El Chaltén, fly into El Calafate from Ushuaia and drive for about 2.5 hours. Once you arrive, you’ll find a variety of trails to explore, including the famous Fitz Roy Trek that takes you to the base of the iconic Fitz Roy mountain. You can also opt for guided tours to see glaciers, lakes, and other natural wonders.

For accommodation, El Chaltén has something for everyone, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury lodges. If you prefer to stay close to the action, choose a place in the town center. If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, there are some great options outside town. We recommend the Hotel Lunajuim for a straightforward mountainside stay with a rustic eatery, a bar, and a complimentary breakfast. Check out the Los Cerros del Chalten Boutique Hotel for a more upscale option.

After checking in, head to Fuegia Bistro for a delicious dinner featuring Patagonian trout, ceviche, steak, and lamb. Make sure to book a table in advance, as it’s a popular spot.

End your day with a peaceful night’s rest in El Chaltén, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery.

Day 5 – Hike to Laguna de Torres

Start your first day El Chaltén with an energizing breakfast at your hotel, then head out for a hike to the stunning Laguna de Torres. This moderate to difficult trail is well-maintained and offers clear markers and a gradual incline. Make sure to wear a good pair of hiking boots and a windbreaker, as the wind can be quite strong, especially near the glacier. As you hike through dense forests of evergreens and beech trees, take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the Fitz Roy massif and Cerro Torre peaks.

As you approach the lagoon, the trail will open up to reveal a stunning blue-green lake, surrounded by towering granite peaks. Take a moment to soak in the mesmerizing scenery and enjoy your packed lunch on one of the peaks overlooking the lagoon.

After your hike, head over to La Vineria, a great little dive bar serving wine by the bottle or glass, beer on tap, and a delicious menu that will help you recover from your hike and prepare for the next day. Sample some local wines and chat with the friendly staff and other hikers while you relax and unwind.

Day 6 – Hike to Laguna de los Tres

This day was the HIGHLIGHT of my trip – and if you take anything away from this post, its that you MUST hike to the Laguna de Los Tres.

Start your day early with a hearty breakfast at your hotel and hit the trailhead as soon as possible to make the most of your time. The hike is about 15 miles long and takes around 7-8 hours to complete, so be prepared with enough snacks and water to last you the whole way.

The first part of the hike is relatively easy, with a moderate incline and around 4 miles of flat trail. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Mt Fitz Roy, the iconic mountain that defines Patagonia.

As you get closer to the iconic viewpoint, the views become even more spectacular. But around mile 8, the trail becomes much tougher with a 1 mile 1600 ft elevation gain. Don’t worry, take your time and enjoy the views along the way.

Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking blue lagoon surrounded by the Fitz Roy massif. It’s truly magical and worth every bit of effort to get there. Take a moment to stand next to the lagoon and gaze up at the towering mountains around you.

After the hike, head over to the La Birre Del Rancho brewery, located just outside the trailhead entrance. There’s nothing better than a cold beer to celebrate your achievement and reflect on the incredible views you just experienced.

Day 7 – Travel Day to Calafate

After a few big days of hiking, you’ll be ready for a day of relaxation (this is an adventure Patagonia itinerary after all!). Have a leisurely morning exploring the charming town and grab breakfast before returning to El Calafate.

Once you check in to your hotel (I recommend Hotel Imago) head into town to explore. We stumbled upon the Cerveza Patagonia – Refugio Calafate and couldn’t resist trying their craft beers. It was the perfect spot to unwind and soak up some local flavor.

Next, head to La Zaina for dinner, a rustic restaurant known for its delicious steak and Malbec wine. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, making it the perfect place to relax and indulge in hearty food after a long few days on the trails.

Day 8 – Trek the Perito Moreno

On your 8th day in Patagonia explore the Perito Moreno glacier. Get picked up by your tour group (I recommend Hielo & Aventura) to take you to the Los Glaciares National Park to see and trek the famous Perito Moreno glacier.

Once you arrive at the park, you will hop on a boat that will take you to the glacier. There are two different treks you can choose:

• 30-minute trek on the bottom of the glacier
• 3-hour trek on the “big ice.” Of course, we opted for the big ice trek. 

The big ice trek, starts with a mile-and-a-half hike above the glacier field, where you stop to see some majestic views of the glacier. Once you arrive at our glacier entry point, you will be fitted with crampons and taught how to walk across the ice.

The rest of your day will be magical – you’ll climb through ice caverns, jump over crevasses, and see running streams through the glacier. 

At the end of the trek on the boat ride back to shore they give you whiskey over glacier ice and a bonbon to commemorate the trip. 

After a quick nap at the hotel, wonder out to a local wine bar, La Trinchera Wine and Beer, for a drink and tapas.

Day 9 – Visit an Estancia 

On your last day of this Patagonia itinerary, discover an unforgettable adventure on your last day in breathtaking Patagonia by visiting Estancia Nibepo Aike. Nestled within the awe-inspiring Glacier National Park, this hidden gem is the only functioning traditional estancia in the park, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the rustic lifestyle of rural Argentina.

Upon arrival at Estancia Nibepo Aike, guests are warmly welcomed with steaming cups of coffee and an irresistible assortment of freshly baked pastries and biscuits. After a delightful breakfast, embark on a captivating tour of the estancia, where you can marvel at skilled gauchos demonstrating their mastery of herding sheep and handling livestock. Witness a live sheep shearing demonstration and learn about the intricacies of cow milking.

After experiencing estancia life, indulge in an authentic Argentinian BBQ feast, known as “asado“. Savor succulent grilled meats – including beef, lamb, and pork – accompanied by traditional sides such as zesty chimichurri sauce, crispy fried potatoes, and freshly-prepared salads, all crafted in the estancia’s open kitchen.

To make your visit even more memorable, consider a thrilling 3-hour horseback ride through the picturesque landscapes of Estancia Nibepo Aike. Gallop through vast open fields, pause to let the horses drink from the pristine lake, and explore the stunning countryside framed by the majestic Andes mountains. This truly is an experience that should not be missed when visiting Patagonia.

Day 10 – Travel Home or Continue on to Mendoza

Daily flights from El Calafate to Buenos Aires make it easy to continue your journey back home or explore even more of Argentina’s stunning destinations. If you have some extra time, consider extending your adventure to Bariloche, Mendoza or even Iguazu Falls. Bariloche, a lush green haven enveloped by breathtaking glacier lakes, is renowned for skiing in the winter and exhilarating lake sports in the summer. Alternatively, immerse yourself in Mendoza’s delightful tree-lined city and delve into its rich surrounding wine country.

This 10-day Patagonia itinerary, encompassing Ushuaia, El Chalten, and El Calafate, unveils the region’s most spectacular offerings. Venture from the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia, to the awe-inspiring peaks of El Chalten, and marvel at the majestic glaciers in El Calafate. Perfect for adventure enthusiasts, this trip promises unforgettable memories and diverse landscapes that cater to a variety of interests. Believe me when I say that this Patagonia adventure is one for the books. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope you’ll feel inspired to embark on your own unforgettable Patagonian escape soon!