2 Weeks in Patagonia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Best of Argentine Patagonia

On this two-week trip plan, you'll see Patagonia's glaciers, then head to Ushuaia—the southernmost city in the world—for canoeing, channel cruising, and frolicking with penguins.

Start in Buenos Aires for a day of sightseeing in the capital city—and a night out on the town, if you have the energy—then fly to El Calafate on day two. You'll trek on Perito Moreno glacier the next day, part of Los Glaciares National Park, and see massive chunks of ice breaking off and splashing into the water below. On the three-hour drive to El Chaltén, nicknamed "hiker's paradise," you'll enjoy incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy from the car window. You'll hike to its summit the next day, and then to Mirador Cerro Torre on day seven, ending up at the glacial lake of Laguna Torre.

Head back to El Calafate and catch a flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, in Tierra del Fuego. You'll go trekking and canoeing in Tierra del Fuego National Park, then take a cruise around the Beagle Channel. Highlights on the boat tour include a sea lion colony, Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, and a quick stop at an island for a short and scenic hike. The end of the trip is all about penguins: on a full-day excursion to Isla Martillo and Estancia Harberton, you'll see hundreds or even thousands of penguins in their natural habitat. Board a flight back to Buenos Aires the next day to wrap up the trip. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Patagonia's Best Day Hikes

If you love hiking, this active 14-day trip highlights Patagonia's best trails in Los Glaciares National Park and some of the most spectacular scenery in South America.

Land in Argentina and explore Buenos Aires for a night before flying down to El Calafate. It's the gateway to Argentine Patagonia and Los Glaciares National Park—home to thirteen glaciers and the iconic Mount Fitz Roy. Go trekking on the icy surface of Perito Moreno glacier before making the three-hour drive to El Chaltén the following day. Hike to Mirador Cerro Torre, stopping to take in the views at the glacial lake of Laguna Torres.

Back-tracking to El Calafate, you'll head across the border to Chile and Torres del Paine National Park, dominated by snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and rare wildlife. You'll hike to the base of Paine massif on day nine, then hike in French Valley on day ten, crossing Lake Pehoé on a catamaran and finishing with up-close views of French Glacier. You'll cruise around Glacier Grey on a boat the next day, trekking on the glacier's ice in the afternoon. Hike towards Paine Grande and camp under the stars on the shore of Lake Pehoé before your last full-day hike around Lake Nordenskjöld. You'll fly to Santiago to finish the trip. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Torres del Paine "O" Trek & Punta Arenas

This two-week trip to Chile combines an adventure in southern Patagonia with a trek in Torres del Paine National Park.

Starting in Santiago, fly to Punta Arenas. You'll take a half-day tour to Isla Magdalena and Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, home to the country's largest penguin colony, before continuing onto Puerto Natales, the jumping-off point for Bernardo O'Higgins National Park (which you'll visit on a day tour) and Torres del Paine National Park. 

Instead of starting the popular "W" trek in Torres del Paine, you'll join the Paine Massif Circuit ("O" trek), a more challenging option that allows you to beat the crowds by hiking the remote backside of the park. Walk along Paine River and camp under the moon at Dome & Camping Seron. You'll spot the imposing Southern Ice Field from the hiking trail the next day, continuing on through native lenga forest and camping at the base of Glacier Los Perros the following day. Make your way along John Gardner Pass, enjoying stunning views of Glacier Grey along the way, finishing the adventure on a hike along Lake Pehoé and though the French Valley. After a final half-day hike back toward Las Torres, you'll catch a shuttle to Puerto Natales for a cozy evening of seafood and pisco sours. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Southern Patagonia

Get to know both sides of southern Patagonia—Argentine and Chilean—on this two-week adventure that includes time in Los Glaciares National Park and Torres del Paine National Park.

After a day and night in Buenos Aires, fly to El Calafate, where the Patagonian adventure begins on the Argentine side. Take a boat tour around the glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park, transferring the next day across the border to Chile and the city of Puerto Natales. For the next four days, you'll hike, camp, and cross lakes by catamaran in Torres del Paine National Park, exploring French Valley and quiet lenga forests while taking in photogenic views of the region's striking massifs and peaks. Finish your exploration of the park with a boat trip to Glacier Grey.

You'll return to Puerto Natales and then to El Calafate for a free day: you could hike, check out more glaciers on a tour, or just relax in town with a traditional Argentine lunch or merienda (afternoon snack with coffee or tea). The following day, catch a flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, for a boat cruise around the Beagle Channel, a hike to Ojo de Albino Glacier, a visit to the penguin colony at Isla Martillo, and time to explore quiet Tierra del Fuego National Park. Back in the city, be sure to try fresh seafood like centolla (king crab)—Ushuaia is famous for it—before you fly back to Buenos Aires for one last evening in Argentina. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Patagonia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Patagonia? Check out these other 14-day Patagonia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.