13-Day Best of Patagonia Tour: Perito Moreno, Torres del Paine & Tierra del Fuego
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
13 days
Fitness Level
Able to handle several long days on foot (4–10 hours), stairs and uneven terrain; casual segments are suitable for most travelers.
Overview
Thirteen days across Argentine and Chilean Patagonia: stand above Perito Moreno’s blue walls, drive the panoramas of Torres del Paine, and paddle the Lapataia River. This practical guide previews what to expect, how to pack, and which upgrades are worth the extra cost.
13-Day Best of Patagonia Tour: Perito Moreno, Torres del Paine & Tierra del Fuego
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You step off the bus in El Calafate and the wind meets you like a blunt, honest hand—cold, dry and full of promise. Ahead, the Patagonian steppe rolls away toward serrated peaks; behind you waits 13 days of glaciers that calve thunder, silver lakes rimmed in lenga forest, and a southern sea made crowded with seabirds. This tour moves you through the dramatic spine of southern South America: Argentine ice, Chilean granite towers, and the archipelagoed coast of Tierra del Fuego.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Carry original passport and insurance
Border crossings require original passports and proof of travel medical insurance—keep these accessible at all times.
Layer for wind and sun
Temperatures swing fast; a breathable base layer, warm midlayer and waterproof shell are indispensable.
Arrive early at bus stations
Intercity segments use public buses—arrive 30–45 minutes early to secure baggage placement and boarding.
Give wildlife space
Keep distance from guanacos, penguin rookeries, and seals—use a zoom lens rather than approaching.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Guanaco
- Magellanic penguin
History
The region was traditionally inhabited by Tehuelche and Yámana peoples; later 19th-century explorers and sheep ranching reshaped settlement patterns.
Conservation
Protected parks manage visitor flow to sensitive habitats—stick to trails, avoid single-use plastics, and respect seasonal restrictions at penguin sites.
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Adventure Hotspots in El Calafate
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell jacket
Shields you from Patagonian wind and rain during hikes and boat cruises.
Insulating midlayer (fleece/down)
Retains warmth between layers when temperatures drop on higher trails or boat decks.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and grip for rocky approaches, boardwalks and muddy trails around glaciers and lakes.
Daypack with rain cover
Carries water, snacks, camera and layers for full-day excursions and transfers.