Best of Patagonia: 9-Day El Calafate, El Chaltén & Torres del Paine Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with average fitness; full-day hikes and glacier excursions require good endurance and stable footing
Overview
Covering glaciers, granite peaks and windswept steppe, this 9-day Patagonia itinerary links El Calafate, El Chaltén and Puerto Natales with guided highlights and free time to explore on your own. Expect up-close glacier views, iconic hikes and a chance to spot guanacos and condors.
Best of Patagonia: 9-Day El Calafate, El Chaltén & Torres del Paine Adventure
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You arrive in El Calafate to a sky that feels too wide for any map—the steppe rolls out like unpinned paper and cold light sharpens the edges of distant peaks. The first morning, a guide hands you a thermos and the van hums toward Los Glaciares National Park. Perito Moreno dominates the horizon: a living wall of sculpted blue that clicks and groans as chunks calve into the channel below, the sound traveling like a distant drum.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Keep documents handy
You’ll cross the Argentina–Chile border; carry your passport and any required entry documents on bus transfer days.
Layer for sudden weather shifts
Wind and sun can alternate quickly—bring a breathable waterproof shell and insulating mid-layer.
Start hikes early
Morning departures give the best light on Fitz Roy and reduce afternoon wind on exposed ridges.
Respect glacier safety
If upgrading to glacier hikes, only go with certified guides and crampons—ice conditions change daily.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Guanaco
- Andean condor
History
The Tehuelche people inhabited this region for millennia; later boundary treaties and 19th-century explorers shaped the modern park system that preserves these landscapes.
Conservation
Parks enforce strict trail use and waste rules; glaciers are retreating—minimize impact by staying on trails, packing out trash, and using local guides who support conservation fees.
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Adventure Hotspots in El Calafate
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof breathable jacket
Protects against wind-driven rain and keeps you comfortable during variable weather.
Sturdy hiking boots (broken-in)
Needed for rocky trails and muddy sections around lakes and glacier approaches.
Daypack (20–30L)
Carries water, layers, snacks and camera for day hikes and sightseeing.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF)
High UV and reflective surfaces on ice make sun protection essential even on cool days.
summer specific