
moderate
2 days (approx. 23 hours total)
Moderate fitness—able to handle several short walks (10–40 minutes) and full days of travel.
In two days from El Calafate you can pair an overland 4x4 tour of Torres del Paine with boardwalks and a boat ride at Perito Moreno Glacier. Expect wind‑buffeted panoramas, short hikes to vantage points and a frontal glacier experience that often includes dramatic calving.
You step out of the van before dawn and the air slaps you—cold, sharp with wind off the Patagonian steppe. Headlights slice across a low, copper horizon as a 4x4 climbs toward the Chilean border; behind you, El Calafate shrinks to a smudge of sodium light. By midmorning the granite crowns of Torres del Paine rise like a row of well‑worn teeth, clouds tugging at their flanks while lakes below dare you to keep your camera holstered.

Patagonian wind and sun switch fast—pack a windproof shell, insulating midlayer and a moisture‑wicking base layer.
Waterproof hiking boots with good traction help on wet stairs and the rocky approaches to viewpoints.
The boat on Perito Moreno crosses choppy water; bring medication or acupressure bands if you are prone to seasickness.
Cold drains batteries quickly; keep spares warm and use a rain cover for cameras when wind and spray pick up.
The area was historically used by Tehuelche hunter‑gatherers; national parks were later established to protect unique Patagonian landscapes and wildlife.
Glaciers and steppe ecosystems are sensitive to human pressure and climate change—stay on marked trails, avoid leaving waste and follow guide instructions to minimize impact.
Protects on wet boardwalks, rocky viewpoints and during short hikes at Torres del Paine.
Blocks Patagonian wind and sudden rain—an absolute must for both days.
Traps heat during long viewpoints and on the boat where wind chills are high.
Glare off water and ice is intense; sun protection prevents burns even in cool conditions.
summer specific