One Week in Patagonia: Chile And Argentina, South America- A 1 week (5,6,7 to 10 days) in the Patagonia region of South America. This list included what to do in Torres Del Paine, Puerto Natales, Calafete and El Chalten. My itinerary includes spending 4 nights and 5 days on the W Trek, but has other days trips if not wanting to complete the hike. This schedule is best for their summer months, November, December, January and February (Fall in March, April and May would be beautiful as well). I included the best places to stay, east drinks and my favorite hikes. This is a self driving route and one for the moderate hiker.
This itinerary is best for the traveler that likes short and long hikes. My 1 week schedule is jammed packed with hiking, scenic views, great food stops and the best places to stay in Patagonia, Chile and Argentina. It is definitely for the fast pace traveler as we were constantly on the go. But we never felt over traveled, it was still so enjoyable. This schedule lets you see and experience the incredible areas of Chile and Argentina. On this schedule you will be on a few different flights and will need to rent a car for certain areas (although it can be done on public transportation).
Overview
Tips For Traveling in Chile and Argentina
1 Week Itinerary Summary
- Arrive in Puerto Natales (Day 1)
- Perito Moreno Glacier (Day 2)
- Mount Fitz Roy Hike (Day 3)
- Puerto Natales (Day 4)
- W Trek in Patagonia or Day Trips Near Torres Del Paine (Days 5-9)
- Leave Puerto Natales (Day 10)
When To Go
We went on this trip during the winter holidays, overlapping with Christmas and New Years to use those extra vacation days. December to March is the prime season to go to Patagonia especially for the warmest weather. But with that great weather is crazy winds, so be prepared for any type of weather wherever you go. December and January may be the most crowded months as many people have time off for the holidays, and it is considered Patagonia’s summer months. We went in December and never felt like it was overly crowded. April will be fall, and might make a spectacular view with warm colors as that is the peak of their fall season.
What To Bring
If going in the peak season of December and January as I did, prepare for all types of weather. It will be their summer season, but also think of layers. They have very intense wind there and also being near glaciers can make it a lot more chilly. There were times I wore t-shirt and thin leggings and some days I had a beanie, gloves and a jacket on.
Check out my What to Pack for Patagonia list for more details.
Where To Stay
Since we jumped around the Patagonia area we changed locations a few times. Here is where we stayed in each location. I also listed them in the itinerary by night.
El Calafete: Folk Suites
El Chalten: Rancho Grande
Puerto Natales (before and after W Trek): Hotel Vendaval
We really loved the accommodations, food, drinks and location of our El Chalten stay (Rancho Grande) and our second location in Puerto Natales (Hotel Vendaval -definitely eat at their adjoined restaurant, we went there twice it was so good).