Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile
Settle into the southernmost city of its size in the world. Evening stroll along the waterfront and dinner of fresh king crab or Patagonian lamb.

 

Day 2: Strait of Magellan
Explore the historic port, its old mansions, and the dramatic cemetery. Then choose your wildlife day:

• Magdalena Island by boat to walk among Magellanic penguins (seasonal, roughly October to March), or

• King penguins in Tierra del Fuego, a full day by ferry across the Strait, to see a rare colony of the larger, more colorful species.

 

Day 3: Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales
Cross the open steppe, about a three-hour journey, stopping for condors and rheas along the way. Visit the Milodon Cave, once home to a giant prehistoric sloth. Overnight in Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine.

 

Days 4-6: Torres del Paine National Park
Three days inside one of the world’s most spectacular national parks, staying in a lodge or estancia with views of the massifs. Your days are shaped to your pace:

• A boat trip to the face of Grey Glacier

• A hike to the base of the Towers, the park’s famous granite spires, for those who want a challenge

• Guanaco and condor spotting on gentler lakeshore walks and scenic drives

• A day with a local guide into quieter corners of the park

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Day 7: Across the Andes to El Calafate, Argentina
A scenic border crossing from Chile into Argentina, with a long but beautiful drive across the steppe. Arrive in El Calafate in time for dinner on the shores of Lago Argentino.

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Day 8: Perito Moreno Glacier
Walk the catwalks facing this massive, advancing wall of ice and listen to it crack and thunder. Add a boat ride along the glacier face, or step onto it with crampons for a guided trek.

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Day 9: El Calafate to El Chaltén
Drive about three hours north along Lago Viedma, with Fitz Roy appearing on the horizon. Settle into El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital, and take an easy sunset walk to a viewpoint.

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Day 10: Fitz Roy
Hike to Laguna de los Tres for the classic view of Fitz Roy’s sheer face, or choose a shorter route to a lookout if you prefer a gentler day. Celebrate with local craft beer and a long dinner.

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Day 11: Laguna Torre
A more relaxed morning hike with views of Cerro Torre, then a leisurely return to El Calafate.

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Day 12: Depart from El Calafate
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.