Best options for a multi-day Patagonia itinerary
Located at the bottom of South America and encompassing the southern stretch of the Andes mountains, Patagonia’s remote and wild location give it an allure that calls out to many travelers - from those seeking challenging multi-day treks, glacial adventures, wildlife enthusiasts or simply those that want to soak in the unparalleled natural beauty, unique cultural customs, and fascinating history. For anyone who wants to fully explore and immerse themselves at the end of the world, check out our tips and trick on how to create the best itinerary in this dramatic location:
Travel to Torres del Paine National Park
Torres Del Paine, Patagonia
To experience some of the best trekking routes in the Patagonia region and a plethora of further cultural and nature-based activities, consider focusing your Patagonian adventure around the Torres del Paine National Park. This national park is far more remote and less touristic, adding a more local and authentic vibe to your explorations. The best way to get to this national park from Santiago, the capital of Chile, is on a flight to Puerto Natales which is the closest city to Torres del Paine. Alternatively, one could fly to Punta Arenas and catch a bus from there. From Puerto Natales it’s a two-hour bus drive to get to Torres del Paine; buses from Punta Arenas will bring you to Puerto Natales (a three-hour drive) and you can arrange transport to Torres del Paine from there.
If setting off on a multi-day hiking excursion, Puerto Natales is the best jumping off point. For those looking for less-intense physical activities, Puerto Natales is a great place to base yourself while heading off on various day-trips and excursions throughout the region.
Hiking The “W” Trek
Refugio and tent campsites along the W trek
The most famous hiking route in Torres del Pain National Park is called the “W” Trek. During this four to five-day hike you will be able to see some of the best granite landscapes and views. One of the best things about this hiking route is the possibility to complete without having to carry food or extravagant gear, due to the many campsites and refugios along the way. As well, you won’t even have to bring water since crystal clear mountain streams are available in abundance! While hiking the W, you will see three iconic natural landscapes, the Valle Francés, the base of the Three Towers, and the one and only, Glacier Grey. Fortunately, this trek can also be modified and catered to different people’s preference and levels of challenge. See all our tips for the W trek here!
See the Magnificent Glacier Grey
If you decide to hike the W Trek you will certainly have some of the best views of Glacier Grey as you near the end of your 4-5-day hike. However, there are other options available to see this impressive glacier in all its glory. Glacier Grey can be reach by hopping aboard a catamaran on Lago Grey, the lake that surrounds this jaw-dropping sight. The boat trip is a fantastic way to get up close and personal with floating chunks of blue ice and the long expanse of ice wall. For the truly adventurous, there is also an option to embark on a kayaking excursion of the lake which will take you within touching distance of the ice (more details below!)
Glacier Grey, Torres del Paine, Patagonia
Have an Estancia Experience
Saddles at a Patagonia Estancia
For a less challenging day full of cultural insight, a visit to a traditional Estancia is a must. An Estancia is a Patagonian ranch, offering a glimpse into the history and lasting traditions of the gaucho (the term used to define a South American cowboy.) The history of Patagonian gauchos began over a century ago, when the first European settlers reached Patagonia in search of better land for cattle ranches. On your visit you’ll be able to view a demonstration on sheep sheering and wool classification, and to meet the incredibly intelligent sheepdogs. Visiting an Estancia is also the perfect place to do some horseback riding, and of course no visit is complete with the full Patagonian barbecue experience!
Kayaking on Lago Grey
Kayaking the lake is a great way to enjoy the unique scenery of Torres del Paine. Having the opportunity to serenely float on the deep blue and cold waters of Lago Grey, Rio Grey and Rio Serrano will give you the chance to get an even deeper and raw connection with the surrounding icebergs. The activity can be done as a multiple day trip, starting by the south end of Lago Grey, or it can also be done as a two-hour long activity down the rivers and on the lake.
Monte Balmaceda & Glacier - Ultima Esperanza Fjord
Explore Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope) Fjord
For another day-trip from Puerto Natales, take off on an adventure to the Ultima Esperanza Fjord. On the scenic boat voyage heading towards Bernardo O'Higgins National Park you’ll be able to see glaciers, waterfalls, cliffs and spot unique wildlife like condors. At the park, it’s possible to disembark for a short walk through the native forest and up to Serrano Glacier wall. Be sure your day includes a visit to a local Estancia for a fantastic traditional lunch!
tour the park & Overnight under the stars
If hiking the trails day after day isn’t for you, another great way to see some of the highlights throughout Torres del Paine is via a private tour. With this option, you can immerse yourselves in the beautiful flora and fauna of the region and take in a plethora impressive viewpoints at your own pace. You can opt to explore different areas of the park that are known for wildlife as well as stunning landscapes while also stopping along some of the park’s lesser known trails. After exploring for the day, we recommend booking an overnight stay in the park in order to bask in the natural beauty, incredibly starry nights, and maybe even a magical sunrise.
Go Fishing
A unique and gastronomically enriching experience that falls under the radar of many travelers is fly fishing. Many lakes around the area provide incredible options to catch healthy browns, salmon, and even carp. Of course the best part is getting to catch your own delicious dinner!
Whether you’re an avid hiker looking to explore the alluring trails, iconic vistas and immersive wilderness experiences that Patagonia offers, or you’re looking to explore cultural traditions, embark on water-based activities, traverse the landscape on horseback, focus on unique wildlife-spotting or simply stand in awe of the incredible and remote natural beauty around you — Torres del Paine can offer it all.
Join us on our small group itinerary in Chile and Patagonia which offers a memorable 4-day itinerary hiking the W-Trek filled with the best activities listed above!
