Southern Patagonia has Torres del Paine's granite spires in Chile and the Perito Moreno glacier in Argentina. The hiking season runs November to March; lodging and permits need booking months ahead.
Good to know
- Pack layers and waterproofs; weather can change from sun to storm within an hour.
- Book Torres del Paine refugios and campsites as soon as the season opens.
- Carry some cash in Chilean pesos or Argentine currency for small stops.
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Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Full-day hike to the lookout beneath the three granite towers, best at sunrise.
Boat or walk to a huge glacier calving into a lake with floating icebergs.
Short hike with wide views of the park and a chance to spot guanacos and Andean condors.
Easy walk to a powerful waterfall and a turquoise lake framed by the Cuernos peaks.
Visit a working ranch to see sheep shearing and eat a traditional lamb barbecue.
Walkways give close views of a giant glacier in the Andes, with ice crashing into the lake.
Guided crampon walk on Perito Moreno's surface, ending with whisky over glacier ice.
Interactive museum on glaciers and the Patagonian ice field, plus an ice bar.
Whole lamb roasted over an open fire at classic Patagonian restaurants.
Small gateway town with outfitters, craft breweries and seafood, ideal for gear stops and dinner.
Giant cave where remains of an extinct ground sloth were found, a short drive from town.