Ready to explore Patagonia in one week? I’ve got just the itinerary for you! This jam-packed week will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Imagine turquoise lagoons, jaw-dropping mountain ranges and the most stunning trails you’ve ever seen. And don’t even get me started on the adorable penguin colonies here. You can even see towering glaciers. It’s like something out of a dream! No wonder Patagonia is becoming famous as a beyond-the-beaten-trail travel destination.
Patagonia is a wonderland that will leave you speechless. I’ve got a special 7-day itinerary that will help you uncover some of its most impressive secrets! Get ready to experience the best attractions this region has to offer. Let’s dive in!
Stay until the end, because I have included a printable itinerary to make your trip to Patagonia easier!
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a tour through a link below then I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support!
Oh boy, Ushuaia is the perfect jumping-off point for your Patagonia in one week adventure! It’s basically the gateway to the wild and wonderful landscapes that make up this awe-inspiring region. Plus, it’s the southernmost city before you hit Antarctica, so you know it’s gotta be cool.
Get ready to soak in some seriously stunning views, check out world-renowned national parks like Tierra del Fuego (no big deal), and marvel at all the “world’s southernmost” things you can find. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see the southernmost post office or train? Ushuaia is also home to some seriously excellent museums, so get ready to soak up some history and culture while you’re at it. Trust me, this is one spot you won’t want to miss if you’re planning a trip to Patagonia.
Looking for a place to stay in Ushuaia? Well, the good news is, you’ve got loads of options! From fancy mountain hotels to cozy downtown hideaways. If you ask me, though (and you’re asking me, right?), I’d say staying in town is your best bet. That way, you can stroll to all the best eateries, coffee shops, and hotspots and even wave goodbye to those lucky ducks heading off to Antartica.
Here’s a tip from the pros: skip booking on Airbnb – word on the street is those rentals in the area can be pretty terrible. So why risk it when you can live it up in one of Patagonia’s sweet hotels?
We stayed at Hotel Tierra del Fuego and to be frank, it didn’t exactly blow our minds, but really, who needs a fancy-schmancy hotel when you’re too busy living your best life outside its walls? Besides, we scored a sweet deal with breakfast included, so it wasn’t a total loss.
Let’s get to the fun part – choosing the perfect place to stay in Ushuaia! Below, you’ll find some of the most amazing hotels that will make your stay unforgettable. Believe me, you’ll have a hard time choosing just one!
Are you ready to conquer Ushuaia like a true champ? No sweat! There are transportation options for every style – from taxis to car rentals to shuttles. Feeling brave? Rent a car and take on the open road like a boss! Check out rental tips and get ready to rule the Patagonian highways here. Not up for driving? No problemo! Jump on a shuttle and explore all the sights in style. Or if you’re feeling a bit lazy (no judgments here), just hail a taxi and let someone else do the leg work. We booked tours that included transportation – and I highly recommend. More on that later!
Get ready to hop on the southernmost railroad in the world for a wild 2-hour scenic ride from the End of the World Station to the epic Tierra del Fuego National Park! Trust me, it’s more than just a train ride. You’ll be blown away by the breathtaking views. Plus, you’ll feel like you’re cruising through an open-air museum with all the amazing landmarks you’ll get to see. Fancy learning about the history of Ushuaia, the prison, and the landscapes around you? No problem! Just plug in your headphones and listen to the audio explanation available in seven languages.
Don’t forget to check out the End of the World Station! It’s only 5 miles away from Ushuaia and you won’t want to miss it! They’ve got a cool history exhibit to check out, and you can grab something to eat from their café. While you’re here, pop into their gift shop and pick up some postcards and stamps that you can mail from the post office at the end of the world (Day 2). After that, hop on the train and continue your epic journey through the end of the world! Trust me, it’ll be unforgettable!
This wouldn’t be a complete guide to Patagonia in One Week without including some great dining spots. Ushuaia may be located at the “End of the World”, but it sure boasts some delicious food. Let me help you discover some local hidden gems. Here are some of the best restaurants in Ushuaia:
Paso Garibaldi ($$, Argentinean)
Restaurant Le Martial ($$$$, Contemporary)
Reinamora ($$$$, Argentinean)
So, you’re on your second day in Ushuaia and guess what? You simply can’t miss the chance to explore the incredible Tierra Del Fuego National Park. I’m talking about a place that’s so surreal, it’s almost like you’re in a dream (but trust me, it’s all real). Plus, it’s called the “end of the world”, which automatically makes it extra cool, doesn’t it? Now, you may not bump into any penguins there, but honestly, the landscapes are so stunning, you won’t even miss them! So, get ready to discover all the secret tips and tricks to make the most out of your visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park – you won’t regret it!
But that’s not all! You haven’t seen it all until you’ve experienced the Beagle Channel on a tour from Ushuaia! Hop on one of the many catamaran cruises leaving from the port and prepare to be blown away by some incredible wildlife from the colonies of sea birds to lounging sealions to actual PENGUINS. That’s right, penguins!!! Because a trip this close to Antartica wouldn’t be complete without some penguin sightings. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this adventure to your bucket list!
I am going to get real with you, I would’ve loved to do some hiking here but we were with my parents and our time was limited so we went the tour route. But if you are looking to do some serious hiking here, and I think you should, then this tour isn’t for you. Now if you are like us and want to maximize the limited time you have, booking a tour to see the highlights of this park is a must!
We went with Info de Ushuaia for their ‘Parque Nacional’ tour and boy was it a blast! Unfortunately, this tour company only offers excursions in Spanish. But if you want to brush up on your Spanish, this is a great excuse! They take care of all your transportation needs and show you the top 5 spots in the park. Oh, and you’ll even get bragging rights for visiting the post office at the end of the world! The price varies depending on the time of year, but it’s definitely worth every penny. You’ll be spending around 14,000 Argentine pesos per person (which is just under $60 USD). I do have to confess I did find this tour to be a little boring, but the highlight was definitely the post office!
You can find some other great tours (in English) below!
If you want more of a choose your own adventure situation away from the crowds, here are some of the best hikes in Tierra Del Fuego National Park:
Cerro Guanaco Hike (Hard, 8.4 miles)
Coastal Path (Moderate, 9.5 miles)
Hito XXIV (Moderate, 4.5 miles)
Nestled in the breathtaking Tierra del Fuego National Park, at the southernmost point of Argentina, this post office is like no other you’ve ever seen. Let’s start with the exterior, which is plastered in stickers from travelers like you and me who’ve made the pilgrimage to this mecca of mail. And step inside, where you’ll find postcards, maps, magnets, and currencies from every corner of the globe adorning every wall.
INSIDER TIP: You can expect to find a line of visitors here that are also eager to send some postcards. Save yourself some time and purchase some postcards and stamps ahead of time, so you can skip standing in line to make those purchases. And don’t forget your passport! You can get a passport stamp as proof of your journey to the post office at the end of the world. And the best part? It will cost you around $2.50, but make sure to have Argentine pesos on hand.
Ready to find the End of the World Post Office and send snail mail to your loved ones? No sweat, here are your options:
You will need to enter the park and pay the admission fee before heading down the main road (Ruta 3), and turn left onto the bumpy road towards the Coastal Path. Keep going until you hear the sound of ‘Whoop whoop!’ That’ll be the End of the World Post Office, waving at you from the beautiful Bahía Ensenada Zaratiegui beach!
And if you want an inside look of what you can expect to find here, make sure to give this a watch.
Patagonia in One Week may seem impossible, but i’m here to help you make the most of your time! Now, let’s head to the next stop – a tour along the Beagle Channel! Get ready to see Ushuaia from a whole new perspective!
This narrow waterway is insane – it’s the natural border between Chile and Argentina, and the views are out of this world! Plus, there’s nature everywhere! And guess what? Different cruises take off from Ushuaia, so you will have plenty of options to choose from. Some of them even stop by different islands where you’ll see some amazing creatures like sea lions and, wait for it, PENGUINS!!
Experience the stunning beauty of Ushuaia with some amazing tours! You can check out the Classic Beagle Channel Cruise that offers stunning views and a chance to see birds and sea lions.
*Our biggest regret was not booking this tour, it’s the only tour company allowed on the penguin island that actually lets you get an up close look of penguins in their natural habitat! It sells out incredibly fast. This is the type of tour you need to book months in advance. If you do notice this tour is sold out, you may still be in luck because sometimes these tours will get cancellations that you can take advantage of.
Get ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime in the stunning Andes Mountains! Visiting Escondido and Fagnano Lakes, located in the heart of Tierra del Fuego island, is an absolute must-do activity when touring Ushuaia. You will start your day by hopping into a 4WD vehicle that will take you to some of the most beautiful and remote places in the lakes district. You’ll have an incredible time crossing rivers and muddy paths in a safe four-wheel-drive vehicle, all while taking in the immaculate views of Escondido and Fagnano lakes. Oh, and did I mention you get to enjoy an authentic parrillada lunch? Yum!
Did you know that Lake Fagnano is one of the largest lakes in the world and it’s so cool because it’s located right on top of an active tectonic depression which separates two huge plates? Whoa! And get this, there’s even a geological fault- the Magellan Fault- running right through the center of the lake. Can you believe that?! And the cherry on top? The gorgeous mountains surrounding the lake have primary forests that have never been touched by humans – amazing, right?!
If you happen to be rolling your way up to km 3005 in Ushuaia, you absolutely need to stop by the Moto Café 3005. It’s got everything a motorcycle enthusiast could ever wish for, nestled right in the midst of gorgeous mountains! I could care less about motorcycles, but this place was so cool. Turns out this gem is a must-visit for bikers who are traveling across the Panamerican Highway. The café also happens to sell some gin, which is whipped up by the owners of Alfred Tozzi and Damián Muriel.
You absolutely have to check out the Maritime Museum of Ushuaia! It’s located in a former prison, which is totally wild. From 1896 to 1947, the End of the World Prison held all kinds of prisoners, and now it’s home to some seriously cool exhibitions. You’ll learn about the prison’s history, see amazing marine art, and even explore expeditions to Antartica! Don’t miss out on this unique experience in the city at the end of the world.
The opening hours can vary depending on what time of year you are visiting. You can expect longer hours in the summer and shorter opening hours in the winter. The price of admission is 1.900 AR$, but you will want to check before you visit because the price is subject to change due to the high inflation in Argentina. You will want to have cash on hand to pay the admission price. The gift shop does take card. You can find opening hours to the museum here.
Get ready to pack your bags because we’re headed to the incredibly beautiful El Calafate! This amazing spot in Patagonia has everything you could possibly dream of: stunning landmarks, awesome parks and so much more. And thanks to its super convenient location and brand new airport, tourists like us just can’t get enough! We’re talking Perito Moreno, Mount Fitzroy and so much more.
Now let’s dive in and talk about how you’re going to see the remainder of Patagonia in One Week
If you’re dreaming of visiting El Calafate, no worries! It’s as easy as hopping on a plane from Buenos Aires, Bariloche, or Ushuaia and before you know it, you’ll be there! Don’t have much time? No problem! The bus station in the center of town has got you covered with daily services during the summer to cool spots like Bariloche, El Chaltén, and Río Gallegos, and even over in Puerto Natales, Chile! And once you arrive, tons of taxis are at your service, ready to whisk you away to your cozy hotel.
So, we checked out La Cantera Hotel Boutique Calafate and it was pretty chill. I have noticed many of the hotels in this region give off motel vibes, but who cares when you’ve got Patagonia waiting outside for you to explore? This hotel included some delicious complimentary breakfast, but is far removed from town so if you are wanting to spend some free time exploring it is a trek from this hotel.
PSST… Here’s a little secret: With all the amazing sights to see in Patagonia, you’ll hardly even remember your hotel. So don’t stress about finding the perfect one. Check out some of these cool options below.
Have you heard about the secret side of Patagonia that only a few lucky ones have discovered? Well, now’s your chance to join the club! Jump on this 3-hour tour departing from El Calafate and get ready to be blown away. You’ll get to explore the cliffs, catch amazing views of the Andes, and learn about the first encounters between the expeditionaries and the natives.
But wait, there’s more! You’ll also visit ancient caves and decipher the marks left by a culture from thousands of years ago. And the cherry on top? A delicious meal cooked right in front of you inside one of the caves. So, don’t miss out!
Is transportation provided? Yes, regardless of which tour company you book with transportation is provided for this type of tour and they will pick you up directly from your hotel.
How long is the tour? You can take the tour in the afternoon or the evening and it’s 3 hours. The tour company will take you to the shores of Lake Argentino, Cliffs of Punta Bonita and an Archaeological zone/
Are you ready for something truly amazing? Because I am thrilled to introduce you to one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Perito Moreno is the most stunning glacier in Patagonia! After a fantastic Alaskan cruise, we thought we had seen it all, but Perito Moreno left us completely speechless. It’s absolutely massive and will take your breath away with its sheer beauty. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most awe-inspiring sights in all of South America and definitely one of the most beautiful sights in the world. Move aside Mayan ruins and Tori gates, because this star attraction will take your breath away!
Get ready to experience the ultimate highlight of your Patagonia adventure! This national park is so amazing that you’ll never want to leave.
Oh my gosh, you gotta check this out – it’s seriously the coolest excursion ever!!! We’re talkin’ a ginormous glacier that’ll blow your mind, and get this – you actually get to strut around on the ice wearing some super slick crampons! You can also access the glacier by booking a guided tour, but it’s absolutely worth it. You get to chill on top of the glacier and marvel at all the insane crevasses! You have two choices, the “Mini Ice” trek (a solid 1.5 hours of pure ice-tasticness) or the “Big Ice” trek (a mind-blowing 3.5 hours of icy awesomeness!).
Our tour was a blast! They came and scooped us up from our hotel and dropped us off at a boat dock inside the park where we took a scenic boat ride across the water. It took us up close to the impressive glacier. We were then divided into language-based groups, instructed on safety, and given crampons. It was finally time to hit the trail and make our way to the ice. And don’t worry, we had our very own glacier guide. We saw some of the craziest ice formations we’ve ever witnessed up close and personal. It’s like walking on a whole other planet!
And you won’t believe what happened on our tour! Get this – we got to go inside an actual ice cave! Can you believe it?! Our guides shared they hadn’t seen an ice cave form like that in over 10 years!! And to top it off, our guides served us drinks with ice they carved right off the glacier in front of us – it was truly unforgettable!
Not feeling up for a glacier trek tour? No worries, I’ve got some amazing options just for you! Peek below to see some other great tours you can book.
Did you know that the Patagonia logo is a silhouette of Mt. Fitz Roy? It’s the tallest mountain in the Argentine Patagonia and straddles Chile and Argentina near the cute town of El Chalten. The best part? There are so many different ways to conquer Fitz Roy, even some options that are totally doable in just one day! And let me tell you, these hikes aren’t just any hikes – they are hands down the most stunning hikes in all of Patagonia, you won’t want to miss them!
Are you ready to conquer the beautiful Mount Fitz Roy? This stunning mountain is nestled in the Andes Mountain Range and is located between Argentina and Chile. You can find the Fitz Roy hike in the Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. Oh, and don’t forget about the charming town of El Chalten in the middle of the national park! You definitely have to check out the Laguna de Los Tres and Laguna Cerro hikes. Trust me, they are popular for a reason! Here are some options on how to get to El Chalten from El Calafate:
If you’re up for some epic views of Mount Fitzroy but not quite ready to tackle a hardcore hike, the LAGUNA CAPRI TREK is the way to go! Now, I won’t lie to you – it’s not a walk in the park. But hey, who wants a boring old stroll anyway? This trek will definitely challenge you, but believe me when I say that the views make it SO worth it. My husband and I are no hiking pros, but we were still able to conquer this challenging trail and you can too!
Get ready to leave El Chaltén behind and climb up to the shores of Laguna Capri. From there, prepare to have your mind blown by the stunning views of Mount Fitzroy! Start your adventure at the parking lot on San Martin, just north of El Chaltén. And don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Oh, and if you happen to run out of water, there’s a totally safe natural stream for refilling – we didn’t get sick, I promise!
If you would prefer to commit to a more challenging hike, the most iconic hike is Laguna De Los Tres. This hike is no joke – it spans over 15 miles and takes you all the way to the base of the mighty Mount Fitz Roy. The starting point is easy to find, just look for the huge sign that says “Sendero al Fitz Roy” and you’re on your way!
Have you heard of El Chalten, the ultimate hiking mecca in Argentina? I am going to guess you haven’t, but just wait until you start planning your Patagonian adventure! You’ll be hearing about it everywhere! This picturesque village is the perfect starting point for a variety of day hikes and multi-day trekking routes. And don’t let its small size fool you, there are tons of quirky restaurants and tourist shops to check out when you’re not on the trails. Trust us, you won’t be able to resist the charm of El Chalten!
We finally made it to day 7, the last day of Patagonia in one week itinerary! This was a travel day for us, but before we boarded our flight to Buenos Aires, we spent some time exploring El Calafate. Believe me, the town has a lot to offer, from scenic trails to yummy food and drinks. I have rounded up some fun things for you to check out while you’re here.
I hope my Patagonia in one week itinerary helps you plan the most amazing trip to one of the most beautiful parts of the world! I am certain you will the most memorable time here. Safe travels!
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