Patagonia itinerary: Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno and Fitz Roy
Patagonia is huge, windy and remote. The famous sights sit in two countries, with long bus rides and a border between them. Refugios and campsites in Torres del Paine sell out months ahead. This prompt asks your todo.is agent to plan a Patagonia route that fits your days and fitness, with transfers, bookings to make early and weather buffers.
The prompt
- Plan a Patagonia itinerary for [NUMBER OF DAYS] days, [TRAVEL DATES], for [WHO IS TRAVELLING], starting in [START CITY]. Include Torres del Paine in Chile ([TORRES PLAN]), Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate and hikes from El Chaltén to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre, for [FITNESS]. Give the buses or flights between each place with times, and what we need for the Chile–Argentina border crossing. List what must be booked months ahead (refugios, campsites, park tickets). Add one weather-buffer day in each area and [EXTRAS]. Send a PDF with the route, a packing list for wind and cold, and links. Don't book anything.
What to change
- [NUMBER OF DAYS]: E.g. "12". Ten to fourteen days covers Chile and Argentina well.
- [TRAVEL DATES]: E.g. "1 to 13 February". The main season is November to March.
- [WHO IS TRAVELLING]: E.g. "couple", "two friends who trek", "family with teens".
- [START CITY]: E.g. "Santiago", "Buenos Aires", "Punta Arenas".
- [TORRES PLAN]: E.g. "the W Trek in 4 days with refugios", "day hikes from a hotel", "the full O Circuit".
- [FITNESS]: E.g. "we hike 20 km a day", "moderate, 10 km is plenty".
- [EXTRAS]: E.g. "ice trekking on Perito Moreno", "Ushuaia", "penguins near Punta Arenas", "the Carretera Austral".
Example result
- Patagonia in 12 days, two friends who trek
- Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno, Fitz Roy · February
- Day 1: Fly to Puerto Natales
- • Fly from Santiago to Puerto Natales (seasonal) or Punta Arenas, then the bus north (about 3 hours).
- • Pick up park tickets and last supplies.
- Days 2 to 5: The W Trek, Torres del Paine
- • Day 2: bus to the park and boat across Lago Pehoé. Hike to Grey Glacier viewpoints. Refugio night.
- • Day 3: Valle del Francés, with hanging glaciers and the Cuernos peaks. Long day.
- • Day 4: along Lago Nordenskjöld to the Central or Chileno area.
- • Day 5: early hike up to the base of the Torres for sunrise, then down and bus back to Puerto Natales.
- • Refugios and campsites must be booked ahead, often months before for summer. Book the W first, then flights.
- Day 6: Buffer and rest
- • Laundry, a good meal of Patagonian lamb, and a buffer in case wind closed a trail.
- Day 7: Cross into Argentina
- • Bus to El Calafate (about 5 to 6 hours, including the border). Carry your passport and any papers the agency asks for.
- Day 8: Perito Moreno Glacier
- • Walk the balconies facing the ice wall and wait for calving. Optional boat to the face, or a guided mini-trek on the ice.
- Days 9 to 11: El Chaltén
- • Day 9: bus to El Chaltén (about 3 hours). Short walk to the Los Cóndores viewpoint.
- • Day 10: Laguna de los Tres under Fitz Roy (about 20 km return, steep last hour).
- • Day 11: Laguna Torre (about 18 km return), or rest if the weather is bad and swap days.
- Day 12: Back and fly out
- • Bus to El Calafate airport, fly to Buenos Aires.
- Packing for wind
- • Windproof and waterproof shell, warm layers, hat and gloves even in summer, hiking poles, sunglasses and strong sun cream.
- Good to know
- • Winds can be very strong. Rangers close trails when it's dangerous; follow their advice.
- • Bring cash in both currencies for small towns.
- • Bus times, park rules and booking links are in the PDF; check the official sites.
How to do it with todo.is
- Copy the prompt and fill in your days, dates, group, start city, Torres plan, fitness and extras.
- Paste it on the Today screen in todo.is, or send it to your agent on WhatsApp or Telegram.
- Your agent routes the trip across both countries and emails a PDF with booking deadlines and links.
- Reply to adjust ("no camping", "add Ushuaia"). You book refugios, buses and flights yourself.
Tips for a better result
- Book Torres del Paine accommodation first. Refugios and campsites on the W often sell out months in advance.
- Add at least one buffer day in each area. Patagonian wind closes trails and boats without warning.
- Do the Torres base hike for sunrise only if the forecast is clear. Otherwise go later in the day.
- Ask your agent to remind you on WhatsApp when the refugio booking window for your dates opens.
Patagonia itinerary: FAQ
- How many days do you need in Patagonia? Ten to fourteen days covers Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno and El Chaltén. With a week, choose one country.
- When is the best time to visit Patagonia? November to March is the main season, with long days and open trails. It's also the windiest time; shoulder months are quieter and colder.
- Do you need to book the W Trek in advance? Yes. Refugios and campsites must be reserved before you go, often months ahead for December to February.
- Is El Chaltén or Torres del Paine better? They're different. Torres del Paine has a multi-day trek and park facilities; El Chaltén has free day hikes from town to Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
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