Patagonia is one of the most iconic destinations in South America, captivating travelers with its untamed wilderness, snowcapped peaks, and majestic glaciers. But many people assume they need two or three weeks to explore this vast region. The good news is: you don’t. With the right itinerary, you can experience both Argentine and Chilean Patagonia in just 8 days — without feeling rushed.

At 01Argentina Travel Agency, we specialize in making the most of your time. In this article, we’ll show you how our 8-day Patagonia tour from El Calafate to Torres del Paine offers a complete and unforgettable journey through the heart of the Southern Andes. Whether you’re short on time or looking for an expertly guided adventure, this is the one-week Patagonia itinerary you’ve been waiting for.

Why Choose a Week-Long Patagonia Itinerary?

Spanning both Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is massive — larger than many countries. Planning your own route through this wilderness often requires complex logistics, language skills, and a lot of time. That’s why many travelers opt for an organized tour that takes care of everything.

Our 8-day Patagonia Dreamscape Tour is carefully designed to combine ease, adventure, and depth. With round-trip transfers, accommodations, guided excursions, and all the key highlights pre-arranged, you’ll waste no time figuring out bus schedules or entrance tickets. Instead, you’ll be immersed in the landscapes and culture from the moment you land.

Day-by-Day Breakdown of Your One-Week Patagonia Adventure

Let’s explore how each day of this tour maximizes your time and delivers unique experiences across both countries.

Day 1 – Arrival in El Calafate (Argentina)

Your journey begins in El Calafate, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Argentino. Upon arrival, a private transfer takes you to your hotel. You’ll have time to relax and acclimate — maybe enjoy a Patagonian lamb dinner or a local Malbec as the sun sets behind the Andes.

• Tip: Don’t miss the charming shops and cafés around the town’s center — perfect for your first taste of Argentine Patagonia.

Day 2 – Perito Moreno Glacier Tour

Few natural wonders compare to the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most active and accessible glaciers in the world. This day is dedicated to exploring it from every angle.

You’ll travel through the scenic Los Glaciares National Park and arrive at a system of panoramic walkways where you can observe massive ice chunks calving into the lake. A boat ride brings you close enough to hear the deep creaks and thunder-like cracks of the glacier in motion.

• Highlight: Watching a 70-meter-high wall of ice break off and crash into the water is something you’ll never forget.

Day 3 – Navigation Among Glaciers: Upsala and Spegazzini

This day takes you deeper into the Patagonian ice fields with a full-day boat tour along the Ríos de Hielo. You’ll navigate between towering blue walls of ice and witness the immense Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers from the water.

These areas are inaccessible by land, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the largest glacier systems on Earth.

• Fun fact: Spegazzini Glacier is the tallest in the region, with ice walls reaching up to 135 meters.

Day 4 – Cross the Border: From El Calafate to Puerto Natales (Chile)

You’ll travel by bus through windswept steppes and mountain valleys to cross the border into Chile. Your destination: Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park.

The scenery transforms dramatically as you enter Chilean Patagonia — lakes turn turquoise, granite towers begin to rise, and guanacos graze alongside the road.

• Included in the tour: Transfers, immigration assistance, and hotel accommodations in Puerto Natales.

Day 5 – Torres del Paine National Park: Full-Day Excursion

This is the most adventurous day of your trip. A guided tour of Torres del Paine, one of South America’s most celebrated national parks, takes you through emerald lakes, glacial valleys, and jagged mountain peaks.

You’ll visit famous viewpoints like Lago Grey, Salto Grande, and Lago Pehoé, all while learning about the park’s geology, wildlife, and conservation efforts.

• Optional upgrade: Add a light hike to get even closer to the towers (weather permitting).

Day 6 – Milodon Cave and Return to El Calafate

Before heading back to Argentina, you’ll stop at the Cueva del Milodón, a fascinating cave where remains of a prehistoric giant sloth were found. It’s a unique blend of science and myth wrapped in a surreal Patagonian landscape.

After this stop, a comfortable transfer returns you to El Calafate.

Day 7 – Free Day in El Calafate (Optional Activities)

Your last full day is yours to enjoy as you choose. Some travelers prefer to relax and shop, while others take advantage of additional excursions — such as horseback riding on a Patagonian ranch, kayaking on Lake Argentino, or visiting the Glaciarium Ice Museum.

Your 01Argentina guide can help arrange everything, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Day 8 – Departure

After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to El Calafate airport. You’ll leave Patagonia with your camera full and your heart even fuller.

Why Choose 01Argentina for Your Patagonia Tour?

At 01Argentina Travel Agency, we’ve spent more than 20 years helping travelers from all over the world explore the best of Argentina and beyond. Here’s why our 8-day Patagonia tour stands out:

All-Inclusive Logistics: Flights, transfers, hotels, and excursions — we manage it all.

Local Expertise: Our bilingual guides are deeply familiar with the region and passionate about sharing its stories.

Customizable Options: Add extra days, upgrade hotels, or combine with other destinations like Ushuaia or Buenos Aires.

Peace of Mind: From the moment you land to your final transfer, we’re available 24/7.

Final Thoughts: One Week, A Lifetime of Memories

One week might seem short for a place as grand as Patagonia — but with the right itinerary, it’s more than enough to experience glaciers, wildlife, and natural wonders on both sides of the Andes.

Our carefully designed 8-day Argentina and Chile Patagonia tour offers a seamless and enriching journey for those who want to explore deeply without sacrificing comfort or time.

Ready to experience the best of Patagonia in just one week?