I’m constantly getting questions about our 5 days in Patagonia, Chile. We planned the most epic Patagonia Itinerary to hike through Torres del Paine National Park and experience parts of the famous W Circuit. I’m excited to take you guys through our 5 days in Patagonia to share exactly what we did and of course, share some lessons learned!
When reading this itinerary for Patagonia, Chile, keep in mind, that we did not camp or complete the full W Trek. We stayed at a luxury resort where we could hike by day then wine and dine at night! We chose to visit Chilean Patagonia over Argentina because it seemed more intimate, less crowded, and even more remote with dramatic landscapes. Plus, we fell in love with a particular hotel we wanted to book!
It was an incredible trip and highly recommend it to anyone, even if you are hesitant about hiking. This was by far the most intense hiking I had ever done and now my new life goal is to go back in 30 years to do it again with my future children!
Now, let’s get into the 5 day Patagonia itinerary and then I will share some practical tips for visiting Chile.
5 Days in Patagonia Itinerary Overview
This Patagonia itinerary is for those looking to hike parts of the famous W Circuit and Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile. We did not camp, but stayed in a luxury hotel with a guide to take us around.
First, I will give you a brief overview of what we did, then go into detail with each day below!
- Day 1 – Arrival to Puerto Natales
- Day 2 – Hike the Base of the Towers in Torres del Paine National Park
- Day 3 – Wildlife Trekking, Laguna Azul Hike and Cascada Rio Paine
- Day 4– Grey Glacier HIke
- Day 5 – Depart / Alternatives like French Valley Hike
PRO TIP: You will want to check the weather once you arrive and make a plan for your next five days in Patagonia. The weather can vary greatly so you’ll want to pick the nicest day for your hike to the Base of the Towers. You can arrange this itinerary in any order to work around the weather forecast,
✈️ Planning a Patagonia trip can feel VERY overwhelming – I’ve been there! As a travel advisor, I work with you to craft the perfect itinerary, from must-see sights to hidden gems, and handle all the logistics so your trip flows seamlessly. You get a stress-free, personalized experience—just show up and enjoy every moment. Inquire here to get started!
Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Natales
On the first day, you will fly into Puerto Natales (PNT) or Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport which is the main gateway to Torres del Paine. We were able to find a non-stop flight from Santiago to Puerto Natales and from the small airport, it was about an hour to our hotel and Torres del Paine. It was such a scenic drive that it flew by!
You can also catch a flight into Punta Arenas, but it is a bit further south and not as ideal in my opinion. Though, it did seem to have more flight options when we were booking.
Next, check into your accommodations and relax after a long travel day. We stayed at Awasi Patagonia and I’ll share more on that at the end.
Day 2: Torres del Paine National Park – Base of the Towers Hike
On day 2, you will do the most iconic hike to the Base of the Towers in Torres del Paine. This hike is 21km/13 miles and takes anywhere from 7-10 hours depending on your pace and ability.
We moved fast and completed it in 7 hours including a long break for lunch at the top. I share all about this hike in more detail which you can find here where I talk about the challenges of Mirador Los Torres.
Plan to wake up early to head into Torres del Paine National Park before sunrise. We got there before first light and started making our trek to the Base of the Towers or Mirador Los Torres. Since it takes so long, you want to get started right away!
There were times when I wanted to quit, but the view at the top truly made it all worth it. You’ve seen photos and know what I mean, but photos hardly do justice to the raw natural beauty of this hike. If you want to see more detail checkout my Instagram highlights here.
Honestly, I thought we would skip this hike, but our guide assured me that I could handle it. On the hike, we saw kids and seniors doing it, so go for it if you are hesitant! Afterward, our guide setup an amazing spread with a cheese plate, crudités and champagne to celebrate!
We ended the day by soaking our tired bodies in the wood burning hot tub at the hotel! It was so ideal after an exhausting day of hiking!
Day 3: Wildlife Spotting for Pumas, Laguna Azul Hike and Cascada Rio Paine
On Day 3, plan to take it a little easier as your muscles are sure to be sore! We started the morning with breakfast then headed out for wildlife spotting. Patagonia is known for having the elusive puma! We never saw one, but we did see tons of guanacos which are kind of like a llama. They are native to Patagonia and you’ll see them roaming everywhere.
Then, we made our way to Laguna Azul to hike around this bright blue lake with the famous towers in the backdrop! It’s a fairly leisurely hike as you make your way around the lagoon. In total, it is 5.9 miles, but you can do as much as you like then call it a day. After an hour or so of exploring, there are picnic tables where you can setup a lunch overlooking the lake!
Our guide setup this incredible spread with warm soup, a veggie bowl, and beer/wine!
After lunch, stop by the most stunning waterfall called Cascada Rio Paine. It is located along Paine River on the road that takes you to Laguna Azul. There is a trail that runs along it for about a mile so you can do the out and back loop or just park and admire the falls!
Since we stayed at Awasi Patagonia, I ended the day with an in-villa massage because my muscles were aching after such a strenuous hike the first day! Then we had the most incredible dinner at their lodge. 10/10 recommend!
Day 4: Grey Glacier Hike
On Day 4, make plans to hike to Grey Glacier (Glacier Grey). It is the most impressive glacier in Torres del Paine and one you should not miss! The blue and silver colors of this massive ice formation is truly breathtaking.
This hike is the western arm of the famous W Trek and where many people are either beginning or ending their journeys. It was cool to see the contrast! There is a lodge here with facilities and snacks/water where a lot of people are hanging out.
To get there, you will take a ferry to the trail head and then hike toward Lago Grey. There is an option to do the full hike which takes 7-10 hours and might require an overnight (if you miss the last ferry!). We opted for the day hike and it was perfect. It took us about 3 hours.
I originally thought we would take the boat cruise, but our awesome guide, Tomas, assured us that the boat was a bit touristy and the hike was worth it. The tour does take you up close to the glacier, but seeing it from the viewpoint that we did, was incredible. Of course, if you are exhausted or aren’t able to hike, the boat tour is a fantastic way to see it!
While it was an easier hike with a more moderate elevation gain, it was still challenging with the cold winds!
Day 5: Choose Your Adventure – French Valley, Horseback Riding, Visit an Estancia
On day 5, you will begin the long trip home or continue on your journey. If you do have time to spend the day I would recommend the French Valley Hike or Mirador Francés. It is a bit tougher to get to, but you can do a a day hike which is ideal.
Otherwise, you could spend the day in Puerto Natales, go horseback riding, or visit an estancia. There are plenty of fun things to do in Chilean Patagonia.
If you want to spend more time exploring the country, there are truly so many amazing places to visit in Chile. I would love to visit the Atacama Lake Region which includes the stunning Atacama Desert!
Alternatively, you could head over to the Argentinian side of Patagonia to explore El Chaltén, El Calafate, Mount Fitz Roy, Perito Moreno Glacier or even further south to Ushuaia.
There is so much to see in this region that you need way more than 5 days, but this will give you a good taste of Chilean Patagonia.
Recommend Guided Tours in Patagonia, Chile
Where to Stay in Patagonia, Chile
You have a few options when deciding where to stay in Patagonia, Chile. I would stay close to the park so you aren’t commuting too much.
In and near Torres del Paine, you will find a range from mountain lodges (refugios), campsites and luxury eco-lodges. Here is my hotel recommendation at Torres del Paine.
Awasi Patagonia
We stayed at Awasi Patagonia and it was an incredible place to call home. The intimate hotel offers just 14 individual villas so you feel tucked away in your own world.
It’s a stunning Relais & Châteaux property, with a restaurant serving incredible food and wine! Your stay includes all of your meals (personalized to your tastes), a personal tour guide, and vehicle.
They offer personal guides for each group with a 4×4 so you can go anywhere you like on your own terms! They also prepare all meals and snacks to your liking for days you leave the resort. Tomas, our guide, always had fresh breakfast, lunch and snacks ready for us and they were seriously SO good.
Imagine hiking all the way to the base of the towers and your guide pulls out warm tomato soup, artisan sandwiches and fresh baked cookies to top it off! And then, when you complete the full hike and get back to the car, he sets up a table with a cute tablecloth, cheese platter, and bottle of champagne to celebrate!! Can you imagine??? Anyways, I highly recommend! You can read my full Awasi Patagonia review here if you’re intrigued!
Other good hotel choices include:
- Explora Patagonia – highly rated lodge with full service spa, pool, guides, amazing views and service.
- Tierra Patagonia – gorgeous hotel along Lake Sarmiento with amazing view, spa, sauna, etc.
- Hotel Rio Serrano – cozy lobby, indoor pool, full spa and chic rooms with incredible views!
👉 HOW TO BOOK WITH MY VIP PERKS:
If you’re interested in access to my VIP perks like complimentary upgrades, daily breakfast for two, a $100 resort credit, and early check in/late check out, reach out to me here with your travel dates and I can help book your hotel. I’ll send you a quote with the best rates and fun perks available to you!
The Singular
You can also stay in Puerto Natales if you prefer to be closer to the main town. The Singular is my top hotel recommendation there, but there are options for all budgets. We stayed at The Singular in Santiago and loved the laid back luxury and amazing food.
Additional hotels in Puerto Natales that are Leisurely Approved include:
- Remota – affordable option with nice rooms and free breakfast
- Weskar Lodge – waterfront lodge with free breakfast and rustic, chic rooms.
Practical Information for Spending 5 Days in Patagonia, Chile
Chilean Patagonia is ideal for its famous W Trek and Torres del Paine National Park. The stunning landscape, intimate nature, and friendly people make it a great choice that is a bit less touristy than Argentina.
We flew into Puerto Natales (PNT) or Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport on non stop flight from Santiago. You can also fly into Punta Arenas which is a bit further south from Torres del Paine.
You need a minimum of 5 days in Patagonia, Chile to fully experience this vast region. If you have more time, 7 days would be ideal to do enough hiking and also enjoy more low key activities.
The best time of year to visit Patagonia is from November to April when the Southern Hemisphere enjoys summer. The other months would be too cold and many places close for the season. We went in March and had great weather perfect for hiking where it didn’t get too hot or cold.
The most expensive part is getting to Patagonia because it is so remote. Once there, you can choose between budget or luxury accommodations to suit your travel style.
The Wrap Up: Chilean Patagonia Itinerary
With its rugged landscape, soaring peaks, and exotic wildlife, Chilean Patagonia makes for a bucket list experience. This trip would be ideal for couples, a honeymoon, or even a multigenerational trip with family or friends.
I hope this has helped guide you as you make plans to visit Patagonia, Chile. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments below. I would love to help!
And, be sure to checkout more of my guides to help plan your trip to South America. We visited Mendoza, Santiago, and Buenos Aires so have plenty to share!
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