This 7 day self-drive itinerary explores two of the most stunning National Parks of Patagonia: Torres del Paine in Chile, And Los Glaciares in Argentina. Discover the majestic, sweeping landscape of mountains, glaciers and pampa at your own pace with your rental car and pre-booked hotels.

Day 1: Punta Arenas (30 km / 19 mi)

Pick up your car at the airport or downtown rental office. Punta Arenas is the largest and most important city of Chilean Patagonia. It is located on the western side of the Strait of Magellan and its inhabitants come from a mix of cultural backgrounds, English sheep ranchers as well as Portuguese sailors settled here. Overnight in Punta Arenas.

Day 2: Punta Arenas - Torres del Paine (410 km / 255 mi)

It will be a rather long drive to Torres del Paine National Park, with many interesting stops on the way. You will be able to visit the Penguin Colony on the Otway Sound, for example. The main road to Puerto Natales is paved and in good condition, sheep farms are scattered along the way. Torres del Paine National Park will greet you from afar with its gigantic granite towers. Overnight in Torres del Paine National Park. (B)

Day 3: Torres del Paine

The National Park Torres del Paine is one of the most impressive parks in Chile because of its unique wildlife and dramatic scenery. The park is best known for its steep granite towers (torres), the unique horns (cuernos) and the Big Paine Mountain. The massif is crowned by glaciers and surrounded by cascading rivers and beautiful emerald lakes. The park was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1978. There are many hiking trails to choose from to explore this gorgeous park. Overnight in Torres del Paine National Park. (B)

Day 4: Torres del Paine - El Calafate (345 km / 214 mi)

Passing through Cerro Castillo, a village and estancia near the border, you will cross into Argentina. From the border onwards, you will mainly drive through the vast and desolate Argentinean Pampa to El Calafate. You may spot a sheep farm or occasionally encounter wild animals along the way. Your destination, El Calafate, is located on the shores of Lago Argentino, which is surrounded by impressive, snow-capped peaks. Overnight in El Calafate. (B)

Day 5: Perito Moreno Glacier (177 km / 110 mi)

The 'Los Glaciares National Park' is outstandingly beautiful and you will be able to explore the park on one of the numerous hiking trails. The primary attraction is the Perito Moreno Glacier, which extends over 200 km/124 mi with an imposing front wall of 60 m/197 ft height and 4 km/2.5 mi length. Enormous ice chunks occasionally fall off the front wall and drop into Lake Argentino with a thundering sound. Overnight in El Calafate. (B)

Day 6: El Calafate - Puerto Natales (360 km / 224 mi)

Start your return trip on the legendary Argentinean Route 40 to Puerto Natales in Chile. After crossing the border, you will be able to visit Puerto Natales or sites in the region like the Milodón Cave, where scientists discovered the remains of a gigantic sloth. Overnight in Puerto Natales. (B)

Day 7: Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas (250 km / 155 mi)

From Puerto Natales it will take 3 hours to return to Punta Arenas. Drop off you car at the airport or downtown rental office. (B)

Please note that all our itineraries can be customized and modified to suit your wishes.

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.

Hotels used with this itinerary

Option 1:

Hotel Cabo de Hornos**** Hotel Cabo de Hornos is a very modern, European style hotel located in downtown Punta Arenas. It features 91 comfortable rooms, equipped with cable TV, telephone, safe deposit box, mini-bar. General facilities include: sauna, laundry facilities, parking, internet access, conference facilities (saloons with a capacity for up to 300 persons). The hotel's restaurant and bar offer national and international cuisine and specialties in an exclusive environment.

Hostería Lago Grey*** Hostería Lago Grey is situated in the lush, green western region of Torres del Paine National Park. Surrounded by dense southern beech forest, the hostería offers views of the Paine horns and its glacier landscape. It is built in modern Patagonian style, offering 30 comfortable rooms, all equipped with heating and private bathroom. Additional facilities include a restaurant, bar, cafeteria, laundry, lounge area, conference hall, photocopy, fax, Internet access (front desk), and room service.

Hotel Los Alamos**** Hotel Posada Los Alamos, surrounded by organic gardens and cottonwoods, features 144 exclusively decorated rooms with views of the gardens and mountains, equipped with cable TV, mini bar, and telephone. General facilities include: restaurant, providing regional dishes, bar, Spa-centre offering massage, body aesthetics, hydro massages, and golf course, as well as meeting facilities.

Hotel Costaustralis**** Located on the ocean shoreline in the charming town of Puerto Natales, Hotel Costaustralis has a great view of Ultima Esperanza Fjord. The architectural style combines modern and traditional features. The result is a pleasant and peaceful place in southern Patagonia. There are 74 comfortable and stylish rooms, all equipped with private bathrooms, safe deposit box, telephone and cable TV. Hotel services include: restaurant, bar, games room, fax and Internet access, room service, laundry, money exchange and souvenir shop.

Option 2:

Hotel Tierra del Fuego*** Hotel Tierra del Fuego, a traditional hotel, is located in the center of Punta Arenas, a 5-minute walk from the main square and a 30-minute drive from the airport. The hotel has a classical decoration, high ceilings and large windows in the common areas. It features 27 guest rooms, in-room Internet access, email and fax, mini bar, cable TV, central heating, private parking, general safe deposit box, restaurant, cafeteria, bar, bilingual reception, laundry service, recreational area and room service.

Hosteria Las Torres Hostería Las Torres is located in the very heart of Patagonia's National Park Torres Del Paine, next to Amarga Lagoon and at the foothill of Almirante Nieto Mount. It offers a mountain refuge atmosphere in a comfortable building. The 56 rooms are equipped with central heating, box spring beds, telephone and private bathroom. Bilingual reception, parking, living room, money exchange, cafeteria, restaurant, bar, laundry service, conference hall, facilities for disabled guests, recreational area, room service, hydro massage, sauna, computers, Internet access, fax, photocopy, excursions and other services are available.

Hotel Patagon - currently no further information available

Hostería Lady Florence Dixie** Hostería Lady Florence Dixie is a pleasant hotel, built out of wood. It is centrally located on the main shopping street and two blocks from the central Plaza. It offers 19 rooms, divided in superior and standard categories, all with private bathroom, central heating, TV, and telephone service in each room. In addition, the hotel provides disabled access, private parking area, bilingual reception, living room, cafeteria, laundry service, access to Internet and fax service. (itinerary includes superior rooms)