Self-Guided Tours & Trips in Patagonia
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10 best self-guided Patagonia tours
Compiled by
MelissaPatagonia travel expert at TourRadar
- Argentina & Chile: Amazing Patagonia - 13 days
- Argentina & Chile: Amazing Patagonia - 9 days
- 6 - Days Self Drive @ Torres del Paine National Park
- Combined Argentina with Falls, Lakes and Glaciers in 15 Days
- Epic Patagonia: El Chaltén & the Hidden Lago del Desierto
- Adventure in El Chaltén at Camp Full
- Rental Car Tour Panamericana del Sur
- Ushuaia: on the big Tierra del Fuego island adventure & hiking trip - 5 days
- Patagonia: the Ultimate Adventure
- Glaciers and Torres del Paine. El Calafate to Punta Arenas (5 Days)
Argentina & Chile: Amazing Patagonia - 13 days
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Patagonia is a beautiful region. Despite one bus not being booked we had a great time.”
Michele, traveled in February
Patagonia's wilderness opens up with detailed maps for Torres del Paine trails. Self-guided tours at Perito Moreno Glacier and Mount Fitz Roy area complete this independent adventure with pre-arranged accommodations.
Duration 13 days Destinations El Calafate, El Chalten, Torres del Paine National Park, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Say Hueque Argentina & Chile Journeys From
- NZ$7,306
Argentina & Chile: Amazing Patagonia - 9 days
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was very well organised, great itinerary and great selection of Hotels in El Calafate, El Chalten and Puerto Natales.”
Detailed maps guide you through El Chalten's trails and Perito Moreno Glacier walkways. Roam Torres del Paine and Bernardo O'Higgins National Park freely, with pre-arranged transportation and stays in El Calafate and Puerto Natales.
Duration 9 days Destinations El Calafate, El Chalten, Torres del Paine National Park, Puerto Natales Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Say Hueque Argentina & Chile Journeys From
- NZ$4,313
6 - Days Self Drive @ Torres del Paine National Park
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“All hotels were excellent, and inclusive food (breakfasts) were fine and typical of our experience of Chile.”
Andrew, traveled in November
Drive through Patagonia in a Nissan XTrail 4x2, from Cerro Mirador to Milodon Cave. Roam Torres del Paine's wilderness freely while based at Hotel Lago Grey, with optional Serrano River activities.
Duration 6 days Destinations Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park Age Range Ages 25+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Signature DMC From
- NZ$3,771
Combined Argentina with Falls, Lakes and Glaciers in 15 Days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Constance made it very easy for us from the get go by having the lines of communication open at all times.”
Dieter, traveled in March
Your self-guided Patagonian adventure includes comprehensive materials and transfers. Wander from Bariloche's lakes to Ushuaia's End of World Train, staying at selected 3-star hotels. Take in Perito Moreno Glacier and Tierra del Fuego's beauty.
Duration 15 days Destinations Buenos Aires, Puerto Iguazu, San Carlos De Bariloche, El Calafate, Ushuaia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Qwerty Travel Argentina From
- NZ$3,966
Roam Patagonia's wilderness from El Calafate to El Chaltén with detailed trail maps. Rest at Hotel Infinito Sur and enjoy glamping at Full Camp Fitz Roy with dome dining. The 17km Río Eléctrico trail leads to Laguna de los Tres.
Duration 4 days Destinations El Calafate, El Chalten, Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre Mountain Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator People Travel and Experience From
- NZ$1,759
Create your ideal Patagonian adventure during this 24-day self-guided tour. Wander Pumalin National Park's rainforests, stand before Perito Moreno Glacier, and take in Torres del Paine at your pace. Rest at carefully selected properties like Hotel Sierra Nevada and Hotel del Paine.
Duration 24 days Destinations Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, Hornopirén, Chaiten, Puyuhuapi, Coyhaique, Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Lago Posadas, El Chalten, El CalafateSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator avenTOURa From
- NZ$11,122
Walk Patagonian trails independently with afternoon hikes around Martial Glacier. Set your pace through southern beech forests and Tierra del Fuego National Park, with transportation to trailheads included.
Duration 5 days Destinations Ushuaia, Isla Martillo, Tierra del Fuego National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Operator ASI Reisen From
- NZ$3,313
Patagonia: the Ultimate Adventure
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing views and I loved the scenery of beautiful Patagonia. Patagonia is a treasure.”
mary, traveled in February
Your Patagonian adventure starts in El Calafate with flexible scheduling. Walk Perito Moreno Glacier's pathways, choose optional boat rides, and roam Torres del Paine's landscapes. Quality stays at Mirador del Lago Hotel included.
Duration 5 days Destinations El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Say Hueque Argentina & Chile Journeys From
- NZ$2,368
Glaciers and Torres del Paine. El Calafate to Punta Arenas (5 Days)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Incredible experience!”
julia, traveled in October
The rugged landscapes of Patagonia await with flexible visits to Perito Moreno Glacier and Torres del Paine National Park. Stay in comfortable accommodations in El Calafate and Puerto Natales, with seamless transfers across 350km of breathtaking terrain.
Duration 5 days Destinations El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park, Punta Arenas Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Hi Travel Argentina From
- NZ$861
What people love about Self-Guided Tours in Patagonia
- Argentina & Chile: Amazing Patagonia - 13 days
I am usually the sort of person to arrange my travel independently, but for my trip to Patagonia I made an exception. This proved to be a very wise idea indeed; without Say Hueque's expertise, reasonable pricing and astute care, I was able to make the most of my limited time in Patagonia. Their itinerary turned out to be based on a large amount of experience. I had just enough time in each place. The bus journeys were well planned in particular (I appreciated sitting for a day or so to get to Puerto Natales after several days hiking in El Chalten!), and I enjoyed all their suggested activities and places to eat. Most importantly, I never felt like I was wasting time anywhere! It was clear to me the operators that Say Hueque are the best in the area. All the guides were unmatched in their ability and knowledge, and the transfers were efficient and prompt. None of these companies or places to stay let me down in the least. I enjoyed all of the places they arranged for me to stay, especially in Punta Arenas and Calafate. Even when I had to go to a different hostel one night, Say Heuque's reputation and the good contact between me and my agent helped me overcome what would have otherwise been a difficult situation. The excursions were all enjoyable. I thought they balanced each other out quite well, adding just the right amount of action and comfort without being stuck in a touristy group. Summing up, my trip to Patagonia would not have been nearly as smooth or enjoyable without Say Hueque. I was extremely happy I chose to use them, and would definitely go to them for my next adventure in South America.
- Argentina & Chile: Amazing Patagonia - 9 days
We took a 9 day tour of Patagonia, all organised by Say Hueque. They were absolutely marvellous, took all the hassle out of organising everything ourselves. The hotels they chose were all great, everything went like clockwork. I would not hesitate to recommend Say Hueque!
- 6 - Days Self Drive @ Torres del Paine National Park
I read a lot about Patagonia Argentina before going on the tour, I saw many images .. But it really is not what the texts or photos show. It is 100% better, its glaciers, indescribable landscapes, snowy mountains .. It is something that can not be found anywhere in the world, that's why the thousands of kilometers that I made are worth it a thousand times more.
What our customers ask about Self-Guided Tours & Trips in Patagonia
When is the best time of year for self-guided travel in Patagonia?
October through April offers the most reliable conditions for exploring Patagonia on your own with December to February marking the high season. During these months hiking trails are fully accessible and weather patterns are most predictable. A TourRadar traveler who visited El Calafate commented "January offered perfect hiking weather though accommodations like Kau Yatun Hotel needed booking well in advance." The shoulder months of March and April bring fewer visitors while maintaining good conditions for outdoor activities. Winter months from May through September see limited access to key routes particularly around Torres del Paine and connections between El Calafate and Puerto Natales.
How difficult are the self-guided hiking trails in Patagonia?
Patagonia's trails span from gentle walks to demanding mountain treks with most routes featuring clear signage and regular maintenance. The popular Laguna de los Tres trek near El Chalten requires 8-9 hours for a round trip at moderate intensity while the Laguna Torre route offers a slightly gentler 7-8 hour experience. Hotel Las Torres provides detailed maps and pre-trek orientation sessions. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The path to Mirador Británico was challenging due to snow covering the signs so checking conditions beforehand is essential."
What accommodations are available for self-guided tours in Patagonia?
Travelers will find lodging options across all budget levels throughout Patagonia. El Calafate's Los Pioneros hotel serves budget-conscious travelers while Hosteria Las Torres offers high-end rooms with mountain views in Torres del Paine. For those seeking outdoor experiences Full Camp Fitz Roy provides equipped tents sleeping bags and dining facilities at Mount Fitz Roy's base. Puerto Natales features the well-regarded Singing Lamb Hostel praised by TourRadar travelers for its quality amenities and knowledgeable staff.
How should I plan transportation between different locations in Patagonia?
An extensive bus system connects Patagonia's key destinations. Regular service runs from El Calafate to El Chalten (3 hours) El Calafate to Puerto Natales (5 hours) and Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine (2 hours). Within park boundaries Hotel Las Torres operates shuttle services. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The efficiency of all the logistics pick ups hotels and flights was our highlight of travelling with you. All transportation worked perfectly throughout the entire trip."
What wildlife can I expect to see on a self-guided tour in Patagonia?
Peninsula Valdes offers opportunities to observe whales from June to November penguins between September and February plus year-round sea lion populations and occasional orca sightings. The areas around Torres del Paine and El Chalten are home to guanacos condors and pumas. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We saw incredible wildlife including sea lions at Les Eclaireurs lighthouse imperial cormorants on Birds Island and even whales breaching in Puerto Madryn."
How much should I budget per day for a self-guided tour in Patagonia?
Daily expenses typically range from 200-500 USD per person covering lodging and basic transport. A TourRadar traveler noted "While the initial tour cost was around 300 USD per day at Hotel Puelche in Puerto Varas we spent extra on activities and meals." Plan for national park entry fees (20-38 USD per park) daily meals (30-50 USD) and optional excursions like glacier walks or boat tours. Set aside additional funds for unexpected weather-related changes to your plans.