A trip to Southern Patagonia, between Puerto Williams (in Chile’s Tierra del Fuego) and Puerto Natales (the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park), will offer you an incredible range of landscapes, from remote wilderness and fjords to rugged mountains and glaciers. 

Itinerary Overview:

Your trip will primarily focus on the southernmost part of Patagonia, with two major destinations: Puerto Williams on Isla Navarino and Puerto Natales on the mainland. This region offers stunning views of mountains, sea, and glaciers, with hiking, cultural experiences, and the opportunity to connect with remote nature.

Day 1-2: Arrival in Puerto Williams

Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Williams

• Fly into Puerto Williams, the southernmost town in Chile (via a flight from Punta Arenas, which usually requires a connecting flight in Puerto Montt or Ushuaia, Argentina).
• Puerto Williams is small but offers a unique atmosphere, surrounded by fjords, mountains, and native forests.
• Stroll around the main square and visit the Museo Municipal Martin Gusinde to learn about the Yámana people and the area’s history.

Day 2: Explore the Island of Navarino

• Hike the Dientes de Navarino Trek: This 4-6 day trek is considered one of the most remote and rugged multi-day hikes in the world. If you’re not planning to do the full trek, you can go on a day hike to one of the scenic viewpoints. The views over the fjords and the Southern Andes are absolutely stunning.
• Alternatively, take a boat tour around the Beagle Channel to spot wildlife (like sea lions and birds) and explore the nearby Isla Martillo for penguin watching.
• Overnight in Puerto Williams.

Day 3-5: Boat to Ushuaia and Travel to Puerto Natales

Day 3: Travel to Ushuaia (Argentina)

• Ferry from Puerto Williams to Ushuaia: If you’re interested in visiting Argentina, take a ferry across the Beagle Channel from Puerto Williams to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina (2 hours). You’ll have time to explore Ushuaia’s waterfront, and take a trip to the Tierra del Fuego National Park for short hikes and beautiful views.
• Overnight in Ushuaia or stay a couple of hours to get a feel of this charming town.

Day 4: Travel from Ushuaia to Puerto Natales

• Fly from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas: Take a flight from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas (about 1 hour). From there, you can take a bus or private transfer to Puerto Natales (around 3 hours).
• Upon arrival in Puerto Natales, relax and take a stroll around this picturesque town, which is a great base for exploring the surrounding landscapes, including Torres del Paine.

Day 5: Explore Puerto Natales

• Visit Cueva del Milodón (Cave of the Mylodon), an ancient site where a prehistoric giant sloth was discovered.
• Explore the waterfront area and enjoy views of the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound), a picturesque fjord.
• Visit the Municipal Historical Museum for insights into the region’s history and indigenous cultures.
• You can also take a short boat trip or hike to Laguna Sofia, a pristine lake close to Puerto Natales, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature.

Day 6-8: Torres del Paine National Park

Day 6: Travel to Torres del Paine National Park

• Travel to Torres del Paine National Park (about 1.5 hours from Puerto Natales). Start your adventure in one of the world’s most iconic national parks, renowned for its towering granite peaks, glaciers, and pristine lakes.
• Visit the Laguna Amarga entrance and the nearby Salto Grande waterfall, one of the park’s highlights.
• Stay in a refugio (mountain lodge) or camp inside the park if you enjoy staying close to nature.

Day 7: Explore Torres del Paine

• Hike to the Base of the Towers (Torres Base Trek), which takes 7-9 hours round-trip, but offers a dramatic view of the park’s famous granite peaks. You’ll also see the turquoise Laguna Torres.
• Alternatively, you can do the shorter Mirador Cuernos hike to get excellent views of the Cuernos del Paine (the park’s iconic horn-shaped mountains).
• Evening relaxation at a lodge or camp.

Day 8: Glacier Grey & Optional Hikes

• Take a boat tour to Glacier Grey (1.5-2 hours). This massive glacier is one of the park’s major attractions, and the boat ride offers stunning views of the icebergs and surrounding mountains.
• Alternatively, for another hike, you could explore the French Valley (an 8-10 hour trek), which offers dramatic views of the French Glacier and is one of the most beautiful hikes in the park.
• Stay in Puerto Natales for the night or opt to stay in the park for an extended experience.

Day 9-10: Final Exploration of Patagonia

Day 9: Explore More of Patagonia or Puerto Natales Area

• If you have additional time before your departure, consider an excursion to the Laguna Azul (Blue Lagoon), which offers panoramic views of the Torres del Paine peaks.
• You can also visit the Serrano River for a canoe trip or a boat ride through the fjords, seeing glaciers, forests, and mountains from the water.

Day 10: Depart from Puerto Natales

• From Puerto Natales, you can fly back to Punta Arenas or continue your journey to other parts of Patagonia.
• If your trip allows, you could extend your travels into other regions of Patagonia, such as the Lake District or even travel north to Atacama Desert in Chile.