Argentina🇦🇷 | regionsPatagoniaFitz Roy treks, calving glacier, steppe distances, whale coast | things to do and best time to go

Day 1: El Calafate: Land here first since it's the region's main air hub, and use the day to see Perito Moreno Glacier, an easy half-day trip that eases you into the scale of the place before you commit to harder trekking further north.Day 2-3: El Chalten: The bus north takes about three hours, and Chalten's entire economy runs on trekking, so two full days lets you do both the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre treks without rushing either. Skip straight from the main trail junction to Laguna Torre in the late afternoon, when day-trippers have already headed back to town.Day 4: Bus to Bariloche or fly: The overland route from Chalten to Bariloche runs north along Ruta 40 and takes more than a day, with few direct buses, so most backpackers fly this leg from El Calafate instead, treating it as a full … read more 👉

Day 1: El Calafate: Land here first since it's the region's main air hub, and use the day to see Perito Moreno Glacier, an easy half-day trip that eases you into the scale of the place before you commit to harder trekking further north.Day 2-3: El Chalten: The bus north takes about three hours, and Chalten's entire economy runs on trekking, so two full days lets you do both the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre treks without rushing either. Skip straight from the main trail junction to Laguna Torre in the late afternoon, when day-trippers have already headed back to town.Day 4: Bus to Bariloche or fly: The overland route from Chalten to Bariloche runs north along Ruta 40 and takes more than a day, with few direct buses, so most backpackers fly this leg from El Calafate instead, treating it as a full travel day rather than fighting the bus schedule.Day 5: Bariloche: Spend the day on the Circuito Chico loop, a manageable bike or bus route past lakes and forest that gives you Patagonia's northern character, chocolate shops, alpine lake views, a gentler pace than the south. The must-do is day 2's Fitz Roy trek. It's the single hike that justifies flying this far south, and starting early beats both the crowds and the wind.

Cordero patagonico (Patagonian lamb, usually spit-roasted whole over an open fire) is the dish to chase here, especially in Calafate and El Chalten where estancias serve it alongside simple roasted potatoes. Mate remains the social glue everywhere, shared from a single gourd passed hand to hand on bus rides and campsites alike, so accepting a sip when offered is basic etiquette. In Bariloche, the chocolate scene (a legacy of Swiss and German immigration) is worth the calories, sold from small shopfronts along the main street. For casual eating, look to rotiserias (casual takeaway roast shops) and the smaller parrillas off the main tourist strips, where a full lamb or beef plate costs far less than the restaurants facing the plaza. Craft beer has also taken hold in a big way, especially in … read more 👉

Cordero patagonico (Patagonian lamb, usually spit-roasted whole over an open fire) is the dish to chase here, especially in Calafate and El Chalten where estancias serve it alongside simple roasted potatoes. Mate remains the social glue everywhere, shared from a single gourd passed hand to hand on bus rides and campsites alike, so accepting a sip when offered is basic etiquette. In Bariloche, the chocolate scene (a legacy of Swiss and German immigration) is worth the calories, sold from small shopfronts along the main street. For casual eating, look to rotiserias (casual takeaway roast shops) and the smaller parrillas off the main tourist strips, where a full lamb or beef plate costs far less than the restaurants facing the plaza. Craft beer has also taken hold in a big way, especially in Bariloche and El Bolson, where small breweries serve pints alongside simple pub food. Dinner runs late by international standards, rarely starting before 9pm, so don't expect much open earlier if you're hungry at 6.