Hiking in Argentina and Chile on a Budget: A 15-Day Itinerary Under $2000
Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Upon arrival at the airport, take a taxi to your accommodation at Hostel Suites Florida (approx. $30 for a private room).
- Take a leisurely stroll around the city center, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant metropolis.
- In the evening, head to La Cabaña Las Lilas for a delicious steak dinner (approx. $50 per person).
Day 2: Buenos Aires to Bariloche, Argentina
- Take an early morning flight from Buenos Aires to Bariloche (approx. $150 round trip).
- Upon arrival, take a shuttle bus from the airport to your accommodation at Hotel Edelweiss (approx. $75 per night for a private room).
- Take a leisurely hike around Cerro Catedral, a popular ski resort and hiking destination.
Day 3-4: Bariloche
- Spend the next two days hiking in the beautiful Andean mountains surrounding Bariloche. Take a guided tour to Cerro Otto, which offers breathtaking views of the region, or explore the many trails of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi on your own.
- Spend your evenings enjoying the local nightlife and trying traditional Argentinean dishes such as empanadas and asado.
Day 5-6: Bariloche to El Chalten, Argentina
- Take a bus from Bariloche to El Chalten (approx. $30 one way).
- Upon arrival, check into your accommodation at Hosteria Los Cerros (approx. $80 per night for a private room).
- Spend the next two days hiking in the stunning Fitz Roy mountain range, including Cerro Torre and Laguna de los Tres.
Day 7-8: El Chalten to El Calafate, Argentina
- Take a bus from El Chalten to El Calafate (approx. $30 one way).
- Upon arrival, check into your accommodation at Hosteria Los Notros (approx. $90 per night for a private room).
- Spend the next two days exploring the beautiful Glaciar Perito Moreno, a massive glacier located in the southern Patagonian ice field.
Day 9-10: El Calafate to Torres del Paine, Chile
- Take a bus from El Calafate to Torres del Paine (approx. $50 one way).
- Upon arrival, check into your accommodation at Hosteria Pehoe (approx. $100 per night for a private room).
- Spend the next two days hiking in the Torres del Paine national park, taking in the stunning views of the Andes mountains and glistening glaciers.
Day 11-12: Torres del Paine to Santiago, Chile
- Take a bus from Torres del Paine to Santiago (approx. $50 one way).
- Upon arrival, check into your accommodation at Hostal Bellavista (approx. $60 per night for a private room).
- Spend the next two days exploring Santiago, including visiting the historic central market, the Cerro Santa Lucia hill, and the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood.
Day 13-14: Santiago to Valparaiso, Chile
- Take a bus from Santiago to Valparaiso (approx. $20 one way).
- Upon arrival, check into your accommodation at Hostal Casa del Poeta (approx. $50 per night for a private room).
- Spend the next two days exploring the colorful and bohemian city of Valparaiso, taking in the street art, historic architecture, and scenic views from the hillside neighborhoods. Take a funicular ride to the top of Cerro Concepcion for panoramic views of the city.
Day 15: Departure from Valparaiso
Take a taxi from your accommodation to the Valparaiso bus terminal (approx. $10) to catch your bus or shuttle to the airport for your departure flight. Total cost for the 15-day itinerary, including accommodation, transportation, meals, and activities: approximately $2000.
Please note that prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the season and availability. It is important to check prices and book ahead of time to ensure availability and secure the best rates.
Please also note that if you want to do specific activities such as guided tours, or some specific locations that may require special permits, you should check and pay them in advance.
