As March begins, some friends have asked Summer, “Is it still possible to visit Antarctica in March?”
Of course, it is! Many of Summer’s travel-savvy friends are either in Antarctica right now or on their way there. In fact, Summer herself visited Antarctica at the end of March!
Will Antarctic cruise tickets be cheaper in March?
Absolutely! And why is that?
Because by March, the peak season is completely over—meaning there’s no reason for price hikes anymore.
By April, the Antarctic travel season officially comes to an end. So for any remaining unsold tickets in March, cruise companies are ready to slash prices.
Right now, the cheapest 10-day Antarctic Peninsula trip Summer has found is USD5700 per person for a triple cabin and USD6200 per person for a double cabin—and there’s still a chance prices might drop even further!
If you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the time—go for it!
After an Antarctic trip in March, is there still time to visit Torres del Paine and Perito Moreno Glacier?
Absolutely! While Patagonia may not be the warmest, its latitude is significantly lower than Antarctica’s.
Summer herself visited Torres del Paine and Perito Moreno Glacier in April after finishing her Antarctic trip in March.
April in Patagonia still offers plenty of sunshine—and even more stunning, the breathtaking colors of autumn are waiting for you! 
Ushuaia, El Chaltén, El Calafate, Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas… So many names—it’s overwhelming! How should you plan your itinerary to combine them with an Antarctic trip?
Where exactly are El Calafate and El Chaltén?
Why do their names sound so similar, and why are they both so long?
And what’s the deal with Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas? How are they connected to Torres del Paine? Why does every mention of Torres del Paine always include these two places?
Summer gets it—you’re not alone in this confusion! Let’s break it down.
How to Plan a 5-Day Itinerary for El Chaltén & El Calafate After Disembarking in Ushuaia
Day 1: Disembark in Ushuaia and fly to El Calafate.
Day 2: Take a day trip from El Calafate to visit Perito Moreno Glacier.
Day 3: Travel by bus from El Calafate to El Chaltén.
Day 4: Hike to Laguna de los Tres, the iconic viewpoint of Mount Fitz Roy.
Day 5: Return to El Calafate and fly to Buenos Aires.
This itinerary balances adventure and logistics, making the most of your time in Patagonia! 
To save time, Summer recommends flying straight to El Calafate after disembarking in Ushuaia.
El Calafate is the largest tourist hub in Argentine Patagonia and the gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most famous glaciers in the Southern Ice Field. From El Calafate, you can take a direct bus to Los Glaciares National Park, where just a short walk brings you face-to-face with the stunning glacier!
After visiting the glacier, take a bus to El Chaltén. Why by bus? Because there are no flights between El Calafate and El Chaltén—traveling by road is the only option!
Where is El Chaltén?
El Chaltén is also located in Argentine Patagonia, near the Southern Ice Field. However, its biggest claim to fame isn’t the glaciers—it’s Mount Fitz Roy! 
For those who love hiking and the outdoors, El Chaltén is the place to be. A one-day hike to Laguna de los Tres will reward you with a breathtaking, up-close view of Fitz Roy!
Still craving more adventure? If Laguna de los Tres isn’t enough, Laguna Torre is waiting for you! 
How to Plan a Torres del Paine Itinerary from Punta Arenas
Day 1: Travel from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales (yes, it’s a bit of a tongue twister!)
Day 2: Take a Torres del Paine full-day bus tour to explore the park’s highlights.
Day 3: Hike the Base of the Towers trail for the iconic view of the three granite peaks.
Day 4: Return to Santiago from Puerto Natales.
For those hiking the W Trek, add 3–4 extra days. For the full O Circuit, plan for an additional week.
What’s the deal with Punta Arenas & Puerto Natales?
- Punta Arenas is the southernmost region of Chile, officially called the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region. Many travelers flying over the Drake Passage embark or disembark here for Antarctic cruises.
- Punta Arenas has more flights to Santiago than Puerto Natales, making it a key transit hub.
- Puerto Natales is the gateway town to Torres del Paine. It has direct flights to Santiago purely because of the park’s massive popularity—there’s almost no other industry here, yet demand is high enough to support daily flights!
Now that you know the logistics, time to plan your Patagonia adventure!
Where Should You Stay for a Torres del Paine Trip: Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales?
If you have a choice, stay in Puerto Natales!
Here’s why:
- Puerto Natales is just 115 km from Torres del Paine, a 2-hour bus ride away.
- Punta Arenas, on the other hand, is 355 km from the park, meaning a 5-hour bus ride each way.
If you’re attempting a Torres del Paine day trip from Punta Arenas, Summer truly respects your determination! 
Need help planning your itinerary for Antarctica, El Calafate, El Chaltén, Punta Arenas, and Puerto Natales? Send Summer a message! 
I’m Summer, an avid outdoor backpacker.
I only recommend the most exciting destinations for you.
Follow me, and let’s chat about Antarctica and travel together! 
