Hi, I'm starting to do some research on visiting Pantagonia. I would prefer to do it without a tour but need some input on guides/transportation between destinations.
Focusing on hiking, outdoor activities.
Possibly these destinations
Santiago
Puerto Natales
Torres del Paine
El Calafate
Hi, as a solo older female non-Spanish speaker I used a tour (Odysseys Unlimited) this past January (summer there) so can't help with transportation- but was able to visit all the places on your list. (And also Easter Island/Rapa Nui.)
I flew into Santiago and out of Buenos Aires. (Tour began in Santiago). I used a private half day guide for Santiago. Buenos Aires was just stunning if you can spend at least a couple full days, if you are trying to decide between arrival/departure cities.
The hikes in Patagonia (W and etc) require quite a bit of planning and you can likely find tour companies for support or planning for those since that's your goal. The weather is its own beast. Apparently the sunny days and clear views were an anomaly for the week I was there. Despite the sun I had a taste of the gale- force winds on a couple shorter hikes. And one day the planned hike at a higher elevation trail was closed as we arrived in T del P by rangers due to winds.
I believe there's online hiking-oriented communities who will likely provide better support.
It will be an incredible trip! Happy planning!
