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Can’t make up your mind about where to hike in Patagonia? The region’s numerous world-class trails live up to its reputation as a trekker’s paradise. Here are our favorite trails for a unique and breathtaking Patagonia hiking experience.
Patagonia is a vast natural landscape in the southern tip of South America with unique flora and fauna and distinctive history and culture. Apart from its diverse wildlife, the region has some of the best scenic and breathtaking landscapes, ranking Patagonia among the top spots for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists.
One of the ways through which people explore the scenic beauty of this place is through hiking. Today’s blog will explore the 15 best hiking trails this landscape offers.
Table of Contents
Best Hikes in Patagonia – Chilean Patagonia
1. Volcán Chaitén
Volcán Chaitén, an active stratovolcano in southern Chile, is a fountain of liquid magma in the Andes mountain range, close to Argentina. It has an elevation of 8,750 feet (2,671 meters) above sea level.
Hikers should not miss the opportunity to climb Chaitén in southern Los Rios. It is a popular activity owing to the breathtaking Andes and Chaitén River panoramas. A well-known destination on the to-do list of explorers and hikers, this crater trail follows the lava path of the 2008 eruption; it provides astonishing perspectives of the volcanic landscape.
Considered a difficult yet rewarding climb, this trail, which is around 7 miles (11 kilometers) round trip, takes 5 to 6 hours. Chaitén is an active volcano; explorers and climbers should know the updated advisories about this destination.
2. Pumalin National Park
Located in Chilean Patagonia, Pumalin Douglas Tompkins National Park is a vast nature reserve in the Palena province of the Los Lagos region. With an area of 994,331 acres (402,392 hectares), the park has 11 easy-to-follow and well-marked hiking trails, allowing hikers to explore this mesmerizing landscape.
A sanctuary for those who appreciate the great outdoors, the entrance to the nature reserve is free. It offers unique and diverse flora and fauna to visitors from all over the world. You can find abundant wildlife, such as pumas, guanacos, and Chilean flamingos, at the Pumalin National Park, an excellent spot to visit if you enjoy nature and watching birds.
3. Tierra del Fuego National Park
The Tierra del Fuego National Park, located at the southernmost tip of Argentina, offers hikers an incredible adventure through Patagonia’s stunning landscape. The park covers over 240 square miles (622 square kilometers) and features a diverse range of terrain, including snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Visitors can take advantage of the park’s well-maintained hiking trails, which range from easy walks to challenging treks.
Hikers can immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty while spotting wildlife such as guanacos, foxes, and beavers. The park’s most famous trek is the Coastal Path, which offers breathtaking views of the Beagle Channel and passes through the famous Lapataia Bay. With its unparalleled scenery and diverse wildlife, Tierra del Fuego National Park is a must-visit destination for hikers exploring Patagonia.
4. Sendero Alerce Andino
This moderate trail in Alerce Andino National Park near Puerto Montt in Los Lagos takes hikers through a forest of large Alerce (Fitzroya) trees, some over 3,000 years old.
Approximately 3-4 hours are required to traverse the entire loop of this trail, which is about 5 mi (8 km) in length and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
5. Sendero Cascadas Escondidas
Surrounded by verdant rainforest, the Hidden Waterfalls trail is a 2.2-mile (3.5 km) trek that would take about 1.5 to two hours within the Pumalín National Park.
Pause and immerse yourself in nature in the two viewpoints that seem to overlook two seemingly hidden waterfalls in the middle of the forest.
6. The Glacier Viewpoint Trail
The Glacier Viewpoint Trail is a popular hike in Chilean Patagonia’s Pumalín National Park. This trail takes you through lush forests and scenic river valleys, leading to a stunning view of the park’s glaciers. This hike is approximately 4 mi (6.4 km) round trip and takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete.
The trail is considered easy to moderate in difficulty, making it a great option for hikers of all levels. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stop and take in the stunning views, snap some photos, and appreciate the tranquility of the surrounding wilderness. It’s important to come prepared with the right gear and supplies and to follow all necessary safety precautions.
7. Laguna de Los Témpanos
Hiking the 2.5-mi (4 km) round trip to Laguna de Los Témpanos (Lagoon of the Icebergs) in the Aysen region near Puyuhuapi is a viable choice for hikers of varying fitness levels. The Queulat National Park provides a stunning backdrop for your journey, with its towering trees and untouched landscapes creating an environment of calm and serenity.
The crystal-clear waters of the Laguna de Los Témpanos, which receives the meltwater of the glaciers, are one of its main attractions. The lagoon supports a wide range of exotic and fascinating aquatic life. The sparkling water and towering peaks provide a wonderfully stunning backdrop for seeing these critters and the surrounding area as you wander along the lake’s edge.
8. Dientes de Navarino Circuit
The Dientes de Navarino Circuit, dubbed by Lonely Planet “the southernmost trek in the world,” is in southern Chile’s Navarino Island near Tierra del Fuego Island. Notable for its stunning vistas of the surrounding glaciers, the circuit will give you a front-row seat to these breathtaking sights, with the sparkling ice- and snow-capped peaks as a backdrop.
It will take 5 to 7 days to complete the 33-mile (53 km) trail. This circuit is considered one of Patagonia’s most exciting and gratifying hikes due to the wide variety of views you’ll experience along the way.
9. Piedra del Aguila
Hiking up the Piedra del Aguila trail in Futaleufu, Los Lagos, Chilean Patagonia, is an unforgettable experience. From the center of Futaleufu, the trek involves a round-trip distance of about 5 mi (8 km) and should take about 4 hours and 45 minutes. Some parts of the trail are quite steep, making the overall difficulty of the trek moderate. But the stunning panoramas of nature are well worth the work.
This one-of-a-kind path leads to the top of Eagle’s Rock, an impressive granite rock structure from which you can take in breathtaking views. The hike’s highlights include sparkling lakes, snow-capped mountains, and verdant forests.
Best Hikes in Patagonia – Chile’s Torres Del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine is a national park in the Patagonia district of Chile. There are a few climbing trails accessible in Torres del Paine, going from simple strolls to additional difficult trips. Perhaps the most famous trails in the region are the W Trek and the O Circuit.
10. The ‘W’ Trek
The W Trek spans around 50 mi (80 km) and takes four to five days of hiking. Trekkers should have some hiking experience and be in decent physical shape, as this is a moderate to tough journey. While the track is well-marked and well-maintained, hikers should still pack for all eventualities, including possible sudden weather changes, by bringing enough food, water, shelter, and warm clothing.
While the park is accessible throughout the year, check the weather forecasts before heading out, as the weather can change instantly and without warning.
11. The ‘O’ Trek
Also known as the Full Circuit, the O Trek is a longer, more strenuous hike that takes about eight to eleven days to complete. The Circuit covers over 75 mi (120 km) and takes hikers on a loop around the park, offering a more comprehensive experience of the park’s beauty.
Hikers can expect to observe a wide range of local flora and fauna on their journey, from birds like the Andean condor to mammals like the guanaco and puma. The park is also home to various native tree species, notably the ire, a beech tree that has adapted to the arid conditions of the Patagonian Andes.
Best Hikes in Patagonia – Argentine Patagonia
Argentine Patagonia is a hiker’s paradise, offering a variety of trails to explore. Many options exist, whether for an easy day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip. Here are some of the best hikes in Argentine Patagonia:
12. Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier, situated in Argentina’s Santa Cruz province within the Los Glaciares National Park, measures 19 mi (30 km) and 3 miles (5 km) in length. Hiking the glacier typically takes approximately 12 hours, making it a full-day activity. Despite its challenging terrain, including steep sections, the trail is still manageable for hikers of various skill levels.
For a more immersive experience, visitors can opt for the Big Ice Tour, which takes them deep into the glacier. The tour departs from El Calafate and involves sailing across the stunningly blue Lago Argentino before disembarking on the glacier.
Visitors will be provided with crampons and led by expert guides, allowing them to explore the glacier’s interior, including deep crevasses, caves, and underground lagoons. It’s worth noting that this tour is recommended only for physically fit people.
13. Cerro Chaltén
One of Argentina’s more popular hiking trails, Cerro Chaltén offers spectacular views of Mount Fitz Roy along its 5 mi (8 km) course. It’s a relatively easy hike and can be completed in 4 to 6 hours, depending on your pace.
14. Laguna de Los Tres/Mount Fitz Roy
Another popular trail, Laguna de Los Tres, follows a 13.5 mi (22 km) route around the Fitz Roy mountain range. It culminates with stunning views of a breathtaking glacial lake in the heart of Argentine Patagonia, making it one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the region.
The entire journey takes anywhere from 7 to 10 hours, depending on how long you stop to enjoy the scenery. Visitors to Laguna de Los Tres can embark on a challenging hike to reach the lake, which typically takes several hours. The hike is considered moderate to difficult, with steep inclines and rocky terrain, but the stunning views along the way make it well worth the effort.
15. Nahuel Huapi National Park
The city of Bariloche is a charming Swiss alpine hamlet with numerous first-rate trekking opportunities. With its rugged peaks and abundance of pristine mountain lagoons, the adjacent Nahuel Huapi National Park is considered a hiking paradise and one of Argentina’s greatest parks for the adventurous.
A four-day tour will take you through a secluded section of the national park, with stunning views of the region’s glittering lakes (it is, after all, part of the Argentine Lakes District), picture-perfect volcanoes, and the forest-fringed slopes that define this area of Patagonia.
Best Time to Hike in Patagonia
The best time to hike in Patagonia is spring or fall. During this period, the weather is milder and more pleasant for hiking, with temperatures ranging between 50-68 degrees Fahrenheit (10-20 degrees Celsius).
The skies are generally clear and sunny during these months, making it ideal for taking in the breathtaking views of the diverse terrain. In addition, there are fewer crowds during spring and fall, so you can enjoy your hike without worrying about other trail hikers.
When planning a hike in Patagonia, it’s best to check local weather forecasts beforehand, as conditions can change quickly. Additionally, multi-day backpacking trips can provide an unforgettable trekking experience through some of the most remote regions.
Equipment and Things to Pack For a Hike in Patagonia
When packing for a hike in Patagonia, you should pack light. You’ll have to carry whatever you bring, so don’t bring anything unnecessary.
- Hiking clothes. It can become very warm during the day, depending on the time of year you visit.
- Hiking shoes and rain clothes
- Sun protection
- Basic first aid kit
- Some snacks and water bottles
- A little cash in case of emergency
- Waterproof bag to keep valuable items
- A plastic bag for trash, as you’d want to take all your trash with you when hiking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Patagonia Hiking
How Hard Is It to Hike in Patagonia?
Hiking in Patagonia varies from trek to trek. There are treks like the Tierra del Fuego National Park and Perito Moreno Glacier, which are family-friendly and easy to hike. There are also treks like the W and the O Circuit, which take days to hike and require good physical condition to be completed.
Is Hiking Patagonia Worth It?
We would say, “Yes, it is worth it!” Patagonia hiking offers you the most scenic and beautiful landscapes on the planet. Also, the region’s flora and fauna are endemic and cannot be found anywhere in the world.
Is Hiking in Patagonia Safe?
Yes, hiking in Patagonia is definitely worth it. Patagonia hiking offers you the most scenic and beautiful landscapes on the planet. Also, the region’s flora and fauna are endemic and cannot be found anywhere in the world.
Where Is the Best Hiking in Patagonia?
The best hiking trails of Patagonia include the W Ttrek, the O Trek circuit, the Laguna de Los Tres, the Volcán Chaitén, and Pumalín National Park.
Conclusion – Patagonia Hiking
If you want to be awed by the vastness and wonder of raw nature at its best, you shouldn’t miss out on a Patagonia hiking adventure. As the hikes listed above are all unique and memorable, there is no one best trail: only wonderful experiences that largely depend on your own preferences (and stamina) as a trekker.
Regardless of your chosen trails, remember to take your trash and leave the place better than you found it. Contributing to preserving and protecting one of the planet’s natural wonderlands.
Related reads:
- 30 Best Argentina Gifts You Can Buy On Amazon – For All Occasions!
- A Guide To 21 Exciting Things To Do in Punta Arenas Chile
Marjolein Dilven
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
- Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
- Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
- Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.
