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There are numerous unimaginable hikes in Patagonia. In my view, it’s the most effective areas in South America for unbiased hikers. Each hike gives beautiful surroundings; glaciers, turquoise lakes, indigenous forest, hidden waterfalls, breathtaking lookout factors, and weird rock formations.
Patagonia is an unimaginable place for out of doors lovers and nature lovers. It’s a huge area that spreads from the Pacific Ocean within the west to the Atlantic Ocean within the east, from the snowy peaks of the Andes within the north to the southernmost tip of the continent within the south.
We spent two months exploring Nationwide parks in Patagonia, totally on the Carretera Austral. In these months we did many hikes, camped in a number of parks together with Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares Nationwide Park, and noticed some unimaginable locations. We loved Patagonia so much and are planning to return and discover extra of this incredible area.
Desk of Contents
Areas with the perfect hikes in Patagonia
- Bariloche, Argentina. A lovely city in Northern Patagonia with many out of doors actions. It’s a well-liked place to return for snowboarding in winter.
- Carretera Austral, Chile. The well-known southern street extends for 1300 km from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins. It’s the final word space for journey and climbing lovers.
- El Chaltén, Argentina. The city is commonly known as the climbing capital of Argentina. There are a number of hikes within the space. It’s a well-liked place for mountaineering.
- Torres del Paine, Chile. Some of the well-known Nationwide Parks in South America. Torres del Paine gives spectacular quick hikes and multi-day treks.
- Ushuaia, Argentina is commonly known as the tip of the world. It’s the southernmost city of mainland South America. Cruises to Antarctica depart from Ushuaia.
Discover Patagonia with a tour
You possibly can be a part of one of many journey excursions to discover the unimaginable Patagonia area. Becoming a member of a tour is clearly dearer however on the similar time is simpler. You don’t must plan, e-book, and prepare something. Becoming a member of a gaggle could be an excellent possibility for a solo traveler.
Journey insurance coverage for climbing in Patagonia
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Greatest hikes in Patagonia (Argentina aspect)
Cerro Llao Llao hike, Bariloche
- Distance – 15 km/9,3 mi loop
- Required time – 3 hours
- Problem degree – simple/medium
- Beginning/ending level – Circuito Chico (Puerto Pañuelo)
- Accessibility – by bus from Bariloche
- Admission price – free
This lovely hike within the Nahuel Huapi Nationwide Park gives unimaginable views of the mountain vary and the lake. It’s a fantastic various to the tougher Refugio Frey hike. There are a number of look-out factors alongside the route with beautiful views e.g. Mirador Lago Moreno, Bahia Llao Llao viewpoint. The primary a part of the hike is straightforward by the gorgeous forest, alongside the lake; the second half is a gentle ascent to the highest of Cerro Llao Llao. It takes about 25 minutes to get to the highest. Your effort shall be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Nahuel Huapi Lake, Moreno Lake, and the mountain vary.
Refugio Frey hike, Bariloche
- Distance – 20 km/12 miles, return
- Required time – 7 hours
- Problem degree – medium, 3-hour ascend to the highest of the hill with a subsequent descent.
- Beginning/ending level – Villa Catedral automobile parking
- Accessibility – by automobile, by bus from Bariloche
- Admission price – free
It’s one of many not-to-miss hikes in Patagonia. The surroundings is incredible; blue lakes, mountains, and indigenous forest. Alongside the route, you get superb views of the world. It may be carried out over two days in case you keep at Refugio Frey, this manner you’ll have extra time to discover the world and do some hikes across the Refugio.
The hut (Refugio) have to be booked upfront in Bariloche, worth ARS 9000/US$25 (want your personal sleeping bag). As an possibility, you may deliver your personal tent and camp there free of charge. You should purchase breakfast (ARS 3800/US$10) and dinner (ARS 5200/US$14) on the Refugio. There are often many rock climbers within the hut so it’s higher to make a sophisticated reserving.
Lodging in Bariloche
Should you’re planning to go to the area try our publish on what to pack for Patagonia. There you will discover what gear and garments to pack for this unforgettable journey.
Laguna de Los Tres, El Chalten
- Distance – 25 km/15,5 miles, return
- Required time – 8 hours
- Problem degree – reasonable, simple to start with, steep ascend on the finish + lengthy distance
- Beginning/ending level – El Chalten
- Accessibility – on foot
- Admission price – free
Trekking in El Chalten is likely one of the greatest experiences in Argentinian Patagonia and probably the most lovely locations within the area. The park has good infrastructure, lovely surroundings, and a number of other trails appropriate for all the household. Among the best routes in El Chalten is the Laguna de Los Tres hike. Following the path, you may get very near the well-known Fitz Roy mountain.
The hike is totally breathtaking with evergreen forest, a number of lakes, rivers, and snow-covered peaks, and the spotlight of the route is the incredible Laguna de Los Tres, a mirror-like lake surrounded by the mountains with an ideal reflection of De Los Tres glacier in its calm waters. Don’t miss one other emerald-colored lake – Laguna Sucia on the left-hand aspect, to see it, it’s a must to stroll up the rocky hill. The perfect time to see Laguna de Los Tres is at dawn with the intention to be there in time it’s a must to keep at Rio Blanco, one of many nearest free campsites, and begin strolling very early at the hours of darkness. You are able to do a guided day hike to Laguna de los Tres and Mount Fitzroy from El Chalten.
It’s doable to do a 4-day guided tour in El Chalten that lets you see a lot of the highlights.
Lago Torre hike, El Chalten
- Distance – 24 km/15 miles, return
- Required time – 6-7 hours
- Problem degree – simple, although fairly lengthy
- Beginning/ending level – El Chalten
- Accessibility – on foot
- Admission price – free
Laguna Torre is one other lovely climbing path in Patagonia although we have been fairly unfortunate there it was cloudy and wet so we couldn’t actually respect its magnificence. This trek is straightforward with out hectic climbs or ascends although it’s fairly lengthy. The surroundings is just like the earlier hike; forest, mountains, rivers, valleys, and lakes. There are a number of lookouts the place you may cease for lunch simply keep in mind to pack meals with there’s nothing to purchase within the park.
From El Chalten, you may go to El Calafate, a small city km south. It’s recognized for its spectacular glaciers and lakes.
There are a few incredible long-distance treks in El Chalten together with the difficult Huemul Circuit.
Lodging in El Chalten
There are numerous nice campsites in El Chalten in addition to hostels, motels, and guesthouses. You’ll find lodging for any finances.
Laguna Esmeralda hike, Ushuaia
- Distance – 9 km/5,5 miles, return
- Required time – 3h30min.
- Problem degree – simple
- Beginning/ending level – Valle de Lobos
- Accessibility – by automobile, by bus
- Admission price – free
A straightforward and delightful day hike to the Emerald Lagoon by the Lenga forest, alongside the river the place you may see beavers in case you’re fortunate or simply their dams. The lake is gorgeous as you may guess from its identify, its water is an emerald coloration. The lake is squeezed between the mountains, with a dangling glacier on the other aspect. A pleasant trekking possibility for the entire household.
This hike might be carried out as a guided hike from Ushuaia.
Glacier Vinciguerra hike, Ushuaia
- Distance – 13 km/8 miles, return
- Required time – 6-7 hours
- Problem degree – reasonable
- Beginning/ending level – Valle de Andorra
- Accessibility – by automobile
- Admission price – free
One other hike from Ushuaia although this one is a little more tough than the earlier one. The path goes by the forest, with some ascends over the rocks, previous a few lovely valleys, and ends with the Vinciguerra Glacier. You get actually near the glacier, you may virtually contact it.
Should you don’t need to wander alone you may be a part of a guided climbing tour from Ushuaia.
Excursions and actions in Ushuaia
Lodging in Ushuaia
Greatest hikes in Patagonia (Chile aspect)
Cascadas Path, Pumalin Park
- Distance – 6 km/3,7 miles, return
- Required time – 2-3 hours
- Problem degree – simple. The stroll itself is straightforward aside from the river crossing on the way in which if it rains so much you’ll must get fairly moist and the final half – to get to the waterfall you’ll must climb a ladder.
- Beginning/ending level – Caleta Gonzalo
- Accessibility – by ferry from Hornopiren or by automobile/bus from Chaiten.
- Admission price – free
Pumalin Park is a hidden treasure of Chilean Patagonia with a few of the greatest day hikes within the area, established campsites, and beautiful surroundings. We’d positively advocate spending a few days climbing in Pumalin Park. The Waterfall Path is a wonderful path by the indigenous forest with a river crossing in the course of the hike and a few ladder climbing over big boulders proper on the finish. The waterfall is really spectacular, it’s fairly a giant fall surrounded by big rocks and luxurious inexperienced forest. We hardly noticed any individuals on the path. It is likely one of the greatest hikes for vacationers with kids.
El Ventisquero Path, Pumalin Park
- Distance – 20 km/12 miles, return
- Required time – 6 hours
- Problem degree – simple
- Beginning/ending level – Ventisquero campsite
- Accessibility – by automobile, on foot although it’s fairly far, about 10 km, from the park entrance and the opposite two campsites.
- Admission price – free
A lovely hike alongside the river and thru the forest with many birds to identify. It’s not a tough stroll, on a flat floor, with not many individuals, a really quiet trek, like a lot of the routes in Pumalin Park. The path ends on the glacier, it’s so shut you may virtually contact it. We’d advocate taking meals with you it’s fairly far to stroll. There is no such thing as a place to purchase meals on the way in which. Water will not be an issue within the park, there are lots of creeks and streams with clear water.
Lodging in Chaitén
Chaitén is the closest city to Pumalín Park. There are a number of hostels, motels, campsites, and a few retailers.
Piedra del Aguila hike, Futaleufú
- Distance – 9 km/5,5 miles, return
- Required time – 3 hours
- Problem degree – simple, not very steep ascent to the rock
- Beginning/ending level – Futaleufú
- Accessibility – on foot from the city
- Admission price – CLP 1000/US$1,5 to go up the rock.
The world round Futaleufu is really lovely. You possibly can benefit from the beautiful surroundings whereas doing one of many many out of doors actions, e.g. climbing and rafting. Piedra del Aguila is kind of a simple hike from the city, however don’t underestimate it, the surroundings right here is superb. From the start of the stroll, when you’re out of the city, until the perspective – Piedra del Aguila (Eagle’s Rock) you may take pleasure in lovely views of the valley of the Espolon River. An fulfilling quick hike with nice views for taking photographs.
it’s fairly a giant fall surrounded by big rocks and luxurious inexperienced forest. We hardly noticed any individuals on the path.
Should you like climbing and tenting you would possibly take pleasure in spending extra time within the wilderness doing one of many multi-day treks in Patagonia. Similar to day hikes, there are lots of superb longer routes within the area with incredible surroundings.
Garganta del Diablo hike, Futaleufú
- Distance – 20 km/12 miles, return
- Required time – 6 hours
- Problem degree – medium
- Beginning/ending level – Futaleufu
- Accessibility – on foot from the city
- Admission price – free
Should you like large waterfalls and quick rivers with rapids this hike is unquestionably for you. The English identify of the trek is “The Satan’s Throat”, it was named after a waterfall on the finish of the path. The route goes alongside the Espolon River till it reaches the waterfall, the place it finishes. The water from Espolon Lake goes by a slim passage within the rocks with some big boulders protruding until it reaches the river. The waterfall is about 60 m excessive, and it’s very loud and highly effective. Take lunch or a minimum of a snack with you, there isn’t a place to purchase something until you’re again on the town.
Lodging in Futaleufú
Mirador Ventisquero Colgante Path, Queulat Nationwide park
- Distance – 7 km/4,3 miles, return
- Required time – 2h30min.
- Problem degree – medium, a steep ascent to the perspective
- Beginning/ending level – Queulat park entrance
- Accessibility – by automobile, by bus from Puyuhuapi
- Admission price – CLP 8400/US$10.
Queulat Nationwide Park gives unimaginable surroundings and a number of other climbing trails; most of them are quick and simple. The Ventisquero Colgante was the primary glacier we noticed in Patagonia and it was fairly spectacular. The identify in English means “hanging glacier” – it hangs from the highest of mountains all the way down to the river and melting ice drops into the river like a waterfall. The path goes by the gorgeous lush inexperienced forest with small waterfalls and creeks, throughout turquoise rivers and lakes. At the present time hike is appropriate for vacationers with kids.
After the hike, you are able to do a brief detour and go all the way down to the lake to see the glacier once more. It’s doable to do a ship tour to the glacier. The park is extra touristy in comparison with Pumalin, primarily native vacationers. You possibly can keep within the park; both tenting on the entrance or staying in cabins.
Lodging in Puyuhuapi
Puyuhuapi is the closest city to the Nationwide Park. It’s a bit larger than Chaitén.
Mirador Cerro Castillo hike, Cerro Castillo Nationwide Park
- Distance – 12 km/7,4 miles, return
- Required time – 6-7 hours
- Problem degree – medium/tough, lengthy and steep (900 m) ascend to the lake with subsequent descent again to the village.
- Beginning/ending level – Villa Cerro Castillo
- Accessibility – by automobile/bus from Coyhaique
- Admission price – CLP 20 000/US$23
This tough hike begins at Villa Cerro Castillo, climbs all the way in which up, and finishes at Laguna Cerro Castillo – a small although lovely turquoise lake shaped by melting water from Cerro Castillo glacier. The surroundings from the perspective is really spectacular; a wonderful lake, a dangling glacier, and mountains within the background. Should you look in the wrong way you’ll see the village, the valley, and the Carretera Austral.
Take a snack and water on the hike there shall be no water on the way in which until you attain the lake. You possibly can go to this place as a part of a multi-day hike in Cerro Castillo Pure Reserve.
Lodging in Coyhaique
You possibly can keep in Villa Cerro Castillo but it surely’s a really small place. If you wish to be nearer to retailers, eating places, and kit rental locations Coyhaique is a greater possibility.
Furioso Path, Patagonia Nationwide Park
- Distance – 23 km/14 miles, return
- Required time – 6-7 hours
- Problem degree – medium
- Beginning/ending level – first bridge over the Chacabuco River
- Accessibility – by automobile, hitchhiking although there are only a few vehicles passing by because the path is situated in a extra remoted a part of the park
- Admission price – free
It’s an extended hike within the new Patagonia Nationwide Park. The park is thought for its untouched nature, glacial lakes, crystal-clear rivers, snow-capped mountains, and difficult passes. The path goes by extra remoted areas, and probabilities to satisfy different hikers are even smaller. Half of the time the path goes alongside the Chacabuco River throughout 4 wood bridges. On the finish of the path, you may take pleasure in a pleasant view of Cerro Cristine. It’s a full-day hike so take meals and snacks with you.
Lodging in Cochrane
Glacier Tigre hike, Villa O’Higgins
- Distance – 28 km/17,3 miles, return
- Required time – 2 days
- Problem degree – medium/tough, the route will not be nicely marked, an extended steep ascent and descent, 1000 m
- Beginning/ending level – 24 km north of Villa O’Higgins
- Accessibility – by automobile, hitchhiking
- Admission price – free
- Lodging choices – tenting
Villa O’Higgins and the hikes within the space are for actual adventurers and nature lovers. It’s a wild area on the finish of the Carretera Austral with so much to find and discover. The Glacier Tigre hike takes you first by a wonderful evergreen forest, then as you achieve altitude timber are getting smaller, and also you begin seeing bushes and moss. The best way to the highest is a steep ascend for 14 km, as soon as there you’ll be rewarded with unimaginable views over the world; Rio Colorado, El Tigre glacier, Laguna Turquesa, and different rivers, lakes, and mountains. It’s doable to do that hike alone, however we’d advocate hiring a neighborhood information it’s a really distant space and the path will not be nicely marked.
Lodging in Villa O’Higgins
| Puesto Canogas Hostal | Posada Paso Mayer |
Mirador Las Torres, Torres del Paine
- Distance – 19 km/12 miles, return
- Required time – 6-7 hours
- Problem degree – tough
- Beginning/ending level – Lodge Las Torres, you may keep nearer – at Refugio Chileno and begin the stroll from there.
- Accessibility – by automobile, by bus, on foot
- Admission price – US$35 in case you keep contained in the park for lower than 3 days
This Nationwide Park was one in every of our favourite locations in Patagonia. There are a number of simple hikes in Torres del Paine and two long-distance routes; the W trek and the O circuit. You possibly can spend weeks within the park and nonetheless gained’t have time to see and do all the pieces right here. Backpacking in Torres del Paine one can see the extra lovely surroundings within the area.
Las Torres – the well-known “Towers” might be the primary and probably the most recognizable sight in Torres del Paine and in Patagonia. It’s positively to not miss when visiting the park. The hike as much as Las Torres is likely one of the hottest hikes within the park. It’s fairly difficult on account of elevation achieve. The surroundings on the way in which and the view of Las Torres and the lake are 100% rewarding.
Should you’re planning on doing trekking within the park discover out when is the perfect time to go to Torres del Paine. Should you go to it through the excessive season it’s advisable to e-book lodging contained in the park upfront.
Glacier Gray hike, Torres del Paine
- Distance – 10 km/6 miles, return
- Required time – 4 hours
- Problem degree – tough, lengthy steep ascent to the perspective
- Beginning/ending level – Refugio Gray
- Accessibility – by boat from Lodge Lago Gray
- Admission price – US$35
Gray Glacier is one other exceptional landmark in Torres del Paine. This big and spectacular glacier within the west a part of the park is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Subject. There are a number of viewpoints from the place you may respect it, however to have the ability to estimate its actual measurement you could hike as much as the second suspension bridge from the place you’ll be capable to see all the glacier. Two suspension bridges on the way in which make the stroll much more thrilling. The truth is, you probably have time you may proceed strolling alongside the glacier in the direction of Paso campsite simply do not forget that you’ll must go all the way in which again.
Mirador Británico hike, Torres del Paine
- Distance – 26 km/16 miles, return
- Required time – 8 hours
- Problem degree – tough, lengthy and steep ascent to the perspective, advisable making an attempt solely in good climate
- Beginning/ending level – Refugio Paine Grande
- Accessibility – by boat from Pudeto
- Admission price – US$35
The hike is kind of powerful, particularly the second half from Mirador Francés – a really steep and lengthy ascent. It’s extremely advisable to start out within the early morning with the intention to have sufficient time to finish it. The perfect is to stroll first to Mirador Frances (you get fairly good views from there as nicely) and if the climate is nice, proceed to the Britanico if not moderately flip round if it’s overcast and wet you gained’t be capable to see something from the highest. Should you’re fortunate with the climate you’ll get a surprising view from the Mirador over the entire space, it’s in all probability the most effective viewpoints within the park. Take meals with there isn’t a place to purchase something on the way in which.
Lodging in Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales is the closest to Torres del Paine city. It has many campsites, hostels, motels, retailers, and kit rental locations. The city is an ideal base for hikers.
You possibly can go to Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas. There are buses that join each cities and the park.
Patagonia climbing suggestions
Patagonia is a wild area with quite a few climbing trails, a few of that are very remoted and might be accessed solely on foot – be sure to perceive what you’re doing and know all of the dangers.
Climate circumstances in Patagonia are unpredictable, particularly within the excessive south of the area. Even in summer time, you may get snow and stormy winds so be sure to have the fitting gear.
Patagonia is known for sturdy winds, particularly in summer time (December and January). Don’t make open fires, use a tenting range as an alternative. Excessive winds make it tough to manage fires during which case they’ll trigger large harm to the world.
Ensure you have the proper tenting gear (wind and waterproof) and all the mandatory stuff for tenting within the wild – there are some gear retailers in larger Patagonian cities however all the pieces will get very costly right here so moderately deliver your personal stuff.
Earlier than you go on a hike be sure to’ll have no downside getting again after finishing the hike. If there isn’t a public transport then prepare a personal shuttle. Hitchhiking does work nicely on this a part of the world however totally on the primary roads. Some secondary roads have barely any vehicles.
As for rain probabilities of it are fairly equal all year long although in summer time months you may anticipate extra rain, in winter it would snow. Out of the summer time months, February is the perfect for climbing in Patagonia – it’s heat, not a lot rain and it’s the least windy month as nicely. Although in case you’re going to common parks like Torres del Paine or El Chalten anticipate to see many individuals there, February is the busiest month in Patagonia.
Really helpful books and guidebooks
Within the final couple of years, there have been many adjustments in Patagonia (new Nationwide parks, and many others.) ensure that to purchase an up to date guidebook.
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The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, accountable for all our land adventures (climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a toddler, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack moderately than to do a ten 000 km street journey (truly any street journey). Alya is a giant fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.
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