17 Superb day hikes in Patagonia

There are some unimaginable hikes of various lengths and problem ranges in Patagonia. 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 mountain climbing fanatics and nature lovers. Patagonia is an enormous area it spreads from the Pacific Ocean within the west to the Atlantic Ocean within the east and from the snowy peaks of the Andes within the north to the southernmost tip of the continent within the south.

We spent 2 months exploring Nationwide parks in Patagonia, more often than not touring the Carretera Austral. In these months we did many hikes, camped in a number of parks, and noticed some unimaginable locations. We loved Patagonia a lot that we’re planning to return and discover much more of this incredible area.

Important mountain climbing areas in Patagonia

• Bariloche, Argentina
• Carretera Austral, Chile
• El Chalten, Argentina
• Torres del Paine, Chile
• Ushuaia, Argentina

Journey insurance coverage. Climbing like several out of doors exercise entails a danger of getting an damage, breaking gear, dropping valuables, and so forth. Even in the event you’re planning on doing solely a few day hikes within the area it’s nonetheless beneficial to have journey insurance coverage that may cowl you in case one thing goes mistaken. It’s essential to decide on a dependable firm that received’t allow you to down if you need assistance. We will suggest our associate World Nomads. It’s a good insurance coverage firm that insurance coverage vacationers from everywhere in the world. They concentrate on out of doors actions like mountain climbing. Their insurance coverage coverage could be very versatile it might cowl the complete journey or solely part of it (even when it’s solely in the future). You should purchase it on-line at any time earlier than or in the course of the journey. Get an immediate quote right here. Be aware! All the time learn rigorously the Phrases and Situations of the coverage.

Cerro Llao Llao hike, Bariloche

• Distance – 15 km/9,3 mi loop
• Required time – 3 hours
• Issue stage – simple/medium
• Beginning/ending level – Circuito Chico (Puerto Pañuelo)
• Accessebility – by bus from Bariloche
• Admission payment – free

This lovely hike within the Nahuel Huapi Nationwide Park gives some 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 gradual ascent to the highest of Cerro Llao Llao. It takes about 25 minutes to get to the highest. Your effort will likely 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
• Issue stage – medium, 3-hour ascend to the highest of the hill with a subsequent descent.  
• Beginning/ending level – Villa Catedral automotive parking
• Accessibility –  by automotive, by bus from Bariloche
• Admission payment – free

It’s one of many must-do hikes in Patagonia. The surroundings is incredible; blue lakes, mountains, and indigenous forest. It may be finished over two days in the event you keep at Refugio Frey, this fashion you’ll have extra time to discover the realm and do some hikes across the Refugio. The hut (Refugio) should be booked upfront in Bariloche, value ARS 3500/US$25. As an possibility, you possibly can convey a tent and camp there without spending a dime. You should purchase breakfast (ARS 1800/US$13) and dinner (ARS 2300/US$17) on the Refugio.

Lodging in Bariloche

When 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.

Cascadas Path, Pumalin Park

• Distance – 6 km/3,7 miles, return
• Required time – 2-3 hours
• Issue stage – simple. The stroll itself is straightforward apart from the river crossing on the way in which if it rains rather a lot you’ll should get fairly moist and the final half – to get to the waterfall you’ll should climb a ladder.
• Beginning/ending level – Caleta Gonzalo
• Accessibility – by ferry from Hornopiren or by automotive/bus from Chaiten.
• Admission payment – free

Pumalin Park is a hidden treasure of Patagonia with many mountain climbing trails, established campsites, and beautiful surroundings. We’d undoubtedly suggest spending a few days mountain 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 an enormous fall surrounded by big rocks and plush inexperienced forest. We hardly noticed any folks on the path.

El Ventisquero Path, Pumalin Park

• Distance – 20 km/12 miles, return
• Required time – 6 hours
• Issue stage – simple
• Beginning/ending level – Ventisquero campsite
• Accessibility – by automotive, on foot although it’s fairly far, about 10 km, from the park entrance and the opposite two campsites.
• Admission payment – free

A phenomenal hike alongside the river and thru the forest with many birds to identify. It’s not a troublesome 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 possibly can virtually contact it. We’d suggest taking meals with you it’s fairly far to stroll. There isn’t a place to purchase meals on the way in which. Water isn’t an issue within the park, there are a lot 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 outlets.

Piedra del Aguila hike, Futaleufú  

• Distance – 9 km/5,5 miles, return
• Required time – 3 hours
• Issue stage – simple, not very steep ascent to the rock
• Beginning/ending level – Futaleufú
• Accessibility – on foot from the city
• Admission payment – 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. mountain climbing and rafting.  Piedra del Aguila is sort 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 possibly can take pleasure in lovely views of the valley of the Espolon river. An pleasant quick hike with nice views for taking photographs.  

When you like mountain climbing and tenting you would possibly take pleasure in spending extra time within the wilderness doing one of many long-distance treks in Patagonia. Identical to day hikes, there are a lot 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
• Issue stage – medium
• Beginning/ending level – Futaleufu
• Accessibility – on foot from the city
• Admission payment – free

When you like huge waterfalls and quick rivers with rapids this hike is unquestionably for you. The English title 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 at the least a snack with you, there is no such thing as 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.
• Issue stage – medium, a steep ascent to the perspective  
• Beginning/ending level – Queulat park entrance
• Accessibility – by automotive, by bus from Puyuhuapi
• Admission payment – CLP 8400/US$10.

Queulat Nationwide park gives unimaginable surroundings and several other mountain 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 title in English means “hanging glacier” – it hangs from the highest of mountains right 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 right 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
• Issue stage – medium/troublesome, lengthy and steep (900 m) ascend to the lake with subsequent descent again to the village.
• Beginning/ending level – Villa Cerro Castillo
• Accessibility – by automotive/bus from Coyhaique
• Admission payment – CLP 18 000/US$20

The 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 fashioned 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. When 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 will likely 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 4-day hike in Cerro Castillo Pure reserve.

Lodging in Coyhaique

You possibly can keep in Villa Cerro Castillo however it’s a really small place. If you wish to be nearer to outlets, 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
• Issue stage – medium
• Beginning/ending level – first bridge over the Chacabuco river
• Accessibility – by automotive, hitchhiking although there are only a few vehicles passing by because the path is positioned in a extra remoted a part of the park  
• Admission payment – free

It’s a protracted hike within the new Patagonia Nationwide Park. The path goes by extra remoted areas, and possibilities to fulfill 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 possibly can 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
• Issue stage – medium/troublesome, the route isn’t effectively marked, a protracted steep ascent and descent, 1000 m
• Beginning/ending level – 24 km north of Villa O’Higgins
• Accessibility – by automotive, hitchhiking
• Admission payment – 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 rather a lot to find and discover. The Glacier Tigre hike takes you first by a wonderful evergreen forest, then as you achieve altitude bushes 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 realm; Rio Colorado, El Tigre glacier, Laguna Turquesa, and different rivers, lakes, and mountains. It’s doable to do that hike alone, however we’d suggest hiring an area information it’s a really distant space and the path isn’t effectively marked.

Lodging in Villa O’Higgins

| Puesto Canogas Hostal | Cabañas San Gabriel | Robinson Crusoe Deep Patagonia |

There are a number of tour choices that mix mountain climbing in El Chalten and visiting Perito Moreno glacier or mountain climbing in Torres del Paine Nationwide park or exploring distant Ushuaia. In case you are quick on time and wish to go to a number of locations in Southern Patagonia doing a tour is perhaps possibility for you.

Laguna de Los Tres, El Chalten

• Distance – 25 km/15,5 miles, return
• Required time – 8 hours
• Issue stage – average, simple at first, steep ascend on the finish + lengthy distance  
• Beginning/ending level – El Chalten
• Accessibility – on foot
• Admission payment – free

Trekking in El Chalten is among the finest experiences in Argentinian Patagonia. The park has good infrastructure, lovely surroundings, and several other trails appropriate for the entire household. The most effective hikes in El Chalten is Laguna de Los Tres. 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 colour lake – Laguna Sucia on the left-hand aspect, to see it, you need to stroll up the rocky hill. One of the best time to see Laguna de Los Tres is at dawn in an effort to be there in time you need to keep at Rio Blanco, the closest campsite, and begin strolling very early at the hours of darkness.

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
• Issue stage – simple, although fairly lengthy   
• Beginning/ending level – El Chalten
• Accessibility – on foot
• Admission payment – free

One other lovely hike in Patagonia although we have been fairly unfortunate there it was cloudy and wet so we couldn’t actually admire 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 possibly can cease for lunch simply keep in mind to pack meals with there may be nothing to purchase within the park.

Lodging in El Chalten

There are various nice campsites in El Chalten in addition to hostels, motels, and guesthouses. Yow will discover lodging for any price range.

Mirador Las Torres, Torres del Paine

• Distance – 19 km/12 miles, return
• Required time – 6-7 hours
• Issue stage – troublesome
• Beginning/ending level – Lodge Las Torres, you possibly can keep nearer – at Refugio Chileno and begin the stroll from there.
• Accessibility – by automotive, by bus, on foot
• Admission payment – US$35 in the event you keep contained in the park for lower than 3 days

This Nationwide Park was one in all our favourite locations in Patagonia. There are dozens of nice day hikes in Torres del Paine and two long-distance routes. One can spend weeks within the park and nonetheless received’t have time to see and do the whole lot 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 principle and probably the most recognizable sight in Torres del Paine and in Patagonia. It’s undoubtedly to not miss when visiting the park. The hike as much as Las Torres is sort of difficult as a result of steep ascent. The surroundings on the way in which and the view of Las Torres and the lake is 100% rewarding. If you wish to get Las Torres coloured in purple by the rising solar you need to keep at Refugio Chileno (the closest lodging possibility) and begin mountain climbing very early to make all of it the way in which to the highest in time.  

When you’re planning on doing trekking within the park discover out when is the most effective time to go to Torres del Paine.

Glacier Gray hike, Torres del Paine

• Distance – 10 km/6 miles, return
• Required time – 4 hours
• Issue stage – troublesome, lengthy steep ascent to the perspective
• Beginning/ending level – Refugio Gray
• Accessibility – by boat from Lodge Lago Gray
• Admission payment – US$35

One other exceptional landmark in Torres del Paine – big and spectacular is glacier Gray. There are a number of viewpoints from the place you possibly can admire it, however to have the ability to estimate its actual measurement you should hike as much as the second suspension bridge from the place you’ll be capable of see the complete glacier. Two suspension bridges on the way in which make the stroll much more thrilling. The truth is, you probably have time you possibly can proceed strolling alongside the glacier in direction of Paso campsite simply do not forget that you’ll should go all the way in which again.

There are a number of tour choices from Puerto Natales that supply day visits to Torres del Paine and multi-day excursions within the area.

Mirador Británico hike, Torres del Paine

• Distance – 26 km/16 miles, return
• Required time – 8 hours
• Issue stage – troublesome, lengthy and steep ascent to the perspective, beneficial making an attempt solely in good climate  
• Beginning/ending level – Refugio Paine Grande
• Accessibility – by boat from Pudeto
• Admission payment – US$35

The hike is sort of robust, particularly the second half from Mirador Francés – a really steep and lengthy ascent. It’s extremely beneficial to begin within the early morning in an effort to have sufficient time to finish it. One of the best is to stroll first to Mirador Frances (you get fairly good views from there as effectively) and if the climate is nice, proceed to the Britanico if not moderately flip round if it’s overcast and wet you received’t be capable of see something from the highest. When you’re fortunate with the climate you’ll get a shocking view from the Mirador over the entire space, it’s most likely top-of-the-line viewpoints within the park. Take meals with there is no such thing as 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, outlets, and kit rental locations. The city is an ideal base for hikers.

Laguna Esmeralda hike, Ushuaia

• Distance – 9 km/5,5 miles, return 
• Required time – 3h30min.
• Issue stage – simple
• Beginning/ending level – Valle de Lobos
• Accessibility – by automotive, by bus
• Admission payment – free

A straightforward and exquisite day hike to the Emerald lagoon by the lenga forest, alongside the river the place you possibly can see beavers in the event you’re fortunate or simply their dams. The lake is gorgeous as you possibly can guess from its title, its water is an emerald colour. 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 finished as a guided hike from Ushuaia.

Glacier Vinciguerra hike, Ushuaia

• Distance – 13 km/8 miles, return
• Required time – 6-7 hours
• Issue stage – average
• Beginning/ending level – Valle de Andorra
• Accessibility – by automotive
• Admission payment – free

One other hike from Ushuaia although this one is a little more troublesome 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 possibly can virtually contact it. 

When you don’t wish to wander alone you possibly can be a part of a guided mountain climbing tour from Ushuaia.

Extra excursions and actions in Ushuaia

Lodging in Ushuaia

Patagonia mountain climbing suggestions

Patagonia is a wild area with many mountain climbing trails, a few of that are very remoted and might be accessed solely on foot – ensure you perceive what you’re doing and know all of the dangers.

It’d sound scary however it’s at all times higher to take precautions, we hiked, camped, and hitchhiked in Patagonia for 2 months and by no means had any excessive conditions besides being soaking moist a few occasions.

Patagonia is known for sturdy winds, particularly in summer season (December, January), don’t make open fires, use a tenting range as a substitute. Wind makes fires troublesome to manage through which case it might trigger large harm to the realm.  

Ensure you have the proper tenting gear (wind and waterproof) and all the required stuff for tenting within the wild – there are some gear outlets in larger Patagonian cities however the whole lot will get very costly right here so moderately convey your individual stuff.

Earlier than you go on a hike ensure you’ll have no downside getting again after finishing the hike if there is no such thing as a public transport moderately prepare a personal shuttle. Hitchhiking does work effectively in Patagonia on the principle roads, however on some secondary roads that result in nowhere, just one automotive would possibly go per day.

As for rain possibilities of it are fairly equal all year long although in summer season months you possibly can count on extra rain, in winter it would snow. Out of summer season months, February is the most effective for mountain climbing in Patagonia – it’s heat, not a lot rain and it’s the least windy month as effectively. Although in the event you’re going to standard parks like Torres del Paine or El Chalten count on to see many individuals there, February is the busiest month in Patagonia.

Really helpful books and guidebooks for mountain climbing in Patagonia

Within the final couple of years, there have been many modifications in Patagonia (new Nationwide parks, and so forth.) be certain that to purchase an up to date guidebook.

The gorgeous half of Stingy Nomads, chargeable for all our land adventures (mountain climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a baby, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack moderately than to do a ten 000 km highway journey (truly any highway journey). Alya is an enormous fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.