Travel Guide

17 Wonderful day hikes in Patagonia

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Patagonia is an unimaginable place for mountaineering 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. There are some unimaginable day hikes of various lengths and issue ranges. Each hike affords beautiful surroundings; glaciers, turquoise lakes, indigenous forest, hidden waterfalls, breathtaking lookout factors, and weird rock formations.

We spent 2 months exploring Patagonia, more often than not touring the Carretera Austral. In these months we did many day hikes, camped at a number of Nationwide 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.

Two colorful lakes between lush green mountains in Patagonia
The beautiful surroundings is likely one of the causes we liked doing day hikes in Patagonia

Fundamental mountaineering areas in Patagonia

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

There are some good excursions that mix the very best Patagonia experiences, they provide an awesome alternative to see the highlights of the area in a shorter time and hassle-free; no planning, logistic, reserving, and many others. concerned you simply benefit from the surroundings and the corporate does all of the preparations for you although it’ll be costlier than going by yourself.

Journey insurance coverage. Mountain climbing like all outside exercise entails a threat of getting an harm, breaking gear, dropping valuables, and many others. Even should you’re planning on doing solely a few day hikes within the area it’s nonetheless really helpful to have journey insurance coverage that can cowl you in case one thing goes incorrect. It’s necessary to decide on a dependable firm that gained’t allow you to down once you need assistance. We will suggest our companion World Nomads. It’s a good insurance coverage firm that insurance coverage vacationers from everywhere in the world. They concentrate on outside actions like mountaineering. Their insurance coverage coverage may be very versatile it may cowl your entire journey or solely part of it (even when it’s solely someday). You should buy it on-line at any time of our journey. Get an immediate quote right here. Be aware! All the time learn fastidiously the Phrases and Situations of the coverage.

Wonderful day hikes in Bariloche, Argentina

Cerro Llao Llao hike

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

This stunning hike within the Nahuel Huapi Nationwide Park affords some unimaginable views of the mountain vary and the lake. It’s an awesome various to the more difficult 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 attractive 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 shall be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Nahuel Huapi Lake, Moreno Lake, and the mountain vary.

Refugio Frey hike

  • Distance – 20 km/12 miles, return
  • Required time – 7 hours
  • Issue stage – medium, 3-hour ascend to the highest of the hill with subsequent descend.  
  • Beginning/ending level – Villa Catedral automobile parking
  • Accessibility –  by automobile, by bus from Bariloche
  • Admission payment – free

It’s one of many must-do someday hikes in Bariloche. The surroundings is incredible; blue lakes, mountains, indigenous forest. It may be executed over two days should you keep at Refugio Frey, this fashion you’ll have extra time to discover the world and do some hikes across the Refugio. The hut (Refugio) should be booked prematurely in Bariloche, value ARS 600/US$16. As an possibility, you possibly can convey a tent and camp there without spending a dime.

Lodging in Bariloche

In the event you’re planning to go to the area try our publish on the mountaineering and tenting gear for Patagonia. There you’ll find what gear and garments to pack for this unforgettable journey.

Beautiful mountainous scenery of a day hike in Bariloche, Patagonia
The surroundings on the Refugio Frey day hikes in Bariloche, Patagonia

Finest day hikes on the Carretera Austral, Chile

Waterfall (Cascadas) Path, Pumalin Park

  • Distance – 6 km/3,7 miles, return
  • Required time – 2-Three hours
  • Issue stage – straightforward. The stroll itself is straightforward apart from the river crossing on the way in which if it rains loads 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 payment – free

The Pumalin Nationwide Park is a hidden treasure of Patagonia with many day mountaineering trails, established campsites, and beautiful surroundings. We’d positively suggest spending a few days mountaineering in Pumalin Park. The Waterfall Path is a phenomenal 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 plush inexperienced forest. We hardly noticed any individuals on the path.

Alya climbing a ladder to get over a boulder on the hike in Patagonia
Alya climbing a ladder on the Waterfall Path, one of many best day hikes in Patagonia

Ventisquero Amarillo Path, Pumalin Park

  • Distance – 20 km/12 miles, return
  • Required time – 6 hours
  • Issue stage – straightforward
  • 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 payment – free

A good looking day hike alongside the river and thru the forest with many birds to identify. It’s not a troublesome stroll, on a flat floor, not many individuals, very quiet trek, like many of the routes in Pumalin Park. The path ends on the glacier, it’s so shut you possibly can nearly 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 is just not 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 the Pumalín Park. There are a number of hostels, accommodations, campsites, and a few outlets.

Piedra del Aguila hike, Futaleufú  

  • Distance – 9 km/5,5 miles, return
  • Required time – Three hours
  • Issue stage – straightforward, 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 stunning. You may benefit from the beautiful surroundings whereas doing one of many many outside actions, e.g. mountaineering and rafting.  Piedra del Aguila is sort of a straightforward day hike from the city, however don’t underestimate it, the surroundings right here is wonderful. From the start of the stroll, when you’re out of the city, until the point of view – Piedra del Aguila (Eagle’s Rock) you possibly can get pleasure from stunning views of the valley of the Espolon river. An pleasing brief hike with nice views for taking photographs.  

Futaleufu one of the best areas in Chile for day hikes
A typical surroundings that you simply see mountaineering round Futaleufú

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

In the event you like huge 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 slender passage within the rocks with some big boulders protruding until it reaches the river, the waterfall is about 60 m excessive, it’s very loud and highly effective. Take lunch or at the very least a snack with you, there is no such thing as a place to purchase something until you’re again within the city.

Lodging in Futaleufú

Mirador Ventisquero Colgante path, Queulat Nationwide park

  • Distance – 7 km/4,Three miles, return
  • Required time – 2h30min.
  • Issue stage – medium, a steep ascent to the point of view  
  • Beginning/ending level – Queulat park entrance
  • Accessibility – by automobile, by bus from Puyuhuapi
  • Admission payment – CLP 5000/US$7.

Queulat Nationwide park affords unimaginable surroundings and several other mountaineering trails; most of them are brief 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 mountains right down to the river, melting ice drops into the river like a waterfall. The path goes by the attractive lush inexperienced forest with small waterfalls and creeks, throughout turquoise rivers and lakes. This present day 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 attainable to do a ship tour to the glacier. The park is extra touristy in comparison with Pumalin, primarily native vacationers. You may keep within the park; both tenting on the entrance or staying in cabins.

Lodging in Puyuhuapi

Puyuhuapi is the neares city to the Nationwide Park. It’s a bit greater than Chaitén.

Scenery on the Mirador Ventisquero Colgante day hike in Patagonia
Mirador Ventisquero Colgante in Queulat Nationwide Park, one of many nicest day hikes in Patagonia

Mirador Cerro Castillo hike, Cerro Castillo Nationwide Park

  • Distance – 12 km/7,Four miles, return
  • Required time – 6-7 hours
  • Issue stage – medium/troublesome, lengthy and steep (900 m) ascend to the lake with subsequent descend again to the village.
  • Beginning/ending level – Villa Cerro Castillo
  • Accessibility – by automobile/bus from Coyhaique
  • Admission payment – CLP 5000/US$7

The hike begins at Villa Cerro Castillo, climbs all the way in which up, and finishes at Laguna Cerro Castillo – a small although stunning turquoise lake shaped by melting water from Cerro Castillo glacier. The surroundings from the point of view is really spectacular; a phenomenal lake, a dangling glacier, mountains within the background. In the event 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 may go to this place as a part of a 4-day hike in Cerro Castillo Pure reserve.

Lodging in Coyhaique

You may keep in Villa Cerro Castillo nevertheless 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.

A view of the Cerro Castillo Lake and Glacier at the end of the day hike
Cerro Castillo Glacier and Lake, the spotlight of the day hike

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 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 payment – free

An extended-distance day hike within the new Patagonia Nationwide Park. The path goes by extra remoted areas, probabilities 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 get pleasure from 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,Three miles, return
  • Required time – 2 days
  • Issue stage – medium/troublesome, the route is just not properly marked, a protracted steep ascent and descent, 1000 m
  • Beginning/ending level – 24 km north from Villa O’Higgins
  • Accessibility – by automobile, 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 loads to find and discover. The Galcier Tigre hike takes you first by a phenomenal evergreen forest, then as you acquire altitude bushes are getting smaller, 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 attainable to do that hike alone, however we’d suggest hiring a neighborhood information it’s a really distant space and the path is just not properly marked.

Lodging in Villa O’Higgins

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

Lovely hikes in El Chalten, Argentina

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

Laguna de Los Tres

  • Distance – 25 km/15,5 miles, return
  • Required time – eight hours
  • Issue stage – average, straightforward to start with, steep ascend on the finish + lengthy distance  
  • Beginning/ending level – El Chalten
  • Accessibility – on foot
  • Admission payment – free

Mountain climbing in El Chalten is likely one of the finest experiences in Argentinian Patagonia. The park has good infrastructure, stunning surroundings, a number of trails appropriate for the entire household. One of many nice day hikes is Laguna de Los Tres – the closest you will get to the well-known Fitz Roy mountain.

The hike is completely breathtaking with evergreen forest, a number of lakes, rivers, snow-covered peaks, and the spotlight of the trek 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 coloration lake – Laguna Sucia on the left-hand facet, to see it, it’s important 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 it’s important to keep at Rio Blanco, the closest campsite, and begin strolling very early at the hours of darkness.

It’s attainable to do a 4-day guided tour in El Chalten that lets you see many of the highlights.

Campbell at a mirror-like lagoon on a day hike in El Chalten, Patagonia
Campbell at Laguna de Los Tres, one of the crucial stunning day hikes in Patagonia

Lago Torre hike

  • Distance – 24 km/15 miles, return
  • Required time – 6-7 hours
  • Issue stage – straightforward, although fairly lengthy   
  • Beginning/ending level – El Chalten
  • Accessibility – on foot
  • Admission payment – free

One other stunning day hike in El Chalten 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 much 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’s nothing to purchase within the park.

Lodging in El Chalten

Finest hikes in Torres del Paine, Chile

Mirador Las Torres

  • Distance – 19 km/12 miles, return
  • Required time – 6-7 hours
  • Issue stage – troublesome
  • Beginning/ending level – Resort Las Torres, you possibly can keep nearer – at Refugio Chileno and begin the stroll from there.
  • Accessibility – by automobile, by bus, on foot
  • Admission payment – CLP 25 600/US$32, the ticket is legitimate for a number of days.

This Nationwide Park was one among 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 gained’t have time to see and do every little thing right here. Mountain climbing in Torres del Paine one can see the extra stunning 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 positively to not miss when visiting the park. The day hike as much as Las Torres is sort of difficult because of the steep ascent. The surroundings on the way in which and the view of Las Torres and the lake are 100% rewarding. If you wish to get Las Torres coloured in crimson by the dawn you could keep at Refugio Chileno (the closest lodging possibility) and begin mountaineering very early morning in an effort to make all of it the way in which to the highest on time.  

Laguna and Mirador Los Torres in Patagonia
Mirador Las Torres top-of-the-line day hikes in Patagonia

Glacier Gray hike

  • Distance – 10 km/6 miles, return
  • Required time – Four hours
  • Issue stage – troublesome, lengthy steep ascent to the point of view
  • Beginning/ending level – Refugio Gray
  • Accessibility – by boat from Resort Lago Gray
  • Admission payment – CLP 21 000/US$32

One other outstanding 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 could hike as much as the second suspension bridge from the place you’ll have the ability to see your entire glacier. Two suspension bridges on the way in which make the stroll much more thrilling. In reality, if in case you have time you possibly can 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.

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.

A view of the Grey Glaier from the lookout point at the end of the hike in Torres del Paine
Gray Glacier is likely one of the most spectacular day hikes in Patagonia

Mirador Británico hike

  • Distance – 26 km/16 miles, return
  • Required time – eight hours
  • Issue stage – troublesome, lengthy and steep ascent to the point of view, really helpful trying solely in good climate  
  • Beginning/ending level – Refugio Paine Grande
  • Accessibility – by boat from Pudeto
  • Admission payment – CLP 25 600/US$32

The hike is sort of robust particularly the second half from Mirador Francés – very steep and lengthy ascent. It’s extremely really helpful to start out 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 properly) and if the climate is nice, proceed to the Britanico if not slightly flip round if it’s overcast and wet you gained’t have the ability to see something from the highest. In the event 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, accommodations, outlets, and kit rental locations. The city is an ideal base for hikers.

Finest someday hikes in Ushuaia, Argentina

Laguna Esmeralda hike

  • Distance – 9 km/5,5 miles, return 
  • Required time – 3h30min.
  • Issue stage – straightforward
  • Beginning/ending level – Valle de Lobos
  • Accessibility – by automobile, 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 should you’re fortunate or simply their dams. The lake is gorgeous as you possibly can guess from its identify, its water is an emerald coloration. The lake is squeezed between the mountains, with a dangling glacier on the other facet. A pleasant trekking possibility for the entire household.

This hike may be executed as a guided hike from Ushuaia.

Glacier Vinciguerra hike

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

One other day 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 stunning valleys, and ends with the Vinciguerra Glacier. You get actually near the glacier, you possibly can nearly contact it. 

In the event you don’t wish to wander alone you possibly can be a part of a guided mountaineering tour from Ushuaia.

Extra excursions and actions in Ushuaia

Lodging in Ushuaia

Ushuaia a small town at the end of the world in Argentina
Ushuaia a tough area in Argentina with some nice mountaineering routes

Our ideas for mountaineering in Patagonia

Patagonia is a wild area with many day mountaineering trails, a few of them are very remoted and may be accessed solely on foot – be sure you perceive what you’re doing and know all of the dangers.

It’d sound scary nevertheless 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 legendary for sturdy winds particularly in summer time (December, January), don’t make open fires, use a tenting range as an alternative. Wind makes fires troublesome to manage wherein case it may trigger large injury to the world.  

Be sure you have the proper tenting gear (wind and waterproof) and all the mandatory stuff for tenting within the wild – there are some gear outlets in greater Patagonian cities however every little thing will get very costly right here so slightly convey your individual stuff.

Earlier than you go on a hike be sure you’ll have no drawback getting again after finishing the hike if there is no such thing as a public transport slightly prepare a non-public shuttle. Hitchhiking does work properly in Patagonia on the principle roads, however on some secondary roads that result in nowhere, just one automobile may go per day.

As for rains probabilities of it are fairly equal all year long although in summer time months you possibly can count on extra rains, in winter it would snow. Out of summer time months, February is the very best for mountaineering in Patagonia – it’s heat, not a lot rain and it’s the least windy months as properly. Although should you’re going to common 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 mountaineering in Patagonia

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



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Hey! A bit about us - we’re John & Maria and we're a couple that loves to travel the world and document our adventures! We enjoy writing, blogging, exploring and sharing our adventures. We’re always embarking on new journeys and here you’ll find articles covering many travel destinations, and topics, such as culture, history, art and cuisine. Our goal and mission is to present compelling stories, photography and personal opinions, as well as serve as an online resource for anyone who wishes to plan their own trips and visit the destinations we've been to. We genuinely love meeting new people, mingling with locals, listening to their amazing stories and trying new travel experiences.

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