Dotted with glaciers, snowy peaks, and pristine wilderness, the huge landscapes of Patagonia are a dream vacation spot for climbing fanatics, nature lovers and journey seekers. Whereas multi-day treks are common, exploring the area by means of day hikes provides a novel and accessible option to expertise its distant magnificence. On this submit, we suggest the 17 greatest day hikes in Patagonia, of various lengths and problem ranges – by means of totally different nationwide parks in each Argentina and Chile.
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Patagonia in Argentina
North (3 hikes) | South (6 hikes)
Patagonia in Chile
North (6 hikes) | South (2 hikes)
Climbing in Argentine Patagonia
If you consider climbing in Argentina, you undoubtedly consider Patagonia. Unique names like Perito Moreno, Cerro Fitz Roy, or Ushuaia, are imbued with an aura of journey and wild exploration.
These are probably the most mind-blowing nationwide parks in Patagonia Argentina, from north to south:
- Nahuel Huapi Nationwide Park, and the world round Bariloche
- Los Glaciares Nationwide Park, with Mount Fitz Roy and Perito Moreno
- Lago del Desierto Provincial Park
- Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park, and the world round Ushuaia
Within the sections under, we propose a number of beautiful day hikes set within the above parks, in various lengths and problem, for an unforgettable climbing vacation in Patagonia, Argentina.
In comparison with Chile, a hiker in Argentina will encounter cheaper costs, and typically free entry to nationwide parks. Having stated that, the nation not too long ago elevated costs or began charging for what was free.
Prepared for longer hikes? Take a look at the best multi-day hikes in Patagonia (Argentina + Chile)
Greatest day hikes in Patagonia Argentina
Hike from Pampa Linda to Laguna Ilón
📍 Nahuel Huapi Nationwide Park
This quick, linear hike begins within the city of Pampa Linda, close to Bariloche, and ends at Lake Ilón. The ascent in the beginning is demanding however the view of the snow-capped mountain is certainly value it.
Alternatively, it’s potential to spend the evening in Refugio Ilón, making it a 2-day hike. In that case, depart your backpack there and proceed climbing to the beautiful Mirada del Physician. In case you maintain it as a day hike, simply hike again the identical path to Pampa Linda.
Bariloche is the climbing capital of Argentina’s northern Patagonia, situated within the Lake District. It’s surrounded by the Nahuel Huapi Nationwide Park, a mountainous panorama formed by glacial exercise, creating pristine glacier lakes, quite a few rivers, and waterfalls feeding from the glaciers, but additionally picturesque fjords, bays, and inlets – therefore the identify “Lake District”.
The rugged terrain showcases a various vary of ecosystems, from temperate rainforests to alpine meadows and historic forests, predominantly composed of lenga and coihue timber. These lush, dense forests present habitat for many wildlife species. Though picturesque, Nahuel Huapi is rarely crowded, so it’s good for individuals who recognize some solitude on day hikes.
Hike from Pampa Linda to Refugio Otto Meiling
📍 Nahuel Huapi Nationwide Park
This lengthy, linear trek additionally begins from Pampa Linda, close to Bariloche, and ends on the well-known mountain hut Otto Meiling. It’s a preferred route in the summertime, but it surely by no means will get crowded.
The path is well-marked, ascending constantly on the facet of Cerro Tronador by means of the forest, then on stones. From the highest, you possibly can marvel at the very best view of the world. Because it’s a protracted hike, many individuals select to spend an evening within the hut (reservation wanted). However for those who begin early sufficient or for those who’re a quick hiker, it’s potential to finish it inside a day.
Uncover extra day- and multi-day hikes around Bariloche!
Cerro Campanario hike
📍 Bariloche
One other quick hike, proper outdoors of the centre of Bariloche. This one results in Cerro Campanario, providing a panoramic view of the city and the encompassing lakes, fjords, and inlets.
This steady steep climb is demanding however not exceedingly busy, as most individuals select the chairlift to succeed in the highest. It zigzags amongst endemic arrayán timber (recognisable with their peeling bark), which offer shade in the summertime. The lookout on the peak will be crowded although, relying on the time, and also you’ll discover a café for refreshments.
Tip! Selecting Bariloche and Nahuel Huapi as an alternative of southern Patagonia is a good suggestion for those who journey in winter season (April–October). Snowfall and/or path closures make it tough to trek within the southern areas. In northern Patagonia, temperatures stay gentle and trails are typically open all yr spherical, for each day hikes and multi-day hikes. However please test beforehand on the official web sites linked at every hike.
Laguna de los Tres hike
📍Los Glaciares Nationwide Park
Laguna de los Tres is without doubt one of the most sought-after climbing locations inside Los Glaciares Nationwide Park, and in Patagonia normally. I’d even dare to say it’s one of the common trails in the entire of Argentina. So anticipate this lengthy, linear path to be busy, particularly in the course of the summer time season.
This present day hike formally begins within the city of El Chaltén. However it will also be shortened with a begin from El Pilar and Laguna Piedras Blancas. The path passes a number of mesmerizing lookouts, together with Mirador Fitz Roy. It may be linked to different trails within the space; or you possibly can resolve to camp close to the laguna to expertise the gorgeous dawn on the lake.
El Chaltén–Laguna Capri–Madre e Hija–Mirador Cerro Torre hike
📍Los Glaciares Nationwide Park
A protracted, all-rounder loop day climbing route beginning and ending in El Chaltén. This very good path passes by many of the park’s sights, because the lengthy identify suggests. Extensions and detours will also be added in (e.g. to Laguna de los Tres).
Some sections will be fairly busy, particularly in the summertime. However the many beautiful lakes and lookouts are effectively value it. Word that the path will be finished in both path, however most hikers want to deal with it counter-clockwise.
Perito Moreno glacier walkways
📍Los Glaciares Nationwide Park
This quick route leads by means of a community of metallic boardwalks (“pasarelas” in Spanish) and stairs, providing a surprising view of the Perito Moreno glacier, one of many few still-advancing glaciers on this planet.
Being comparatively quick and accessible, it’s an awesome possibility for households with children. So don’t anticipate to be alone, particularly in the summertime season. The boardwalks are colour-coded, so you possibly can decide and select your personal route.
Los Glaciares Nationwide Park, cherished by many hikers in Argentina, is a part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Discipline, one of many world’s largest ice fields after Antarctica and Greenland. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, identified for its beautiful glacial landscapes and numerous ecosystems.
Perito Moreno Glacier is just one of many highlights, together with the enduring Mount Fitz Roy, a charismatic granite peak. Also referred to as the “Smoking Mountain” because of the cloud formations typically surrounding its summit, Cerro Fitz Roy is an emblem of Patagonia and a difficult peak for mountaineers. The park options a number of beautiful day hikes.
Los Glaciares is after all featured in our hikers’ guide to Argentina’s National Parks.
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado hike
📍Reserva Provincial Lago del Desierto
A picturesque, linear day hike passing three rocky peaks above 1300m (4265 ft) on the Lago del Desierto Provincial Park, the southern neighbour of Los Glaciares. The path’s spotlight is a implausible view on the southern facet of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
This can be a far much less common hike as compared with these in Los Glaciares Nationwide Park. It’s subsequently good for individuals who need the Patagonian views, along with a sense of solitude. The ascent is steep, the terrain is various, and the panoramic view on the highest is beautiful.
Entrance to the park: |
free |
| Path size: | 18.3 km / 11.4 mi |
| Problem: | Troublesome |
| Nearest city: | El Chaltén |
| Hyperlink to path: | Alltrails |
| Hyperlink to park web site: | / |
Glaciar Martial hike
📍Reserva Pure Martial
This quick hike to Martial Glacier is well accessible from the city of Ushuaia, on the very tip of Patagonia. Though the world is formally not a part of the Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park, the route provides a beautiful lookout on Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. The path runs on two (virtually) parallel paths: one is thru a forest, the opposite one alongside a river, however each finish on the lookout to the Martial Glacier.
Cerro Guanaco Summit Path
📍Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park
This linear path to Mount Guanaco is an efficient introduction to Tierra del Fuego and the encompassing space, given the beautiful panoramic view you’ll get from the highest. The route ascends more often than not; first by means of a forest with endemic lenga timber, then with out timber however subsequently nice views.
Word that the trail will be muddy or moist, so be sure you put on waterproof climbing boots. It’s a medium-long path which will be comfortably accomplished inside a day.
Shared by Argentina and Chile, the island of Tierra del Fuego is situated on the southernmost tip of South America. It’s a distant and distinctive area of Patagonia, a standard place to begin for expeditions to Antarctica throughout the Beagle Channel.
Its numerous landscapes, together with mountains, forests, glaciers, and coastal areas, are perfect for nice day hikes in Patagonia. Because of the subpolar local weather, the climate will be unpredictable, with rapidly-changing situations, together with rain, snow, and robust winds.
The area has a wealthy historical past: it was initially inhabited by indigenous peoples such because the Selk’nam and Yaghan. At this time, efforts are made to protect and showcase the cultural heritage of those communities.
Longing for extra Argentine trails? Take a look at our listing of best hikes in Argentina
Climbing in Chilean Patagonia
Chile’s most well-known nationwide parks are all crammed within the south of the nation, the place you’ll discover the very best day hikes in Patagonia. The world showcases a novel panorama that made Chile a preferred climbing vacation spot worldwide.
These are probably the most beautiful nationwide parks in Patagonia Chile boasts – going from north to south:
- Pumalín Douglas Tompkins Nationwide Park
- Queulat Nationwide Park
- Cerro Castillo Nationwide Park
- Patagonia Nationwide Park
- Torres del Paine Nationwide Park
Within the sections under, we propose a number of beautiful day hikes set within the above parks, in various lengths and problem, for an unforgettable climbing vacation in Patagonia, Chile.
As Chile is costlier than Argentina, put together for barely steeper entrance charges to nationwide parks, and for every little thing normally. Nevertheless, the world could be very lovely, nationwide parks are effectively maintained and the cash spent is completely value it.
You may discover helpful our full Patagonia backpacking guide, with particular concentrate on climbing and nature.
Greatest day hikes in Patagonia Chile
Chaitén Volcano hike
📍Pumalín Douglas Tompkins Nationwide Park
This quick however strenuous linear hike begins immediately from the Carretera Austral (the primary highway), and goes as much as the lookout on the crater of Chaitén Volcano. It’s a novel half-day hike within the space because it offers a panoramic view contained in the volcano’s large caldera.
Volcan Chaitén erupted in 2008, inflicting critical penalties to the close by city, however fortunately with out deaths nor accidents. We suggest to start out the hike early and to deliver insect repellent and sunscreen.
Pumalín Douglas Tompkins Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the largest and ecologically vital nationwide parks in Chile. It’s situated within the northern a part of the Aysén Area, within the nation’s personal northern Patagonia.
The park options historic temperate rainforests, quite a few waterfalls, pristine rivers, fjords, and glaciers. Two volcanoes crown this beautiful Patagonian panorama : Michinmahuida and Chaitén Volcanoes. Particularly, it’s well-known for its historic Alerce forests, which embody among the oldest and largest timber on this planet.
The park is a testomony to US American conservationist Douglas Tompkins. It celebrates his dedication to preserving wild landscapes and selling the significance of conservation. These days, it provides nature lovers each laid-back and adventurous day hikes in northern Patagonia.
Ventisquero el Amarillo path
📍Pumalín Douglas Tompkins Nationwide Park
This full-day, linear climbing path within the picturesque Pumalín Nationwide Park begins on the Ventisquero campsite. It ends actual near the spectacular Amarillo Hanging Glacier (aka. Michinmahuida Glacier), on the slopes of the Michinmahuida volcano.
If the highway is closed, the path begins at campground Grande, including on 3km every manner. The route is principally flat, however the a number of river crossings and unmarked components make it difficult and adventurous.
Wish to discover extra nationwide parks in Chile? Take a look at our hikers’ guide to Chile’s national parks.
Hike to the mirador Ventisquero Colgante Glacier
📍Queulat Nationwide Park
Queulat’s Ventisquero Colgante (hanging glacier) are one of the iconic sights alongside the Carretera Austral in Chilean Patagonia. For that purpose, the park’s trails get repeatedly busy with hikers.
The quick, linear day hike to the glacier and its waterfall leads by means of the forest and over the Ventisquero River. The path is open all yr spherical; however the path is usually muddy and slippery, so be sure you are carrying correct climbing sneakers.
The final entrance to the path is 1:30 pm. In any case, we suggest to reach early to keep away from the crowds as a lot as potential. Though the closest city is Cisnes, it’s additionally accessible from Coyahique.
Tip! Climbing in Pumalín and Queulat as an alternative of southern Patagonia is a good suggestion for those who journey within the winter season (April–October). Snowfall and/or path closures make it tough to trek within the southern areas. In northern Patagonia, temperatures stay gentle and trails are typically open all yr spherical, for each day hikes and multi-day hikes. However please test beforehand on the official web sites linked at every hike.
Cerro Castillo Nationwide Park: Laguna Cerro Castillo path
📍Cerro Castillo Nationwide Park
Cerro Castillo (“Fort Mountain” in Spanish) is an emblematic nationwide park in Chilean Patagonia, which takes its identify from its pointy peaks. The park provides a number of day hikes, however the most well-liked is that this linear path as much as the beautiful glacial lake Laguna Cerro Castillo.
The route leads by means of grassy land, then by means of a forest, and finally ends up on the rocky shore of the laguna. The nationwide park will be accessed on foot from Villa Cerro Castillo. The final entrance is at 2:00 pm, however given its problem, it’s higher to start out as early as potential.
Word that snow closes the trail in winter, so be sure you test the path standing on Cerro Castillo’s Facebook page earlier than setting off, particularly within the shoulder season (Apr, Nov).
One other Cerro Castillo path is on our listing of the best hikes in Chile!
Patagonia Nationwide Park: Lagunas Atlas Loop Path
📍Patagonia Nationwide Park
The Lagunas Atlas loop path is without doubt one of the hottest day hikes on this a part of Patagonia, but you’ll by no means discover it crowded. That’s the fantastic thing about Patagonia – and it’s significantly lovely when wearing autumnal colors.
It’s located within the Chacabuco Valley and Jeinimeni sectors, within the not too long ago established Patagonia Nationwide Park. The route is lengthy, with a steep uphill part and never a lot shade, so deliver a hat and sunscreen. Because it’s an prolonged path with none chance to camp alongside, begin as early as potential.
Word that the trailhead at Los West Winds campsite is just accessible by automobile; so that you’ll have to both hire one or organize a taxi.
Los Carpinteros path
📍Patagonia Nationwide Park
This sweet-and-easy linear hike is an efficient introduction to the postcard-perfect Patagonia Nationwide Park’s Tamango sector, which will be accessed on foot proper from Cochrane city. It explores a great mixture of flat, foresty, and hilly landscapes, all alongside the Cochrane River.
Regardless of not being difficult, this path is slightly unknown. So it’s good to benefit from the serenity of the everyday Patagonian nature. The quick path ends at Cochrane Lake. So as to make it a full-day hike, you possibly can mix it with different, shorter trails.
In case you’re fortunate, you may spot a huemul, a deer-like wild animal residing within the park, and Chile’s nationwide animal.
Patagonia Nationwide Park is the results of a big conservation initiative led by the Tompkins Conservation Basis. It was established in 2018 for the preservation of huge and ecologically vital landscapes, and is made up of three areas: Jeinimeni Nationwide Reserve, Chacabuco Valley and Tamango Nationwide Reserve.
The park boasts a various and fascinating panorama, encompassing snow-capped peaks, rolling grasslands, dense forests, and pristine rivers. Within the Chacabuco Valley, jagged mountain ranges and glaciers create a picturesque setting.
The Northern Patagonian Ice Discipline additionally contributes to the park’s glacial options. We discover that this park focuses extra on nature in comparison with different nationwide parks in Chilean Patagonia, and it provides a number of day hikes, from straightforward to difficult problem.
Learn extra about this enchanted, younger, and charismatic nationwide park in our hikers’ guide to Patagonia National Park.
Mirador Base of Las Torres hike
📍Torres del Paine Nationwide Park
If I needed to guess the most well-liked day hike in the whole Patagonia, my wager can be on this path. It crosses a wide range of landscapes, starting from forest to reveal rocks, earlier than reaching Patagonia’s most well-known view; the enduring 3-finger granite peaks and its lake.
Though the route is uphill all the way in which, solely the final half –climbing as much as the mirador– is de facto strenuous.
You’ll be able to attain the trailhead with a bus journey from Puerto Natales; we collected all of the helpful information in our submit on how to get to Torres del Paine. Because of the distance from Puerto Natales, many hikers resolve to in a single day at both Campsite Central or Chileno. Be certain that to e book far forward for those who resolve to take action.
Hike to the Glacier Gray Lookout
📍Torres del Paine Nationwide Park
The Nationwide Park’s #2 website is without doubt one of the most spectacular glaciers a traveller can observe on a Patagonia journey. This linear path leads by means of the Magellanic deciduous forest that covers the slope of Cerro Paine Grande. On the opposite facet, Lake Gray will accompany you all alongside till the Gray Glacier viewpoint.
The route begins at Campsite Paine Grande, the place most hikers in a single day (a reservation far forward is important); but it surely’s technically a one-day hike.
Torres del Paine Nationwide Park is a UNESCO-listed protected space within the southern a part of Chilean Patagonia. It’s named after its three distinctive granite peaks, the “Towers of Paine“, which attain as much as 2,500 meters (8,200 ft). Its expansive glaciers and numerous ecosystems appeal to yearly hundreds of hikers and nature lovers from across the globe.
Climbing is hottest in the summertime season (Dec-Feb). In winter, just a few trails are accessible by means of an organized winter climbing expedition. The park provides two multi-day hikes of various lengths (W trek and O circuit) and varied day hikes, typically ranging from campsites throughout the park. Entrance to the park and particularly campsite bookings need to be made months earlier than the journey. Learn right here every little thing concerning the campsites in Torres del Paine.
For one more day hike in Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, we suggest the path to Cuernos Lookouts. It’s much less crowded than the Base of Las Torres or Glacier Gray, and simply as fascinating.
All the time test path situations and present entrance costs earlier than setting off, on the linked official park web sites. Costs on this submit are legitimate as of January 2024.
