As hikers, Argentina captivates our hearts each single time with its vibrant palette of landscapes. As a way to have a complete picture of the nation, one should journey to its three corners – and never overlook the mountains that kind its coronary heart. So from glaciers, down snowy mountains and deep into evergreen forests and stupendous rock formations, let’s go trekking in Argentina by these 11 gorgeous hikes.
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Perito Moreno Glacier Trek
The large Perito Moreno glacier is an excellent discipline of snow overlaying components of Los Glaciares Nationwide Park, Southern Patagonia. We’re speaking ice right here, giant expanses of frozen water caressing the toes of the Andes mountains, within the rugged remoteness of the Deep South. The stuff that journey is manufactured from.
As a way to forestall overcrowding, it’s not doable to roam the glacier by yourself, and just one firm gives excursions. You’ll have two choices although: a brief, slightly accessible hike for a newbie’s look-see; and the Huge Ice tour, which is an extended, extra strenuous trek throughout the glacier.
Regardless that it’s one of many nation’s pricier actions, it’s a novel and unforgettable expertise that’s price each peso; among the many greatest day hikes in Argentina, in our opinion. Each treks finish with a brief cruise throughout the water and a glass of whiskey over glacial ice, the proper ending to an exhilarating journey.
Unsurprisingly, the Perito Moreno is on our record of best treks in South America.
Distance (time): | two choices (2-7 hours) |
Problem: | simple to troublesome ★★★★☆ |
Closest city: | El Calafate |
Greatest time to go: | September–June |
Self-guided possibility? | No, so e-book a tour on Viator: Minitrekking or Big Ice |
‘Laguna de los Tres’ Hike
There are such a lot of trekking choices on this a part of Argentina. So many trails to observe and peaks to ascend, you’d need to set camp at a mountain refuge and by no means depart once more.
The Laguna de los Tres hike can be in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. It’s essentially the most well-known amongst all of Patagonia Argentina trails, because it permits an in depth glimpse on the majestic Mount Fitz Roy. The path begins instantly from the city of El Chaltén and ascends straight-ish to the lake.
On the best way, an unforgettable panorama of ñire bushes, streams and hanging glaciers, and several other panoramic views which might be certain to depart you as breathless because the hike itself.
This 8-hour out-and-back hike at low altitude may be completed as a someday journey. Alternatively, there’s a campsite close to the lake, so you’ll be able to take advantage of a number of trails departing from there, e.g. to Laguna Torre / Cerro Torre, or to Laguna Capri.
Hold planning: All our tips to budget travel in Argentina
Tip! For one of many most stunning sunrises you’ll ever see, camp on the Laguna and get up earlier than daybreak, to observe Mount Fitz Roy gentle up on the background of Laguna de Los Tres.
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Distance (time): | 22 km / 13.7 mi out and again (8 hours) |
Problem: | average ★★★☆☆ |
Closest city: | El Chaltén |
Greatest time to go: | October–November or March–April |
Self-guided possibility? | Sure, or on book a tour on Viator |
For an extended and tougher trek in Los Glaciares Nationwide Park, take a look at the Huemul Circuit. It’s much less standard and extra demanding, because of extra extreme climate situations (together with winds as much as 100 km/h), and the appreciable must-have security gear wanted (even ziplining gear) to aim this hike.
Solely skilled mountaineers ought to take into account this 4-day-long trek. Nonetheless, it’s a good looking route beginning on the fringe of El Chaltén, providing views of the Southern Patagonian ice discipline. In the event you really feel as much as the problem, right here’s the Wikiloc link to the path.
Hike to Cerro Guanaco
Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego is a wild and distant fantasy of forests, bogs, and intensive tundra. Merely the southernmost nationwide park on the planet. True sufficient, it prices both an arm and a leg, or a number of lengthy days of journey, to get to this a part of the world. However the unspoilt surroundings and the feeling of reaching the tip of the world that you simply’ll get there’s price each effort.
As anticipated, there are a number of trekking choices on this intensive (630 sq. km / 243 sq. mi) park. Senda Hito XXIV is a 3-km (1.8-mile) hike to the Chilean border, and the Senda Costera follows the shoreline on 8 km (4.9 mile).
However the preferred one needs to be the path that leads as much as Mount Guanaco. You’ll begin alongside the coast of Lago Roca, earlier than having fun with a panoramic view of it from the 970m (3182ft) summit. Observe that some components are slightly steep, and in addition muddy; so waterproof sneakers with a very good grip are a should.
Do you already know our choice of the best National Parks in Argentina?
Birdwatchers rejoice! Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park is dwelling to many uncommon species, amongst which the green-backed firecrown hummingbird, the Patagonian sierra finch, and the Magellanic woodpecker (my private favorite).
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Distance (time): | 12 km / 7.5 mi out and again (7 hours) |
Problem: | average to onerous ★★★★☆ |
Closest city: | Ushuaia |
Greatest time to go: | October–March |
Self-guided possibility? | Positively |
For a brief hike nearer to Ushuaia, hit the path that goes as much as Martial Glacier. Rely 7 km (4.3 mi) from downtown to the trailhead, and 6 km (3.7 mi) extra to succeed in the glacier. After a brief ascent by a forest, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views upon the Beagle Channel.
The entire method out and again ought to take only a handful of hours, so you can also make it again in time for a sizzling chocolate. Observe that the path can get busy within the early afternoon, and that it turns into steep and slippery in direction of the highest. As a result of we love you, right here’s the Wikiloc link to the path.
Refugio Frey Hike and Nahuel Huapi Traverse
Though the city of El Chaltén is nicknamed the ‘trekking capital of Argentina’, we might argue Bariloche is an effective competitor to that title. The Northern gateway to Argentine Patagonia is certainly an actual paradise for trekkers of all ranges, with intensive Nationwide Parks defending snowy peaks, centuries-old forests and crystal-clear lakes.
The favored, well-marked path to the Frey Refuge serpents by an astonishing array of landscapes. You’ll be going from forest to tundra and to rocky slopes in a matter of hours. Let your curiosity lead you briefly astray, up boulders to rewarding viewpoints and onto secondary trails to secluded lake seashores.
On the finish of the day, you in a single day within the refuge (or camp exterior) and easily come again the identical method. You may verify the capability and e-book your home on the official website (in Spanish).
When you have time to essentially immerse your self on this superb panorama, take into account tackling the Nahuel Huapi Traverse. This 5-day hut-to-hut trek crosses essentially the most stunning factors inside the Nationwide Park, and runs partially alongside different trails, beginning with the one to Refugio Frey.
Try different stunning hikes for all levels around Bariloche
Tip! Hitchhiking may be very simple throughout Bariloche (a tad much less so within the city centre). That’s a great way to avoid wasting up a couple of dollars – and meet pleasant individuals within the course of.
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Distance (time): | 22 km / 13.6 mi (2 days) |
Problem: | average ★★★☆☆ |
Closest city: | Bariloche |
Greatest time to go: | October–April |
Self-guided possibility? | Sure, simply |
Paso de las Nubes
This 2-day trek is an ode to the clouds that encompass Cerro Tronador. This spectacular triple-peaked mountain on the border with Chile dominates the realm, coated in snow and glaciers all 12 months spherical.
The go connects the Lake District of Argentina to Chile, and though it’s doable to go trekking all the best way, this explicit hike stops at Lago Frías. It travels throughout rivers, by meadows and forests of lenga bushes, earlier than arriving on the shore of a transparent lake.
Not notably difficult however slightly lengthy, it’s necessary to deliver sufficient meals and water with you. Attributable to forest fireplace laws, tenting is allowed in two locations: at Pampa Linda and within the Agostino Rocca refuge.
Since this isn’t a loop path, you’ll must stroll again the identical method. Alternatively, you’ll be able to hop on a ship that hyperlinks the tip of the path at Puerto Frías to close by Puerto Blest, after which to Puerto Pañuelo, near Bariloche.
Staying within the space? Try more multi-day hikes in Patagonia.
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Distance (time): | 23 km / 14.3 mi (2 days) |
Problem: | average ★★★☆☆ |
Closest city: | Bariloche |
Greatest time to go: | November–April |
Self-guided possibility? | Sure, or e-book a tour in Bariloche |
For yet another day’s price of trekking, add on a detour to the magnificent Castaño Overo Glacier. Together with the Glaciar Frías, it’s most likely essentially the most stunning glacier in the entire Lake District; with the added worth of attracting fewer guests than their southern cousins.
Branching off from Paso de las Nubes, this path gives a number of vantage factors on good previous Mount Tronador. In the event you’re , right here’s the Wikiloc trail to this detour from Pampa Linda. Some tour operators additionally suggest guided group hikes throughout the glacier, however they require extra mountaineering expertise.
Sierra de Córdoba
Removed from the snowy peaks of the South, the centre-north of Argentina gives few noteworthy trekking choices. But the mountains near Córdoba are price mentioning for his or her nice symphony of inexperienced curves and mild rivers. Together with the nightlife, they is perhaps the one motive to pay the town a go to.
The principle benefit of the ‘Sierra de Córdoba’ is its brief distance from city, and its easy accessibility by public bus. A mere 50-min drive brings you to the city of Villa Carlos Paz, and you can begin filling your lungs, away from the city hustle and bustle.
There are a number of trails within the Sierra, however we notably loved the one which follows the river to Playa de los Hippies. It begins at “Cuesta Blanca” and shortly leaves the pueblo to enter a low-vegetation space. The river seashore itself attracts few guests and a handful of cows, and gives a comfy swim.
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Distance (time): | 2.5 km / 1.5 mi (40 min) |
Problem: | simple ★☆☆☆☆ |
Closest city: | Córdoba |
Greatest time to go: | All 12 months spherical |
Self-guided possibility? | Most likely solely self-guided hikes right here |
Córdoba is an effective pitstop on a plane-less Argentina itinerary
Mount Aconcagua day treks
The charismatic Mount Aconcagua is the best mountain on the continent. Actually, it’s the best peak exterior of the Himalayas, and it takes 2 weeks and numerous preparation to climb its summit. In order that’s that. However when you’re not a mountaineer, there are 2 doable day hikes within the Aconcagua Provincial Park.
The primary one is a mere 1-hour flat loop amongst small lakes, till reaching a good looking view on all of the close by peaks. A number of boards train in regards to the geology and rock formation within the park. Actually, contemplating the doorway charge and the gorgeous panorama, it could be a disgrace to cease there.
The second hike follows the identical route and continues additional into a valley of pink rocks and low vegetation. It’s a moon-like surroundings of unspoiled magnificence. Previous the Indiana Jones bridge, it goes barely up, not steeply, and reaches a plateau the place the primary base camp (Confluencia) lies at 3,300 m / 10,826 ft. The entire method out and again takes about 4 hours.
Get extra information about these Aconcagua Provincial Park hikes.
Tip! It’s additionally doable to take a number of 3-to-7 day treks up into the mountain vary. That method, all kinds of trekkers will discover a appropriate possibility!
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Distance (time): | 14.5 km / 9 mi out and again (4 hours) |
Problem: | simple ★☆☆☆☆ |
Closest city: | Mendoza |
Greatest time to go: | November–March |
Self-guided possibility? | Sure, or book a tour on Viator |
Prepared to beat the summit? Book a climbing tour on Viator and go you!
Cascadas del Río Colorado (Colorado River waterfalls)
This beautiful path proves that it’s price going mountaineering in Northern Argentina too. It wanders by a desert-like panorama of pink rocks, and hops from waterfall to waterfall – seven altogether. The ultimate fall is a 20-m / 65.6-ft magnificence nicknamed the ‘Bride’s Veil’, the place it’s doable to take a reinvigorating swim.
You gained’t make it there easy-peasy although. Though the panorama is totally exhilarating, this trek is taken into account troublesome by most requirements. Certain, it’s fully doable to do the entire trek with no information. However keep in mind there are a number of river crossings, some rock scrambling and a number of complicated bypaths.
So when you’re not notably skilled, it is perhaps greatest to rent a information. It’s additionally a pleasant approach to assist the local people and study in regards to the nature. In the event you go for that possibility, ensure you decide on a complete worth beforehand for both the midway hike to the third fall, or the entire trek.
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Distance (time): | 11 km / 6.8 mi out and again (4-6 hours) |
Problem: | troublesome ★★★★☆ |
Closest city: | Cafayate |
Greatest time to go: | All 12 months spherical |
Self-guided possibility? | Sure, or rent a information on the entrance |
Cerro Hornocal: Quebrada de Humahuaca
A product of mineral deposits, Cerro Hornocal is called the 14-colour mountain. It’s the spotlight of an enchanting panorama manufactured from desert plateaus, deep canyons and boisterous rivers; and naturally a beautiful array of rainbow-coloured mountains that appear like they’ve been folded by the Inca gods. Look, the realm is so distinctive and delightful that it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage website since 2003.
Though Mount Hornocal may be seen by itself with a brief journey from the village of Humahuaca, it’s additionally a part of a 6-day hike from the Quebrada de Humahuaca to the Calilegua Nationwide Park. A splendid event to get deep within the land of guanacos, dizzying heights and coca-chewing Andean faces.
In Northwest Argentina, tourism isn’t developed but, so you’ll be able to anticipate an virtually solitary expertise; and only a few fellow hikers, if any. Observe that a lot of the mountain vary sits above the 4,000-m mark in altitude, so it’s necessary to acclimatise beforehand.
Learn our hitchhiking adventure in the Northwest of Argentina!
Most multi-day hikes in Argentina run by protected parks or reserves; so that they’re normally well-marked and provide respectable amenities comparable to campsites/refuges and bogs.
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Distance (time): | Numerous lengths (1-6 days) |
Problem: | simple to average ★★☆☆☆ |
Closest city: | Jujuy |
Greatest time to go: | Could–August |
Self-guided possibility? | Sure, or book a tour on Viator |
Parque Provincial Teyú Cuaré
You’ve actually been interested in San Ignacio by the ruins of the Jesuit mission. We’re with you on that one, the location has a magical aura that’s onerous to withstand. Properly, on the city’s doorstep lies the luxurious vegetation of the Teyú Cuaré Provincial Park, bordering the legendary River Paraná.
A number of paths criss-cross this small park, whose Guaraní identify means “lizard’s cave” (we at all times love a little bit of etymology). They dive deep within the thick forest, giving a robust feeling of what it could have been like for the explorers of previous. You’ll usually find yourself upon an previous break, a charismatic viewpoint or a river seashore.
One standard path hyperlinks to what’s mentioned to be the house of a Nazi officer who hid in Argentina after the battle. Whoever the proprietor actually was, it’s barely uncanny to seek out European luxuries and Fascist relics in the course of the jungle.
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Tip! Be sure to gown in an effort to survive the humid warmth of Teyú Cuaré. Convey additionally sufficient water and bug repellent for a complete military.
Distance (time): | 2 km / 1.2 mi a technique (30–40 min) |
Problem: | simple ★☆☆☆☆ |
Closest city: | San Ignacio |
Greatest time to go: | All 12 months spherical |
Self-guided possibility? | Sure, or book a tour on Viator |
Iguazú Nationwide Park trails
What can we inform you in regards to the Iguazú Falls that you simply haven’t learn anyplace but? They’re big, sure. Actually, the largest waterfall complicated on the planet. You may see them from both Brazil or Argentina, certainly. However the greatest half belongs to Argentina.
One factor we are able to inform you: their immensity acts like a magnet in your soul. It’s going to remind you of your actual measurement and place within the common scheme of issues.
The nationwide park gives 4 routes to see the falls:
- Circuito Superior provides a distant view of the higher a part of the cataracts, good for panorama photos.
- Circuito Inferior goes by the forest and in addition provides a distant view, this time from the underside half.
- La Garganta del Diablo (“The Satan’s Throat”) crosses a part of the river to go veeery shut, at mere inches of the highest of the autumn!
- The Macuco path is barely apart and reaches a small, separate fall, after an hour hike within the forest.
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When you’re uninterested in all this trekking, the Iguazu Falls Boat Experience goes to an island in the course of the Iguazú river (Argentina facet), proper in entrance of the falls.
Distance (time): | A number of distances (full day) |
Problem: | simple ★☆☆☆☆ |
Closest city: | Puerto Iguazú |
Greatest time to go: | April–Could or August–September |
Self-guided possibility? | Sure, or book a tour or your entrance on Viator |
Hold planning: All you need to know to visit the Iguazú Falls
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