Welcome to TrekkinginPatagonia.com! If you are planning to go trekking in Patagonia, then you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime!
Patagonia has it all – snow-capped mountain peaks, endless rivers and lakes, massive glaciers, and hundreds of trails that will lead you to new horizons.
On TrekkinginPatagonia.com, we’ve outlined several bits of information you need to know before the journey.
We’ve scoured the region and chosen five of the best Patagonia hiking trails to get you started.
This area is perfect for anglers, as Patagonia fly fishing opportunities can be found everywhere.
Visiting this region can be unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared. Check out our suggested packing list as well as our Patagonia travel tips before you head out.
Torres del Paine National Park, often dubbed as “Towers of the Blue Sky” is a home to probably the most outrageous and wildest mountain treks in the world. This World Biosphere Reserve, situated on the far east of southern of Chilean Patagonia ice fields, receives some of the worst weather conditions on Earth. The weather can change so suddenly that you can literally experience four seasons in one day during your Patagonia travel experience.
Torres del Paine National Park was established in 1959, but the mountainous area itself dates back to 12 million years. This trekking in Patagonia hotbed is over 180,000 hectares in size and features a chain of bodies of water, like glacier-fed lakes, fresh rivers, lagoons and waterfalls. It is also a wonderland of granite peaks, snowed mountains, beautiful grasslands, heavenly meadows, and wild forests that cater to the natural flora and fauna, some species of which were rescued from the verge of extinction.
Some of the best scenery in the area also includes the wide diversity of animal species. Here, you can see eagles and condors soaring above the skies, as well as pumas, guanacos, foxes, cougars, and other unusual creatures playing along.
Things To Do
Torres del Paine is perhaps the most famous hiking destination in Chile, or even in South America. Tourists come to have an adventure of a lifetime.
Hiking Torres del Paine is not as easy as you think. If you are a first-time hiker, always think of your capability. Depending on your endurance, fitness level, health condition, and the weather, you have to choose which circuit is best suited for you. Every Patagonia hiking circuit has its level of difficulty. The span of time you can get through it is based on your abilities and the weather.
The Torres del Paine tour usually commences from the foot of the huge granite towers (torres in Spanish). The common routes are either going through the entire Paine massif or proceeding directly to the massif itself. You can choose between three options: the 5-day “W” trek, 7-day “W” trek or 9-day Torres Del Paine Circuit.
The Circuit – If you want a good look of the whole torres, this trek is perfect for you. The route covers 100 kilometers in length and will take you around the entire area where you can have a spectacular view of the giant towers at every angle. Smaller treks are also available which can get you off the main route. This circuit is a very tough, tiring trek that can be completed in around nine days, less if you’re physically fit. Only experienced mountaineers are recommended to try this trail.
“W” Circuit – Smaller and more refined, this route will only take you around 5 to 7 days. Moreover, it will also give you a peek at the three best attractions of the park – the giants towers (torres), the horned peaks (cuernos), and the grey glacier-fed lake. The circuit is named as such because each and every trek brings you from the base to the mountains and ice fields, then back to the base and up again three times – like a “W”.
Getting There
Fly to Santiago, Chile, then to Punta Arenas. From there, take a bus to Puerto Natales on Seno de Ultima Esperanza. It is here where the National Park is located. Travelers from Argentina have the option to take a bus ride from El Calafate to Torres del Paine. This will only take four to five hours, less if in a
Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world. Its neighboring countries include Bolivia, Uruguay, and Brazil – all known as top tourist destinations in South America. Argentina is a beautiful country every trekker dreams to explore.
With a vast array of flora and fauna and few of the world’s most spectacular views, it is no doubt why a lot of tourists love trekking Argentina. Whether you’re up for a week-long adventure, a day-long hike, or just a short nature trip, you will surely enjoy every spot this country has to offer.
Here, you can find all sorts of outdoor activities – from hiking, trekking, and climbing to fishing, rafting and skiing. Patagonia travel is an especially popular trip to take in this vast country.
Spots for Trekking in Argentina
Trekking Argentina is definitely a must for every traveler. Patagonia is located in the southern most part of South America and spans across Chile and Argentina. It is well known for its untouched beauty that offers a magnificent sight of natural flora and fauna, wild forests, green hills, and huge volcanoes. This place is great for trekking, especially for tourists who want to experience nature and all its gifts to mankind.
Often dubbed as “The End of the World”, Tierra Del Fuego is the country’s national park found near the coast. Tierra Del Fuego and the city of Ushuaia offer a wide range of great activities for adventurous travelers. Among the most popular hiking and trekking destinations are the caves of Alvear Glacier and Laguna Verde.
If you’re looking for the great thrill of adventure, the caves of Alvear Glacier is the perfect spot for you. It offers an amazing Argentina hiking experience to a huge, ancient piece of ice. Make your trip memorable by taking a look at the caves surrounded by a strange (yet spectacular) blue glow emanating from the glacier. This ancient glacier has already existed for over 1,000 years.
Another famous attraction of Tierra Del Fuego is Laguna Verde. This place is quite easy to trek, good for amateur and professional mountaineers. It is also a perfect destination for wildlife photographers and nature watchers as it features a unique landscape to the beautiful lake of Laguna Verde. Here, you can put up a small tent and enjoy a simple picnic while taking a rest and admiring a panoramic view of the place.
No Argentina hiking adventure is complete without a visit to the World Heritage Site of Los Glaciares National Park located near the Austral Andes. It boasts of 47 huge glaciers feeding on a massive ice cap, in fact the largest ice cap outside of Antarctica. This park is also the home to Argentina’s trekking capital, El Chalten. It is a small village where you can find numerous glaciers and mountains covered in ice, Fitz Roy and Los Torres mountains being the most famous.
How To Get There
By Plane – Several Argentinean airlines offers regular flights between Buenos Aires and many cities in South America, as well as in North America, Australia, and Europe. Qantas Airlines has now a direct flight from Sydney, Australia to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
By Bus – All tourists from neighboring countries can take international coaches available.
By Boat – Daily trips are available from Montevideo and Colonia in Uruguay to Buenos Aires.
To get around Argentina, you can take the bus or rent a car. Other options include taking a train or a domestic flight.
Ushuaia, Argentina, located in the Tierra del Fuego province, is often dubbed the southernmost city in the world.
One of the best way to spend your holiday is to enjoy Ushuaia tours. As the capital of this Patagonia region, it’s packed with thrilling activities and fun that’s never ending.
On the top of the list of activities to do here is skiing. Of course, you can’t fail to miss the epic trekking in Patagonia in Ushuaia experience either. There’s so much more than what you can imagine in the city of Ushuaia.
Trekking
This is the best way to get up close with nature, but be aware of your stamina levels and physical capabilities before choosing a Patagonia hiking trail. For experienced enthusiasts with great physical condition to engage in this exhausting activity, the level of difficulty of Paso Behan trail will be an unforgettable adventure for trekking as well as the moderately difficult trail of Paso de la Oveja which is around 23 miles long. There are also less tiring and shorter trails intended for newbie trekkers which are found inside of Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. You can try the trek to the Mirador Lapataia for an awesome experience. Most visitors love the easy and accessible Laguna Esmeralda, making it the most popular trail because of the surrounding views of the river and lake seen along the way.
Skiing
Feel the excitement and thrill of skiing and snowboarding in one of the best Ushuaia ski centers. Ski season is celebrated by hundreds of avid skiers during June to September. There are flat runs to learn on as well as downhill ones to show off your skills. Cerro Castor and Glacier El Martial offer a perfect ground for your favorite winter sport. El Martial features a 30-meter wide run while Cerro Castor has 15 tracks for every level of skier. For cross-country skiing, you can visit some of the Ushuaia ski centers like Tierra Mayor, Altos del Valle, Solar del Bosque, and Francisco Jerman, among others. The Ushuaia ski centers are definitely of the best in South America.
Kayaking/Boating
There are no limits to Ushuaia’s adventure activities. Apart from skiing and trekking, you can explore the surrounding waters of Ushuaia by kayaking or boating during your Patagonia travel experience. Be bold and head out to explore the Beagle Channel, where you can see the wonders far from land. Watch the variety of birds as they swoop above the Islas de los Lobos and enjoy the penguins, sea lions, and other creatures in your journey.
Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego and Museums
Don’t miss Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego on your trip to Ushuaia. It’s just few kilometers away and is in fact why most people come all the way down here. Embrace the beauty of wildlife as you indulge yourself in the activities offered in the park. There are well-marked trails for everyone to follow and explore the park no matter your ability. Keep your eyes open as you walk along to catch sights of the condors, albatross and other birds flying over the sky. Watch out for the beavers’ dam system and be amazed at these creatures’ wonderful creation. If you want some more, you can roam around the city and visit some of its tourist attractions like the Museo del Fin del Mundo and Museo Maritimo y del Presidio. Explore the cultural centers of Ushuaia and witness the art and culture they showcase in the Casa de la Cultura too.
Bariloche is an excellent destination for any time of year. It’s located in the Rio Negro Province on the coast of Nahuel Huapi Lake, where it’s surrounded by mountains such as Cerro Catedral. Skiing is popular in the city, but there are numerous activities to enjoy during travel to Bariloche.
Places To Visit
There are many interesting places to see when you travel Bariloche. Check out the unique architectural design of the Civic Center, which is often visited by tourists. As you walk along Beschtedt Street, you’ll come across an old monumental building called Capilla la Inmaculada built in 1905. Shop all you want in the city’s commercial area at Mitre Street and sample the luscious chocolates that make this area famous. The Catedral de San Carlos de Bariloche, also known as Nuestra Señora del Nahuel Huapi, with captivating designs representing the artistry of Alejandro Bustillo and his team.
Things To Do
Trekking in Patagonia is one of the highlights of Bariloche travel. For those who want to have a long excursion, choose a one to three-day trek around Cerro Frey where the lake offers a skating ground. You can also hike or take a ride to Circuito Chico to witness the lake of Nahuel Huai and explore Cerro Campanario.
Apart from trekking, Bariloche is a paradise for skiers and snow lovers. Cerro Catedral ski center is the biggest in South America, where you can experience snowboarding, paragliding, sleds and a whole lot more activities. Don’t miss Bariloche’s finest lakes and islands, such as Victoria Island. To spice up your Bariloche travel, taste the Argentinean cuisines and dine in the best restaurants like El Boliche de Alberto and Casita Suiza. Make your trip worthwhile and travel Bariloche during your Patagonia hiking experience.
Getting There From Buenos Aires
Before you pack your things, first plan on how to get to your destination. Getting to Bariloche is done by bus, plane, or private car. From Buenos Aires, you can take a non-stop daily flight which will take about 2 hours and 15 minutes offered by LAN Argentina, LADE and Aerolineas Argentinas. If you wish to travel by bus, the ride is approximately 22 hours. It’s about 1,300 kilometers from Buenos Aires. Many bus companies offer an excellent bus service to tourists such as Andesmar, Crucero del Norte, Via Bariloche, TAC and more. They serve meals and comfort rooms are available for everyone. Choose a bus according to your budget whether you want a standard one or sleepers for a more comfortable ride. The price of Class 3 Semicama bus is around AR$ 543 while Class 2 Cama-Ejec is approximately AR$ 619. Andesmar for example departs daily at 12:30 and arrives at 13:50 both in Class 3 and Class 2 buses. So check your pocket first before you decide which bus to take as well as bus times prior to your trip to conserve time.
