Patagonia hiking trips are filled with mountains and glaciers that define the glorious region known as Patagonia. This vast, virgin, and distant territory is shared by two countries (Chile & Argentina), offering beautiful and spectacular landscapes, which will take your breath away. Hiking in Patagonia is a dream for any nature or adventure enthusiast, whether you’re a high-risk climber, a slow-and-steady hiker, or somewhere in between.

Argentina has a lot to offer for trekkers and hikers who are feeling excited to get in touch with nature and discover new paths. In fact, Argentina has a national capital for hiking in Patagonia: El Chaltén. This town has the privilege of being part of the Los Glaciares National Park, a protected region with some of the area’s tallest mountains. However, El Chaltén is not the only place to hike; oh no, we have plenty for you all to enjoy! Bariloche, Ushuaia, and Torres del Paine tours (in Chile) are just a few of the best locations and trip experiences that Patagonia has to offer. Patagonia’s world-class hikes put it firmly at the top of most trekkers’ lists.

• Patagonia hiking in El Chaltén – Capital of Hiking in Argentina

El Chaltén, a remote town in the Austral Andes, overlooks the northern and most picturesque portion of Los Glaciares National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a natural playground for adventure seekers, hikers, and climbers.

Founded in 1985, this once-tiny village has become a hiking destination – the gateway for world-class routes to the surrounding mountain peaks and lakes, offering some of the greatest trekking in the country; it’s no surprise it’s regarded as Argentina’s “trekking capital.”

El Chaltén is an excellent location for both day excursions and longer treks into the region’s notably beautiful surroundings.

Mount Chaltén, usually covered by clouds, was given the name “Chaltén” by the Tehuelches, which means “smoke mountain”. 

• Bariloche

You can also enjoy Patagonia hiking experiences in the Lake District whose capital is Bariloche. It is scattered along the banks of the dazzling Lago Nahuel Huapi and in the midst of a national park with the same name, surrounded by some of Argentina’s most beautiful landscapes: inky lakes, green woods, and snow-capped mountains. Nahuel Huapi National Park was the first national park in Argentina, created in 1903 thanks to Francisco Moreno, a scientist who donated the lands.

Bariloche provides a plethora of outdoor activities all year round, with good skiing options in the winter and also one of America’s most important scientific poles, such as the Balseiro Atomic Center.

• Ushuaia

Ushuaia, nicknamed “the city at the end of the world,” has become a departure point for ships bound for Antarctica. “Ushuaia”, in the Yamaná language means “deep bay.” The Yamanás were a community of hunters that used to live in this area.

Today, Ushuaia offers museums dedicated to the yamanas’ tale, as well as trips to the ruins of several ancient villages. This city is also known for being the home of Argentina’s southernmost prison, which is currently open to the public as a museum.

Among Ushuaia’s many highlights, Patagonia hiking is one of the many attractions inside Tierra del Fuego National Park. The navigation along the Beagle Channel, the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, and the Fagnano and Escondido lakes are must-see destinations too.

• Torres del Paine tours

Torres del Paine National Park is the #1 destination to enjoy Patagonia hiking in Chile. It is 70 miles from Puerto Natales and 133 miles from El Calafate in Argentina. The park is bordered to the west by Bernardo O’Higgins National Park and to the north by Los Glaciares National Park. In the local Tehuelche language, Paine means “blue,” while Torres means “towers.” The Tehuelches was a community of excellent hunters who still live in Argentina today.

This National Park was established in 1959 and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chilean Patagonia. There are extensive hiking routes, glaciers, lakes, and magnificent mountains inside the park. UNESCO designated the park as a biosphere reserve in 1978, and it was named the world’s eighth wonder in 2013. The most famous among the varied offers of Torres del Paine tours is the W Circuit, a 5-day trekking adventure. It is an incredible trip, but think of booking in advance. There are few places to stay inside the park and they run out fast during the high season. You can also choose to take Torres del Paine tours in winter (May through August), but services are restricted inside the park.