Patagonia is not only a dream destination for outdoor and mountain lovers it is also perfect for hiking. From short walks over day hikes to multi day hikes, the area of Patagonia has a lot of to offer. Not only the main region of Patagonia: Torres National Park, El Chaltén and El Calafate are rich of hiking trails, also along the Carretera Austral many smaller places can be found. Find attached a small overview with hiking tips and general information.
Area of Bariloche
San Carlos de Bariloche, is usually known as Bariloche. It is a city in the province of Río Negro in Argentina. The city is situated in the foothills of the Andes on the southern shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake. It is located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park.
- for all hikes a rental car or organized transport is needed
- Cerro Campanario: 30 minutes steep hike up to the mountain, gives an amazing view on the area and is the central picture of postcards for Bariloche
- Villa Catedral: offeres several day hikes in the summer and is the biggest ski resort of South America in the winter
- Pampa Linda: offers two main hikes both are on a one way street and only can be accessed at a certain time (read more). Also, multi day hikes are possible in the area – accommodations need to be pre-booked including camping.
Lago Puelo National Park
The Lago Puelo National Park is a national park of Argentina. It is located in the northwest of the province of Chubut, in the Patagonia region of South America. The protected area is named after the Puelo Lake, and belongs to the Patagonic forest and steppes and High Andes eco-regions.
- offers several days hiking paths in the park in order to enjoy the longer once, stay in the park or the town for 1-2 days
Lago Posadas
Lago Posadas is a lake located on the edge of the southern Andes, northwest of Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. It is bordered by glacial moraines on the eastern slope of the Andes mountain range. The whole region is known as a trout and salmonellae fishing destination, and a place also suitable for trekking, kayaking and rural tourism.
- Offers several hiking path at the lake
El Chaltén
El Chaltén is a small mountain village in Santa Cruz Province in Argentina. It is located on the riverside of Rio de las Vueltas, within the Los Glaciares National Park. It is also a popular base for hiking numerous trails.
- is the capital of trekking in Argentina and such a beautiful place
- all hikes can be started directly in El Chaltén
- the town offers hotels, motels, camping sides, restaurants and tours
- Example hikes:
- Lago de los Tres: 13 km one direction, loop back to El Chaltén 26 km
- Lago Torre: 12 km one direction, loop back to El Chaltén 24 km
- Lago Capri: 6 km one direction, loop back to El Chaltén 12 km
- Punto Panoramico: 5 to 10 km loop back to El Chaltén
El Calafate
El Calafate is a city in the Patagonia region in Argentina. It is situated on the southern border of Lake Argentino, in the southwest part of the Santa Cruz Province.
- Mostly popular for seeing the Perito Moreno glaciar
- hiking tip: Cerro Cristal Hike – 4 hours medium hike
- the area offers more unknown hikes, that can be found over open street map
Lago General Carrera
General Carrera Lake or Lake Buenos Aires (Argentine part) is a lake located in Patagonia and shared by Argentina and Chile. The lake is of glacial origin and is surrounded by the Andes mountain range.
- hikes on private property
- hike to the Exploradores Glacier in the Monte San Valentín National Park
- hikes in the Patagonia National Park
Cerro Castillo
Cerro Castillo is a rocky peak located in the Aysén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Region of Chile, within the Cerro Castillo National Reserve. Castillo means castle in Spanish. On its sides are a few small glaciers and lakes fed by them.
- 6 Hours Day Hike: Laguna Cerro Castillo
- Cerro Castillo Circuit: 4 days
Queulat National Park
Queulat National Park is a national park in Chile. It is located in the Aysén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Region. The park is bordered by the Cisnes River on the south side and is neighbor to Lago Rosselot National Reserve.
- Hike to the Ventisquero Colgante glacier: ~7 km, takes around 4 hours
- Hike to the panorama view: 10 minutes
Futaleufu
Futaleufú is a Chilean town and located in Northern Patagonia. The town is named after the crystal blue Futaleufú River. Which is widely considered to be one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in the world.
- several smaller hikes that can be started in the town of Futaleufu
- hikes in the Futaleufu National Reserve
Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park is a national park inhabiting mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers in southern Chilean part of Patagonia. Paine means “blue”and Torres means “towers”. It is one of the largest and most visited parks in Chile.
Day Hikes:
- Mirador the las Torres – 18 km hike to see the 3 towers of the park. Is the most popular hike in the park and can be started at the Hotel Las Torres Patagonia
- Cerro Paine – day hike that can be started at the Hotel Las Torres, which give another great view on the Cordillera del Paine.
- Lago Nordenskjöld – was for us a 15 km hike, starting at the Hotel Las Torres.
- Salto Grande – is a 2 km loop hike in order to see the Salto Grande.
- Condor Lookout – Is a 4 km hike that starts at the Lago Pekoe Campsite and climbs 200 m to Mirador Condor. As it is included in the name we saw a lot of condors.
- Isla de los Hielos – is 6 km hike to the beach of the Lago Grey which extends to the Isla de los Hielos. The hike can be started directly behind the Lago Grey hotel, which extend the hike with 3 more kilometers.
- Mirador Ferrier – Is a short (8 km), steep hike to one of the most amazing view points I ever been in my life. Can also be started from the Lago Grey hotel.
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