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PATAGONIA HIKING & TREKKING

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Patagonia, one of the most incredible hiking destinations in the world!

Patagonia is, simply put, a hikers’ paradise. The region of Patagonia encompasses the southern tip of South America in both Chile and Argentina, here the weather and climate mirror that of Northern Canada and Alaska in the Northern Hemisphere, this awe-inspiring landscape is home to a stunning sliver of the Andes Mountains, as well as deserts, steppes and grasslands. Wildland’s Guided Patagonia hikes are all-inclusive opportunities to discover Patagonia’s sheer granite spires, towering mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers, wildlife and more!

Our Patagonia hiking tours are focused on Torres del Paine National Park, an invaluable conservation and wilderness gem in Chile; and Parque Patagonia, a vast wilderness preserved through private conservation funding and donated as a national park to the Chilean Government. We have plenty of itinerary options for those that love to hike, for all abilities and levels of comfort. Come explore one of the world’s most premier adventure travel destinations on your next unforgettable hiking vacation!

Check out our list of Guided Patagonia hiking and trekking tour options below or give us a call at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) to request more information or reserve a spot today!

World-Class Hiking Destinations

Patagonia National Park

Torres del Paine Treks

All patagonia hiking tours trips ( 4 results), filter trips.

Trip Length

Wild Patagonia Explorer

Torres Del Paine W Trek

Torres Del Paine O Circuit

Patagonia Lodge Based

WHY HIKE PATAGONIA WITH WILDLAND?

1. TOP RATED ADVENTURE TRAVEL COMPANY

For 15-plus years Wildland has been leading guests on hiking adventures around the USA and the world. In that time our trekking adventures have earned 4,000-plus online reviews, with more than 99% of those 5 stars. These reviews are also on third party review sites (Trip Advisor, Google, Trust Pilot…etc.) which has a much higher level of integrity than self-hosted reviews.

3. ALL-INCLUSIVE TRIPS

We designed our Patagonia hiking tours so you can focus all of your energy on enjoying the stunning landscapes and experiences this region offers. Our trips include local transportation (with pick-up and drop-off at the local airport), lodging for the duration of the tour, meals, top-of-the-line gear, permits and fees, and of course expert local Wildland guides.

5. HAND PICKED ACCOMMODATIONS & GEAR

Our accommodations are carefully selected to provide a high quality pre-trek and post-trek lodging experience. On our treks, the lodging is in backcountry huts (“refugios”), or – on our Lodge-based Tour – at a wonderful, cozy lodge. And our gear is made by premier outdoor retail companies who specialize in outfitting hiking and camping enthusiasts.

2. ALWAYS SMALL GROUP TRIPS

Our Patagonia trips, like all of our hiking and backpacking tours, are always small groups. Our Patagonia Treks specifically are capped at 12 guests and 2-3 guides. This intimate group size allows us to better customize the experience for each guest, and it also enables our guests to get a deeper and more authentic cultural experience with the local guides.

4. LOCAL, EXPERT WILDLAND GUIDES

Our Patagonia guides are some of the very best in the business. Local Chileans, they were carefully vetted, brought onto the Wildland team and trained to maintain our high standards. Our guests regularly rave about our Chilean guides, who are able to give you an immersive experience in the Patagonia culture as well as a world-class adventure travel experience.

Patagonia Introduction Video

Check out a video introduction to our Patagonia trekking program. See video footage and slideshows of our trips including the glacier hiking and sea kayaking portions. Torres del Paine is a national park everyone who loves to travel and hike should visit at least once!

MORE ABOUT PATAGONIA HIKING VACATIONS

WHY A PATAGONIA HIKING TRIP?

Patagonia is in many ways the South American equivalent of Alaska – it’s a region characterized by vast wilderness; harsh winters; stunning, short summers; and breathtaking, extremely photogenic mountain scenery. Patagonia’s iconic landmarks are the soaring granite towers in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and in Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. Guided Patagonia hiking trips are wonderous adventures with glaciers, alpine lakes, waterfalls, unique wildlife, and cozy backcountry accommodations in the region’s “refugios.” Bottom line is if you like to hike and travel, Patagonia is a must-visit destination to add to your “Life List!”

THE WILDLAND HIKING EXPERIENCE

Our international trekking vacations are all-inclusive hiking packages that allow you to explore regions around the world without having to worry about many of the difficult logistics of international travel. We pick you up at the regional airport, provide lodging for the duration of the trek, and drop you back off at the airport on the final day. (If you’d like extra days in Patagonia before or after your trip, we’re happy to help you set that up as well.) We hand-pick unforgettable hiking routes and provide expert trekking guides with in-depth local knowledge and expertise. You can expect wonderful meals, fantastic accommodations that put you right in the action, and top-notch customer service!

TORRES DEL PAINE OR PARQUE PATAGONIA?

One question we receive relatively often from our Patagonia trekking guests is whether to hike Torres del Paine National Park or join us in Parque Patagonia . The answer is pretty straight forward – are you looking to have an iconic and relatively comfortable national park experience, or a pretty hardcore wilderness experience?

In Torres del Paine, we (for the most part) stay in Patagonia’s famous refugios, which are backcountry lodges with dorm-style sleeping, bathrooms, hot meals…etc. Trips in Torres del Paine National Park include the Torres del Paine W Trek , Torres del Paine O Circuit , Torres del Paine Basecamp Tour , and our Lodge-based Patagonia Hiking Tour (which stays in a cozy lodge outside the Park but in a perfect location).

Parque Patagonia, on the other hand, is a massive, recently-designated national park that is mostly deep wilderness and requires backpacking and camping. Not to worry though! The Wildland team has been operating guided backpacking trips since 2005 and are one of the world’s premier backpacking guide companies. We know how to make a trip comfortable, exciting and enriching. We offer one trip in Parque Patagonia right now, which is our Parque Patagonia Trek . Regardless which Patagonia trekking tour you choose, one thing’s for sure – it’s going to be an unforgettable adventure!

HIKE PATAGONIA WITH OR WITHOUT A GUIDE?

Patagonia hiking trips can be done with a guide company or on your own. Patagonia hiking companies like Wildland provide a variety of packages from very, very basic options to premier tours like Wildland’s which are all-inclusive. The value points of traveling with Wildland Trekking are many: the confidence and peace of mind that comes from traveling with a proven, premier trekking company; reservations, permits, and logistics are taken care of for you; worry-free adventure travel as you’re accompanied by expert, highly trained guides; exceptional meals and gear; in-depth knowledge of the local area, flora, fauna…etc. and more!

WHEN TO HIKE IN PATAGONIA

Being in the Southern Hemisphere, Chile has opposite seasons to North America and Europe. That makes their summer months December through February, and shoulder season months October-November and March-April. We heartily recommend trekking in Patagonia in the shoulder months if possible, as the crowds are much lighter than summertime, although the weather can certainly be a bit more spicy. Average temperatures and precipitation in Torres del Paine National Park during these months are detailed in this table:

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Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

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Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

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Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

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Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

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Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

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Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

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Patagonia trekking

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The wild, wild... south?

You’d be hard-pressed to identify a part of the world that can top Patagonia for natural splendour. And once you’ve seen it for yourself, you won’t even bother to try. The scenery down here at the south tip of south America is a photographer’s dream come true: stunning volcanic landscapes, massive glaciers, sprawling steppe-like plains stretching to the horizon... your shutter-finger is due for an intensive workout. Throw in rich cultural traditions, world-class food and wine, and the thriving nightlife of the big cities and you’ll wish you’d bought a one-way ticket. Adventure lovers, welcome home.

The great(est) outdoors

Words and pictures only give a flavour of Patagonia’s rugged beauty. We make sure your adventures here are up-close and personal, bringing you closer to the land and its people than anyone else. Whether you’re camping out in the shadows of the otherworldly mountain- scapes of Torres del Paine National Park, witnessing massive chunks of ice calve off the Perito Moreno Glacier or exploring Ushuaia, the world’s most southerly city, you won’t be able to shake the feeling that you’re seeing nature at its purest and rawest.

Local experts, local expertise

In a land as wild and free as this one, it’s always best to go with those in the know. Our specially-trained local mountain guides know this part of the world like the back of their hands because they’ve trekked these trails countless times. They’ll take you to an exclusive campsite in Torres del Paine and expertly guide you through the park’s classic “W” circuit, assist in glacier treks, lead you to penguin colonies, and guide you down the best mountain trails.

The G Difference

Patagonia is an out-of-this-world place, and our on-trip support services are suitably otherworldly. we employ the best mountain guides and support teams the region has to offer, and no two departures are ever exactly alike.

Exclusive sites

Options galore, unmatched experience, featured patagonia posts.

Capturing Patagonia: an analog film adventure

Steeple-like peaks, turquoise lagoons, contemplative moments at camp — our very own Haramar Kandola shares analog snaps from Torres del Paine

Written by: Haramar Kandola , 21 Feb. 2024 07:33 p.m.

Prepping for Patagonia: 7 tips for an epic trek

Hiking in Patagonia is no easy feat but our very own Jessica Moy helps you get ready to tackle those iconic peaks

Written by: Jessica Moy , 14 Feb. 2023 02:11 p.m.

Feel the love on 10 heart-pumping tours

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Hiking Patagonia: where do you start?

As part of her two year solo trek, Dina Carter gives you the lowdown on hiking hubs in Patagonia

Written by: Dina Carter , 3 Jan. 2023 03:51 p.m.

HIKING in PATAGONIA – The Ultimate Guide to the Best Treks

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

Everything you need to know about hiking in Patagonia. From trekking in Torres del Paine to El Chalten and everywhere in between, this list of the best hikes in Patagonia will help you plan your big adventure!

Often and widely considered as having the most breathtaking, scenic landscapes in the world, trekking in Patagonia is every hiker’s dream, whether it is for the avid day hiker to the seasoned, experienced multi-day trekker.

Patagonia is a land of dreams, ranging from the raging rivers of the Rio Moscu to the iceberg glacial lakes of Tigre Sur.

The hiking routes take you from lush meadows of wild flowers to snowy-rugged peaks at the base of the world famous Mount Fitz Roy.

Just the thought of hiking in Torres Del Paine National Park sends shivers down my spine. Ever wanted to visit one of the world’s most famous granite peaks? Cerro Torre in Patagonia is your place to do so.

There are literally endless kilometres of hikes to do, but it can be very difficult to choose just one when everything looks like it’s worthy of being on a postcard.

Patagonia truly is one if not the most beautiful places on earth, so where do you begin?

It’s every adventurer’s desire to get a taste of what trekking and hiking in Patagonia is like, so I have established a list of the best day hikes to the some of the world’s most stunning multi-day treks.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our guide on backpacking in Patagonia on a budget.

Table of Contents

Hiking to Mirador Las Torres

Lago grey (grey glacier), the french valley – valle del frances, los cuernos trail, the “o” circuit, short hike to condor lookout, day hike to the base of mount fitz roy – laguna de los tres, day hike to cerro torre, the huemul circuit, laguna esmeralda, glaciar vinciguerra, sierra valdivieso circuit, laguna tigre sur, valle rio moscu, cerro castillo, pumalin park – cascadas waterfalls hike (escondidas), save this pin for later, the best time to go hiking in patagonia.

Early November until late April are generally the best times to go hiking in Patagonia, however this can change from year to year due to varying amounts of snowfall.

Not a fan of the cold? Try and head there in February and March for the warmer months for some great Patagonia trekking.

Also it’s necessary to know that weather in Patagonia is so varied and can change at any time, which can very quickly alter your Patagonia hiking trip. Keep that in mind when planning your adventure.

Hiking according to the seasons in Patagonia has both pros and cons no matter what time of year you decide to go, so if you were going to pick a time, aim for the end of March to mid-April, where weather seems to be slightly cooler but more stable allowing you to enjoy Patagonia in all its glory.

But the best reason for visiting Patagonia at that time of year is to see the entire region in autumn colours! Simply breathtaking.

Hiking In Torres del Paine National Park

When it come to hiking in Patagonia, no trip would be complete without spending at least a few days in Torres del Paine National Park, the crown jewel of Chile.

Whether you’re interested in just heading into the park for a day hike, using one of the accommodations inside the park as a base (we personally recommend EcoCamp ), or carrying all of your camping gear and completing the famous O Circuit, you definitely won’t be disappointed with the trekking here.

• Time Required: 8 to 9 hours
• Distance:  18km
• Difficulty:   Hard
• Start / Finish Points:  Hotel Las Torres

Widely considered to be the most popular day hike in Torres del Paine, Mirador Las Torres is just one of the magical places you can hike to when in Torres del Paine.

Las Torres translated to English means ‘The Towers’, and mirador means ‘Lookout’ , so you should have an idea of what to expect up there.

The Towers are a series of 3 jagged peaks that literally tower over a turquoise lake below, and chances are you’ve already seen a photo of them at least once in your life.

This particular trek is 18 kilometres of visual delights, despite it being considered as a difficult hike, and the views once you reach the top are just awesome!

Most of the trek is uphill, but don’t let that put you off this classic day hike, as cascading waterfalls, forests beaming with life and boulder fields dominating the higher landscapes and just waiting for you to enjoy.

The last hour is extremely steep, so make sure you save some energy for the final slog.

If you are after a really magical experience spend the night in the park and start hiking up in the dark. If the weather cooperates you’ll be rewarded with Las Torres looking as though they’re on fire with the red sun lighting them up at sunrise.

Las Torres is a hiker’s dream, and if you could only choose one trek in the whole of Patagonia, this would be it! Return via the same way you climbed, starting and finishing at the Hotel Las Torres.

Prefer to hike with a guide? Book your Mirador Las Torres tour here with Get Your Guide.

• Time Required:  3 to 4 hours
• Distance:  11 kilometres
• Difficulty:  Easy to moderate
• Start / Finish Points:  Mountain Lodge Paine Grande to Refugio Grey

As you might know there are quite a few glaciers in Patagonia (you can even visit some on an amazing glacier cruise in the Chilean fjords ), but this one takes the cake as the best of the best.

Along the famous “W” Trek, towards the western part of the hike, is a long section that follows the Lago Grey lake, which is gradually fed by a huge glacier known as Glaciar Grey.

Here you can expect to see pale blue icebergs floating around in the Lago Grey, as parts of Glaciar Grey collapse into the lake below and it’s a spectacular sight to see!

From Refugio Grey to Mountain Lodge Paine Grande is a 3 to 4 hour hike spanning over 11 kilometres, with little ascent or descent making it a fairly easy day out.

Expect to see vast areas of vegetation, wild flowers and the odd section of track that requires a tricky traverse but nothing too major. Keep an eye out for the majestic Cerro Torre piercing the sky.

Camping is available at Mountain Lodge Paine Grande and Refugio Grey if you want to spend the night there. Otherwise take the ferry to Paine Grande or Refugio Grey and start walking.

Alesha enjoying the view over Grey Glacier.

• Time Required:  3 to 4 hours
• Distance:  12km
• Difficulty:  Moderate
• Start / Finish Points:  Refugio Los Cuernos

You always have energy in Patagonia, even when you are literally falling asleep, so don’t miss this epic side trip that takes you between the Cerro Paine Grande and the Cuernos del Paine following the flowing river of the Rio Frances.

Why this hike is the one of the most spectacular side trips is because it has frozen waterfalls…how cool is that?!

READ MORE: We’ve just published our best hiking tips after 15 years trekking!

Also pretty dangerous though, so don’t be getting your ice picks out too soon, because there are views much higher up that you can enjoy, such as the 15 minute trek past the Campamento Britanico placing you in an almost cathedral of mountains.

The Mirador right towards the end is complete with a series of tarns beaming the reflections of the surrounding mountains making it that ideal moment to getting that camera of yours out! Camping is available (minus the facilities of toilets etc). Return the same way you came.

• Time Required:  6 hours
• Distance: 22km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Start / Finish Points:  Hotel Las Torres to Refugio Los Cuernos

Based along the front half of the park, home to the W Trek, is a fantastic day hike weaving around a series of steep banks perched along the edges of the Lago Nordenskjold.

Los Cuernos Trail, which means ‘The Horns’ in English and named after the mountains you can see that are shaped like horns, is a beautiful stretch offering views of the Cuernos del Paine, which never cease to amaze, and gorgeous vistas over the lake.

If you still have bounce in your step when you finish the trail, consider a side trips up the Valle del Frances, an additional 12 kilometre stunning section of track.

Plenty of camping is available on the south side of Cuernos Del Paine if you prefer to take more time on this hike (just keep in mind it gets quite windy in these camp spots).

• Time Required:  6-8 days
• Distance:  135km
• Difficulty:  Hard
• Start / Finish Points – Hotel Las Torres

Defined as one of the best treks on earth, the Paine Circuit, commonly known to the hiking world as the “O” Circuit due to its shape on a map, is a must do if you have a sense of adventure.

The circuit literally has it all, from pristine forests, meadows of native wild flowers to the grand peaks of Cerro Paine and Cuernos del Paine…and let’s not forget the addition of Las Torres along the eastern side of the trek.

You are best off starting at Hotel Las Torres and heading to Campamento Seron, where views of Cerro Paine (1,508 metres) dominate your surrounds along with rivers flowing off Lago Paine.

Once you connect with the track along the Rio de los Perros, mountains begin to pop-up more frequently along with glaciers, but be sure to pitch your tent at the campsite on Lago Dickinson, as views here are some of the best along the hike.

As you continue to be blown away by Grey Glacier in Torres del Paine (hopefully not by the wind), you find yourself on the trail that begins the “W” trek, which is the shorter, more popular sister of the O Circuit, which begins at Refugio Grey camping area.

Finishing the “O” circuit adds side trips along the French Valley (a must-do hike) and up to Las Torres to watch the sunrise, then heading back down to where you started.

If you want to finish on an alternative route, from Mountain Lodge Paine Grande you can hike along the Rio Grey to the Lago del Toro administration centre.

Trekking In El Chalten

While Torres del Paine is the most popular place to go hiking in Patagonia, the truth is El Chalten is the place that will steal most people’s hearts.

Across the border in Argentina, further north of Perito Moreno and its amazing glacier, is a tiny village called El Chalten that sits in the middle of Los Glaciares National Park.

What makes El Chalten so epic is that not only is entrance to the national park free (yes!!!), all of the hikes start from right in the middle of the village.

So once you’ve finished ticking off the quintessential Torres del Paine treks, head off to tackle some of the best hikes in El Chalten!

• Time Required:  1 hour
• Distance:  2km
• Difficulty :   Easy
• Start / Finish Points: El Chaten

Based out of El Chaten is one of the shortest hikes in Patagonia, which mostly consists of a gradual ascent to views from Las Aguilas.

Just because it’s short doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing. The views are quite unexpected, as Viedma Lake appears with a backdrop of stunning, ever-covered mountains of snow.

This is a great hike to do for sunrise in case you don’t feel like camping out in the middle of the park. Return the same way you came.

• Time Required:  8 hours
• Distance:  26km
• Difficulty:   Moderate to hard
• Start / Finish Points:  Northwest end of El Chalten

This hike will be the one that takes you as close as you can get to the foothill of Mt Fitz Roy, and one of the best hikes in El Chalten.

It’s best off to start early to enjoy the morning alpine glow on the peaks above, but that could be said of most treks in Patagonia.

The trail is pretty mellow to begin with, and there are a few narrow sections through forests which are lovely. Then the hard part comes.

Zig-zagging up and up for the last hour, you will finally reach Laguna de los Tres, with the most epic views of Mt Fitz Roy soaring above you!

Depending how skilled you are in the mountains, there is a climb that proceeds up the peak of Cerro Madsen (1,806 metres) for even better views of Fitz Roy.

Return the same way you came to head back to El Chalten, unless you are deciding to camp at Campamento Poincenot.

Prefer to have a guide? Book your Mount Fitz Roy tour here with Get Your Guide. 

• Time Required: 2 days (can be done as a day hike)
• Distance:  19km
• Difficulty:  Easy
• Start / Finish Points: El Chalten

A perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with Cerro Torre, reaching into the sky at 3102 metres, can be done as a day hike, but I think it’s pretty cool to take refuge at Campamento de Agostini at the base of Laguna Torre.

This 2-day trek is a culmination of lush meadows, rugged ever-changing glaciers and stunning views of Cerro Torre and its surround snowcapped peaks.

As a side trip, opt for the Mirador Maestri lookout which will add an additional 5 kilometres to your adventure. At Mirador Maestri be prepared for uninterrupted views of Cerro Torre in all its glory!

On return, head back the same way you came with views looking down the Rio Fitz Roy (a glaciated river from Glaciar Torre).

Prefer to have a guide? Book your Cerro Torre tour here with Get Your Guide.

• Days Required:  4 days
• Distance:  63km
• Difficulty:  Very difficult

This one is up there as one of the most difficult treks in Patagonia, so be prepared to be fully tested in this stunning lesser-known area of El Chalten.

This Patagonian trek, while demanding in nature, takes you into areas where Cerro Solo can be seen almost standing alone, hence the name ‘solo’.

Mount Huemul is also just as impressive as the contrast between the forest floor, fields of green pastures and rocky spires mix to create stunning views.

The Huemul track puts you to the test with a river crossing almost chest deep as you navigate the Rio Tunel with majestic mountain backdrops.

It only gets harder from here as the Southern Patagonian Ice Field nears, with a climb to Paso del Viento, which is sure to get your blood pumping.

But that’s not all, with a demanding climb to Passo Huemul presenting the clash of Lago Videma (lake) and the walls of the Videma Glaciar.

Views here are gobsmackingly awesome! Take your time to breathe in the fresh air before descending back the way you came.

The Huemul Circuit is considered as a very difficult trek, so its best off to hire a local guide who can help you navigate the rivers and provide insights into one of Patagonia’s most magical areas if you aren’t experienced.

Either way you’ll need a harness and know how to use it, so all hikers on the Huemul Circuit must check in at the information centre before departure to prove they know what they’re doing.

The Best Hikes in Ushuaia

Located at the bottom of Argentina and known as being ‘the end of the world’, Ushuaia is a place that often draws visitors looking to hang out at the bottom of South America. (Click here to read about our experience there.)

It also is a departure point for many people heading off on an expedition to Antarctica.

For those of us that love the outdoors, Ushuaia offers so much more though, and it’s worth spending a few days here to get in some good treks. These are some of the favourite hikes in Ushuaia!

• Distance:  9km
• Start / Finish Points:  Refugio Valle Los Lobos

Patagonia isn’t all about multi-day treks, as sometimes the shorter it is the sweeter it tastes. Laguna Esmeralda is an easy 9 kilometre hike to the base of a glacier known as Glaciar Del Albino.

If you prefer to spend extra time taking in the stunning views, a refugios ‘ campsite’ is available near the lake towards the end of the hike allowing you to absorb your surrounds.

At the top, be rewarded with mesmerising views of the Esmeralda Valley down below.

Although this day hike is short, there is an opportunity to put on your crampons and go for a walk along Glaciar del Albino.

The walk on Glaciar del Albino does require advanced hiking skills and that extra bounce in your step, so add up to 4 hours on to your day.

If you’re not fully prepared for it and know what you are doing, don’t go past the 50 metre marker unless your name is Jimmy Chin.  

• Days Required:  5 to 6 hours
• Distance:  13km
• Difficulty:  Moderate
• Start / Finish Points:  Tubera Valle Andorra

This moderately difficult Patagonian trek takes you to a series of glacial lakes with a few steep ascents, making this hike a worthy challenge for avid single day trekkers.

After a series of gradual/steep ascents, Laguna Encatada is finally reached, which is surrounded by lush meadows of grass with reflections of rugged peaks glimmering off its surface.

Hiking to Laguna Encatada provides a unique opportunity to climb the steady peak of Cerro Esfinge, rising to 1275 metres. At the top, the views are breathtaking!

When I think of this hike, I see rugged peaks, flowing hills of dark green grass blowing in the wind with cascading streams of water, and that’s exactly what it is!

The Glaciar Vinciguerra hike sees glaciers precariously wedged between the mountains you are hiking around, as glacial melt trickles past fields of wild flowers.

The water from the glaciers ends up accumulating in glacial lakes where the odd chunk of ice sits bobbing in the freezing waters.

Return the same way you came.

• Time Required:  4 Days
• Distance:  48.5km
• Difficulty:  Demanding
• Start / Finish Points:  Ruta Nacional 3 or Posada del Peregrine

Deep within the heart of the Fuegian Andes lays one of the more challenging treks in Argentina, but one that you definitely need to consider as a must do hike in Patagonia.

Trekking in the Patagonian Andes wouldn’t be complete with just lush-rugged forests; allow some icy peaks extending from the area’s many glaciers and crystal clear lakes (probably not ideal for swimming) to encompass your surrounds.

This particular trek is a lot quieter than some like the “O” Circuit, as tracks remain barely trodden, so a good sense of direction is always appreciated before attempting this 4 day, 48.5 kilometre trek.

Due to unstable weather conditions in this part of Argentina, it’s always appropriate to take more supplies than you think you will need.

Sierra Valdivieso is a culmination of muddy paths with contrasting streams of blue glimmering glacial water and is something that will acquire your sense of adventure.

This hike in the Fuegian Andes is a classic mix of snow, ice and scree which can be difficult in parts, but once you ascend to the high passes it all makes getting dirty worth it!

Prefer to have a guide? Book your Ushuaia hiking tour with Get Your Guide.

The Best Hikes Along The Carretera Austral

One of the least-visited parts of Patagonia is the long, narrow strip of coastline that makes up the bottom part of Chile.

While most people will make it to Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales , few cross back into the country and continue along the epic highway known as the Carretera Austral.

Public transport is just about non-existent along this long, rugged road, which leaves people to either hitchhike or self-drive between the towns.

When winter comes the place all but shuts down, so that leaves a big part of Chile that not many people see. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check it out!

The Carretera Austral has some insane landscapes and gorgeous mountains and lakes. The coastline is as dramatic as you could imagine, and that all ads up for some amazing hiking!

• Time Required:  4 hours to 2 days (depending on side trips)
• Distance:  8km
• Start / Finish Points:  Villa O’Higgins

Patagonia is known for its spectacular glacial landscapes and what better opportunity than to view them by hiking the Laguna Tigre Sur, a moderately difficult hike into some of the most densely populated region of glaciers.

This particular hike is best undertaken with the expertise of a local guide due to it being slightly confusing in regards to finding the correct track to take.

But don’t let that put you off visiting this glaciated area, as Laguna Tigre Sur offers a look into the wilder side of Patagonia, with the odd tricky ridge walk leading you to nearly undiscovered views, glaciers and mountain peaks.

High above the Glaciar Tigre is the Cordon Nevado where chilling winds and extreme temperatures can make things difficult so come prepared for the cold.

There are two side trips to choose from or you can do both with camping spots available. The first side trip leads to the base of the larger Glaciar Tigre Sur where wild flowers thrive in small pockets.

There are a few sections which require the use of your hands to navigate smaller gaps in the larger boulders. At the end of the trail its icebergs galore! Allow 2 hours for this side trip.

The 2 nd  side trip continues onto the smaller glacier known as Glaciar Tigre, taking you past large gorges, pristine streams and colourful meadows. Allow 3 hours for this side trip and return the same way you came.

• Time Required:  2 days
• Start / Finish Points:  Villa O’Higgins

Similar to what Laguna Tigre Sur provides in terms of glacial views, Valle Rio Moscu is an easy walk generally hiked in 2 days in order to explore a heavily glaciated valley towered by Patagonia’s famous jagged mountain tops.

Hiking at Valle Rio Moscu has a few tricky components such as small stream crossings, best to be taken when the river is low (check with local guides when this is).

The Rio Moscu is a fast-flowing river fed by smaller streams originating from the Cordon de Villa O’Higgins range, while glacial melt from the Ventisquero Rio Moscu contributes an overwhelming amount of water to the raging river.

Ideally it’s best to spend 2 days in the valley as you can explore a spectacular frozen world sitting high in the mountains above.

Camping is available at Refugio Rio Moscu, approximately halfway along the Rio Moscu.

• Days Required:  4 days
• Distance:  62km
• Difficulty:  Moderate to demanding
• Start / Finish Points:  Las Horquetas Grandes to Villa Cerro Castillo

This 4-day trek will take you through majestic alpine landscapes guaranteed to lead you to plummeting waterfalls, isolated glaciers tucked away into the mountainous backdrops which you will find yourself immersed.

Cerro Castillo is a culmination of everything you think Patagonia is, all jam packed into this one epic Patagonian trek.

It will put you to the test with river crossings in freezing glacial waters, and parts of it needing spot-on navigational skills. Although tracks are well-trodden, they can be impeded by Patagonia’s wild untamed weather.

The whole hike consists of weaving in and out of a valley where mountains range from 1500 metres to a massive 2,675 metres of Cerro Castillo.

Camping is available the whole way along the trek, allowing you to take your time on one of Patagonia’s lesser known hikes which is increasing in popularity.

To gain a different perspective of Cerro Castillo, opt for the side trip into Upper Valle Parada, adding an additional 3 kilometres to your trek, where small lakes such as Laguna Duff remain hidden gems and well worth the extra few hours’ efforts.

The hike finishes at Villa Cerro Castillo, which can be taken by following either the Rio Ibanez or the adjacent path at Morro Rojo peak.  

• Days Required:  1 to 2 hours
• Distance: 3.5km
• Start / Finish Points: Caleta Gonzalo

Pumalin Park is one of the world’s most remarkable nature reserves, not just because it is absolutely stunning, but because it would have been wiped off the planet if it wasn’t for a one awesome human being.

Doug Tompkins, the founder of the adventure gear company North Face, bought 400’000 hectares of land that was under threat from logging companies and turned it into a privately-owned by public-accessed park.

He later donated it to the Chilean government under the condition it would continue to be protected. The government agreed, adding more land to it, and today it is South America’s largest national park.

Pumalin Park can be kayaked if you prefer water, as 4 to 10-day kayak trips are available in this stunning part of the world.

However this article is all about hiking in Patagonia, so your best bet is to go for either those shorter hikes taking up to 30 minutes to the more demanding 8-hour plus hikes.

Cascadas is the one to go for as it showcases  (as the name suggests) ‘cascading’ waterfalls. You will have to navigate through dense forests and wobbly wooden bridges and ladders before you reach the prize at the end of the trail, being the majestic Cascadas Bajas waterfall.

Camping is available at Rio Gonzalo.

The Ultimate Trekking in Patagonia Packing List

Patagonia is certainly one of the most extreme, potentially harsh climates on earth, therefore it’s necessary to be prepared for all conditions months before you venture to the South American continent.

Hiking gear in Patagonia is quite expensive therefore it’s better to have your gear sorted before you travel to your destination. This packing list for hiking in Patagonia should give you a good idea on what to bring.

• Good quality, lightweight tent. Check out our guide to the best backpacking tents to find one that suits your style and budget.
• Thermal layering including top and pants
• Hiking pants, both long and short, or get convertible pants. These should be waterproof, otherwise get a pair of slip-over waterproof pants as well
• Gore-Tex (waterproof) hiking boots
• Quality backpack for hiking
• Down jacket – these puffy jackets are essential for keeping your torso warm
• Rain and wind jacket – make sure you get a quality jacket that doesn’t leak
• Sleeping bag and silk liner – The warmer the sleeping bag the better
• Cold weather gloves – you will need waterproof gloves aswell as a pair of inner gloves to keep your fingers warm
• Plenty of socks (dry socks are the best)
• A beanie – keeping your head warm is essential
• Hiking poles – if you’re carrying a heavy bag, hiking poles will help you balance. They also provide support for your knees.
• Ability to carry sufficient water (5 litres is ideal)
• Food to last the entire hike. You can pre-order food in some of the refugios in Torres del Paine, but that’s about it. Better to be over-prepared and over-fed then the other way around when hiking.

[box] Have you ever been hiking in Patagonia? Leave a comment below and tell us what your favourite trek was![/box]

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Happy to read your post. I found your blog is very useful and informative. Thank you for sharing with us.

Actually, I am planning to hike in Patagonia in December. I hope I will have good weather. I loved your article; fascinating and helpful.

Patagonia is such a special place. Hope you get good weather. Even if you don’t it is still so beautiful in the rain or snow. Happy travels

Why you keep lying that Patagonia is chilean? Patagonia is ONLY on the Argentinian side (EAST of Los Andes.

Mt. Fitz has been high on our list since we saw Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold do the traverse there. I don’t think we’re up to the standards of the traverse but we’d definitely like to do some hiking around there, looks epic!

Great article guys, thanks!

Glad you enjoyed the article. Hope you get to climb Mt Fitz one day. 🙂

Great work guys, will definitely follow you in instagram, could you recommend some good travel companies who can help me with these hiking circuits, will be a solo traveller.

Hi Basu, thank you so much. We did our hikes through Eco Camp and they were brilliant. They have nice accommodation. We did not go with any other agent. 🙂

Thanks for this comprehensive list of treks near El Chalten. Could you tell me how is the biking scene in the town? I am a cyclist and love to ride in new places I visit. I was planning to take my bike on my trip to El Chalten, but not sure if it will be a good idea.

Glad this article could help. We didn’t go biking ourselves in El Chalten so we can not say about the treks. We are sure there is some in the area. If you contact one of the adventure tour companies they may be able to help. All the best and have a great time.

Fantastic blog! For the short hikes ie. <5 hours, are the trails easy to follow or well marked or do we need to know how to navigate? Thank you!

Thank you so much. Yes the paths are easy to follow and there are signage. You do have to have your own wheels to get to some of the hikes as the tourist shuttle doesn’t go near the beginning of them. Have a great time

This was great! Thanks! I know the answer to this, but I’m going to ask it anyways. Since there are camping spots along the way, are there toilets? Should we buy biodegradable TP for the day hikes?

Hi Sam, there are toilets at the campgrounds. Surprisingly all of them are flush toilets. Toilet paper is provided but always bring your own as the toilets run out. When you are hiking and need to use the bush toilet. Please bury your business and pick up your toilet paper. Thanks

Great Post, looking forward to exploring Patagonia.

Thank you so much

Love your blog 🙂 I wish I had more money to travel, cos nothing is better then collecting memories while traveling.

Thank you so much Miljan. Collecting memories is beautiful

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Patagonia Trekking & Hiking Tours

We are patagonia travel specialists with over 20 years of experience in leading & operating guided hiking groups in patagonia's national parks. we take our clients on the trip of a lifetime, based on each individual's budget, preferences and expectations..

Discover the best places to hike in Chile and Patagonia on our trips. Over the past two decades, we have spent countless months exploring the undiscovered gems of Chile. We've hiked the classic trails in Patagonia's National Parks and discovered hidden paths and remote glaciers on our exploration tours of Tierra del Fuego . We crossed the arid Atacama Desert in northern Chile in our trusty jeep and climbed gigantic volcanoes in the Altiplano.

BEST PLACES TO HIKE IN PATAGONIA

WHY MOSER ACTIVE?

• PASSION - We are a team of trekking enthusiasts, outdoor experts, nature lovers and adventurers with an incredible passion for Patagonia, its people, its culture and its traditions.
• EXPERTISE - You have our full attention during the planning phase of your trip and we offer you comprehensive advice and all our expertise to guarantee you an unforgettable travel experience.
• COMMITMENT - "You will never walk alone" - means that we take care of you before, during and after your trip. We communicate quickly, precisely and comprehensively and you can contact us at any time during your trip.
• PLANNING SECURITY - Solo travelers, couples or a group of friends can join one of our confirmed guided hiking and trekking group tours with weekly departures or ask for private or independent trip.

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Choose from our range of incredible active adventures in Patagonia, all expertly guided and carefully designed for an unforgettable vacation.

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Argentina & Chile Patagonia Hiking with Premier Lodging Tour

Argentina Classic Patagonia Private Hiking Tour

Argentina & Chile Patagonia to the Sea Hiking & Cruising Tour

Chile & Argentina Ultimate Patagonia Hiking Tour

Chile Patagonia W-Route Private Trekking Tour

Custom Patagonia Adventures

The mt sobek experience.

MT Sobek pioneered Patagonia adventure tours with our first commercial Patagonia trekking trip in the 1970s. Today we offer a range of classic hiking adventures that showcase the best of Patagonia, from Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park to Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park and the fabled W Route —one of the world’s top 10 treks—plus expedition cruising around Cape Horn . Along the way, you’ll enjoy an immersive experience as you explore hidden places and meet local people. We also make sure that you eat great food and sleep well in comfortable lodgings, while we take care of the logistics every step of the way.

Looking for a custom Patagonia adventure for your own private group? Create your own personalized journey to this bucket-list destination with our expert custom team! Please call 800-974-0300 for details or fill out a custom trip request form here .

Expert Guides

Our hiking and cruising adventures in Patagonia are guided by local professional guides, who are highly trained in safety procedures and follow Leave No Trace principles. As well as being fun and friendly, they’ll give you an immersive, insider experience—both on and off the beaten path. Many are so popular that people return to hike with them year after year!

On the Trail

There is nothing better than being out on the trail in Torres del Paine or Los Glaciares, feeling the breeze on your face and the rush of a spectacular view. Hiking days generally start early, after breakfast, and cover around 5 to 15 miles per day. Some days may include steep mountain paths, but there are plenty of rest stops on the way—plus a hearty lunch and dinner (per your itinerary).

Choice Accommodations

After an inspiring day of hiking and trekking, recount your tales from the trail and recharge with a delicious dinner. Then, slumber in a range of accommodations that match your chosen adventure—from luxury lodges and boutique hotels to deluxe wilderness camping. We always aim to pick unique and characterful accommodations that make your trip special.

Custom & Private Adventures

Hike Chile’s untamed wilderness on a fully supported “O” Circuit trek or explore the beauty of Torres del Paine National Park at your own pace. Mix it up with horseback riding at a traditional Estancia or kayaking on pristine lakes. Witness the incredible Iguazu Falls and Perito Moreno Glacier, or take a fjord cruise to Cape Horn. Stay at a range of accommodations from perfectly located cabins to luxury hotels.

Small-Ship Cruising

Cruise Cape Horn on the new Ventus Australis, a 210-passenger expedition vessel, tailor-made for exploring the remote southern tip of South America. Designed for the extreme maneuverability needed to navigate narrow fjords and channels, the ship also features gourmet dining with an all-inclusive bar, three lounges, an open top deck, and spacious light-filled cabins.

Adventures for Your Skill Level

Our Patagonia adventures include hiking in spectacular wilderness terrain, including mountains, glacial valleys, and desert steppes. All are moderate to strenuous trips, with a Level 3 or Level 4 activity rating, and we recommend training for your adventure in advance. Patagonia is the perfect place to reach your goals and return invigorated!

What Our Guests Say

It’s true that our guests say it best! “MT Sobek has created a marvelous experience in the heart of Patagonia, exposing hikers to all the wonderful scenery, people and history this incredibly beautiful place has to offer.” Coleen S. “Thank you MT Sobek for the trip of my lifetime! The Patagonia adventure exceeded my expectations in all respects and has renewed my spirit and filled my heart with joy!” Maria S.

We Are Committed to Conservation

MT Sobek is proud to work with local guides and outfitters around the globe who are committed to following Leave No Trace principles and exploring the outdoors responsibly. Everywhere we go, we seek to drive awareness of fragile ecosystems to help support their long-term sustainability.

Plan Your Trip

We offer a range of active adventures in Patagonia, and our goal is to make it easy to find the perfect itinerary for your desired destination and skill level . Here’s a handy guide from our trusted team of adventure experts.

Choose Your Adventure

There are three main ways to explore Patagonia: by foot on a hiking adventure; on a multi-adventure with hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding; or on a small-ship cruise (with a hiking option). Some adventures are in Chile or Argentina , while others are in both.

Choose Your Style

As well as scheduled group departures, we can also accommodate private groups or create fully customized adventures. Call us on 800-974-0300 to find out more about our custom and private adventures .

Choose Your Dates

The best time to visit Patagonia is from December to March, which is summer in the southern hemisphere. Although gusty Patagonian winds can pick up at any time, this is when the weather is mildest with mostly blue skies. Temperatures are generally cooler in November and April, but the former brings spring flowers and the latter is lovely for fall foliage.

Ask an Expert

We want you to have the best adventure, so don’t hesitate to call our expert team of adventure specialists at 800-974-0300 to learn more. Or click the button to use our online contact form.

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Guided Hiking Tours

Argentina | patagonia: the lakes district, lush, ancient forests; brilliant blue lakes; and massive volcanoes..

• "I'd recommend having Dave and Eileen run a guided trip to Japan or the south island of New Zealand and we'll sign up and let you know if it was a good idea. Would travel with them anywhere! There seems to be a very good match in the types of hikes that Ryder-Walker would pick and that we would pick. Same for the hotels and the restaurants." - Bill Y and Elizabeth D.
• "This trip to Patagonia was new this year and I go to be on the maiden voyage. It was VERY fun, challenging, and the other trekkers were wonderful. Argentina is beautiful, unpopulated country. The Argentinian people were very kind and went out of their way to assist in any way." - Joan Allan
• "Don’t change a thing. It was perfect! Everything was exceptional!" - Tricia L.

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Trip  Highlights :

Huge views of the andes mountains, the longest continental mountain range in the world., mountain climbing, sparkling lakes, beach picnics, and hut-to-hut hiking all in one tour., welcoming inns every night of the tour. no camping here.

Step into Patagonia, a land of vast steppe grasslands, rugged and beautiful coastlines, endless foothills, and forests of indigenous trees. Patagonia’s lakes and rivers sparkle with infinite hues of blue while the massive volcanoes and jagged granite peaks of the Andean cordillera (the longest continental mountain range in world) rise abruptly against the skyline.

It is no secret that Patagonia boasts a wild reputation due to its rugged geography, strong winds, intrepid bandits (Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid were outlaws here), and the countless explorers that have chronicled their bold and heroic adventures. But Patagonia has a sophisticated side too, exemplified by welcoming inns, an elaborate trail system for hikers, well-appointed hiker’s huts and, of course, delicious food. We’ve developed an itinerary that centers on these luxuries, the crystalline lakes that comprise the “Lakes District” of Patagonia, and the intriguing little towns tucked along the famous Ruta 40.

We begin this 10-day inn-to-inn hiking tour of Patagonia in the famous resort town of  San Carlos de Bariloche . Bariloche is the “Chocolate Capital of Argentina” and the preeminent gateway city to all things Patagonia. We sample the flavors of Bariloche then transfer to the idyllic mountain enclave of El Bolsón . Spend the next two days hiking along the crystal waters of the  Cajon del Azul (the Blue Canyon), sampling homemade beer, tea, and pastries in cozy mountain huts, and summiting the Cerro Piltriquitron (7,415 ft/2,260 m), with its 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and the Patagonian Andes Mountains.

Transfer north to the sublimely beautiful peninsula known as Llao Llao. Hike up the Cerro Lopez (7,178 ft/2,188 m), one of the most famous alpine peaks of the region, and take in the grand views while sipping coffee on the deck of a perfectly positioned climber’s hut.

Continue the hiking tour with a boat ride across the area’s largest lake, Lago Nahuel Huapi . Once off the boat, we enjoy a hike through Los Arrayanes National Park . The park was created in 1971 to protect its forest of rare cinnamon colored Arrayan trees. Walk through the park and enjoy great views of Andes Mountains .  Next stop is San Martín de los Andes  where we enjoy two hikes including a summit of Cerro Colorado (Mount Red), at 5,833 feet.

Finish this hiking tour through Patagonia by returning to San Carlos de Baraloche.

2019 Private Guided Highlight Video

Video credit: Ryder-Walker guide, Dave Nesis

Learn more about the Patagonia: The Lakes District destination

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - san carlos de bariloche.

Arrive in Bariloche, the gateway to the Northern Patagonian Lakes District. Bariloche has grown from a tranquil town on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi to a popular mountain destination of choice amongst the Argentine elite. Bariloche is also the chocolate capital of Argentina, with shops lining the streets of its main shopping district. Meet the group for welcome drinks and dinner at 7 pm.

Day 2 - Bariloche to El Bolsón

After breakfast we transfer by van 1.5-2 hrs south to the laid back village of El Bolsón, its name translating literally to “handbag” as it sits tucked between two high ranges. We hike up the Rio Azul en route to the Cajon de   Azul, or Blue Canyon, encountering amazingly clear blue water, multiple bridge crossings, and quaint refugios.

Distance: 9.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1500 ft.

Day 3 - El Bolsón – Piltri

Today we drive south to the outskirts of Bolsón and up to the trailhead to Cerro Piltriquitron, or Piltri, as the locals call it. After an hour of ascent we arrive at the refugio for a quick break. From the refugio we continue our ascent to the upper slopes of Piltri, where we have the option of taking in the magnificent views from a stopping point or we can continue on to the summit for amazing 360 degree views of the Patagonian Andes. On the way back down we can stop by the refugio for a coffee or tea and sample some of the homemade baked goods, or postres, they have to offer.

Distance: 6 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3800 ft.

Day 4 - El Bolsón – Llao Llao

This morning we head north, skirting around the backside of bustling Bariloche, to the Llao Llao Peninsula and our trailhead for Cerro López. From the trailhead we climb through the forest to our first stop at Roca Negra, or Black Rock, a small hut in which we can enjoy a coffee or tea break. From there we continue our climb to Refugio López with unmatched views of the Llao Llao peninsula and Lago Nahuel Haupi. We then descend via the same route back to the van for quick transport. Tonight we stay at a lovely hotel in Llao Llao.

Distance: 6 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2400 ft.

Day 5 - Refugio Frey

A little elevation boost via gondola and lift at Cerro Catedral ski area takes us to our trailhead where we start our classic hike. After a short climb to Punto Paradiso we begin the long traverse enjoying spectacular views into the Rucoca Valley and to the glaciated mighty Monte Tronador in the distance. From the Cancha de Futbol, Football Pitch Col, we drop down to Laguna Schmoll and on to Refugio Frey on the eastern shores of Laguna Toncek. Refugio Frey is famous for hosting the many rock climbers who scale the jagged granite spires in the surrounding area. After a rest we continue down through the forest, passing Refugio Piedras, and finish our long day back in the parking lot of Cerro Catedral Ski Center. Following a well-earned beverage we transfer back to the hotel in Llao Llao.  

Distance: 10.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 640/3800 ft.

Day 6 - Llao Llao – San Martín de los Andes

After a transfer around Lago Nahuel Huapi we disembark at the northern tip of the Quetrihue Peninsula and Los Arrayanes National Park. The park was founded in 1971 to protect its forest of rare cinnamon colored Arrayan trees. Today’s hike is a very casual out and back stroll through the forest offering great views of the Cordillera de los Andes and Bahia Brava. Once we arrive back at the northern end of the peninsula we hop into the van for the 2 hr drive to one of our favorite villages in Argentina, San Martin de los Andes.  

Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 250/400 ft.

Day 7 - Mapuche Settlement, Lago Lacar, Mirador Bandurrias

We hike from our hotel in San Martin around the bay up to the Mapuche settlement of Curruhinca, and on down to a lovely little beach on the shores of Lago Lácar named La Islita, meaning little island. Following a beach lunch we wander back up through Curruhinca to a fantastic overlook named Mirador Bandurrias, overlooking Lago Lácar. Retracing our steps we hike back towards San Martin via a series of singletrack trails weaving down through the hillside overlooking the idyllic little bay on which San Martin sits. Once back to town we should have ample time to explore this lovely little village.

Distance: 6.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1200 ft.

Day 8 - Cerro Colorado Summit

Today we hike the 5,833-foot peak of Cerro Colorado (Mount Red), an extinct volcano with breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding Andes Mountains and Lácar basin below, with its crystal clear lakes including Lácar and Lolog. We return to our hotel for another relaxing night.

Distance: 6 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2530 ft

Day 9 - San Martin de los Andes – San Carlos de Bariloche

Today is somewhat of a travel day as we drive south back to Bariloche via the famously beautiful Ruta 40. We should arrive back in Bariloche by mid-day and have the option of a half-day hike, or you can take a walking tour of Bariloche’s Centro Civico and its main commercial shopping streets.   We overnight in Bariloche and enjoy a final dinner celebration.

Day 10 - Depart

Awake to a delicious breakfast, then depart.

Trip Rating

Trip Ratings Explained

Guided Tour

Bookings Closed for March 6 – 15, 2024

BOOK NOW March 6 – 15, 2025 Guided Trip

Pricing $7,000 per person double Single (+$1350)

**Minimum of four people required to run this tour

Private Guided Tour

Late December – Mid-March 

Pricing *$10,650 per person double Single (+$1350)

*Price based on a group of four

Please contact us to schedule a private guided tour.

Trip Profile

9 nights/10 days Hiking up to 10.5 miles Ascents up to 2530 ft

Accommodations

9 nights charming three-star inns and superior four-star hotels.

Breakfast + Dinner

Breakfast and dinner included daily.

Luggage Transfer

All nights; limit one piece per person, no more than 50 lbs.

Transportation

All transfers incidental to itinerary beginning in Bariloche are included.

Arrival and Departure: San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.

*Note: Buenos Aires is served by two airports: Eziza (EZE) for international flights; and Jorge Newbery (AEP), also referred to as "Aeroparque" for domestic flights.

Patagonia: the lakes district | argentina.

• Name * First Last

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As Seen In:

Hiking in Tierra del Fuego, Chile, and Argentina

• Ultimate Patagonia

Argentina, Chile

From $11,595

Moderate to Strenuous

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

With over four decades of exploring Patagonia, we've honed our journeys to perfection. There is so much to see in this incredible realm that we feel strongly you shouldn't rush this trip. We take the time to get you to all the iconic highlights, from the storied Beagle Channel to the soaring spires of Fitz Roy in Argentina and Torres del Paine in Chile. We'll visit penguin colonies in Tierra del Fuego, and in Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine national parks, hike the classic trails plus our "secret hikes" with Patagonia's grandeur all to ourselves!

Arrive: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Depart: Punta Arenas, Chile

• Hike in the world-famous national parks of Los Glaciares (Argentina) and Torres del Paine (Chile)
• Enjoy a choice of shorter or longer hiking options on many days
• Explore Tierra del Fuego at the very tip of South America
• Stay in boutique estancias and lodges—two are exclusive to our group

After exploring Buenos Aires, we fly south to Ushuaia, only 600 miles from Antarctica. We’ll get a taste of this austral realm and look for penguins on our explorations in Tierra del Fuego National Park along the Beagle Channel, named for the HMS Beagle .

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

At time of reservation: $600 90 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge! 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
• Accommodations in hotels and lodges
• All meals included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• A glass of wine or beer with dinner
• All land and boat transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Palladio Hotel

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Day 1 (1 night)

Fueguino Hotel Patagónico

Ushuaia, Argentina

Days 2-3 (2 nights)

Hostería El Pilar

El Chaltén, Argentina

Days 4-7 (4 nights)

Estancia Helsingfors

Lago Viedma, Argentina

Days 8-9 (2 nights)

Mirador del Lago Hotel

El Calafate, Argentina

Day 10 (1 night)

Hotel Lago Grey

Paine National Park, Chile

Days 11-12 (2 nights)

Alternate Accomodation:

Hotel Las Torres

Days 13-14 (2 nights)

Hotel Cabo de Hornos

Punta Arenas, Chile

Day 15 (1 night)

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Franco Baldinelli

Carlos Leon

Cecilia Lorenzo

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated  Level 4, Moderate to Strenuous,  according to our trip grading system, with 10 hiking days. The hiking will be physically demanding at times, but we do offer shorter options on the longer hikes. For the most part, the trails are not overly difficult, but the approaches and descents can be somewhat steep, and the conditions can at times be rocky or muddy. All the hikes take place below 4,000 feet, so altitude acclimatization is not an issue. Please note that the Trip Leader may make adjustments to the itinerary and hiking routes, depending on local weather and trail conditions.

We recommend you make a special effort to get in good physical condition for this trip. The better condition you are in, the more you will enjoy your experience. We suggest you begin training several months before departure. Start gradually by doing hikes, running, using a Stairmaster, or riding bikes. The object is to improve your overall aerobic capacity and get your hiking muscles limbered up. Even a brisk 30-45 minute walk every other day over moderately steep terrain can do wonders for your conditioning, and it's a great way to break in your hiking boots.

We time our trips for Patagonia's ideal hiking weather, which is from late November through early March, when we can enjoy the mildest temperatures and 16 hours of daylight. November (spring) is blessed with wildflowers and March (fall) offers the start of spectacular fall foliage. With its deep southern latitude, you might expect Patagonia's weather to be more "polar" than it really is. In fact, the austral summer temperatures are relatively moderate. During Patagonia's summer months (November through March in the Southern Hemisphere), the thermometer rarely drops below 40°F and will usually reach into the high 60s°F and even low 70s°F during the day. Nevertheless, the weather is radically changeable. Rain, sleet, and snow can occur at any time—perhaps just a few hours before or after sunny skies and 70°F temperatures.

The enormous, unbroken stretches of ocean to the west and south of the tip of South America leave the Patagonian Andes exposed to strong and persistent winds. Winds circling the globe between latitudes of 40s°F and 60s°F have little obstruction when they reach the tip of South America. Experiencing these winds is almost inevitable on any Patagonian journey. For most part, you can expect winds of 9 to 13 miles per hour, but they can occasionally gust much higher, quickly "cooling down" an otherwise pleasant day. Prepare for this by wearing layered clothing and always having rain and/or wind protection handy.

Our spectacularly located estancias and lodges are a highlight of the trip, and we often have these entire lodges to ourselves. Please remember, though, that rooms in these unique places are not always of uniform or international size. Our Trip Leaders try their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. In addition, please note that many hotels and lodges in Patagonia have twin-bedded rooms. Very few have "matrimonial" rooms (rooms with a double bed). While we can request a double-bedded room for you if you ask us well in advance, we cannot guarantee it. Single rooms in Patagonian lodges tend to come in small sizes in exchange for the privacy they afford.

There are some long driving days on this trip, and although we have a very comfortable vehicle, everyone should be prepared for stretches of bumpy road conditions

Extend Your Trip

Iguazu Falls Extension

From $1,450

Tierra del Fuego Cruise, Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

From $2,375

Client Testimonials

"This was an exceptionally designed trip. Words cannot do justice to the scenery and natural abundance in that part of the world, and it was apparent we took advantage of it as much as possible."

Grosse Pointe Park, MI

"This trip to Patagonia was one of the best experiences of my entire life. Every part of it was well thought out. I will always hold the time I spent in Patagonia under the guidance of Wilderness Travel as one of the finest memories of my entire life. "

Palo Alto, CA

"This was our first trip with Wilderness Travel, and we were truly spoiled! Our accommodations were simply the best, the group was congenial and lots of fun, we had unbelievably good food on the entire trip, and our trip leader was fabulous. The hikes took us to spectacular scenery that we could only see from hiking there. We also had the luxury of hiking some trails in relative solitude, which was wonderful. I also enjoyed the extra experiences—visiting the working estancia and seeing the sheep herding dog in action, and watching the owner shear a sheep."

Corvallis, OR

"It was amazing, the trip of a lifetime. The vast wild open beauty of the Patagonian landscape captured my heart."

"Could not have been improved upon. Even the WEATHER was on our side!"

Westmoreland, NH

"Amazing trip! Excellent trip leaders and extremely knowledgeable guides made this a real learning experience as well as a lot of fun!"

Thetford Center, VT

"I highly recommend this trip. The itinerary was fabulous, and everything ran like a Swiss watch, on time, seamlessly, and happily."

Kirkland, WA

"Great scenery, great itinerary, great hikes."

Bill and Kathleen H.

Lafayette, CA

"The trip was spectacular. Every day managed to amaze and thrill. I'd have thought we'd eventually get jaded, but no!"

Carmel Valley, CA

"Having access to this magical landscape with its startlingly beautiful scenery is a gift like no other . . . thank you for making it accessible. As I tell my friends, with WT, you just have to show up and hike!"

"This was a tremendous experience and I am so glad I did it. Wilderness Travel planned a wonderful itinerary. Thank you for doing all you do."

Portland, OR

"One of the top 4 trips I have taken. The guide, people in the group, itinerary, weather, everything was great. How can each day be better than the past? Somehow it was."

St. Simons Island, GA

"Magnificent scenery, fantastic Trip Leader, excellent local guides, great food, and a fun group of participants made for a wonderful trip!"

Charlaine D.

Philadelphia PA

"This was an amazing experience. The group size was perfect, the itinerary well paced, the Trip Leaders outstanding."

Christine S.

Redwood City, CA

"Everything about this trip was top rate. What truly sets Wilderness Travel apart from other adventure outfitters we've used is the attention to detail...the small things and the welcomed surprises along the way."

Gainesville, FL

"A 5-star experience—unforgettable, well organized, planned, paced."

New York, NY

"The trip was fabulous and everything I hoped for and expected."

Marshall, NC

"Hiking in Patagonia has long been a dream of mine. My dream has come true and the trip exceeded my expectations. What beautiful country!"

Danville, CA

"The trip was seamless and smoothly run under all conditions and weather. The itinerary was appealing and comprehensive. All our friends are jealous and we’ll be dining out on this trip for a long time."

Ed and Lois B.

Washington, DC

"The trip totally surpassed my expectations. Patagonia was absolutely breathtaking and one of the most spectacular travels I have had so far."

Elizabeth C.

Toronto, Ontario

"This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, led by a constellation of talented professionals. The itinerary gave us a strong sense of this wondrous place called Patagonia. I saw beauty that left me speechless, learned about and saw some of Patagonia's wondrous natural world—from glaciers to penguins, from the beauty of hidden lagoons to guanaco to pink flamingo—and, on the trail and off, experienced camaraderie that enriched the entire experience."

Elizabeth W.

Hillsborough, NC

"Beautifully structured trip covering key Patagonia locales in the time allotted. The hikes and glacier walk were fabulous."

"A lifetime dream and it met my expectations!"

Salt Lake City, UT

"Of all 9 of our wonderful WT adventures, Ultimate Patagonia is one of our most memorable. The combination of outstanding WT staff and a truly magical place (plus the good fortune of great weather) made this trip a ‘life list’ experience for us!"

Wrightsville Beach, NC

"This was the best group trip I have been on. Well-organized, great leaders, best group of people I've traveled with, interesting accommodations, extremely well orchestrated."

"We have trekked all over the world. This trip offered some of the most impressive scenery and most knowledgeable guides we've experienced."

"Impeccable itinerary and outstanding implementation. Every day delivered a new 'oh my' because of the variety of the scenery and experiences. Thanks, Wilderness Travel!"

Meyersdale, PA

"This was an amazing trip. There are likely few more beautiful places in the world, the guides were fantastic, and the hotels and food great."

Fremont, CA

"A great trip! Very well coordinated and all staff were professional, knowledgeable, helpful, and easy to deal with. Will recommend it to my friends."

"A fabulous itinerary, with spectacular scenery and hiking opportunities, wildlife, lodge comfort, quality dining, and no altitude—wow!"

"You could not have designed a better itinerary. Every day, every lodge, every meal, every experience was (unbelievably) better than the day before. Thank you for making this a phenomenal travel experience that I'll remember for a lifetime."

Belle Isle, FL

"I have seen a lot of beautiful places, but none more beautiful than Patagonia. Every day was a new and amazing hike with unimaginable views."

Orlando, FL

"I am very impressed with the exceptional organization and design of this trip—each day was better than the prior! From the smooth transfers, our outstanding guides and driver, to the spectacular hiking and views—all exceeded expectations!"

Englewood, CO

"This was a trip of a lifetime. I loved, loved, loved the hiking, the views, the corners turned to find a spectacular glacial lake, towering rocks, a glacier swooping down, a waterfall. What more could a person want??"

Riverside, RI

"We loved the variety, from penguins and glaciers to high deserts and craggy mountains, and loved learning about an area we both truly knew nothing about."

Linda and Bob Doyle S.

"Wow! What an adventure. I really enjoyed it from start to finish."

Hilton Head Is., SC

"We had excellent weather, an awesome group of people, and a wonderful leader in Carlos Leon. And, we were in Patagonia! That's never a bad thing."

Pittsburgh, PA

"One of the best trips we’ve been on!"

Maureen and Frank B.

Millerton, NY

"We loved the all-day hikes and also appreciated having options on some hikes."

Nancy and Tom F.

Sarasota, FL

"The trip design and splendor of Patagonia make this trip a wonderful experience in every respect! I can't imagine better hikes in a more spectacular setting. Every day was interesting and new. The trip leaders were great, the flora and fauna were interesting, and the variety of activities made for a trip that exceeded every expectation."

Indianapolis, IN

"We loved the trip. The scenery is fantastic, and the extension to Iguazu Falls was a highlight."

La Jolla, CA

"The combination of civilized amenities and virtually untouched natural wonders delighted me throughout the trip."

Los Angeles, CA

"No adjectives could do justice to this trip. Every bend, every crest on the trail unveiled a new and indescribably beautiful scene—the scale and power of Fitzroy or the Paine Towers looming above, lakes and glaciers in every imaginable shade of blue, a sky full of stars at Chalten. Each day’s hike left us in awe of the majesty of nature."

Madison, WI

"This was a truly exceptional trip where we felt that we were able to fully experience the Patagonian wilderness but from the relative comfort of some wonderful small hotels and estancias."

Croton-On-Hudson, NY

"The trip design was brilliant. Each day we thought we had captured “the prize” but the next day was even better. How did you do this?"

Washington, D.C.

"Our first with WT! We loved it. You have a first-class operation."

Richard and Margaret T.

"Ultimate Patagonia must be your flagship trip. It is spectacular and runs like a well oiled machine with personality."

West Hartford, CT

"It was a magical experience with every effort possible made to assure that we fully came to appreciate the beauty and culture of Patagonia. And, more to the point, to assure that we enjoyed some of the best hiking we will ever do."

Thetford, VT

"Really a fantastic trip. One of the best we have ever taken."

"Wilderness Travel is always a class act, which is why this is our 3rd WT trip."

San Carlos, CA

"We were blessed with exceptional weather, so our days in Patagonia were magical and majestic. We also had a great group of travelers and that was just fun! Will highly recommend this to my friends!"

Colorado Springs, CO

"This was an amazing trip with gorgeous scenery, awesome hiking, a great guide, and wonderful places to stay."

Bethesda, MD

"The trip exceeded my expectations. Each day was a new adventure, and each hike always ended with something new and beautiful to look at."

"The planning and execution of the trip was flawless. It was a great way to see this large area in a limited amount of time."

"I loved the trip—a great experience you could never have on your own."

Rye Brook, NY

"I had the best possible experience in Patagonia with this trip—the right combination of great hiking, beautiful scenery, traveling with friends, and having great leaders."

Carbondale, CO

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Trip Download Itin

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

Patagonia Tours & Vacations

Sandwiched between two oceans and sprawled across two countries. Patagonia is as ‘end-of-the-world’ as it gets.

Advancing glaciers, gushing waterfalls, snow-topped granite pillars…it’s no wonder Chile and Argentina both stake a claim over this beautiful slice of South America . Where else can you hike past herds of guanaco, hear giant shards of ice crash into the sea, sail the Beagle Channel past unique flora and fauna, and drop by the world’s southernmost city? If anywhere makes you feel small, it’s Patagonia. Adventure to the end of the world and appreciate our planet at its most wild and spectacular. 

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Patagonia travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Where is Patagonia?

Patagonia is a geographical region located at the southern tip of South America.

It spans the lower sections of Argentina and Chile and is governed by both countries.

Do I need a visa to visit Patagonia?

You will need to organize your visa. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information.

Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date information specific to your nationality.

Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

What is the weather like in Patagonia?

Patagonia is much cooler than the rest of South America. With diverse terrain ranging from glaciers to mountains and coastlines, the region sees extreme variations in weather.

Average temperatures range from 48-64°F in summer and 32-43°F in winter, but sub-zero temperatures are common.

The weather can be unpredictable at any time of year, and it feels much cooler when there are strong winds.

Snow is possible towards the end of autumn (May), and continues into winter with heavy snowfall down south and in the mountains.

When is the best time to visit Patagonia?

October to March (spring/summer) is considered to be the best time to visit Patagonia; this is when most of our trips run. During this period, daytime temperatures average up to 72°F, but it's a chilly 39°F at night.

Rain and strong winds are possible at any time of year and can make the temperature feel much cooler.

Is tipping customary in Patagonia?

Tipping in Patagonia is common, but only when you’re satisfied with the service.

Aim for 10-15% of a bill at a restaurant or cafe as a general guide (if it’s not included already).

It’s also common to give hotel porters, drivers and other staff a small tip.

What is internet access like in Patagonia?

You will find wi-fi in most hotels, cafes and restaurants in large towns and cities, but it can be harder to find as you venture to more remote areas.

You may wish to buy a local SIM card if you want to stay in contact with folks at home, but a phone signal can still be patchy in remote areas.

What are the toilets like in Patagonia?

You will find Western-style flushable toilets in Patagonia.

It is a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they’re not always provided.

Just note that while the toilets are modern, the plumbing isn’t and can clog easily, so you may see signs asking you not to flush toilet paper and use the bin provided instead.

What is ATM access like in Patagonia?

ATMs are available in larger towns and cities but are less common in small villages or rural areas.

Make sure you have enough cash before leaving urban areas.

Argentina uses the Argentinean Peso, while Chile uses the Chilean Peso. It might also be worth bringing some US dollars.

Can I use my credit card in Patagonia?

Credit cards may not be accepted in small towns and rural areas.

Make sure to carry enough cash when visiting rural areas in case credit cards are not an option.

What to pack for Patagonia

Please check your Essential Trip Information for a complete list of packing suggestions for your itinerary.

These are the basics you will need to bring for an active adventure in Patagonia:

• Closed-in, waterproof walking shoes/hiking boots

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)

Rucksack and day bag

Reusable water bottle

Thermal base layers

Hiking clothing

Waterproof/windproof jacket

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

2025 Patagonia Non-Hiking Photo Tour

El chaltén & torres del paine in the fall.

Patagonia is one of the most beautiful regions on Earth . Its massive glaciers, towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and pristine Patagonian forests make for some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes to photograph. Additionally, it’s home to stunning wildlife like pumas, guanacos, condors, the Magellanic woodpecker, and more!

Join us to photograph all of these highlights while we explore Chile and Argentina together. If you’ve ever wanted to photograph the wonders of Patagonia without having to do strenuous hikes , this photography tour will be right down your alley.

We are running this Chilean and Argentine Patagonia photo tour in April   2025, during the best time of year to photograph the spectacular Patagonia forests’ fall colors and when the parks are less crowded.

• Drop-off at El Calafate Airport (FTE)
• Transportation during the trip in a private bus with ample space
• Fuel and parking fees
• Border crossing fees
• Accomodation in hotels in shared rooms with private bathrooms
• Entrance ticket to Torres del Paine National Park
• Entrance ticket to Glaciar Perito Moreno
• Local guides in Argentina and Chile
• Puma tracking tour
• Photography instruction from two professional landscape photographers
• Access to the Capture the Atlas Academy (more info below)

Not Included

• Flights to/from El Calafate Airport
• Private room - Extra $1,200 (*subject to availability)
• Meals, except breakfast at the hotel
• Health/travel insurance
• Telephone, personal expenses, tips, etc. Any other service not mentioned in the "INCLUDED" section.

During this 10-day Patagonia photo adventure , we will visit the most photogenic locations around the picturesque village of El Chaltén in Argentina’s Glariares National Park , as well as the most iconic spots in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, including one full day at the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.

This Patagonia photo tour is mainly focused on enjoying and capturing the best moments of light that the Southern Andean range has to offer, from epic sunrises over Mount Fitz Roy to dramatic lenticular clouds and unforgettable photography sessions at Los Cuernos in Torres del Paine. We will stay in some of the best hotels in the area and close to the best locations so we can eat and sleep comfortably while being able to shoot the main  photography locations in Patagonia .

We will personally help you capture the best possible images and show you the best techniques to shoot any subject in different light conditions: sunrise, sunset, midday, twilight, night, etc.

PATAGONIA PHOTO TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Photo tours in April 2025
• Group size: 12 participants + 2 instructors + 1 local guide.
• Main topics: landscape, mountains, forests, wildlife.
• Main areas : El Chaltén , Perito Moreno Glacier , and Torres del Paine .
• Accommodation is included in top hotels close to the best locations.
• Transportation included in a comfortable bus. All participants get a window and an extra seat.
• All entrance fees to national parks are included.
• Puma tracking in the Chilean Patagonia.

Download the official Patagonia Non-hiking Photo Tour brochure

Is this Patagonia Photo Tour the Right Trip for me?

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Patagonia, but were set back because of the challenging hikes and camping in the cold, we created this trip to give you the best experience without compromising on the beauty. Patagonia is a common bucket list destination for most photographers because of it’s breathtaking landscapes. In the past, visiting this area meant hiking and camping; and while some iconic spots are only accessible through hikes, there are plenty more that have become accessible by car or short walks.

However, we’ll be visiting and photographing many locations, some of which require walking on uneven paths; we’ve also scheduled some short optional hikes to reach a couple of incredible viewpoints. Additionally, we’ll also spend a significant amount of time driving from one location to another, which can also be exhausting. Even without the camping and long hikes, being in good physical shape is fundamental so that you can enjoy the experience.

2024 EL CHALTÉN & TORRES DEL PAINE PHOTO TOUR ITINERARY

The itinerary for our Patagonia photo tour can be flexible . Here, the weather is very changeable and we can experience all four seasons in one day. However, the weather is also one of the best things about Patagonia, since it creates the most dramatic conditions you’ll ever see in the wilderness.

As we know the area very well, our goal will be to photograph the Patagonian landscapes in the best possible conditions, depending on the weather forecast.

We will try to make the most of the light, especially during the sunrises, when the light creates a feast for the eyes by turning the peaks red and orange.

DAY 1: Argentine Patagonia Photo Tour

This Patagonia photo tour will begin at El Calafate in Argentina, where we’ll meet with the rest of the group.

During this first day, we’ll do the welcome speech and briefing. We’ll also do a gear review to make sure we are familiar with our cameras and have the right settings. You’ll then have time to rest from the trip, before going out for our first group dinner.

It’s important to be well-rested because the remaining days will be filled with activities!

DAY 2: Patagonia Photo Tour

On the second day of our Patagonia photography tour , after breakfast, we will leave El Calafate and drive to our first photography spot: Perito Moreno Glacier!

This spectacular mass of ice spreads along 121 square miles and it’s one of the few glaciers in the world in an equilibrium state, with no major changes in its size during the past centuries.

This massive glacier towers above the turquoise waters of an enormous lagoon in Los Glaciares National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s one of the most impressive glaciers in the world. We will spend the morning shooting this gigantic sharp ice field under the fall colors from different viewpoints.

After our Perito Moreno photo excursion , we will then drive to El Chalten to begin the next part of our journey.

The drive takes about 4.5 hours to the world-famous village of El Chaltén . Just an hour before we arrive in El Chaltén, we’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the iconic peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in the distance; these two peaks will be our main photography backgrounds for the next three days.

DAY 3: Patagonia Photo Tour with Camping

On the third day of our Patagonia photography tour , we will wake up early to capture the sunrise at a location near the village. After a short 5-minute walk, we’ll reach our photography spot, from where we’ll be able to see the iconic Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre with the beautiful morning light.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on another adventure to Lago del Desierto . This beautiful lake is located right outside the national park and offers a unique view of the Fitz Roy massif. We’ll take a boat tour to explore the lake and enjoy its views.

On the way to the lake, we’ll make multiple stops to take photos. Once we exit the national park, we’ll be able to fly drones as this area is outside the National Park. The aerial views from this area are just stunning.

To end the day, we’ll make a final stop at a couple of little waterfalls to shoot the last light of the day before returning to our hotel.

DAY 4: Patagonia Photo Tour 

On the fourth day of our Patagonia non-hiking photo tour , we’ll photograph the sunrise at the beautiful Mirador de los Cóndores , very close to town. After a moderate optional walk, we’ll reach this beautiful spot overlooking the town of El Chalten with the breathtaking peaks in the background.

After the morning session, we’ll drive to Puerto Bahía del Túnel to take some daytime images with little icebergs coming from Viedma glacier, with Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in the background. We’ll also take this time to scout for some night photos in case the sky is clear. This spot is one of the best for night photography in the area, thanks to the hills that block the light pollution coming from the town.

After returning to the hotel and getting some rest, we’ll head to the next photo location, where we’ll photograph the last lights of the day: Chorrillo del Salto . This beautiful waterfall close to El Chalten can be reached after a 10 minute walk on flat terrain. Here we’ll use the foliage to frame this stunning subject.

If the sky is clear, we’ll do a short astrophotography session back in Puerto Bahía del Túnel to end the day.

DAY 5: Patagonia Photo Tour

On the fifth day of our Patagonia photo tour , we’ll say goodbye to the charming town of El Chalten and start to make our way to the Chilean part of this trip.

Before we leave Argentina, we’ll make one final stop at the Cañón del Río de las Vueltas to take in the last view of the majestic peaks of Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy, which have been part of our backgrounds for the last few days.

On the way to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, we’ll see wildlife such as guanacos and rheas. The drive will be long, and it includes a border crossing, but we’ll make a couple of stops for lunch and to use the bathroom.

The closer we get to our final destination, the more impressive the scenery will become. We will stay at one of the best hotels in Torres del Paine , with stunning views of the incredible Los Cuernos mountains . We can even take amazing pictures from the hotel’s doorstep!

A few minutes before arriving at the hotel, we’ll stop at the Mirador de Río Serrano to take the first images of this area’s stunning mountains.

DAYS 6-9: Chilean Patagonia Photo Tour

During the next three days , we’ll have the flexibility to shoot in different locations across Torres del Paine National Park during the best light according to the weather forecast, which we will check daily. We’ll access our photo spots via small drives and short walks.

There are endless possibilities to shoot here: beautiful reflections of Los Cuernos , Laguna Amarga , Laguna Azul , the Dead Forest , turquoise lakes, waterfalls, many panoramic views of the mountains, colorful autumn foliage, and even seascapes.

During this trip, we will try to capture some blue hour and night images if conditions allow. We’ll always keep an eye on the conditions for any possible night photography session.

Also, we’ll spend one of the days doing a Patagonia Puma tracking Photo Tour . Pumas are elusive animals and it’s not guaranteed that we’ll see them, but with the help of our professional puma tracker who knows their habitat and understand their behavior, we’ll have higher chances of seeing them. This area in the Patagonia is the best place in the world to witness this beautiful feline. In addition, we’ll probably see other animals, such as guanacos, condors, rheas, armadillos, foxes, and many species of birds.

On our 10th day of the trip, after our last sunrise at Mirador de Los Cuernos , we’ll head back to El Calafate in Argentina, where we’ll spend our last night.

DAY 10: Patagonia Photo Tour

After breakfast, we will pack up and drive you to El Calafate Airport, where we will wrap up this photo adventure across Patagonia . We’ll do one drop-off in the morning and another one in the afternoon, but you can also take a private taxi to the airport if you need to catch your flight earlier or later.

PRICE: $6,900 USD

Deposit: $2,000 USD

A $2,000 USD deposit is required to reserve your spot for this workshop. You can also pay in full at any time. The remaining balance is due 120 days before the start of the photo tour. If the remaining balance is not paid in full by the due date, you will lose your spot.

WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?

Drop-off  at El Calafate Airport (FTE).

Transportation included in a bus with 2 seats guaranteed per person.

Fuel and  parking   fees .

Border crossing fees.

Accommodation in hotels in shared rooms with private bathrooms.

Entrance ticket to Torres del Paine National Park.

Entrance ticket to Glaciar Perito Moreno .

Local guides in Los Glaciares NP and Torres del Paine NP.

Patagonia Puma tracking tour.

• Access to Dan Zafra’s full  Capture the Milky Way Course  (valued at $299).
• Access to the recorded material during the expedition.
• Access to David Aguilar’s  Moody Landscapes course .

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights to/from El Calafate Airport .
• Private room – Extra $1,200 (*Subject to availability).
• Meals, except breakfasts in the hotels.
• Health/travel insurance (We can help you purchase the best travel insurance according to your needs).
• Telephone, personal expenses, tips, etc., and any other service not mentioned in the “INCLUDED” section.

• 08 Apr. 2024
• 20 Apr. 2024
• Prince Berkoh

Upcoming Patagonia Photo Tours 

• 1 April 2025
• 10 April 2025
• Unai Larraya

• 11 April 2025
• 20 April 2025

What will I learn during this Patagonia photo Tour?

This trip is focused on landscape & wildlife photography, mainly shooting mountains, forests, and waterfalls. We’ll also do some blue hour/night  photography when conditions align.

What you learn during the workshop will vary according to your goals and skills. Your instructors are professional photographers with extensive experience who will help you take your photography to the next level.

During the tour you’ll have the opportunity to learn:

Basic Photography Techniques

• Getting comfortable shooting different types of landscapes and wildlife in manual mode.
• Adjusting to the best camera settings in each situation.
• Planning your sunset and landscape images.
• Shooting long exposures using ND filters .
• Enhancing your composition with the best techniques.
• Basics of wildlife photography .
• Designing your own shooting workflow to be more efficient in the field.

Advanced photography Techniques

• Creating powerful compositions  that tell a story and engage the viewer.
• Building a  connection between your photography and your vision .
• Becoming a  master of light : learn how to enhance it and keep it under control.
• Advanced landscape techniques  like bracketing, focus stacking, or focal length blending.
• Advanced night photography techniques,  if conditions allow.
• Advanced wildlife settings and shooting techniques.

Post-processing Techniques

Some of the  post-processing techniques  that you can learn with the included tutorials are:

• Basics of Lightroom and Photoshop .
• Preparing your images  in Lightroom/Adobe Camera Raw.
• Stitching of panoramas  using different software like Lightroom or PTGui Pro.
• Reducing the noise  in your images with Denoise AI.
• Sharpening your photos  with Sharpen AI.
• All types of Blendings  (exposure, focal length, focus, etc.).
• Light shaping and Dodge & Burn  in your landscape & night images.
• Post-processing of  moody and atmospheric landscapes .
• Advanced night photography post-processing  techniques.

Your Instructors on this Patagonia Photo Tour

Prince Berkoh will be the tour leader, and he’ll ensure that you capture the best possible images during the trip.

Prince is a landscape and night photographer based in Northern Spain. His passion for photography has taken him to some of the most spectacular landscape photography destinations in Europe and South America, where he has gained experience and knowledge about Patagonia.

He loves educating and teaching others about photography, and he’s given presentations on night photography over the years. He also has extensive experience, having led numerous tours in Patagonia and many Nordic countries such as Iceland, the Faroe Islands, the Lofoten Islands, and more. In addition, he leads other photo tours in Europe and South America.

Prince will show you the best methods for capturing the landscapes of Patagonia, from the basics to advanced techniques like bracketing, focus stacking, panoramas, and other photography tips.

Unai Larraya will be the co-leader on this Patagonia photo tour. He is an expert landscape photographer who will make sure you end up with the best possible images.

Unai is an experienced landscape and wildlife photographer based in Northern Spain. He has refined his photography skills while traveling around the world over the past few years and has taught many other photographers along the way. He runs tours for Capture the Atlas in other destinations such as Iceland, the Dolomites, the Alps, Finland, etc.

Since Unai started his photography journey, he has won multiple awards in recognition of his outstanding photography and editing skills.

With Unai, you’ll learn about composition, shaping light, color theory, focus stacking, and more. He will also show you how to implement all these techniques into your workflow to take your photography to the next level!

You’ve probably seen Capture the Atlas in…

WHAT TO BRING ON A PATAGONIA PHOTO TOUR?

We will send you a complete list of everything we recommend bringing on this tour before the trip. Below is a summary of things you might need:

PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR

• DSLR/mirrorless camera and a sturdy tripod .
• A wide-angle lens , such as a 14-24 mm lens.
• A medium zoom lens , such as a 24-70 mm lens.
• A telephoto lens , like a 100-400 mm lens.
• A camera bag to transport all your photography equipment and some other items.
• A  6-stop ND filter to shoot waterfalls and rivers.
• A CPL (circular polarizer filter).
• A headlamp for the night shoots

CLOTHING AND HIKING GEAR

The average temperature in Patagonia in April is between 50ºF to 23°F (10° C to -5ºC) , and it’s especially cold in the mornings. You should come prepared for all kinds of weather and bring warm clothing. Rain and strong winds are very common in Patagonia. Some of the things that we recommend bringing on this fall Patagonia photo tour are:

• A system of top layers to wear (base layer, fleece, windproof layer, shell).
• A system of bottom layers to wear (hiking pants, fleece pants for cold nights, overpants for rain).
• A good pair of breathable boots to keep your feet warm and protect your ankles while walking.
• Warm and breathable socks .
• A wool hat , neck gaiter, and gloves.
• Light water bottle .

Some optional items that are recommended are:

• Hiking poles for better balance in the walks
• A cap or sun hat.
• Sunglasses.

You will find more items and details on the official list of recommendations that we provide upon registration.

The currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso (ARS) , and in Chile, it’s the Chilean peso (CLP) . We highly recommend getting Chilean pesos in your home country. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most places in Patagonia, but there are still many businesses that only take cash.

For Argentina , most business take credit cards. We still recommend having a small amount like $100-200 in cash. Local banks in foreign countries don’t usually offer ARS, so we recommend exchaning this amount once you are in El Calafate (our hotel offers ARS in exchange of USD and EUR).

DOCUMENTATION

People from most countries, including the Americas, Europe, Eastern Asia, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand, don’t need a tourist visa to visit Argentina and Chile for trips that are shorter than 90 days.

Please check if you need a visa to visit Argentina and Chile if you live outside those areas. We can help you with this process.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The accommodation on this Patagonia Photo Tour is double occupancy in shared bedrooms with two individual beds and a private bathroom . We also offer single occupancy rooms in all hotels on the trip for an extra $1,200. If you are interested in this, please let us know on the signup form below, since the single occupancy rooms are subject to availability.

In Argentina, we are staying in top-rated hotels close to the best locations, where you can see marvelous views of the Patagonian Mountains.

• In El Calafate we’ll stay in Hotel Kau Kaleshen, at a one-minute walk to the main street, where you can find shops and restaurants.
• On the nights in El Chalten , we’ll stay in the Chalten Suites Hotel, the best hotel in town, where we’ll be able to rest after our photography sessions.
• Finally, in Torres del Paine, we’ll stay at Morrena Lodge; a beautiful rustic hotel, embedded in nature, right on the border of the national park.

This is not a hiking photo tour; however, most of the locations require short walks on uneven terrain to reach the best views.

There are only two locations that require a short hike. Mirador de los Cóndores in El Chaltén is 1.5 miles in distance (round trip) and around a 300-ft elevation gain, and Mirador de los Cuernos in Chile which is a 3.5 mile hike and 200 ft elevation gain. Both of these hikes are optional .

Days can be long depending on the weather conditions. On good days, we might spend most of the day out photographing different locations.

Being in good physical shape is fundamental to enjoying this experience to the fullest. Consider bringing hiking poles to help with your balance. 

LOCAL GUIDES AND TOURS

All the local guides in both the Argentine and Chilean parts of this Patagonia photo tour are included.

We have also included the entrance fees for Perito Moreno and Torres del Paine National Park.

WHAT EXPENSES SHOULD YOU CONSIDER FOR THIS PATAGONIA PHOTO TOUR?

You should book your flight to El Calafate International Airport (FTE).

Airline ticket prices will depend on the airport you are flying from, but round-trip flights from the USA cost around $1,400 – $1,800, and from Europe around $1,100 – $1,300.

Meals are not included, except for breakfast at the hotels.

Most days, we will have breakfast at our accommodation and a nice dinner in a local restaurant. In Torres del Paine, we will have dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, and during the day, we’ll order box lunches.

We recommend preparing to spend about $40-$70 USD on food per day.

TRANSPORTATION

All transportation and fuel are included during the tour. We’ll be traveling in a private 29-seat bus for the duration of the trip. This will give us ample room to be comfortable during drives and more than enough space for luggage and camera gear. Everybody will have a window seat and an extra seat to keep their camera gear handy.

The bus also has a few amenities, such as USB chargers and a small fridge if you want to store some food.

What makes this Patagonia Photo Tour unique?

Unforgettable, frequent questions about our patagonia photo tour, what level of photography knowledge should i have to attend this photo tour to patagonia.

Whether you are experienced or just starting out in photography, you are welcome to join us, and I am convinced that you will progress very fast. Together, we will get you back home with a greater and deeper knowledge of many photography topics.

Once you sign up for the workshop, we will discuss your skills and goals for this tour, and I’ll organize a teaching plan so you can make the most of this experience. You’ll also receive access to Dan’s Capture the Milky Way course so you can start preparing your astrophotography before the trip.

WHAT PHYSICAL SHAPE DO I NEED TO BE IN?

This is not a hiking photo tour; however, most of the locations require short walks on uneven terrain to reach the best views. Additionally, days can be long depending on the weather conditions. On good days we might spend most of the day out photographing different locations.

Being in good physical shape is fundamental to enjoy this experience to the fullest. Consider bringing hiking poles to help with your balance.

AM I TOO YOUNG/OLD FOR THIS PATAGONIA PHOTO TOUR?

There is no age limit to join this Patagonia photo tour.

We do recommend that participants older than 70 years old do a physical examination with a primary care provider (PCP) to make sure that they are physically prepared for this experience.

CAN MY NON-PHOTOGRAPHER COMPANION JOIN US ON THE TOUR?

Non-photographer companions are welcome to join the tour, and they need to book a spot under the same price and conditions as any other participant. (We don’t allow non-participant companions tagging along with the group). We have had plenty of non-photographer companions over the years and all of them enjoyed an amazing experience. As long as they enjoy nature, beautiful landscapes, and are a bit patient with the schedules of a photo tour, joining the trip can be a great experience regardless of the shooting.

CAN I USE MY DRONE?

Unfortunately, flying drones is not allowed in any of the national parks that we will visit; however, we will also visit some spots outside the national parks which could provide a good opportunity for some aerial photography.

Both of your guides are experienced drone photographers and will assist you with your drone photography; however, we are not responsible for any accidental damage or fines if you fly it in restricted areas.

Our Happy Students!

I’ve had the opportunity to work with and help countless photographers over the last years:

Join the expedition

Terms and conditions.

This tour is governed by these Terms and Conditions.

Patagonia is one of the most spectacular and photogenic mountain regions in the world for good reason; here, you can see everything from towering peaks and enormous glaciers to glittering rivers and waterfalls, and some of the most dramatic light in the Andes.

During the fall, the forests feature a unique display of colors, which adds the perfect touch to any landscape photo. Here, you can also expect to see some of the darkest skies in South America when the wind blows away the clouds.

We have crafted this Patagonia photo tour so you can visit, explore, and photograph all the best locations in this magical region during the best moments of light. All our guides and team will focus on you and your photography during this special trip.

Are you ready for this adventure?!

Patagonia Behind the Scenes and Gallery

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Passing Thru Travel

15 Best Places in Patagonia To Visit in 2024

Posted: February 24, 2024 | Last updated: February 24, 2024

Patagonia, a region shared by Argentina and Chile, is a land of awe-inspiring natural beauty. Known for its rugged landscapes, towering mountains, and pristine glaciers, Patagonia is a haven for adventurers and nature lovers alike. This guide takes you through the most breathtaking destinations in Patagonia, each offering a unique experience of this wild and untamed region. Patagonia’s diverse landscapes promise an unforgettable journey from the iconic Torres del Paine to the remote Tierra del Fuego.

1. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park, a highlight of Chilean Patagonia, is renowned for its dramatic peaks, bright blue icebergs, and vast pampas. The park’s network of trails, including the famous W Trek and the O Circuit, offers some of the world’s best trekking experiences. Hikers are treated to stunning views of the park’s namesake towers, the Paine Massif, and the Grey Glacier. The diverse ecosystems within the park, from steppe to subpolar forests, are home to an array of wildlife, including guanacos and condors.

Insider’s Tip: Book refugios or campsites well in advance if you plan to trek.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from November to early March.

How To Get There: Fly to Punta Arenas in Chile and then take a bus or a rented car to the park.

2. Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

The Perito Moreno Glacier, part of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, is one of the most accessible and dynamic glaciers on the planet. Visitors can witness the awe-inspiring sight of ice calving from the glacier into Lake Argentino. The park offers various viewing platforms and boat tours for different perspectives of this natural wonder. Unlike many other glaciers worldwide, Perito Moreno is one of the few still growing, making it a particularly fascinating site for glaciology enthusiasts.

Insider’s Tip: Take a guided glacier walk on the ice for a memorable experience.

When To Travel: Visit between October and April for milder weather.

How To Get There: Fly to El Calafate in Argentina, and then it’s a short drive to the glacier.

3. Fitz Roy Mountain, Argentina

Fitz Roy Mountain, near the small town of El Chaltén, is a paradise for experienced hikers and climbers. The mountain’s iconic jagged peaks present one of the world’s most challenging and rewarding climbs. For those seeking less strenuous activities, numerous trails like Laguna de los Tres offer breathtaking views of Fitz Roy and the surrounding Patagonian landscape. The town of El Chaltén itself is a charming base for exploring the region, with cozy accommodations and local eateries.

Insider’s Tip: Start your hike early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views.

When To Travel: Trekking season runs from November to April.

How To Get There: Fly to El Calafate and then take a bus to El Chaltén.

4. Tierra del Fuego, Argentina and Chile

Tierra del Fuego, an archipelago off the southern tip of South America, is a land of stark contrasts and extreme beauty. Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, is the gateway to this remote region. Here, visitors can explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park, take boat trips along the Beagle Channel, or embark on expeditions to Antarctica. The region’s unique flora and fauna, including Magellanic penguins and Andean foxes, make it a fascinating destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the End of the World Museum in Ushuaia to glimpse the area’s history.

When To Travel: The best time is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Ushuaia from major cities in Argentina or Chile.

5. Marble Caves, Chile

The Marble Caves on Lake General Carrera are a breathtaking natural formation. Millennia of waves washing against calcium carbonate have sculpted these caves into stunning formations. The caves’ walls, with their swirling patterns of blue and grey, are a photographer’s dream, especially when reflected in the lake’s azure waters. Accessible only by boat, the caves offer a serene and otherworldly experience.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat or kayak tour for the best views of the caves.

When To Travel: Visit between September and February for the best weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Balmaceda, then drive to Puerto Río Tranquilo, where tours to the caves are available.

6. Valdés Peninsula, Argentina

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Natalia Di Marco The Valdés Peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its unique marine wildlife and rugged coastline. It’s one of the best places in the world to see Southern Right Whales, which come close to shore between June and December. The peninsula also hosts large colonies of sea lions, elephant seals, and various bird species. Its steppe-like interior and dramatic coastline offer stunning landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Insider’s Tip: Take a whale-watching tour between June and December to see Southern Right Whales.

When To Travel: Wildlife viewing is best from September to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Puerto Madryn or Trelew, then drive to the peninsula.

7. Cerro Castillo, Chile

Cerro Castillo, less crowded than Torres del Paine, offers equally stunning scenery for those willing to venture off the beaten path. The trek around Cerro Castillo takes you through diverse landscapes, including forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes, with the castle-like peaks of Cerro Castillo as a constant backdrop. The trek is challenging but rewards hikers with incredible views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the Patagonian wilderness.

Insider’s Tip: Pack for all weather conditions, as the weather can change rapidly.

When To Travel: The trekking season is from November to April.

How To Get There: Fly to Balmaceda and then drive or take a bus to Villa Cerro Castillo.

8. Cape Horn, Chile

At the southernmost tip of the South American continent, Cape Horn is a legendary location known for its challenging sailing conditions and rich maritime history. Cruises to this remote area offer a unique opportunity to experience the wild beauty of the southern seas and the sense of adventure that comes with reaching the “end of the world.” The area is also significant for its unique flora and fauna adapted to harsh conditions.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a cruise that includes lectures on the region’s history and wildlife.

When To Travel: Cruises run during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March.

How To Get There: Cruises to Cape Horn typically depart from Ushuaia.

9. Los Alerces National Park, Argentina

Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Argentina, is known for its ancient Alerces trees, some of which are over 3,000 years old. The park’s lakes, rivers, and forests offer a serene setting for hiking, kayaking, and fishing. The park is a testament to Argentina’s commitment to conservation, with well-maintained trails and minimal-impact tourism practices. The park’s diverse ecosystems are home to various wildlife, including deer, pumas, and several bird species.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Arrayanes Forest for a magical walk among unique cinnamon-colored trees.

When To Travel: Visit from October to April for the best weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Esquel and then drive to the park.

10. Pumalín Park, Chile

Pumalín Park, one of the largest private parks in the world, is a testament to conservation efforts in Chilean Patagonia. Created by conservationist Douglas Tompkins, the park spans over 400,000 hectares of temperate rainforests, fjords, and waterfalls. Visitors can hike through pristine forests, kayak along untouched fjords, and witness the park’s commitment to environmental preservation firsthand. The park’s infrastructure, including trails and campgrounds, is designed to minimize human impact on the environment.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the park’s environmental information centers to learn about its conservation efforts.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is from December to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Puerto Montt, then drive or take a ferry to the park.

11. El Chaltén, Argentina

El Chaltén, often called Argentina’s trekking capital, is the gateway to some of Patagonia’s most iconic trails. The town offers a range of trekking options, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day expeditions. The surrounding landscapes of glaciers, lakes, and mountains provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. In addition to trekking, visitors can enjoy rock climbing, horseback riding, and fishing.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Los Condores viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view of the town and surrounding peaks.

When To Travel: Trekking season is from October to April.

12. Laguna San Rafael National Park, Chile

Laguna San Rafael National Park is home to the San Rafael Glacier, one of the largest and most actively calving glaciers in the Chilean Patagonia. The park offers boat tours that provide close-up views of the glacier and the icebergs in the lagoon. The park’s remote location and stunning ice landscapes make it a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore the surrounding rainforests and spot wildlife such as sea lions and dolphins.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat tour that includes visiting the hot springs at Quitralco Fjord.

When To Travel: The best time for boat tours is from October to April.

How To Get There: Access is mainly by boat or plane from Coyhaique or Puerto Chacabuco.

13. King Penguin Colony, Tierra del Fuego, Chile

The King Penguin Colony on the Chilean side of Tierra del Fuego offers a unique opportunity to observe these majestic birds. Located at Parque Pingüino Rey, the colony is one of the few places outside Antarctica where you can see king penguins in their natural habitat. The park provides a respectful and sustainable way to observe the penguins, with designated viewing areas to minimize disturbance.

Insider’s Tip: Respect the penguins’ space and observe them from a distance to avoid disturbing them.

When To Travel: Penguins can be seen year-round, but the best time is during the breeding season, from September to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Punta Arenas, take a ferry and drive to the park.

14. Bariloche, Argentina

San Carlos de Bariloche, known simply as Bariloche, offers a unique combination of stunning natural landscapes and a lively city atmosphere. Bariloche is located in Argentina’s Lake District, a hub for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. The city’s Swiss-style architecture and renowned chocolate shops add to its charm, making it a popular destination year-round. In winter, Bariloche transforms into a ski resort, while the summer months are perfect for exploring the surrounding lakes and mountains.

Insider’s Tip: Take the cable car to Cerro Campanario for one of the best views in the region.

When To Travel: Visit from December to March for outdoor activities and pleasant weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Bariloche Airport, with regular flights from Buenos Aires.

15. Aysén Region, Chile

The Aysén Region in Chilean Patagonia is a secluded paradise for adventurers. Less crowded and largely untouched, it offers a wilderness experience that includes the Northern Patagonian Ice Field and numerous fjords. The Carretera Austral, a scenic route through the region, leads to remote beauty spots ideal for hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Aysén’s rugged terrain and pristine landscapes are perfect for those seeking an immersive nature experience away from tourist trails.

Insider’s Tip: Plan a road trip along the Carretera Austral for a unique way to explore the region’s diverse landscapes.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Balmaceda Airport and rent a car for the best exploration experience.

The Bottom Line

Patagonia is a land of endless natural wonders, offering experiences that range from witnessing colossal glaciers to trekking through pristine forests. Each destination in this vast region presents an opportunity to connect with nature and witness the raw beauty of one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. As you plan your journey through Patagonia, remember that the true essence of this place lies in its wild and untamed spirit, inviting you to explore and discover its many treasures.

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The post 15 Best Places in Patagonia To Visit in 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Olga Danylenko.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

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The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

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