For the avid backpacker and hiker, Patagonia is a destination paradise with its blend of craggy, glacier-topped peaks, flowering meadowlands, glistening waterfalls, marshlands, pale glacial lakes dotting the scrublands, and wind-eroded cliffs.
The region known as Patagonia is shared by Argentina and Chile at South America’s southern end. It is a sparsely populated area that encompasses the Andes Mountains’ southern section and the deserts, grasslands, and steppes to the east. It has an Atlantic coastline as well as a coastline on the Pacific side while the Falkland Islands and Tierra del Fuego are oftentimes considered a part of this region.
For the avid backpacker and hiker, Patagonia is a destination paradise with its blend of craggy, glacier-topped peaks, flowering meadowlands, glistening waterfalls, marshlands, pale glacial lakes dotting the scrublands, and wind-eroded cliffs. Here you will find unlimited opportunities to do some serious exploring on foot. We have taken the time to compile a list of 5 hikes around Tierra del Fuego’s inhospitable mountains which include the following:
Friendly Paine Circuit (4 days, 3 nights) – this trek will take you right through the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park. Hiking in this region between the latter parts of December up until the end of February is the best time to do this trek as you will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds throughout the region in sunshine for most of your trek.
craggy Andes Mountains in the background, blue sky and vast meadows. Hike through Patagonia, camp in the wilderness and enjoy the adventure.
Lagunas Altas – although it is still under development, Patagonia National Park is considered the best area for backpacking, hiking, and mountaineering in the entire region. This future trail is among a growing number of trails being established here. When completed, the Lagunas Altas trail will take you past numerous mountains and through a number of valleys.
Monte Fitz Roy Trail (4 days, 3 nights) – many have referred to this trek as the most advanced and stunning that the Patagonia region has to offer. As you cross from Chile into Argentina, you pass roughly 40 different glaciers as you make your way between Fitz Roy and the Cerro Poincenot campsite located in Rio Blanco. The stunning granite cliffs turn a hue of pink at sunrise and the clouds thin out at night, giving a glorious view of the peak.
Trail of Neighbors (4 days, 3 nights) – for nature lovers, this trek through the Futaleufu River valley passes along the many lakes of the region and into the mountains of Chile as you follow the trail along the river.
Beautiful llamas, natural fauna and flora. Enjoy the nature in the wild. Camp and hike through Patagonia. Have a wonderful adventure.
Torres del Paine-Route W (5 days, 4 nights) – the national park by the same name is located on the Chilean side of Patagonia and covers roughly 450 acres (181,000 hectares). The trail route takes you past a picturesque accumulation of granite monoliths situated in the midst of Patagonia’s desert region. In a ‘W’ shape, you cover the route up the Ascensio Valley, up the French Valley and then along the Lago Grey, towards the magnificent Grey glacier at the end of Patagonia.
The verdant scenery, wilderness and raw beauty of Patagonia are mesmerizing. Are you planning to take a hiking trip in Argentina and Chile? From taking a short hike to a longer one, exploring the Andes Mountains, would you be interested?
