8 Best Hikes in Patagonia: Top Treks and Trails
Patagonia easily ranks among the most beautiful places we've ever laid eyes on.
It is a lovely region straddling Chile and Argentina. There's so much to see, including several World Heritage Sites recognised by UNESCO!
But we're all about hiking at Skyhook, so we can rave about the rugged granite mountains decked out in glaciers that light up like nature's disco balls when the sun hits.
And those glaciers?
They turn the lakes below into stunning milky blue and teal colours that'll have you absolutely wonderstruck! Seriously, the photos don't do this place justice.
Ready to see what all the fuss is about? We've compiled a list of the best hikes in Patagonia you should try. Read on!
1. The W Trek, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Length: Approximately 80 km (50 miles)
Duration: 4-5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
The W Trek Patagonia in Torres del Paine National Park is the stuff of hiking legends. Named for its W-shaped route, this trek serves a buffet of Patagonian landscapes.
You'll start by boating across the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoé (try not to gawp too much at the views).
From there, you'll hike along the shores of the icy Grey Lake, with the massive Grey Glacier looming in the distance.
Next, you'll climb up the French Valley, where you'll be surrounded by the park's iconic granite peaks, including the bell-shaped mountains known as Los Cuernos.
The grand finale? A steep climb to the base of Las Torres, where three towering granite spires give the park its name. If you time it right, you'll see these monoliths turn a fiery red at sunrise.
If you want to experience this unforgettable adventure, Skyhook offers two fantastic options to experience this iconic trek:
Torres del Paine Guided W Trek (5 days): A guided experience, this 5-day camping trek lets you explore the park's natural wonders with the expertise of a knowledgeable guide.
Torres del Paine W Trek Self-Guided (5 Days): If you prefer to hike at your own pace, this self-guided trek offers the same stunning route and breathtaking scenery.
2. The O Circuit, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Length: Approximately 130 km (80 miles)
Duration: 7-9 days
Difficulty: Challenging
The O Trek Patagonia is another one of the best Torres del Paine hikes.
The W trek alternative takes all the awesomeness of the W and cranks it up to eleven by adding a challenging backcountry section.
The O Circuit is a complete loop around Torres del Paine, taking you to parts of the park that few visitors ever see.
You'll traverse windswept plains, cross rickety bridges over raging rivers, and climb to the John Gardner Pass for a jaw-dropping view of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
If you're ready to tackle this hike in Chile, we offer two distinctive ways to experience it:
Torres del Paine O Circuit Self-Guided (7 days) lets you set your own pace while navigating the Paine Massif Circuit.
Guided Torres del Paine O Circuit is a fully guided experience if you prefer to share the adventure with expert guidance.
3. Laguna de Los Tres, Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
Length: 25 km (15.5 miles) round trip
Duration: 8-10 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
If you find yourself in the charming town of El Chaltén (Argentina's self-proclaimed 'trekking capital'), you simply must tackle the hike to Laguna de Los Tres.
This trail might be the most iconic view in Patagonia: Mount Fitz Roy's jagged peaks reflected in a pristine glacial lake.
The Argentina hike starts from town (how convenient!), winding through enchanting southern beech forests. You'll pass the picturesque Laguna Capri before reaching the final challenge - a steep, hour-long climb that'll have your legs screaming for mercy.
But trust us, the view at the top is worth every drop of sweat.
When you reach Laguna de Los Tres, you'll be greeted by a view that looks so perfect; it looks Photoshopped.
The turquoise waters of the lagoon mirror the towering granite spires of Fitz Roy, creating a scene that's straight out of a fantasy novel.
It's the perfect spot for a well-earned picnic - just watch out for the mischievous Andean condors eyeing your sandwich!
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4. Huemul Circuit, Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
Length: 63 km (39 miles)
Duration: 4 days
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Now, if you really want to get off the beaten path, the Huemul Circuit is your ticket to Patagonian wilderness nirvana.
This lesser-known trek near El Chaltén is not for the novice hiker - it's a challenging, technical route that'll test your mettle and reward you with some of the most breathtaking views in Patagonia.
The circuit takes you through varied terrain, from lush forests to barren mountain passes. You'll navigate steep scree slopes, cross glaciers, and even zip-line across rivers (yes, you read that right!).
The highlight? A panoramic view of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field that'll make your jaw hit the floor.
Quick Tip: You'll need to bring your harness and carabiners for the Tyrolean traverses (fancy term for zip-lining across a river), and some sections require careful navigation.
5. Cerro Castillo Trek, Aysén Region, Chile
Length: 48 km (30 miles)
Duration: 3-4 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Are you looking for a trek that's a bit off the tourist radar? Say hello to the Cerro Castillo Trek!
This gem in Chile's Aysén region offers all the grandeur of Patagonia's more famous hikes but with a fraction of the crowds.
The trek takes you through the wild and rugged Cerro Castillo National Reserve, named after the castle-like peak at its heart.
You'll traverse pristine southern beech forests, cross crystal-clear streams, and climb high mountain passes with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.
The best part of this trek is the view of Cerro Castillo itself, its jagged peaks reflected in a stunning turquoise lagoon.
It's the kind of view that'll have you reaching for your camera before remembering that no photo could do it justice.
You'll also enjoy the rural Patagonian life in the tiny village of Villa Cerro Castillo - the perfect place to toast your hiking success with a pisco sour and local asado (barbecue).
6. Dientes de Navarino Circuit, Navarino Island, Chile
Length: 53.5 km (33.2 miles)
Duration: 4-5 days
Difficulty: Very Challenging
The Dientes de Navarino Circuit on Chile's remote Navarino Island is about as far south as you can go before hitting Antarctica. This rugged, remote trek is not for the faint-hearted, but it offers a true wilderness experience that's hard to find elsewhere.
The trail loops around the jagged Dientes de Navarino mountain range (the name means "Navarino Teeth," and you'll see why when you first glimpse the serrated peaks).
You'll cross windswept plateaus, skirt icy lakes, and exposed mountain passes. The views are out of this world - on a clear day, you can see all the way to Cape Horn!
This is serious backcountry hiking - there are no refugios or campgrounds, so you'll need to be self-sufficient and comfortable with wild camping.
But if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with an experience few others can claim: hiking the world's southernmost trek.
7. Laguna Torre, Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
Length: 22 km (13.6 miles) round trip
Duration: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
If you're in El Chaltén and looking for a day hike that packs a serious scenic punch, look no further than the trek to Laguna Torre.
This hike offers a perfect introduction to the landscapes of Patagonia, with forests, mountains, and glaciers all rolled into one fantastic day out.
The trail twists through lenga forests and along the Fitz Roy River Valley, with tantalising glimpses of the mountains ahead.
As you emerge from the trees, you'll be treated to a spectacular view of Cerro Torre, one of the most challenging mountains to climb in the world due to its vertical granite faces and unpredictable weather.
The final destination, Laguna Torre, is a glacial lake often dotted with miniature icebergs. On a calm day, the lake perfectly mirrors Cerro Torre and the surrounding peaks - a view that'll stay with you long after you've returned home.
8. Mirador Las Torres, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Length: 18 km (11.2 miles) round trip
Duration: 8-10 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
A list of Patagonian hikes would be incomplete without mentioning the trek to Mirador Las Torres. This is one of the best Torres del Paine day hikes, and while it's a tough day hike, the view at the end is nothing short of amazing.
The trail starts gently enough, winding through the Ascencio Valley. But don't be fooled - the last hour is a gruelling scramble up a moraine of loose rock and boulders.
Just when you think your legs can't take anymore, you'll reach the mirador (viewpoint), and all thoughts of fatigue will vanish.
Before you will be a scene that defines Patagonia: three towering granite spires rising dramatically from a powder-blue glacial lake.
If you're lucky enough to catch this view at sunrise, you might just forget to breathe when the towers are bathed in golden light.
Wrapping Up
There you have it - a whirlwind tour of some of Patagonia's best hikes. From multi-day epics to challenging day hikes, this wild region at the end of the world has something for every adventure-seeker.
Remember, hiking in Patagonia comes with its own set of challenges. The Patagonia weather can change in the blink of an eye, so always be prepared with layers and waterproofs.
Many of these trails require careful planning and booking in advance, especially during the peak hiking season from December to February.
So pack your bags and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime in one of the world's last great wildernesses. Happy trails!
