Your Ultimate Trail Guide For Hiking In Argentina
Mount Aconcagua may come to mind when you think of hiking in Argentina. For good reason, it is one of the seven summits of the world and, according to us at Skyhook, one of the best mountains to climb in South America.
But today, we want to introduce you to other superb hikes in the Patagonian region in Argentina. Patagonia is a region that includes the southern section of the Andes Mountains. You will mostly find lakes, rainforests, fjords, glaciers, and tablelands here.
But that also means you will have many hiking opportunities, so let's tell you where to go when you're in Argentina!
Top 5 Argentina Hikes in the Patagonia Region
Here are our best Patagonia treks in Argentina:
1. Mount Fitz Roy
After Aconcagua, Fitz Roy is one of the best hikes in Argentina.
You start your Fitz Roy Trek from El Chaltén, a three-hour drive from El Calafate airport. You can plan this trek as a day-long journey or extend it over several days with overnight stays at camps like Campamento Poincenot.
The entire route measures about 24 kilometres. Initially, the trail offers gentle walks through forests, but you'll navigate a steep, rocky climb to Laguna de los Tres at the end. This final ascent requires good fitness due to a sharp increase in elevation over just one kilometre.
This hike takes you through varied landscapes, from forested areas to open fields, with plenty of opportunities for stunning photography. You will particularly love the stunning views at the summit: definitely capture the snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes!
2. Refugio Grey
Refugio Frey offers a spectacular hiking experience in Bariloche within the Nahuel Huapi National Park. This Argentina hike is accessible via the traditional route starting at Cerro Catedral, which is about a 10 km hike and typically takes around 4 to 6 hours one way. The trail is moderate in difficulty, featuring a steady incline and rocky terrain.
From the top of the chairlift at Cerro Catedral, the route directly over the ridge, known as Filo del Catedral, you get breathtaking panoramic views, including distant glimpses of Tronador.
This hiking trail features red paint dots leading you to Refugio Frey. Once there, enjoy the stunning Laguna Toncek, a crystal clear turquoise lake that provides a refreshing dip after a dusty hike.
Many hikers stay overnight at Refugio Frey - it offers a communal kitchen and sleeping areas upstairs, so you can enjoy the serene sunset or an early morning start to explore the area further.
Quick Tip: If you want to go camping, make reservations in advance and register your trek with Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi.
3. Laguna Torre, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares
The Paso de las Nubes trek offers a spectacular journey through the Nahuel Huapi National Park, starting from Pampa Linda and ending at Puerto Blest. Generally considered challenging, this Argentina hike covers a distance of about 23 kilometres (14.5 miles) and takes approximately two days to complete, depending on your pace and stops along the way.
You'll begin at Pampa Linda and ascend towards the Tronador Volcano through high mountain terrain and lush Patagonian rainforest. You will love the varied and pristine ecosystems you'll encounter - a chance to see the Andes from the perspectives of Argentina and Chile.
As you hike, you'll travel glacier-fed trails and pass through the iconic Paso de las Nubes ("Pass of the Clouds"), which sits at 1335 metres. This pass is often shrouded in clouds drifting over from Chile!
The trail includes steep sections, with chains installed to aid your ascent. Still, come well-prepared with proper hiking gear and possibly a trekking guide, especially for navigating the glaciated parts safely.
You can stay overnight at the Refugio Agostino Rocca near the picturesque Lago Frías. Then, conclude the hike with a memorable boat ride from Puerto Blest.
Get the genuine experience
4. Perito Moreno Glacier
Perito Moreno Glacier, located in the Los Glaciares National Park in Argentine Patagonia, is one of the most accessible and dynamic glaciers you can experience.
Just about 80 km from El Calafate, this glacier is a stunning sight and one of the few in the world that's still advancing. It offers a spectacular display of ice carving into the waters of Lake Argentino.
You can fly to El Calafate from major cities like Buenos Aires, and from there, regular buses make the scenic 1.5-hour journey to the glacier. Once at the park, take on one of the well-maintained walkways - some of which are wheelchair accessible!
Consider joining a mini-trekking tour so you can walk on the glacier itself with crampons for safety. If you're up for a more intense adventure, the 'Big Ice' trek might be for you. It's more demanding but offers a deeper exploration of the glacier.
Remember to dress warmly and bring gloves, as the ice can be sharp, and the conditions on the glacier can change quickly.
5. Mount Tronador
Mount Tronador, standing at 3,554 metres, is a must-visit when exploring the Andes in Argentine Patagonia. This towering mountain, named after the Spanish word for "thunder," is renowned for the thunderous sounds of ice breaking from its glaciers.
One of the most popular treks is to the Otto Meiling Refuge, a challenging but rewarding hike that offers close encounters with the mountain's glaciers.
The trek covers a distance of 11.5 km with an ascent of about 1,050 metres, usually taking 4 to 5 hours. The path leads you through lush forests before turning rockier as you approach the summit. You're in for stunning views of the ice formations and the surrounding landscapes!
Best Time for Argentina Hiking
The best time for hiking in Argentina is springtime, from October to November. The summer months, December to February, are also ideal, but this is also when most tourists visit.
Spring or autumn are perfect if you prefer a quieter experience, as the summer months tend to attract more visitors.
What to Pack for Argentina Hiking Trails
When planning a hiking trip to Patagonia, Argentina, it's crucial to pack strategically due to the region's unpredictable weather, which can range from sunny to stormy very quickly.
Here's a breakdown of what you should consider including in your pack:
1. Clothing
Layered clothing: Start with breathable, quick-drying base layers, such as long and short-sleeved technical shirts, and include thermal leggings for colder days. Add a mid-layer like a fleece or a soft-shell jacket for insulation.
Outer layer: A durable, waterproof, and windproof jacket is essential to protect against sudden rain and strong winds. Pair this with waterproof trousers.
Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots are a must to handle the varied and often wet terrain. Consider packing a second pair of lightweight shoes for less active days or camp use.
Accessories: Include a warm hat, a sun hat, and gloves. A neck gaiter or scarf can provide extra warmth on windy days.
2. Gear
Backpack: A good quality hiking backpack with a rain cover to protect your belongings from wet weather. A smaller daypack may suffice for shorter excursions, ideally with a waist strap and rain cover.
Hiking poles: These can be helpful for navigating steep and uneven trails.
Water bottle: Bring a water bottle, as Patagonian streams are often clean enough to refill directly.
3. Other Essentials
Sunglasses and sunscreen: The sun can be harsh, even through cloud cover.
Camera and electronics: Don't forget chargers, batteries, and memory cards to capture and share your experiences.
Personal medications and toiletries: Pack light, but don't forget essentials, including a quick-dry towel and possibly insect repellent, depending on the season.
Ready For the Best Hiking Trails in Argentina?
Whether you're scaling the majestic heights of Mount Fitz Roy, witnessing the dramatic ice carvings of Perito Moreno Glacier, or listening to the echoing sounds of Mount Tronador, Argentina's trails promise unforgettable experiences.
So, wear your best boots, prepare your pack, and explore the stunning natural beauty of Argentine Patagonia's top hiking destinations!
