As one of the most remote places on Earth, it wouldn’t be controversial to claim that Patagonia offers some of the most dramatic, awe-inspiring locations for a good ol’ trek.
Indeed, Patagonia is a trekking paradise par excellence, blessed with the kind of dramatic scenery that words can hardly describe.
Shared by both Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is a veritable smorgasbord of Mother Nature’s finest works – think stunning glacial lakes, towering craggy mountains, gushing waterfalls and windblown cliffs.
If you’re toying with the idea of hiking Patagonia, then you’re going to want to read on. Here are three of the most popular treks to do in Patagonia, ranging from day hikes to epic multi-day expeditions.
1. Mount Fitzroy Trek, Argentina
Undoubtedly the highlight of trekking in Argentinian Patagonia, Mount Fitzroy is located within the Parque Nacional Los Glaciers and is the only possible place to hike within this stunning park. The trek will take you through some of the most dramatic scenery in Patagonia, such as glacial landscapes, and thankfully it’s possible to hike to some of Mount Fitzroy’s best vantage points on a day hike.
Of course, more adventurous trekkers can join a multi-day trek for an even more immersive experience.
There are currently around a dozen trekking route variations around Mount Fitzroy, served by dozens of trekking companies, and the start of most treks can be accessed from the small town of El Chalten in southern Argentina.
2. Torres del Paine W Trek, Chile
The Chilean Torres del Paine National Park is classified as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, home to majestic granite mountains, pristine lakes, and photogenic glaciers.
Add to that an array of animal life, such as herds of guanacos (believed to be the ancestor of the llama), condors, and flocks of pink flamingos, and hopefully you can understand why trekking in this pristine and remote location would easily one of the most awe-inspiring treks of your life.
The Torres del Paine W Trek brings trekkers up close to many of the park’s stunning natural attractions, such Los Torres, Los Cuernos, Valle Frances, Paine Grande, and Glacier Grey. The trek, which can be hiked in four-nights/five-days, leads past the Cordillera del Paine, a spectacular collection of granite monoliths, and is easily the most popular trek in this park.
Trekkers can choose amongst many different tour companies organising hikes with different comfort levels.
3. The Dientes Circuit
Last but certainly not least, this five-day, 54 kilometre trek is certainly not for the faint hearted. Not only is this trek probably the hardest trek in Patagonia, it’s almost certainly one of the hardest treks in South America, full stop!
But don’t let that put you off venturing into the rocky wilderness of Navarino Island and stumbling upon some of the best views on the planet, such as the views of the Beagle Channel and the Cape Horn archipelago.
Please note though: you will need to train quite intensely before attempting this trek. But the rewards are certainly worth it. Plus, you’ll have bragging rights on hiking the southern-most trek in the world!