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Patagonia Tours,
Trips & Holidays
Patagonia is bursting with adventure in every sense. From the emerald lakes at the base of Mt Fitz Roy to the colossal Perito Moreno Glacier, it's mother nature at her finest and home to some of the best hiking trails in the world. Torres del Paine National Park welcomes around 250,000 visitors a year eager to take on the likes of the W Trek, Laguna de Los Tres Hike or Mirador Las Torres, one of the most iconic treks in the national park. You could be ice trekking along glaciers, walking next to glistening lakes or admiring some of the most magical viewpoints in South America. Whether you want to enjoy easier day trips taking in the beauty, challenge yourself on some of the hardest trails in the region or simply take in the heart-stopping beauty of the landscape, one thing's for sure: Patagonia is an adventure you'll never forget.
Patagonia Hiking Tours
Trails
Hiking in Torres del Paine National Park
Distance: 18 km
Time: 7-8 hrs
A highlight of Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park encompasses glaciers, rivers, mountains and lakes. Providing some of the most spectacular scenery in Patagonia, the national park is famous for its distinctive three granite peaks which are known as the Three Towers.
Laguna de los Trek Hike from El Chalten
Distance: 20 km
Time: 8 - 10 hrs
Laguna de los Tres is an iconic image of Patagonia. Picture rugged granite peaks piercing the sky with a blue glistening lake below. The popular hike takes around eight hours and dishes up fantastic views around every turn, giving you a true taste of what makes Patagonia so special.
Perito Moreno Glacier Hike
Distance: 7 km
Time: 1.5 - 2 hrs
Found in Los Glaciares National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier is a breathtaking highlight of Patagonia, and far more affordable than visiting Antarctica! What truly sets it apart from the rest is unlike other glaciers - Perito Moreno is still growing. A short 1.5 hour walk takes you face to face with this spectacular site, and if you’re lucky you might witness the calving process too!
Facts
Patagonia
Chile / Argentina
Patagonia occupies almost half of both Chile and Argentina.
1,043,076
km2
Patagonia covers an area of approximately 1,043,076 square kilometers (402,734 square miles).
Torres del Paine is one of the largest and most visited parks in Chilean Patagonia.
The park is an extremely popular hiking destination with many marked paths and refugios that provide basic services and shelter.
On
average
150,000
visitors come to Torres del Paine National Park each year
Argentina's
Perito Moreno Glacier
contains the world's third largest reserve of fresh water, is one of just two glaciers in all of South America that is growing.
Packing Guide
- Sturdy & waterproof hiking boots
- Long & preferably waterproof trousers
- Thermals/layers/breathable clothing
- Thick socks - ideally hiking socks
- Underwear & pyjamas
- A lightweight rain coat
- Extra layers
- Gloves and hat/sunhat
- Toiletries & personal items
- A small day-pack for day hikes
- Insect repellent
- A reusable water bottle
- A quick-dry towel
- A good book or tablet for long journeys
- A portable device charger
- A pair of comfortable sandals/sneakers for walking about in the evening
- A universal adapter
- A head-torch for camping
- A good camera and charger
- Sun cream and lip balm
- Small medical kit with blister plasters and paracetomal
- Ear plugs and a sleep mask for camping or sharing accommodation
- Spare cloth bags for dirty laundry or shopping
- Anti-bacterial hand gel
Top Hiking Tours of Patagonia with Tucan Travel
Patagonia Highlights
Duration:10 Days
Route:Punta Arenas to El Chalten
Tour Code:HPPE
Patagonia Adventure
Duration:12 Days
Route:Santiago to Buenos Aires
Tour Code:HPSB
Chile, Argentina & Brazil
Duration:18 Days
Route:Santiago to Rio de Janeiro
Tour Code:HPSR
Other Hiking tours in Patagonia
1. The Cerro Tronador
This 36km round trip is accessed from the small city of Bariloche. From there, you must book a shuttle that will drive you 2 hours to the starting point of the trek. The trek requires an overnight stay in a refugio or bring your own camping equipment. The ever changing scenery here makes the hike one to remember - starting off in forest you eventually come to the bottom of a hanging glacier and waterfalls. Bear in mind the refugio is near the glacier so bring plenty of warm clothes! Spending the night under the crystal clear, starry sky is a magical experience to have in Patagonia.
2. Cerro Castillo Trek
This 50km trek through Cerro Castillo Nature Reserve combines stunning forest, mountain rivers, glistening blue lakes and hanging glaciers. Originally taking 4 days, the local authorities opened up a new route from the town of Villa Cerro Castillo at the treks base, meaning you can enjoy part of the hike in only one day. Highlights include the iconic view from the base of the trek and the amazing variety of ecosystems you will see.
3. Exploradores Glacier
When you have exhausted the other trails perhaps you want to try out some incredible glacier ice trekking! Close to Puerto Tranquilo, the Exploradores Glacier is one of the most popular in southern Chile and an incredibly unique hiking experience. Walk through the glacier itself, surrounded by giant ice walls and exploring various tunnels and caves. The hike can take several hours and you will want to wear several layers, it will be cold after all! For safety reasons, this can only be done as part of a guided tour with local experts leading the way.
4. The Huemul Circuit
One of the lesser known treks, this 4 day adventure offers an incredible trekking experience in Patagonia. Ranking one of the most demanding treks, the terrain and landscape changes dramatically as you make your way towards the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Witnessing some of the more hidden corners of Los Glaciares National Park, trekkers will experience outstanding viewpoints and some challenging sections, climbing through the Viento (meaning windy!) Pass. Enjoy beautiful views of Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and Lago Viedma. A highlight for many is ziplining over the Rio Tunel!
5. Fitz Roy Trek (Laguna de Los Tres)
Said to Patagonia’s crown jewel, Mount Fitz Roy is a national symbol of the stark beauty of the region. The base of the hike is the town of El Chalten and can be done in one day, with a time of around 8 hours and 24km. Starting in thick forest, you will enjoy your first sneak peak of Fitz Roy once you reach the Mirador Piedras Blancas. Overall the terrain is moderate and the trek can be completed by anyone with a decent level of fitness. Once at the base of Fitz Roy, you will have some incredible photo opportunities as the emerald green lake sits below.
6. The Laguna Torre Trek
This day trek can be done in around 8 hours from the town of El Chalten and is very accessible for anyone with a moderate level of fitness. The route takes you to views of Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy and finally the glacial lake of Laguna Torre, where you can marvel at the spectacular scenery. With a moderate but steady ascent, the trail offers fantastic views all the way and has a well marked, easy to follow path. On a clear day, the final views are simply breathtaking!
7. Las Pumas
This one day, strenuous trek provides a unique viewpoint of the three towers that cannot be seen elsewhere. As the name suggests, the trail is also a popular place to spot the elusive puma! The hike sits on the private land of Hotel Las Torres, so you must contact them prior to trekking. Be prepared for some high winds too!
8. The W Trek
The W trek is one of the most popular in the region and is a visual masterpiece when it comes to the Patagonian landscape. Highlights include the Grey Glacier, French Valley and the base of the incredible three towers, as well as varying terrain and formations you will pass on route. The total trek can take between 4 to 6 days and covers approximately 70 kilometres. The trek encompasses forests, glaciers, lakes and rivers, with some of the best views in Torres del Paine National Park.
Patagonia Travel Blogs
An Insider’s View on Patagonia
The wild, untamed landscapes of Patagonia in the most southern tip of South America may seem like a faraway destination. The region, situated between Argentina and Chile is remote. Famous for its vast national parks and jaw-dropping natural wonders, it is a destination to be conquered and explored. Maybe you are itching to discover Patagonia? Or maybe this is the first time the region has crept onto your bucket list? Read our interview with Julia Baulina about an adventure to one of South America’s most breath-taking areas. Discover her tips for visiting Patagonia.
32 Top Travel Experiences to have in your lifetime
The world is a treasure trove of natural beauty, unique history and ultimate adventure. Whether you are watching the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, cruising past elephants in the Okavango Delta or marvelling at the breathtaking northern lights, an amazing travel experience will stay with you for years to come, if not your lifetime! In celebration of Tucan Travel turning 32 years old we have compiled a list of the 32 top travel experiences we believe everyone should have in their lifetime.