Hiking in Patagonia is breathtakingly beautiful and exciting! This vast, wild region at the tip of South America is a place like no other, and once you see it you’ll understand why. Massive glaciers, jagged granite peaks, azure lakes, roaring waterfalls, and sublime flower fields. Tall mountain peaks and huge swatches of scrubland, dotted with roaming guanacos, lamas and ñandús.
There are not many places in the world where you will fill a deeper connection with nature and witness its tremendous power. There is a reason why hikers from all around the world consider hiking in Patagonia an experience of a lifetime. But the land of massive glaciers and azure lake is as wild as it is beautiful. Therefore, in order to have a great time here, there are a few things that you should know BEFORE planning your hiking trip to Patagonia.
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Where to Hike in Patagonia
Patagonia straddles two countries, divided by the Andes Mountains: Chile and Argentina. The Chilean side of Patagonia brags about the famous Torres del Paine National Park, while the Argentinean side boasts the stunning Mount Fitz Roy and Perito Moreno Glacier.
Hiking the Chillian Patagonia
Some of the best hikes in Patagonia are in Chille’s Torres del Paine National Park, which is acknowledged as one the most spectacular places to see in South America, home to fantastic trails and treks, like the epic Torres del Paine W Trek.
Hiking the Argentinean Patagonia
But Argentinean Patagonia is also home to unbelievably beautiful trails and tracks, like the hike to Laguna de Los Tres and Mount Fitz Roy. There are several world famous treks that start in El Chalten. Some of these hikes are quite easy and can be attempted even by families with small children. Others are longer and more difficult and present a challenge even for the more seasoned hikers.
Best Time to Hike in Patagonia
Climate in Patagonia is pretty strange. The weather may go from one extreme to the other in less than a couple of hours. You can pretty much count on very strong winds, rain, mud, and sometimes snow at any time of year. Deciding what would be the best time for you depends on your preferences, expectations and budget.
SPRING
The weather is not as stable as in summer, but it’s still nice and the park is not yet full. This is one of the two shoulder seasons when you may get better prices and still have a pretty good chance for good weather.
SUMMER
The best tie for hiking in Patagonia. Warmer weather and less less rain, but very strong winds. Temperatures are in the mid 50s F to low 60s F. Summer the busiest season of the year and most places in Patagonia are full to capacity.
FALL
Temperatures are cooler than in summer, but there is generally less wind. The weather is still great for hiking. You may experience more rain and possibly snow. Best time for hiking because the great fall colors. Less crowds and lower prices.
WINTER
The weather is cold and very unstable. Trails are closed because of the harsh conditions. Refugios and campgrounds are closed and so are most hotels in Torres del Paine and El Chalten. Great time for seeing the Southern Lights.
Multi-day Treks vs. Day Hikes in Patagonia
Trekking in Patagonia requires athleticism, endurance and a spirit of adventure. Doing one of the circuits in Torres del Paine can take anywhere from 4 to 8 days and is physically very challenging. You hike a lot of miles each day (mostly uphill) on very rocky trails.
At night you sleep in a tent that is exposed to the elements. So whatever weather is out there you will feel it all: wind, rain, snow or sun. Leave alone the horrible food, the bed bugs, and the horrific sewage odor in campsites and refugios.
On the other hand, day hikes can be just as beautiful and rewarding. Patagonia is a maze of hiking trails varying from easy, to moderate and more difficult.
If you have no interest in carrying a huge backpack and setting up a tent in the Patagonian wind, you have the option of staying in a nice hotel room and doing day trips. I just need to mention however that this option is more costly.
How Difficult Are the Hikes in Patagonia?
Trekking or hiking in Patagonia is no walk in the park. Especially if you want to do one of the circuits in Torres del Paine. It’s not the technical difficulty of the hike or the altitude that makes it seem strenuous. It’s the length of the trails, the moodiness of the Patagonian weather, and the weight of your rucksack that will drain your strength.
That doesn’t mean that hiking in Patagonia is only for the pros or the extreme adventure seekers. In fact, thousands entry level backpackers and trackers hike every year in Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia. But it certainly helps to have some hiking experience under your belt before you venture here.
Tips for Hiking in Patagonia
Hiking in Patagonia is doable even for people with an average level of fitness. Depending on the trails you choose, you may need more or less experience. We had a more difficult time hiking the Kalalau Trail, in Kauai, that hiking most of the trails in Patagonia. Trails in Patagonia vary from easy to moderate and more difficult.
You can choose from guided to self-guided tours, but you don’t really need a guide for hiking in Patagonia. Also, unlike the Everest Base Camp where you’ll need a permit for trekking, you won’t need any license or permit for hiking in Patagonia.
Trails are marked and well maintained, so and it’s practically impossible to get lost. In Torres del Paine there are also ranger stations or campgrounds every few hiking hours.
One thing to keep in mind when hiking in Patagonia is the weather. While it’s true that Patagonian weather may change in the blink of an eye, there are still good short term predictions that may help you decide whether to start on an easier or more difficult hike.
Always dress in layers, no matter how the weather looks like. You will constantly be taking off and putting on clothes. I promise you that!
Carry a light backpack if you plan to do day hikes. Some tracks may be quite challenging and the weight of your backpack may drain your strength.
There is plenty of clean water all around in Patagonia, so you can fill your bottle from any stream. Just make sure you bring a refillable bottle with you on the trek.
The bottom line
There is no set way to hiking in Patagonia. Some choose the rough and spartan trekking experience of the circuits and have no problem of sleeping in tents or Refugios. Others, like me, prefer to do day trips and sleep in the comfort of a hotel room at night.
Each route is unique and beautiful, which makes hiking in Patagonia a great experience for everyone attempting it. And this couldn’t be more obvious then when you see the wide diversity of tourists in the region.
READ NEXT: Patagonia packing guide for lots of useful information on what to pack for your trip to Patagonia
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How to Get to Torres del Paine – First Time Visitor’s Guide
Martha
I love the photo of the alpacas crossing the road! This is a great comprehensive guide to Patagonia. I appreciate that you are blunt and educate your readers that the trails are not for everyone. It’s definitely not a beginner’s hike. This is definitely on my bucket list!
Diana
I’m planning a Patagonia trip for early 2020, so your post came at the perfect time! I’ve done some bigger hikes like Mt Kilimanjaro but always with porters and guides, so I’m looking forward to doing a completely self-sufficient hike where I carry all my gear, tents, sleeping bags, etc. Patagonia has been on my list for a while, so I am super excited that I’m finally getting to do this!
Raghav
The landscapes in Patagonia are truly spectacular. I love to hike, and although I cannot do anything strenuous due to health reasons now, it is an activity that is very close to my heart. I’m also very much like you and would prefer the day trips and sleep in comfortable hotel rooms. Just reached that age when I need a good clean bathroom and a nice soft bed at the end of a tiring day.
Stuti Shrimali
Anda, that’s a Wonderful post You have written. Patagonia is so mystique. I am sure you had a lovely time. I would love to do day trek as well for that will give me the opportunity to enjoy the view as well. But if there’s a chance to sleep under the sky, I would happily camp (if there is a possibility).
Anda Galffy
Patagonia is a Paradise for camping. In fact there are more camp sites and refugios in the National Parks of Patagonia than there are hotels. However, with the weather being very unpredictable and extreme, camping is not an easy task.
Amar Singh
I must say I have not visited this part of the world and have it on my list quite high. With the kids getting older I’m ready to venture out to the South American wilderness and the Hiking in Patagonia is without a doubt topping it. The natural beauty of the area and the wildlife you come across is unparalleled. Live the shot of those deers you have captured. A bit of planning required but the reward are great. Thanks for sharing.
Angelica Kajiwara
You are giving me so many dreams for the future. My Littles are 3, 3, and 1, so I think we’d have to do this kid-free and put it on our list for when they’re older. I’m amazed at how much they love hiking already. Can’t wait to experience Patagonia with them.
Jane Dempster-Smith
Excellent tips here Anda. We were in Patagonia last year and was astounded by its beauty. We are not experienced hikers but we enjoyed many of the smaller day hikes. The beauty of Mount Fitz Roy is well worth the hike to view it. The towns of El Chalten and El Calafate are great places to stay and to use as a base for the hikes. Thanks for sharing your tips.
Dada
We are a family hiker based in Switzerland so yes yes yes Patagonia, eapecially in Torrea del paine is on our hiking list! What an incredible experience! Although the weather changing situation scares me a bit! I wonder also how the area looks like now after the big fire in 2011!
Anda Galffy
Patagonia is really beautiful. As for the fire damages, you’ll be surprised how quickly nature regenerates itself. Of course, you can still see the fire traces, but the devastation didn’t take away Torres del Paine’s charm.
Blair villanueva
I admire those gorgeous landscapes and slopes, your ohotos are like paintings 🙂
I understand how expensive the hotel is, they are so lucky to have this beauty.
Where will be you next destination?
Ami Bhat
So much natural beauty. Your pictures are like those gorgeous desktops that we have. And the fact that you can explore them all with hikes makes this place even more amazing. Rightly said about the long hikes being tough owing to the unending trails. It takes a lot of patience to keep going in places like this.
Kirstie Saldo
Beautiful landscape! Even a person who doesnt enjoy hiking would love to go here! I hope it is okay for a beginner like me!
Anneklien Meanne
Wow Patagonia has been on my hiking list for a while now and reading your post makes me book my trip very soon! Torres del Paine looks so stunningly beautiful, thats ice capped mountains are so picturesque!
Marvi
Personally, I’d love to try a multi-day trek in Torres del Paine for those views! Good to know about the best season to visit as it plays such a big role for experiences like this although it sounds like you need a lot of preparation to endure it.
Marvi
Personally, I’d love to try a multi-day trek in Torres del Paine for those views! Good to know about the best season to visit as it plays such a big role for experiences like this although it sounds like you need a lot of preparation to endure it. Great photos btw! <3
Sandy N Vyjay
Trekking Torres del Paineindeed sounds like an experience of a lifetime. The landscapes really look out of the world. Your pictures bring alive the terrain in vivid colour and tempts one to head over there. It is nice to know that though the trek has its challenges it can be done by amateurs as well. Hope to get there someday and experience first-hand the thrill of trekking there. Till then thoroughly enjoyed reading about it here.
Punita Malhotra
This post comes at the right time for us, as we are planning a trip to South America this October. That means ‘spring’, as you mention here. Do you have any recommendations for day trip planning? Should we go with a tour operator?
Anda Galffy
You don’t need a tour guide in order to explore Torres del Paine. If you are interested in day trips in this national park, you should read my other posts about Torres del Paine. I have a long list of recommendations regarding how to get to the park as well.
Indrani
Stunning pictures, looks like a great place with good hiking options. The map you added gave a clearer picture of the possible hikes.
Long since I stayed in a tent for the night, looks enticing from that point.
Catherine Salvador Mendoza
Yep! So useful! I was actually waiting to read that even tho this kind of hike at Torres del Paine is not a walk in the park, could also be friendly for beginners like me. I’ve done mountain climbing, not so high ones, and trekking, you are right that it needs at least a warm up before trekking here. The landscape is extra rewarding but most fav part is sleeping in a tent! Not to mention that different types of elements going to participate such as bugs, etc!lol
Mar
Actually I was just chatting to my best friend about his trekking experience there because he stayed in the park and dud day treks but found so many people doing the longer ones. He also concurred with the weather and though he was there in December the winds were indeed very strong
Sam (The Scratch Map)
Wow, your photos are absolutely stunning! Patagonia has been on our list for a while, in fact after reading this and looking at your pictures it may have jumped a couple of places up the list! I feel I may need to get in better shape to get the best out of a trip here though, but I’m guessing the altitude isn’t much of an issue if it’s mostly sub 3000m?
Anda Galffy
You are right Sam, the altitude is not an issue in Patagonia.
Cindy
Thank you, Anda! I’ve really wanted to visit this part of the world, but always thought there weren’t many day hike options – time to start planning my trip now that I know I don’t have to trek for more than a day! And your pictures are absolutely gorgeous.
Anda Galffy
Thanks for dropping by, Cindy. Always good to hear from you. Yes, Torres del Paine is a wonderful place to visit and you don’t really need to be an experienced hiker in order to have fun there.
Jessica Norah
Hi Anda, Some great information for those thinking of hiking here! We’ve heard lots of good things about this area. Did you do a circuit or day hikes here? Jessica
Anda Galffy
Just day hikes, Jess. The circuit is brutal. It implies sleeping in a tent or a refugio (just slightly better than a tent) and facing the dreadful Patagonian weather.
Lisa
I’m speechless after reading this post. Torres del Paine has gone straight to the top of my travel wish list. I’m a total new person to hiking, but appreciate the information on these routes. I think I’d like to travel there in spring or summer. I know the heat would get to most people, but I’m a sunshine person, and would also love to capture these scenes in the sunlight.
Rhonda Albom
Those multi-day circuits look quite brutal for a softie like me. I like the idea of day treks and heading back to a comfortable hotel at night. Roughing it in a tent or even a refugio would have been fine 30 years ago. Driving in and back to comfort after a day trek works for me.
Perri
That really does look like the trip of a lifetime! You captured such stunning photos, I can only imagine how wonderful it must be to see those views with your own eyes. It’s great that you included info on how the different seasons will affect a trek and the very informative trek routes!
Candy
Wow! I wish I had the courage and endurance to trek Torres del Paine. The views are absolutely stunning and I’m sure very well worth it in the end. It’s crazy how the weather can change within hours and the altitude is another challenge in itself.
lee
Such a great post!
Ps. I have tried adding the code for the badge to my post three different times (ways) and it’s not working. Is it wordpress compatable? I’ve linked to you just via your website since i couldn’t make the badge work!
Lee
Vibeke
This is such a great guide. I love when bloggers include the best time to visit. That is so important to me. I haven’t been to Torres del Paine yet but would love to go. I am sure I would have to exercise a little bit before the hike. I am used to high altitude so that wouldn’t be a problem, but still not fit to do large hikes like this. Thank you for sharing, such a good read 🙂
Anda Galffy
Surprisingly enough, altitude is not a problem in Torres del Paine. The length of the trails and the moody weather is, however.
LaiAriel Samangka
Wow, I’m innately into trekking and camping, and reading this makes me grinning from to ear. I truly love the unassuming beauty of Torres Del Paine. The scenery along the way is breathtakingly stunning. If this would only be just so close to where I am now, I will surely get here by tomorrow. Thank you for providing all the useful tips and guide for this will be a great help for those that are planning to climb Torres Del Paine.
Vlad
Patagonia looks absolutely breathtaking! Thank you for such a detailed post, I would love to go on a hike there.
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
With beautiful landscapes there, this looks like the ultimate place to hike. The Torres del Paine Southern Patagonia. Your information is spot on and would give me a hiker some choices to make. Seems like one of the many difficulties is the altitude. I would love to hike the circuit. Great information plus a link on what to pack in your bag. Thanks for sharing!
Anda Galffy
I think you misunderstood, Stephanie. Altitude is NOT an issue in Torres del Paine. The moody weather on the other had is. Hope you’ll get to hike in Patagonia someday.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
I love the idea of multi-day hikes but realistically I think my age, fitness level and health is far more suited to day trekking. This is definitely one for the bucket list.
Anda Galffy
I’m with you on that, Lyn. I am no longer at the age of sleeping in tents and enduring rough conditions, hahaha!
Paul and Carole
Wow what a stunning landscape Patagonia has. This is a really useful post, great detail. Have pinned.
Ruth
Anda, it is great to have insight into this beautiful part of the world. We have Chilean friends and they have invited us many times to their country. The idea is to spend some days in the capital and then move to the southern part of the country. We will love to do that one day. Right now, I am kind of hooked in Europe.
Anda Galffy
I know what you are saying, Ruth. I love Europe too. However, Europe is easy to visit at any age, while Patagonia is a place that will test your endurance. Better go there while you are still young and energetic, lol!
Michelle
Stunning photos as always, Anda – you’ve really inspired me to attempt this one day although I’m so bad with cold weather! I’m a bit confused as to how you did your trip – the trekking routes you mentioned seem to be multi-day treks, so you carry everything with you as you hike from one place to another? But then you also had a car? (Sorry if I’m being a bit thick!)
Anda Galffy
Hi Michelle, sorry for the confusion. We did not camp or stayed in refugios. We just did the day hikes, which means we did parts of the trekking circuits. Staying in a tend in these dreadful weather conditions is way too hard for me. Maybe I would have attempted this if I were 20 years younger, hahaha!
Sandra
Beautiful place! I have been dreaming of going to Patagonia forever. I think it is a destination on every hikers bucket list.
Anda Galffy
Patagonia is truly beautiful, but I don’t think I would like to live there. It’s way too remote for me, but some people like it precisely because it is remote.
Tomas
I love you photos! Its a bit hard to read these articles as Torres del Paine is on my bucket list for a long time 🙂 Pinned for later.
Anda Galffy
Thank you, Thomas. I hope you’ll get to see torres del Paine someday. It’s really worth the trouble getting there.
Sharon
The mountains — snowy and with jagged peaks behind that — got my attention. Then there’s the lake. And then, best of all — wildlife! It would be a dream to hike here.
Anda Galffy
Indeed, there is a lot of wildlife in Torres del Paine. Those guanacos were as cute as they can be!
Anda Galffy
Yes, apparently the campsites and hostels have limited space, so if you plan to travel during their high season I would recommend booking at least 4-5 months in advance.
Mark Wyld
Amazing detail in your post. The pictures really jump off the page at you. O know want to go here for sure. Looks like one would need to do some fitness training before taking this on
Anda Galffy
Not necessarily, Mark. You can take very easy walks in the park or just do as much as you want. There hikes for all level of fitness. Hope you’ll make it to Patagonia someday. It’s a really beautiful corner of the world.
Lisa
This is such a beautiful and incredible place, and one country I’d like to see one day. This hike is probably not for beginners like me, but regardless, I’d like to try! Great tips on the day trips! At least I have a chance to see some of these beautiful sites.
Candy
The landscape here is extremely gorgeous. I still can’t get over how expensive the hotels are, but I’d definitely like to stay in one since I am a novice hiker.
Anda Galffy
There are hikes for every level in Torres del Paine. Besides, you can go as far as your strength will last, so don’t worry.