11 Best Day Hikes in Patagonia
Are you looking for the best day hikes in Patagonia? Not every traveler has time for multi-day treks, so we've compiled a list of the most rewarding day hikes in both Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia. Happy hiking!
Patagonia is a world-class hiking destination. After over a month of traveling in Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia, we feel that any other introduction to this post about the best day hikes would be an understatement.
We believe that after seeing a few photos from this destination, every avid hiker, trekker, and outdoor enthusiast must be driven to visit this remote part of the world.
Why? Simply put, it is hard, or even impossible, to resist jagged mountainous peaks, sprawling forests, pristine glacial lakes, and enormous glaciers.
Patagonia is a stunningly beautiful place on Earth, and one of the best ways to explore it is on foot.
Higher prices altogether with harsh climate and therefore short hiking season makes this region one of the most sought-after and dreamed about travel destinations between November and March.
Luckily, there are many trails that will take you to some of the top sceneries, and on top of that, hiking is one of the cheapest ways to see a lot on a relatively small budget.
There are plenty of things to know about Patagonia before you go. The region is vast and remote, to say the least, and planning the trip well-in-advance is essential.
When we were creating our Patagonia itinerary, we had to make a decision where to start and end our adventure.
We decided to make a Carretera Austral road trip in Chile first, and then we crossed borders from Villa O'Higgins to El Chalten in Argentina and carried on by bus via Torres del Paine in Chile.
Only to cross borders to Argentina again to see the world's southernmost point in the world, Ushuaia.
As we are outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking, on the way, we've had a chance to choose from many hikes - some of them are the world-known classics, while others are hidden gems only a few people know of.
We've put together a list of the best day hikes we did in Patagonia in the north-to-south order to make your planning easier.
Hiking in Patagonia
What are the best things about day-hikes in Patagonia? Apart from the obvious, such as the epic views and sense of freedom, it is that anyone can do it.
Hiking is one of the most natural physical activities (it's simply yet another word for walking), it helps you to stay fit and healthy, and from our experience, it's very rewarding.
If you are new to this activity, make sure to read our helpful guide on hiking for beginners.
Standing on the edge of the sky-blue lake, in front of towering mountains, is amazing, and what makes day hiking that appealing is that we always know a comfortable bed awaits us afterward.
The truth is that the ever-changing weather in Patagonia can make things complicated, but once you pack right, do not overestimate your powers, and follow all the safety guidelines, one things is certain.
You'll have the time of your life. We can promise that.
We hiked in many countries in the world, including Nepal or New Zealand. However, the pictures from Patagonia remain one of our favorites.
So if you are still hesitant, we hope our list of Patagonia's top day-hikes will inspire you to set off for your next adventure.
#1 Volcano Chaiten in Pumalin National Park
After the all-night spent on a ferry that brought us safely from Puerto Montt to Chaiten, the beginning of Carretera Austral, we could not wait to start our Patagonian adventure.
We think chances are you've never heard about a small village Chaiten in Chile, or maybe even about Pumalin National Park.
Yes, it is not the most heavily visited park in Patagonia, and if you have only a short time to explore this part of the world, you can probably give it a miss, but we truly enjoyed it here.
Actually, we enjoyed the place so much that one of the hikes in Pumalin National Park (we did two), a trek named simply Volcano Chaiten, made it to our list of the best day hikes.
The Chaiten Volcano hike is quite unusual because the volcano erupted ten years ago and destroyed the original village sitting peacefully underneath it.
We could clearly see the damage on trees and soil during our visit as the forest hasn't yet recovered, and this was also what made the trek so interesting.
To see up close how beautiful, but also powerful and dangerous the nature in Patagonia can be.
The hike to the volcano is not somehow long but leads uphill all the time.
On the other hand, you will be rewarded by vistas of lakes, the sea in distance, flora, and of course, multi-colored volcano crater.
The trail is not somehow difficult, and if you pack well (do not forget a rain jacket and winter jacket, together with proper hiking boots), you'll be fine, even if you are not an experienced hiker.
We think that Pumalin NP is a must-include in every Carretera Austral itinerary as it is still one of those places where you can avoid crowds.
Travel Resources
Where to Stay: Mid-range: Yelcho en la Patagonia | Mid-range: Paraiso Patagonico | Mid-range: Hotel Mi Casa
#2 Hanging Glacier in Queulat National Park
Queulat National Park, near a small village called Puyuhuapi hides one of the most photogenic places in Patagonia, the Hanging Glacier.
The glacier is one of the must-visit places in the area, and thanks to the easy accessibility, it is not a secret anymore.
The trail leading from the parking lot to the viewpoint over the glacier is called Sendero Ventisquero Colgante, and it should take you approximately 2.5 hours to finish it.
The trail, which can often be muddy, climbs through the forest with limited views, but once you get to the viewing platform, we know you will surely stand there in awe, the same as we did.
The sight of the hanging glacier is breathtaking, especially when the sun shines and reveals the light blue carves in the ice.
Melting water runs down the glacier and creates waterfalls, while the omnipresent cracking sound of the ice completes the awe-inspiring atmosphere.
The only difficulty is represented by the lack of transport options.
Public transport in the area is quite limited, and although you can hitchhike the same as we did, this time, a rental car comes in really handy.
Travel Resources
Where to Stay: Budget: Hostal y Cabañas Ventisquero | Mid-range: Cabana Senderos Puyuhuapi | Luxury: Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa
#3 Laguna Cerro Castillo
One of the most beautiful day hikes we did along Carretera Austral was undoubtedly the trek to a stunningly blue lake shimmering under the rocky peak of Cerro Castillo.
Laguna Cerro Castillo is a part of a multi-day hike, so it is almost a miracle that this place is reachable on a day trip from a small village Villa Cerro Castillo nestled under the hill.
The out-and-back trail is moderately difficult but offers fantastic scenery from the very beginning.
As we climbed, we could see a river snaking through the valley and many lakes and mountains in the distance.
If you have enough time and a tent, you can sleep near the lagoon and wait for an amazing sunset and sunrise.
This hike can be done as a loop, but we decided to climb only a bit higher to get views of the other side of the valley and then returned the same way back.
You can sleep either in Villa Cerro Castillo, which is only a stone's throw from the trailhead.
Or you can travel from the biggest city in the area Coyhaique, it only requires a bit of planning, but there are more accommodation options.
This trip is one of the top day hikes in Patagonia, and if your itinerary allows it, we recommend you include it in your plans.
You certainly won't regret it.
Travel Resources
Where to Stay: Budget: Hostal La Bicicleta | Mid-range: Hostal Los Teros | Luxury: Patagonia House
#4 Lagunas Altas Trail in Patagonia National Park
Hands down, could there be a better idea of naming a national park in the heart of Chilean Patagonia than simply Patagonia National Park?
One of the newest national parks in Patagonia offers raw beauty, pristine and rough landscape, including wast grasslands, snow-capped mountains, rivers, and lakes.
Not many pages have been written about Patagonia National Park, and that's why we were determined to explore it on our own.
There are not that many designated trails yet, so we chose Lagunas Altas Trail, we modified it a bit, and this hike turned out to be one of the best great outdoors experiences we've ever had.
We walked across grasslands, around small lakes to one of the most rewarding vistas in this part of Patagonia, and did not meet a single person for the whole 30 kilometers!
Travel Resources
We recommend you download an offline map because the signage is not the best at times or use GPS watch.
Also, tell your plans to someone, and check the weather forecast, so you do not get yourself into an unpleasant situation.
Where to Stay: Mid-range: Ribera Cochrane | Mid-range: Kalfu Patagonia | Mid-range: Hotel Ultimo Paraiso
#5 Altavista Trail in Villa O'Higgins
If you make it to Villa O'Higgins via Carretera Austral, you'll get to a point from where you literally cannot go any further, as the road ends here.
Thanks to the remoteness and the fact that most of the tourists who travel around Patagonia by rental cars must cross borders to Argentina elsewhere, is the atmosphere in the village incredibly peaceful, one would say even romantic.
You can literally feel there like at the end of the world.
Nature around Villa O'Higgins is untouched, and you will barely meet any people here. And if so, you can be sure they are very likely nature lovers, avid photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Despite the remote location, there are many tourist paths near the village, so travelers easily disperse and meet only later in the evening in a hostel.
Simply put, Villa O’Higgins is a must-visit place in Patagonia.
Our favorite hike in Villa O'Higgins was Altavista Trail, but as glaciers surround the village, you cannot make a wrong decision because every trail leads to a spectacular viewpoint.
The Altavista Trail was quite specific because there was no classical ending point, and we could go on and on.
We always told ourselves, let's see what's behind the next turn, and once we reached it, we were curious whether the next turn does not hide even a better view, which is quite common in Patagonia.
Simply put, if you are not in a rush, base yourself in Villa O'Higgins and get yourself spoiled by the unspoiled nature around you.
Travel Resources
Where to Stay: Budget: Ruedas de la Patagonia | Mid-range: Puesto Canogas Hostel | Luxury: Robinson Crusoe Deep Patagonia Lodge
#6 Villa O'Higgins to El Chalten
If you are looking for the best day hike in Patagonia, which despite its beauty, is almost abandoned, we are not afraid to say that you've just found it.
The trail from Villa O'Higgins to El Chalten is a day hike via no man's land between Chile and Argentina that is lined with unparalleled scenery.
Only a handful of people from the total number of visitors of Chile and Argentina cross the border between those two countries on foot here, which makes the trail quite unique.
Nowadays, it is still harder to find an exceptional place without crowds, and when looking back, we realize that this day was like walking in a fairytale.
If you decide to do this day hike on your own, it requires a bit of planning, but our guide on crossing the borders should help you out.
As usual, there are a few alternatives, so every traveler can choose the option that suits their needs the best, but no matter which option you choose, be prepared for a long day on the road.
As we trekked in Patagonia almost every other day during the months we spent there, we found out it is quite easy to get used to the beauty around, but this hike put our standards on another level.
The perfect weather certainly helped a lot too.
Also, when doing this trek, you can see the famous Fitz Roy Mountain from the opposite side!
It is possible to extend this trip and enjoy the landscape around the borders for a little bit longer; you only need to carry your own tent.
Travel Resources
Where to Stay: Budget: Ruedas de la Patagonia | Mid-range: Puesto Canogas Hostel | Luxury: Robinson Crusoe Deep Patagonia Lodge
#7 Laguna de los Tres in El Chalten
When we crossed borders to Argentina, mountains did not become smaller or lakes less blue.
Rather the opposite. One late evening we emerged in El Chalten, Argentina's hiking capital, and knew we must be ready the next day for one of the most iconic hikes in the area, Laguna de Los Tres.
There is probably no more recognizable mountain peak in Patagonia than Fitz Roy, towering above Laguna de Los Tres.
The characteristically shaped mount Fitz Roy is towering above the stunningly blue waters of Laguna de Los Tres, and this trip is undoubtedly worth your time.
Be prepared that there is not a single person arriving in El Chalten without intention to hike to the lagoon, so the trail can be a bit crowded, especially when the season is in full swing.
But we don't blame anyone who wants to see Fitz Roy with their own eyes because it is truly exceptional.
The hike is not hard, leads up and down except for the last approximately an hour-long strenuous section which climbs straight up.
At this point, all travelers push hard because the iconic sight is only a few moments away.
If you want to see a spectacular sunrise at Laguna de Los Tres, you can camp overnight in the campground, approximately an hour walk away from the top, and start early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
When returning to El Chalten from the viewpoint, you can take a short two-kilometer side trip to Glacier Piedras Blancas.
The trek with this worthwhile extension is almost 30 kilometers long, so do not overestimate your physical abilities.
Travel Resources
Where to Stay: Budget: Lo de Guille | Mid-range: Pudu Lodge | Luxury: Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montana
#8 Cerro Torre & Laguna Torre in El Chalten
Another day hike from El Chalten you cannot miss out on is a Laguna and Cerro Torre.
It was one of the more accessible hikes in Patagonia regarding elevation, but it was pretty long, therefore, tiring.
The weather was not cooperating with us that day, and although we waited forever for the clouds to clear, we could not see the classic and most-photographed spikes of Cerro Torre.
Still, the lagoon views did not disappoint.
If you have time only for one hike when in El Chalten, we would have probably opted for Laguna de los Tres, but if your itinerary allows it, in our opinion, Cerro Torre is a must as well.
If you are not a well-trained hiker, it is good to know that this trail is suitable even for beginners.
If you have enough energy, walk around the lagoon to the right, and carry on for another approximately two kilometers to get a better view of the glacier. If your pace is slower, make sure to pack warm layers.
Travel Resources
Where to Stay: Budget: Lo de Guille | Mid-range: Pudu Lodge | Luxury: Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montana
#9 Mirador Las Torres in Torres del Paine National Park
Same as El Chalten in Argentina has the Fitz Roy, Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is famous for the iconic Towers, alias the hike to Mirador Las Torres.
Trekking to the Mirador is one of the most classic routes in this national park, but there are dozens of trails in case you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path.
This day hike is moderately difficult but worth every single step.
Three sharp spike-like peaks are towering above the green-blue lagoon - you would have trouble finding a more obviously photogenic spot in Patagonia.
To be honest, when we reached the viewing platform, we took a few photos, had a snack, and then we climbed to the lake's edge and enjoyed an hour-long nap.
The sun was shining, and in our memories, this will forever be one of our favorite moments in Patagonia. The truth is that later we were quite lazy to set off back, although we were well-rested.
To see the Towers during sunrise, you must make a reservation in Refugio Chileno as soon as the quota is open.
Keep in mind that spaces fill up quickly.
Travel Resources
Where to Stay: Budget: Hostal Andes Patagonicos | Mid-range: Kau Lodge | Luxury: Hotel Simple Patagonia
#10 Glacier Grey in Torres del Paine National Park
Our favorite day hike in Torres del Paine was the less famous trail in the park leading to the viewpoint overlooking Grey Glacier.
This section of Glacier Grey hike is part of the popular multi-day W trek.
So if you were not able to book your spot in advance or spots were already taken, you still could see one of the most beautiful parts of this world-known hike.
There is only one way to reach the trailhead of the Glacier Grey trek - by boat across Pehoe Lake, which is also a marvelous part of the experience.
This hike is rewarding all the way to the viewpoint, as you can see mountains, lakes with icebergs, and glaciers.
The only problem is that you need to walk fast to catch the return ferry.
We must admit that to make it to the most iconic viewpoint in one day and catch the last ferry, you must be well-trained or push hard, so consider it before you put Glacier Grey on your list.
Travel Resources
Where to Stay: Budget: Hostal Andes Patagonicos | Mid-range: Kau Lodge | Luxury: Hotel Simple Patagonia
#11 Cerro Guanaco Trail in Tierra del Fuego National Park
Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, is not only a point from where wealthy people (or people who saved money for their entire life) leave for once in a lifetime adventure to Antarctica.
Despite the fact that we at first did not plan to travel to Ushuaia at all, Cerro Guanaco in Tierra del Fuego quickly became one of the best hikes we've done in Patagonia.
And as this place was the last we wanted to see in Patagonia overall before venturing off to Buenos Aires, we couldn't imagine a better way how to say goodbye to this breathtaking part of this world.
Tierra del Fuego National Park offers several hiking trails, and Cerro Guanaco is the toughest one, but if you are looking for something easier, it won't be a problem.
That's being said, if you are at least moderately fit, you should work your way up for the spectacular views.
Travel Resources
Where to Stay: Budget: Oshovia Hostel | Mid-range: Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel | Luxury: Arakur Ushuaia Resort and Spa
The Best Time to Hike in Patagonia
The weather in Patagonia is very unpredictable, and a sunny day can change into a rainy one in a span of a couple of minutes.
No matter what time of the year you plan on trekking in Patagonia, there is one rule.
You need to be cautious all the time and always be ready for every situation, even though you'll be returning to a warm hotel room the same day.
You will be in the mountains, often in remote places without reception, so never underestimate the power of nature.
Generally, the best time to hike in Patagonia, no matter if you plan on sleeping in lodges or camping, is during summer, early fall, and late spring, let's say from late October to late April.
Although the word summer can evoke high temperatures and blue skies, it can still be quite cold in Patagonia, especially at nights.
It can rain in the mountains at any time of the year, but your best chance to hike in dry conditions is in February.
In the summer, you can expect strong winds here.
When experienced and well-equipped, you can do some trekking in Patagonia even in the winter. But some trails might be closed, plus there are chances of avalanches and snowstorms, so do not overrate your strengths.
Here, you can read more on when to visit Patagonia.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
What to Pack for Day Hikes in Patagonia
We've written an in-depth Patagonia packing list on this topic, but if we should pick the ultimate things you need to pack for day hikes in this area, we would have chosen the following items.
Hiking Boots | Wearing comfortable and waterproof hiking boots will make your hikes much easier as your feet will stay dry for most of the day, and the right boots will prevent blisters.
Daypack | When hiking in Patagonia, you need to pack not only snacks and water but also a rain poncho and extra layers of clothes to stay warm, so opt for a backpack with good back support and waist strap.
Rain Jacket | It rains a lot in Patagonia. Also, strong winds often blow in the mountains. Staying warm is the most important thing.
Trekking Poles | We used hiking poles in Nepal for the first time a few years ago, and since then, we never set off to the mountains without them - our knees thank us every day.
Water Bottle | Patagonia was the only place in South America where we drank water from the streams and taps. Pack water bottles so you won't need to buy single-use plastic bottles.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
