Choosing your trekking holiday
- Base yourself in two or three different locations to get the best out of Patagonia's varied landscape
- Independent travellers will love the networks of self-guided hiking trails that criss-cross the landscape
- Some of the more remote multi-day hikes require a guide, your source of all knowledge on wildlife, culture, geology and more.
- Group hiking tours look after all the little details for you, so you just focus on getting that backpack as lightweight as possible
Where can I hike in Patagonia?
Sample itineraries
1 week
Classic: Torres del Paine's W-Trek is a world-famous multi-day hike, with a trail that weaves through some of the most recognisable mountains on earth. Highlights include the mile-high granite towers and Lake Grey, peppered with icebergs that have plunged from the Grey Glacier. Accommodation is shared dormitory style refugios, and hiking is guided or self-guided.
Off-the-beaten-track: Camp among the mountains and step up to the more challenging Huemul Circuit. Leave the bustle of other hikers behind and head out into the silence of Los Glaciares, for beautiful views of the Patagonian ice cap, meadows, rocks, snow, wind, orange sunsets, sparkling mountain lakes, and even a zipline river crossing.
2 weeks
Classic: Combine Patagonia's two most famous National Parks: Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares. If you have the time, this is a trekking holiday must-do - trek the W Trek and the famous trails from El Chalten. Hike both on a group tour, or ask one of our specialists how to experience both on a private trip.
Off-the-beaten-track: Aysen is one of Patagonia's most well-hidden secrets. For trekkers, it's a paradise: rainforest, steppe, ice cap, and a number of national reserves which are perfect for day, or multi-day hiking. Look out for wildlife and camp under the stars in Patagonia Park, or vary your stay between ranches, and homestays in the Soler Valley.
3 weeks
Classic: Start with the famous Full Circuit, Torres del Paine's challenging 7-9 day route that loops around the National Park. You'll be under canvas for half the trek and will conquer some of the most challenging passes in the park, but the views and lack of crowds are worth the effort! Then head up to Los Glaciares, the hiker's mecca for some day hikes or another multi-day trek.
Off-the-beaten-track: Head to the southernmost tip of Patagonia and the rugged, windswept mountains of Tierra del Fuego. With wild camping, unmarked trails and scree-covered slopes, multi-day trekking here is truly remote. Afterwards, head up to the lake district for lusher scenes, rushing rivers and smoking volcanoes.
Our best trekking trips in Patagonia
Top places to go hiking in Patagonia
Hiking in the Argentine Lake District
From the ice capped peak of the staggering Lanin Volcano to the challenging slopes of the Cathedral mountain or the gentle trails around glistening lakes, the Argentinian Lake …
Hiking in the Chilean Lake District
This area of Chile offers trekking for all levels from easy day hikes to more challenging multi-day hikes. Hike up smoking volcanoes, climb granite peaks, trek past cascading …
Hiking in Torres del Paine
World famous trekking awaits in Torres del Paine National Park. Each valley, peak and pass hides its own treasures, be it hanging glaciers, vast pampas, twisted metamorphic rock or…
Hiking in Tierra del Fuego
Tierra del Fuego is a land of extremes. Swathes of isolated steppe are punctuated with windswept trees, endless peat bogs and craggy outcrops crowned with glaciers. Here is …
Hiking in Aysen
Dramatic snow-capped mountains, glistening glacial lakes and lush forested valleys make for superb trekking in this unsung region. Explore the fantastic hiking routes in Aysen's …
Trekking in Los Glaciares
Trek amongst jagged, snow-capped peaks and electric-blue lakes, venture out into open valleys and private reserves, or visit the icy glaciers that roll from the Southern …
Trekking in Patagonia
Choosing your hike
Take your time to explore all your options - Patagonia is vast and in this hiker's paradise, it pays to do your research. Do you want to see the highlights or get off the beaten track? Short treks or longer expeditions? Dramatic scenery or more relaxed woodland trails? USe our guide to trekking in Patagonia to help you plan.
More hiking trips
Decided on your location already? Got a private or a group trek in mind? Take a look at all of our top private and group treks in Patagonia.
If you're looking for a longer trip, get in touch to ask us how to string a few of these hikes together into a bigger Patagonian adventure.
How can Swoop Patagonia help you?
Private Tours
A trip fully supported and tailored to your needs and dates. Great adventures by day and comfortable accommodation each night.
Independent Travellers
See Patagonia your way, in your time. We'll introduce you to Swoop's guides and partners across the region and will help you make the most of your budget.
Extraordinary Journeys
Leave the well-trodden trails behind and discover true wilderness, with expert local guides, unique lodging and off-the-beaten-track experiences.
Group Tours
Join like-minded people on a 1-4 week journey across Patagonia, a cheaper way to see the most popular places in the region.
Specialist Trips
Our network of guides will ensure you have the local knowledge, technical expertise and equipment you need for that specialist adventure.
How can Swoop Patagonia help you?
There are so many different ways to experience Patagonia. Swoop has helped over 5,000 people plan and arrange their trip to Patagonia and almost every itinerary has been different.
Ready to plan your Patagonia adventure?
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.