Explore off the beaten path on Patagonia’s best hiking routes – testing yourself on exhilarating mountain passes, and feeling the pleasure of kicking off your boots in camp after a long day on the trails. Escape the day hiking crowds in Torres del Paine, come face to face with the awesome nature of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in Los Glaciares, and explore new trekking frontiers in Aysen and Tierra del Fuego. These are treks for adventures, designed for you by guides with years of mountain experience in South America’s most rugged hiking destination.

Our favourite backcountry hiking & trekking trips

South Patagonian Ice Field Expedition

Test yourself in one of the most difficult environments on Earth on this trek across the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Climb up onto the Marconi Glacier and camp overnight in the dramatic frozen landscape of the ice field. Hike across…

  • 8 Days
  • $4,750
Trek Hut to Hut in Bariloche

Explore stunning terrain deep in the Nahuel Huapi National Park on this trek connecting four refugios. Traverse rocky slopes, walk along exposed ridges and overnight by deep blue lagoons. Along the way, visit peaks such as Cerro Navidad and the…

  • 4 Days
  • $2,025
Trekking in the Shadow of Lanín Volcano

This stunning multi-day trek in Lanín National Park will take you through ancient, lush forests, up extinct volcanoes, through a variety of landscapes and camping under the stars. Far from the crowds, this guided trek is for the ambitious hiker…

  • 6 Days
  • $3,125
Chaltén Mountain Escape

Trek between four established campsites linking spectacular viewpoints in some of the wildest areas of the park. Hike to Laguna de Los Tres for unrivalled views of Mount Fitz Roy, see Cerro Torre at dawn, climb to the Viento Pass…

  • 5 Days
  • $2,780
Los Glaciares Wilderness Trek

Trek between two historic estancias across the untouched wilderness of Los Glaciares National Park. A challenging trek through tough terrain, suitable for experienced hikers only. If you want to experience glaciers, rivers, mountains and rock formations in a remote and…

  • 7 Days
  • $4,960
The Huemul Circuit

Explore the forgotten corners of Los Glaciares on this adventurous trek taking in the Viento and Huemul Passes and the vast South Patagonian Ice Field. Wild camp at the Bay of Icebergs on the shore of the sparkling Lake Viedma,…

  • 4 Days
  • $2,100
Ultimate Chaltén Trek

This complete El Chaltén trekking experience combines the highlight trails around Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre with the challenging Huemul Circuit in the south of the park. Enjoy dramatic mountain views, hanging glaciers, peaceful forests and windy mountain passes…

  • 6 Days
  • $3,490
Cerro Castillo National Park Trek

Trek through the Patagonian wilderness of Aysen, Chile, on this adventure (also known as the Horquetas Trek) through forests and alpine meadows to the glaciers, peaks and lakes of Cerro Castillo National Park. You'll summit Morro Negro and take in…

  • 6 Days
  • $1,300
Trekking to the Patagonia National Park: Jeinimeni to Aviles

Head down the Southern Highway from Balmaceda to experience the highlights of Aysen on this trekking trip through the Lake Jeinimeni and Patagonia National Parks. You'll spend three nights camping in the parks as you hike over the Gloria Pass,…

  • 8 Days
  • $2,620
9-Day Torres del Paine Circuit

Tackle Patagonia's most iconic circuit trail, fully supported with porters and a local guide. Cross the John Gardner Pass, explore the park's remote northern sections, revel in the stunning French Valley and finish at the Towers viewpoint – this itinerary…

  • 9 Days
  • $3,791
7-Day Torres del Paine Circuit

The fastest way to complete the Torres del Paine circuit at great value. Trek through the isolated northern side of the park, over the infamous John Gardner Pass with the ice field beneath you and back along the W Trek.…

  • 7 Days
  • $3,600
Paine O Circuit with Oggioni Pass

This trip for experienced hikers crosses the largely unknown Oggioni Pass on a challenging, unmarked wilderness trail that cuts across from the Towers of Torres del Paine into the Dickson Valley. This itinerary takes in iconic locations such as John…

  • 7 Days
  • $3,950
W Trek with Lake Brush Extension

Trek the famous W Trek, but with a difference. Starting in the remote Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, trek on ancient and wild trails to enter the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park, before joining well-trodden paths to the renowned EcoCamp…

  • 7 Days
  • $4,050
Multi-Sport Paine

4.5 out of 5

Multi-Sport Paine

Trek, bike, kayak and horse ride in the Torres del Paine National Park whilst staying in an eco-friendly luxury dome camp. This all-inclusive trip takes you on an action-packed adventure to the famous Towers, Laguna Azul, River Grey and Lake…

  • 6 Days
  • $3,360
Dientes de Navarino Trek

A wild and challenging camping trek on Isla Navarino at the southernmost tip of Chilean Patagonia. Hike through lonely beech forests, over a series of snow-covered mountain passes and to the summit of Mt Bettinelli for superb views of the…

  • 6 Days
  • $2,930
Trekking Deep into Tierra del Fuego

This epic multi-day trek takes you through the most unspoilt, spectacular and pristine settings of Argentine Tierra del Fuego. The route crosses lush valleys, windy mountain passes, azure glacial lagoons, and makes you feel like a true explorer. Sleeping under canvas…

  • 5 Days
  • $2,188
Mitre Peninsula Trek

Trek to the end of the earth on this unique seven-day expedition on the remote Mitre Peninsula - the southernmost tip of Argentina. In the company of your guide, and a small group of like-minded adventurers, you'll cross rivers and…

  • 9 Days
  • $2,565

Where to go backcountry hiking in Patagonia

Hiking adventures in Torres del Paine

The immense granite Towers and Cuernos are instantly recognisable to hikers the world over, who come to Torres del Paine to walk the iconic but short W Trek. But as the W  becomes ever more crowded, we’ve found the most committed hikers are looking to escape to longer and quieter trails.

The O Circuit (also known as the Full Circuit) of 7–9 days is the classic alternative, with its punishing John Gardner Pass and sublime ice field views. The Oggioni Pass extension adds even more challenges in an relatively unknown sector of the national park. Alternatively, Lake Brush offers a true wilderness approach, following along half-forgotten gaucho trails through neighbouring (and empty) Bernardo O'Higgins National Park to lead you to the Paine Massif.

Backcountry hiking & trekking in Patagonia

The Brush Lake Hike in Torres del Paine

Hiking adventures in Los Glaciares

The Huemul Circuit is at the heart of the hiking experience in Los Glaciare National Park: a gnarly alpine loop over the lonely Viedma and Huemul Passes, skirting along the immensity of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and camping next to iceberg-littered bays.

Two variations stand out: the Ultimate Chaltén that adds in Mounts FitzRoy and Cerro Torre for their classic skylines, or the truly testing South Patagonian Ice Field Expedition, crossing the great ice cap to the foot of Cerro Gorra Blanca.

Finally, the Los Glaciares Wilderness Trek offers one of Patagonia’s remotest adventures, with trail-free hiking between historic estancias through a mountain landscape that reads like a geology text book write large.

Backcountry hiking & trekking in Patagonia

The Humuel Circuit in Los Glaciares

Swoop says

Swoop Says background image

In Patagonia, we say 'he who rushes in Patagonia, wastes time.' There's definitely no rush on the hiking and camping trails here – and having moved across the continent to commune with nature as a trekking guide here, I can confirm that no day in these mountains has ever been considered a waste of time!

Minerva Ortiz Patagonia Customer Experience Co-ordinator

Hiking adventures in Aysen

Chile’s Aysen region is the perhaps the most exciting new hiking and trekking frontier in Patagonia to open up in recent years, accessible via the Carretera Austral highway that runs through its heart. 

Of these pioneering routes, our favourite is the Cerro Castillo Trek, namest after the national park it circuits around (it’s also known as the Horquetas Trek). Here, the ramparts of the beautiful Cerro Castillo Massif are reminiscent of the Torres del Paine of two decades ago, with thick forests, sweeping mountain passes and pristine glacial lakes.

The pioneering rewilding project at Patagonia National Park is also open to hikers, especially those who take the Jeinimeni to Aviles route through stunning its valleys flanked by towering the towering Andes.

Backcountry hiking & trekking in Patagonia

Hiking in Cerro Castillo National Park in Aysen

Hiking adventures in Tierra del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego has an ever-growing reputation as one of Patagonia’s prime wilderness hiking destinations. This is thanks in no small part to Chile’s Navarino Island, home to the Dientes de Navarino trek: the southernmost trek in the world, which circles through jagged mountains above the Beagle Channel, looking out to Cape Horn. 

The interior holds just as many attractions however. Our trekking deep in Tierra del Fuego itinerary crosses thickly forested valleys and mountain passes and glacial lagoons in places where few have every pitched a tent. Further afield, the Mitre Peninsula offers views even more rarely seen, with wild tramping along windswept coastlines dotted with shipwrecks, penguin colonies and an occasional gaucho outpost.

Backcountry hiking & trekking in Patagonia

Hiking deep in Tierra del Fuego

Hiking adventures in the Argentinian Lake District

The Argentinian Lake District is home to an incredibly range of landscapes, and is a great playgroud for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes - including hikers. 

Nahuel Huapi National Park, the first in Argentina, is home to the great crags of Cerro Catedral, Cerro Navidad and Cerro Lopez, which can be hiked on a hut to hut trek that carries you high along mountain ridges with views over the region's many azure lakes. 

To the north, the immense monolith of Lanín Volcano tempts other hikers. A boat is needed to get to the remote trailhead here, followed by camping in ancient araucaria forest and near hot springs, before tackling the great snowy peak itself.

Backcountry hiking & trekking in Patagonia

Hiking in Nahuel Huapi National Park in the Argentinian Lake District

Swoop says

Swoop Says background image

As a former guide in Torres del Paine, tackling the Huemul Circuit had always been high on my wishlist. The Paso de Viento – literally the Windy Pass – nearly blew me off my feet, only to have my breath taken away again by the unimaginable vastness of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Tomas Hernandez Patagonia Sales Consultant

Backcountry hiking & trekking: FAQs

  • When should I go hiking in Patagonia?

    Our backcountry hiking and camping trips generally run from November to March, to take advantage of the best months of the Austral summer. The high summer months of December and January bring days of up 18 hours in length and the clearest skies, but the winds can be strongest at this time of year. The beginning and end of the season can bring snow at the lower altitudes. The passes on all these hikes close during winter. 

    Whenever you travel, be prepared for extreme weather conditions on these remote hikes. 

    For more information on what to expect during different months of the year, see our page about when to visit Patagonia.

  • I'm hiking alone – can I join a group?

    We have a lot of solo hikers and trekkers joining our trips. Camping spots are limited however, so you might need to share a tent with another trekker.

  • Do you provide daily walking times and elevations for your hiking trips?

    All our remote hiking adventures come with detailed daily itinerary information, including the number of hours and distance you can expect to hike each day, and the daily elevation change.

  • What gear is provided and what should I bring?

    Tents are provided on our trips. You’ll need to bring a sleeping bag rated for 10F (-12C) and an inflatable sleeping map and all personal items – we generally recommend a rucksack of around 60L. If any specialist gear is required for a route such as crampons, this will be provided.

    For each individual trip, we’ll provide you with a detailed packing list.

  • How well marked are the trails?

    On some of the hikes (notably the O Circuit in Torres del Paine) the trails are relatively well-marked. The majority of these hikes however follow only loose trails, with some requiring regular pathfinding by the guides. These trips are specifically designed to get you off the beaten track, as we believe there few finer ways of experiencing Patagonia. 

  • Will we wild camp or stay in organised sites?

    For the most part, these trips either involve pure wild camping, or camping at simple sites where the pitches that are just one step above wild camping, with the simplest of washing facilities and a long-drop toilet.

    The notable exception to this are the sections of the O Circuit that coincide with the W Trek, which have organised campsites attached to refugios, where you can have a hot shower and a dining room meal with other hikers. 

  • What level of fitness is required for the hikes?

    All of these hikes and treks require a good to high level of experience, with previous experience with remote hiking and camping trips, carrying a heavy backpack for multiple days.

    Each individual trip varies, so it’s essential to be honest with yourself, and discuss your experience when booking so we can match you with the right trips.

    Trips like the Huemul Circuit and Oggioni Pass extension to the O Circuit are two trips we definitely class as challenging. These are only surpassed by the South Patagonian Ice Field Expedition, which is without doubt the toughest and gnarliest trek we offer – albeit one of the most spectacular.

  • Are porters available in Patagonia?

    Porters can be arranged on some expeditions when you're booking. Porters in Patagonia carry less than on a hike in somewhere like Nepal, so you'll still have to carry a rucksack – they are just there to help lighten your load. 

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