When to go to Patagonia
Get to know the different seasons of this diverse region, from the long days of the Patagonia summer to the first snows of winter.
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Patagonia is a place where the mountains rise up to test you. Its national parks and wilderness areas are braided with hiking trails – some well trodden and others only whispered about by pioneering spirits, but all of which offer extraordinary trekking experiences far from the crowds. Remote hiking adventures here are about pulling your boots off at the end of the day in a tent pitched deep in a glacial valley or cooled by the winds off the Southern Patagonian Ice Field – tired at the miles you’ve walked but excited for what tomorrow's challenge will bring.
Swoop says
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 Customer Experience Coordinator
Checking a route map
High mountain hiking in Nahuel Huapi National Park
Breaking new trails deep in Tierra del Fue
The classic peaks of Los Glaciares National Park near El Chaltén
Taking a break on the trail
Camping on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field
At the Oggioni Pass in Torres del Paine
Amoing the araucaria trees in Lanín National Park
The view of French Valley in Torres del Paine
Crossing the the South Patagonian Ice Field
A river ford in Cerro Castillo National Park
Off the beaten track in Los Glaciares National Park
Tyrolean traverse on the Huemul Circuit
Download your guide to backcountry hiking
Many members of the Swoop team have worked as hiking and trekking guides in Patagonia, including some of Torres del Paine’s first female guides. Together, we've walked every trail, so there's no question we can't answer.
In this downloadable guide, we share stories from our favourite wilderness hikes across the region and why we think they're so special.
With our experience, as well as our friends and partners across the region, we know the very best multi-day hiking and camping adventures in Patagonia. So grab the guide and let us inspire your adventure story.
Our favourite backcountry hiking & trekking trips
4.2 out of 5
South Patagonian Ice Field Expedition
Venture far beyond the standard trails on a true Patagonian expedition across a vast expanse of the Southern Ice Field. This is a serious high-mountain traverse for experienced trekkers comfortable with glacial travel using crampons, harnesses, and ropes. You will…
- 8 Days
- $4,750
Discover Bariloche's classic hut-to-hut trek, a spectacular high-altitude hike through the heart of Nahuel Huapi National Park. This challenging route links remote mountain refugios by traversing exposed granite ridges, descending scree slopes, and overnighting beside serene, deep-blue…
- 4 Days
- $2,025
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
4.7 out of 5
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
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
4.3 out of 5
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
3.8 out of 5
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
- $4,100
3.6 out of 5
Cerro Castillo National Park Trek
Discover one of Patagonia's hidden trekking gems on the spectacular Las Horquetas trek. Traverse a pristine wilderness of lush forests, river valleys, and high alpine meadows where you may even spot the elusive huemul deer. With nights spent in remote…
- 6 Days
- $1,700
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
4.3 out of 5
9-Day Torres del Paine O 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 famous Towers viewpoint. This is…
- 9 Days
- $4,359
4.5 out of 5
7-Day Torres del Paine O 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
- $3,650
4.4 out of 5
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 can be considered the best of the…
- 7 Days
- -
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
4.4 out of 5
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
This epic multi-day trek takes you through the most unspoilt and pristine settings of Argentine Tierra del Fuego. The fully-guided route crosses lush valleys, windy mountain passes, and azure glacial lagoons, making you feel like a true explorer. Sleeping under…
- 5 Days
- $2,188
Trek to the end of the earth on this remarkable expedition at 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 explore…
- 9 Days
- $2,565
Where to go backcountry hiking in Patagonia
Backcountry hiking & trekking 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.
The Brush Lake Hike in Torres del Paine
Backcountry hiking & trekking in Los Glaciares
The Huemul Circuit is at the heart of the hiking experience in Los Glaciares 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-filled 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 writ large.
The Humuel Circuit in Los Glaciares
Backcountry hiking & trekking 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 new routes, our favourite is the Cerro Castillo Trek, named 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 valleys flanked by the towering Andes.
Hiking in Cerro Castillo National Park in Aysen
Backcountry hiking & trekking 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, mountain passes and glacial lagoons in places where few have ever 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.
Hiking deep in Tierra del Fuego
Backcountry hiking & trekking in the Argentinian Lake District
The Argentinian Lake District is home to an incredible range of landscapes, and is a great playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes - including hikers.
Nahuel Huapi National Park, the first in Argentina, holds 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.
Hiking in Nahuel Huapi National Park in the Argentinian Lake District
Swoop says
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Explore more of Patagonia
How to get to Patagonia
Everything you need to know about how to get to Patagonia, from international connections to domestic flight routes inside the region.
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Backcountry horse riding in Patagonia
Saddle up under endless skies, embracing the pioneering gaucho lifestyle with multi-day horse riding adventures in Patagonia.
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Backcountry kayaking in Patagonia
Take to the water and paddle along Patagonia's fjords, rivers and coastline, enjoying immense landscapes and intimate wildlife encounters by kayak.
Discover MoreReady to plan your Patagonia adventure?
1. Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2. Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3. Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.