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Hiking and Trekking

Trekking and Hiking have become very popular in the last few years and few destinations can match Argentina's magnificent settings and regional splendor. Many regions in Argentina offer treks that last anywhere from half a day to a number of weeks. The Andes Mountains provide the perfect atmosphere and backdrop to many trekking opportunities.

Usually a professional guide takes a group of trekkers or hikers on the adventure while cooks and other personal prepare food and take care of all the necessities. Many trekking tours stay overnight in beautiful and desolate parts where camping is the most common form of lodging. Other tours stay at small inns and hotels on the way.

Patagonia is the main hiking region in Argentina, and destinations in Patagonia such as El Calafate, El Chalten, Torres del Paine, and Ushuaia each offer unique and special hiking highlights. Read an introduction to each of these destinations on this page, and then follow the link to further information about each destination and the hiking that can be enjoyed there.

Bariloche is one of the greatest places in the world for hiking and trekking. A number of different trails and routes are available for your hiking pleasure.

Hiking and Trekking Excursions in Bariloche

Cerro Lopez:
This hike begins early from Circuito Chico (Lower Circuit) and ascends to Mountain Hut Lopez via a relaxed trail. Depending on conditions, the hike continues upward to Turista peak, passing along the way to the well known as Hoya del Lopez.

Cerro Ventana:
The mountain Ventana offers beautiful panoramic views including Lake Gutierrez, Mount Catedral and Mount Otto, the city of Bariloche, and Lake Nahuel Huapi that seem to be all around you and at your feet.

Mountain Hut Frey:
The surroundings of the mountain retreat Frey is a hiker's and rock climber's paradise, a magnificent scene rich in granite rock formations.

Cerro Tronador:
The trek through Mountain Tronador entails views of ancient glaciers, mighty peaks, and beautiful waterfalls. The trek starts 90 kilometers away from the city, going through the Meiling mountain hut, then up through a wonderful forest and along a wide ridge of volcanic rocks that have impressive views of the glaciers and waterfalls that soar for hundreds of meters below.

Cathedral's South Peak and Campanile Valley:
Weather permitting it is recommended spending one or two nights in a rock cave at 2000 meters over the sea level, inside the Campanile valley which is one of the most spectacular places in the region of Bariloche. For the last climb up to the summit it recommended to have some previous trekking experience.

Just a moderate plane ride from Buenos Aires, El Calafate is the premiere destination for travelers aching to experience the Southern Patagonia and the Los Glaciers National Park. With access to the park, the Perito Moreno glacier, the hiking haven of El Chalten, and Chile's beautiful Torres del Paine National Park, there is no better place to rest your head at night than El Calafate. A small city, chalked with culture, tradition, and all of the necessary amenities, El Calafate will meet your every need during any Argentine vacation.

A population of approximately 8,000 people inhabit this 155,000-hectacre city, which boasts a dry climate and year round accommodations. Temperatures typically range from -2 degrees Celsius in the winter to 20 degrees Celsius in the summer, remembering that Southern Hemisphere seasons run opposite to the seasons of the Northern Hemisphere. While traveling to the area is encouraged 365 days a year, visitors should understand that hours of daylight dwindle in the winter months to as few as eight hours of natural light per day.

Built in November, 2000, the International Airport of El Calafate presents the easiest way to access the city. With incoming flights consistently arriving from San Carlos de Bariloche, Buenos Aires, and Ushuaia, you'll find traveling here relatively simple. Once you arrive you'll enjoy a scenic 23 kilometer drive into the city where you will find ample amenities and services.

Lodging in El Calafate

The possibilities for lodging in El Calafate are endless! The city offers hotels with a broad range or pricing and services, Hosterias, Estancias (or traditional farms), and Hostels for your traveling convenience. Using our El Calafate lodging guide, you are sure to find the accommodations that are right for you. Make sure to explore the option of staying at one of El Calafate's neighboring Estancias for the opportunity to experience the culture and vitality of the Patagonian lifestyle first hand.

The Perito Moreno Glacier
Imagine a fifteen-story tall wall of ice looming over a turquoise backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks, and you'll begin to understand the majesty that is the Perito Moreno Glacier. This formation, which is one of the largest in the region, is also the most scientifically significant in that it is still growing in size every day. The glacier provides spectacular vistas from a variety of vantage points, consistently impressing travelers and scientists alike.

El Chalten
El Chalten is a small hiking village accessible from El Calafate, which is surrounded by towering glaciers, crystal lagoons, vast lakes, and the ever-looming presence of mount Fitz Roy. This is quiet village is often deemed the "National Trekking Capital of Argentina," due to its unparalleled access to glacial terrain. The area is also known, however, for recreational climbing, camping, horseback riding, fishing, and rafting excursions.

Torres del Paine
Torres del Paine National Park is a remote park internationally described as one of the most untainted and unspoiled places on earth. The 450,000 acre park presents an amazing biosphere recognized as a World Heritage site in 1978 by UNESCO. With its pristine vistas and untouched natural wonders, your visit to Torres del Paine will undoubtedly be unforgettable.

Los Glaciers National Park
Recently recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Los Glaciers National Park is one of the most picturesque places in the world. The park is a staggering 8,500 square miles, half of which are covered by ice fields that connect over forty-five major glaciers. While also featuring two of Argentina's largest lakes and the beautiful mount Fitz Roy, Los Glaciers National Park provides an incomparable variety of terrain for Patagonian travelers.

Excursions to the park leave El Calafate on a daily basis. While renting a car and visiting the region on your own is a viable option, we recommend utilizing a tour guide to fully appreciate everything the park has to offer.

The Glaciers of Southern Patagonia
While the Perito Moreno Glacier reigns supreme in the world of Patagonian natural wonders, a plethora of other glaciers each add to the character and appeal of the El Calafate region. Be sure to pay a visit to the Onelli and Upsala glaciers, which showcase the wide range of glacial structures which decorate the region. Also, excursions to these icy wonders provide a premiere opportunity to view the regions flora and fauna, potentially witnessing the captivating flight of buzzards and condors that hover above.

The Walichu Caves

The Walichu Caves, located just outside of El Calafate provide a unique window to the past peoples and cultures of the Southern Patagonia. You'll see authentic Paleolithic cave drawings as you are guided through the region, and begin to understand the lifestyle of the early humans who inhabited the land nearly 4,000 years ago.

El Chalten is a small hiking village surrounded by glaciers, lagoons, lakes, and mountains. The village is proclaimed as the "National Trekking Capital of Argentina", but the area is also known for amazing climbing, camping, horseback riding, fishing, rafting, and even fauna and flora excursions.

The village of El Chalten is located about a 140 Miles(220 KM), or roughly 4 hours driving, from the bigger tourist center of El Caflafate. El Chalten is quite isolated and luxuries such as cell phones and cash machines are not available at this point in time. Although El Chalten is far removed from civilization, internet terminals and telephones are widely available to communicate with the outside world.

Upon arrival in El Chalten, a local park ranger will give you some instructions concerning the area. You will also be given a good map of the village along with a map of the trails, campgrounds, and sights in the area. Take this chance and ask a local expert any questions you may have.

From El Chalten you can take a number of hikes that can last from a few hours to a full day or over a number of nights. The map created by www.ElChalten.com is an excellent introduction to the region. On www.ElChalten.com you can also find descriptions of the many excursions you can take from El Chalten.

Torres del Paine National Park is located in nearby Chile, 5 hours drive from El Calafate. Torres del Paine is a spectacular park internationally renowned as one of the most beautiful, unspoiled, and remote places on earth. The park is comparable to the US Yellowstone or Yosemite Parks. The 450,000 acre park is an amazing biosphere recognized as a World Heritage site in 1978 by UNESCO.

The wildlife of the park is lead by the unique Guanacos and Rheas. Guanacos are beautiful South American animals somewhat similar to llamas and Rheas are ostrich-like birds. There are also various species of birds and even beautiful puma have been sighted in the distance.

Hiking is the most popular activity in the park and there are hiking trails in many areas along with lodges, campgrounds, and transportation. Trails are safe and relatively easy to follow, made for the average trekker. People seeking a greater challenge can choose from trails of advanced difficulty along with other activities such as horseback riding, climbing, kayaking, rafting and glacier crossing.

Torres del Paine can be explored through various activities and ways. The type of exploration is highly dependent on the kinds of lodgings the traveler chooses to stay in. Whatever your choice, keep in mind that all lodgings, except campsites, are very limited and fill up quickly. It is recommended to book your lodgings far in advance.

Hotels:
There is a hand full of decent hotels in the Torres del Paine National Park. The hotels offer comfortable rooms, full dining rooms, and certain conveniences like telephones (a luxury in these parts). The hotels are designed for people that want to take day hikes or other excursions to various sections of the park. The prices of hotels run from about a $100 to $250 USD for a fairly regular 4-star room, to the ultra luxurious Explora Lodge for about a $1000 USD per night.

Refugios:
Regugios, or so called "refugee houses", are the next most "luxurious" lodging option in Torres del Paine. Refugios offer heated lodgings with a dining room and bathrooms with hot water. There is the inconvenience of sleeping in a rather costly bunk-bed($30 USD per bed) with five other people. Sleeping bags can be rented and full meals are also offered in refigios.

Campgrounds:
Campgrounds are third way of lodging in Torres del Paine. Camp can only be set up in designated part of the park, but campgrounds are conveniently available every few hours of the way. Many campgrounds are right next to refugios, in which case campers can use all the facilities available in the refugio.

The Torres del Paine Mountains:
Three large pillars, the towers from which the park gets it's name, stand in one part of the National Park. The mountains are called Torre Central(2800m), Torre Sur(2850m), and Torre Norte(2600m). The Mirador del Torres(The Torres Viewpoint, also referred to as Torres Base) is the best place to view these magnificent mountains.

The "W" Route:
The so-called "W" Route, is the most popular route that hikers take to see the park. Cleverly, the shape of the route looks like the letter "W", so hence the name. The main sights of the park can be seen from the route including the Torres del Paine Mountains, Lago Grey(Lake Grey), Lago Nordenskjold, and the amazing Cuernos Mountains. The whole "W" Route can be done by staying in either hotels, refugios, or campgrounds. The route takes roughly 5 trekking days to complete and usually starts at Laguna Amagra, or just to the right of Hosteria los Torres on the map below.

The "Macizo Paine" Route:
The route circles the outside of the "W" Route and takes 7 days of trekking to complete. There are five campsites and one additional refugio on this route. This route is not reachable from hotels and thus is done by far fewer visitors.

Glacier and Lago Grey:
Glacier Grey and Lago Grey are true highlights of Torres del Paine. There is even a boat that does a lovely 3 hour tour around the lake and takes you right next to glacier.

Map of Torres del Paine National Park

Monte Fitz Roy
Mountain Fitz Roy rises eleven thousand feet into the air and proclaims its greatness over the surrounding icelands. The Fitz Roy mountain range is visible for hundreds of miles around and the village of El Chalten is blessed with this excellent view.

Monte Torre
Mountain Torre is even taller than Fitz Roy, but is not as majestic. The base of this mountain and the end of one of the trails is a beautiful creamy colored mountain lake called Laguna Torre.

Horseback Riding at El Chalten
Although El Chalten is a hiker's and mountain climber's haven, almost all of the beautiful sights can be experienced on a horseback riding tour. Excellent tours start from El Chalten and take you all around the area. Reserve these excursions in advance to avoid availability problems when you are on your trip.

Initially discovered by Magellan in 1520, and first surveyed in depth in the early 19th century, the Tierra del Fuego region of Argentina has maintained a spot as one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the country ever since. With an unparalleled range of natural landscapes, historic urban dwellings, and available outdoor recreation, this "end of the world" destination is not to be missed.

Located on the southernmost portion of the South American Continent, the Tierra del Fuego region provides the closest access the to the Antarctic, a destination known for its chilly exoticism and glacial splendor. The region is also home to the urban center of Ushuaia, commonly known as the southern most city in the world. While Ushuaia does provide easy access to the remainder of the region, it is also able to stand alone as a desirable destination for travelers seeking to understand Argentinean culture and history. Home to the "train at the end of the world," "the museum at the end of the world," and a historically significant early 20th century penitentiary, Ushuaia provides plenty to see and do. Whether visitors choose to stay within the city limits, however, or travel outward bound in to the vast wild terrain that awaits, no one will leave the region unfulfilled.

Excursions in Tierra del Fuego are plentiful, utilizing both land and water for regional travel and exploration. The multitude of channels and straights provide the optimal opportunity to cruise through the region beneath towering mountains and impressive forests. Most notably, the Beagle Channel, which delineates the Chilean and Argentinean sides of the Tierra del Fuego National Park, offers prime territory for both full and half day cruises throughout the Argentine summer months. From these cruises visitors experience the full range of wildlife that the region has to offer. Distinct creatures of the land, waters, and skies blanket the area, adding to the appeal of this unforgettable region. Time and time again visitors report spotting rheas, condors, pumas, sea elephants, penguins, and, periodically, even whales.

Due to its extreme southern locale, travel to the Tierra del Fuego region is encouraged primarily between mid-October and mid-April. Be advised that temperatures may remain chilly even during these summer months, necessitating the use of plenty of warm layers of clothing.

Museo del Fin del Mundo
The Museum of the End of the World is dedicated to the history and culture of the area. It has a number of rooms dedicated to the local Indians along with shipwrecks that have happened on Tierra del Fuego as well.

The Military Penitentiary of Ushuaia
Argentina built a penitentiary for criminals and political prisoners in the beginning of the 20th century. At that time the city of Ushuaia was just a desolate outpost very far from civilization. The harsh prison held up to 600 prisoners at a time that spent their time gathering wood used to build the town of Ushuaia and doing other labor intensive tasks. The penitentiary finally closed in 1947, but visiting the old grounds is a somewhat popular activity for tourists.

The Train at the End of the World
This reproduction of the original prisoners train leaves from a station 4 miles west of Ushuaia and does a sedate loop through forests and secluded valleys. The train was originally used to transport firewood to the city by the inmates. The trip takes about 2 hours.

The Andes is the longest mountain range in the world, running 4,500 miles from north to south along the west coast of South America. It begins on the southern tip of Chile and passes through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and Venezuela. Outside of the Himalayas, the Andes have some of the highest peaks in the world, its height averaging 13,000 feet above sea level and its highest, Aconcuagua at 22,841 feet.

Composed of mountain ranges or cordilleras, the Andes have some of the most spectacular scenery in Latin America and are a wonderland for many outdoor activities. Because of the extreme variation in altitude in the rugged terrain, there are many different climate zones. It is possible, for example, to ski on the western slopes in sub-zero conditions and trek through tropical rain forests in the same day, even if on foot.

The Argentine Andes is a wonderland for outdoor adventures and has some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Argentina. In the North you'll find prairie lands in the Pampas, gigantic canyons, indigenous peoples, alpine forests, and the Chaco Desert. The Central region has some of South America's best wine country, the second biggest city of Cordoba, and skiing in and around Mendoza. In the South there is the Lake District and more excellent places for skiing, hiking, and water sports.

     For those interested in biking on flatter surfaces or like to take a city tour on a bike, there are a number of Buenos Aires urban bike tours available.

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