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Patagonia for everyone: 5 unmissable experiences

Trekking barren landscapes in Patagonia | Richard I'Anson
Trekking barren landscapes in Patagonia | Richard I'Anson

Whether you’re after a remote wildlife experience or a gentle foray, we've selected our most popular adventures in Patagonia to help you narrow down which trip is for you.

The trekking season in Patagonia is in full swing between November and March; a great time to discover this pristine and beautiful part of South America, when mild conditions prevail, and forests are in bloom with fresh growth and flowers.

The region of Patagonia extends across both Chile and Argentina into the southernmost reaches of South America, where you can walk, trek or sail through majestic fjords, World Heritage listed wilderness areas and dynamic glacial parks while spotting wildlife along the way.

Ready to enter a nature lover’s paradise? Here are our top picks for all types of travellers.

Comfortable day walks: Patagonia Adventure

Duration: 11 days
Grading: Introductory to moderate

The ideal introduction to the spectacular parks of Patagonia, without the need to commit to long walking days. Explore the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina to Los Glaciares National Park, home to the famous 3,130m/10,269ft spires of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy.

Continue across the border to Chile, take a cruise from Puerto Natales via the Balmaceda Glacier into the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park, where visitors can explore on foot the vast pampas and forests, home to herds of native South American Guanacos. > View Patagonia Adventure trip details

The magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier |  <i>Cherilia Poluan</i>

The classic: Paine & Fitz Roy Trek

Duration: 15 days
Grading: Moderate

Towering mountains, secluded lakes and stunning glaciers set amongst beech forests and rolling grasslands: this spectacular scenery sets the perfect background for a trekking adventure into Patagonia’s most famous national parks, Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine.

Spend two weeks on a fully supported trek getting up close and personal with the granite peaks that have inspired mountaineers throughout the world. Complete the famous W Trek, stay in comfortable iconic lodges, cruise up the stunning fjords to impressive glaciers, and spot a mighty condor soaring overhead.
> View Paine & Fitz Roy trip details

The dramatic spires of Torres Del Paine National Park, Patagonia |  <i>Marie Claude</i>

Self-guided: Torres del Paine

Duration: 8 days
Grading: Moderate

Prefer exploring at your own pace? Our self-guided trek through the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park via the classic ‘W’ route gives you maximum flexibility with a full pack. This renowned trek passes dramatic volcanic peaks and hanging glaciers across the Cordillera del Paine like a giant W.

Take in the three main valleys – the famous Towers, the French Valley and the Grey Glacier – from spectacular viewpoints on foot and by boat. The park is open year-round, however, popular seasons are during October through to April. > View Self-guided Torres del Paine W Trek trip details

Verdant landscapes in French Valley, Patagonia |  <i>Kyle Super</i>

Into the wild: Traverse Patagonia, north to south

Duration: 15 days
Grading: Moderate

Capturing the atmosphere of Bruce Chatwin’s travel classic In Patagonia, this trip travels from Coyhaique in the north to Puerto Natales in the south, mostly on foot and at times by boat.

Not only you will encounter some of the most captivating and untouched national parks in the region, but you will also be among the first to discover the recently opened pass between the shores of Lago O’Higgins (Chile) and Laguna del Desierto (Argentina), which offers a unique insight to a side of Patagonia rarely seen by other trekkers. Traverse untouched national parks, from the southern ice cap to the towers of Paine, as well as experience the iconic W Trek. > View Great Patagonia Traverse trip details

A picturesque lagune between Chile & Argentina |  <i>Azimut</i>

Off the beaten track: Fitz Roy Circuit & Ice Cap Traverse

Duration: 11 days
Grading: Entry Level Mountaineering / Exploratory Trek

If you're looking for a remote and challenging trip that doesn't involve any high altitudes or climbing, that adventure ticks all the boxes: a spectacular wilderness trip in Patagonia including a traverse of the continental ice cap & camping on the ice field.

Trek in Los Glaciares National Park, which circumnavigates the Towers of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, for jaw-dropping views rarely seen from this side. The 1:3 ratio of guides to participants and added contingency days means an excellent opportunity to complete the full circuit. Be part of one of the wildest trekking experiences few have undertaken. > View Fitz Roy Circuit & Ice Cap Traverse trip details

Backcountry trekking around Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre |  <i>Sue Badyari</i>

Feeling inspired?

View our full range of Patagonia trips and use our advanced search finder to tailor your preferences on activities, dates, price and more.

Which areas of Patagonia do you want to explore? Let us know in the comments below.

Argentina, Backcountry, camping, cerro torre, Chile, fitz roy, hiking, Los Glaciares, National Parks, Patagonia, sailing, San Valentin, South America, torres del paine, trekking, Wildlife, world heritage sites

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