Spanning the distant reaches of South America, covering deserts, mountains, grasslands and frigid shores, Patagonia is a magnificent and diverse region. Our Patagonia hiking tours guide you through this ruggedly enchanting frontier, where nature’s grandeur takes center stage. From Ushuaia in Argentina to the tip of the Andes, their great rocky spires towering over the landscape, Patagonia’s raw wilderness and natural beauty are breath-taking.
Whether you prefer to set off on foot and challenge yourself to one of the great treks or discover the culture in depth, a Patagonia tour lets you experience it all. The huge scale of its landscapes is mind-blowing, with imposing peaks, tranquil backwaters and rivers that flow through national parks. Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most famous in Chile’s Patagonian region and is home to grasslands, mountains and icebergs that calve from giant glaciers. And there’s plenty of wildlife to spot on a Patagonia tour with animals such as llamas, Andean deer and the Chilean flamingo.
Throughout our tours, an expert leader will take you to some of the most remote corners, including Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world to the windswept Patagonia Steppe on the southern tip of the continent. Along the way you’ll discover many of nature’s wonders such as the El Tatio geysers, the Osorno Volcano and the altiplano lagoons. A highlight of the journey is the mesmerizing sight of the sun setting over the Valley of the Moon in the Atacama Desert, an experience that will leave you in awe of Patagonia’s extraordinary splendor.
1. Torres del Paine National Park One of nature’s finest creations, Torres del Paine covers a vast landscape where the three iconic peaks of Las Torres loom over huge glaciers, silent forests and intensely emerald lakes. The best way to explore is on foot as you can really immerse yourself in nature and wildlife and enjoy mountainous views over Ushuaia that will take your breath away. Walk among beautiful forest fringed scenery where endemic flora and fauna abound or take a boat trip along the Beagle Channel to get up close to penguins, sea lions and various species of birds.
2. Ushuaia At the southernmost corner of the world stands Ushuaia, an enigmatic city whereadventurers head off on voyages of the Antarctic to brave Drake’s Passage and follow in the footsteps of famous explorers. Set against a backdrop of imposing peaks where a jumble of streets tumbles down to the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is so much more than the ‘End of the World’. The city’s history is worth unraveling to give you an insight into its fascinating past. Visit the Galeria Tematica Historia Fueguina to delve deeper and learn about the myths and indigenous people of Tierra del Fuego.
3. Buenos Aires The Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires is filled with an electric atmosphere and crumbling colonial buildings painted with colorful street art. Its intoxicating mix of modern culture and intriguing history make this a city for curious travelers wanting to experience its best bits. You can almost feel the Tango beats pulsating through the streets and its Bohemian spirit is so infectious you won’t want to leave. For lovers of history and architecture wanting to get their fix, the Obelisco, Teatro Colon and Recoleta Cemetery should be on your list of things to see.
4. Los Glaciares National Park Situated in Argentina’s Austral Andes, Los Glaciares National Park is known for its untouched beauty and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. The park is made up of woodland, lakes, mountains and the Patagonian Steppe which all compete for your attention. At the southernmost region of Los Glaciares National Park you’ll find the country’s most famous glacier, Perito Moreno, while to the north, the dramatic peaks of Monte Fitz Roy cast shadows over the landscape.
5. Valparaiso Nicknamed Valpo, the UNESCO World Heritage City of Valparaiso is the oldest port in Chile and gives you a deeper insight into the culture of the country. Brightly coloured houses cling to the sides of cliffs and steep funiculars take you to the most spectacular viewpoints where 360-degree panoramas unfold. Throughout the maze of streets there’s always something new to discover, from art galleries and unusual architecture to gastronomic gems tucked away in hidden corners of the city. Some of the main sights of interest include the parliament building and the war memorial, and make sure you try some of the freshly caught seafood on the port.
Where is Patagonia?
Patagonia is a vast region located at the southern end of South America, shared between Argentina and Chile. It stretches from the southern Andes down to the tip of the continent, encompassing a variety of landscapes including mountains, glaciers, deserts, and grasslands.
Does Patagonia have good trekking?
Patagonia is renowned for its exceptional trekking opportunities, offering a range of routes that showcase its dramatic landscapes and natural beauty. Among the most famous is the Torres del Paine Circuit in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, a challenging multi-day trek renowned for its granite towers, turquoise lakes, and glaciers.
FAQs on Patagonia Treks
What can I expect on a Patagonia trekking tour?
On a small-group, guided Patagonia trek with Exodus, you can expect an expertly designed adventure that blends physical challenge with cultural immersion. Your journey will include trekking through diverse landscapes, from verdant valleys and terraced fields to rugged mountain paths and snow-capped peaks.
Our treks are designed to accommodate various fitness levels, with options for both challenging hikes and more leisurely walks. Check your trip notes for the activity rating for more information on your trek’s intensity level.
How physically fit do I need to hike Patagonia?
Our Classic Patagonia Trek is rated challenging. It is preferable to have experience of long hikes in varied and irregular terrain. The hiking is not dangerous or technically difficult, but you must be a confident hiker with good fitness levels to manage the sections of ascent and long duration of the treks. Looking to explore Patagonia in a less active way? Our Patagonian Highlights tour is a culture based tour that gives you a small taste of trekking with day hikes within a less intensely physical itinerary.
What is the tallest peak in Patagonia?
The tallest peak in Patagonia is Cerro San Valentín, also known as Monte San Valentín. It stands at approximately 13,313 feet above sea level. Located in the Northern Patagonian Ice Field, which straddles the border between Chile and Argentina, Cerro San Valentín is the highest point in the Patagonian region. Its impressive height and the surrounding glaciers make it a striking feature of Patagonia’s rugged landscape.
When is the best time of year for a Patagonia trek?
The best time for a trek in Patagonia largely depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Generally, the ideal period for trekking in Patagonia is from late spring to early autumn, which spans from November to March.
During these months, the weather is relatively milder and more stable, with longer daylight hours and less risk of heavy snowfall. This is also the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere, which means warmer temperatures and more accessible trails.
It’s important to note that Patagonia’s weather can be unpredictable, even during these months, with sudden changes in temperature and wind conditions.
How should I prepare for a Patagonia hiking tour?
To ensure your journey is as enjoyable as it is memorable, proper preparation is key. Pay attention to the activity level rating of your trip when you are booking so that you can understand approximately how far you will be hiking each day, as well as the elevation of the walks. This will give you a useful benchmark for your training.
In the weeks and months leading up to your trip, increase your daily activity level and embark on long walks, wearing the kit that you plan to wear on your tour so that you can get used to things like the weight of your backpack and thoroughly break in your boots. Increase your core exercises and ramp up your cardio to help with your trail endurance. Check out our fitness guide for more advice on the physical preparation needed for your active tour.
