Want The Best Hiking Experience? Go Hiking In Argentina

Are you looking for the best hiking experience in the world? Head on to the hikers’ paradise and go hiking in Argentina!

Argentina is one of the most beautiful and interesting countries in Latin America. With more than 60,000 miles (96,561 kilometers) of trails to explore, you will never be bored on your vacation. 

The Andes mountain range makes up about half of the country’s terrain and offers some of the best hiking opportunities in South America. Its terrain offers a wide variety of picturesque natural sceneries, such as rainforests, deserts, volcanoes, grasslands, and glaciers, as well as diverse and unique flora and fauna. No wonder Argentina is one of the top hiking destinations in the world.

Whether you’re looking for a short hike or a more challenging long trek, there’s an opportunity for a hiking adventure in Argentina that won’t disappoint. This article will brief you on the best trails and useful tips as you explore Argentina’s celebrated hiking trails.

Popular Hiking Trails in Argentina

Argentina has numerous and varied hiking trails. Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. Los Glaciares National Park

If you’re looking for a place to escape from the city, Los Glaciares National Park in the southern Andes is a perfect choice. This park contains over 50 lakes and glaciers and offers hiking trails along its rivers, lakes, valleys, and mountains. 

The best way to simply see this area is by renting a canoe or raft from one of its local companies (such as La Canoa or Lago Argentino), which allows passengers access to areas otherwise closed off due to danger caused by flash floods or other issues related with water levels on these rivers.

While Los Glaciares National Park is renowned for its natural wonders, the avian inhabitants truly steal the spotlight. It boasts a remarkable array of over 200 species, a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Prepare to be enthralled as you encounter magnificent great horned owls, graceful jabiru storks, swifts, and many other fascinating birds during your explorations. These extraordinary creatures have found their sanctuary among the soaring peaks of Argentina, residing at elevations exceeding an impressive 15,280 feet (4,550 m) above sea level.

If you’re brave enough, consider hiking through some of these trails. However, many people come here just for bird watching, so don’t expect much else unless your interest lies elsewhere, like fishing or rafting through narrow valleys filled with glacial ice pools below them.

2. Iguazu Falls National Park

Iguazu Falls National Park is the largest waterfall system in the world, located along the border between Argentina and Brazil. The Argentinian side of the Iguazu Falls offers 2 main walking trails (Upper Circuit and Lower Circuit) and several hiking trails (Macuco Trail, Arrechea Falls Trail, Green Trail, and the Rainforest Travariety).

The Iguazu Falls were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, making them one of the world’s 7 natural wonders. More than 275 waterfalls are here, making them quite popular with tourists who want to see and walk or hike through some of nature’s most beautiful sights.

3. Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier is the third largest glacier in the world, located within Los Glaciares National Park. If you’re looking for a unique experience that will leave you feeling like you’ve seen Mother Earth at her most majestic, this hike is for you.

There are 2 trekking tours you can consider: the Big Ice Trek and Mini Trekking.

• Big Ice Trek –  The famous 4-hour trek from El Calafate. You will arrive in Bajo Las Sombras harbor after 2 hours from your hotel and board a boat for a 10-minute ride to Brazo Rico. With a local guide and your travel equipment, you will hike down the Lago Argentino’s shore to Perito Moreno’s base, where you will start your trekking adventure. 
• Mini Trekking – From El Calafate, you will embark on a bus trip to Bajo Las Sombras port to board a 20-minute boat ride to Perito Moreno Glacier. The tour of the wonderful glacier will take about 1.5 hours. 

Once you arrive at your destination, take a moment to soak up all of its beauty before starting your descent toward the glacier, which can be reached by taking several stairs. As you walk along the ice wall toward your particular hiking objective, feel free to stop whenever needed. 

4. Mount Fitz Roy

Mount Fitz Roy is a popular destination for climbers who come to the Patagonia region of Argentina to scale this mountain. With an altitude of around 11,073 ft (3,375 m), it is one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. 

The name “Fitz Roy” comes from a Scottish explorer who first climbed it in 1875. The peak’s name means “Rooster’s Comb,” which refers to its shape when viewed from afar as it looks like an upside-down bird.

When you want to get great views of Mount Fitz Roy, I recommend the Laguna de Los Tres hike. Starting in El Chalten, doing this hike will take 8-10 hours to complete, which is well worth it.

5. Mount Tronador

Located in the Andes, part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, Mount Tronador is a popular hiking destination. The mountain has a glacier at its summit cascading down over 1,000 ft (305 m) into a large crater called “Laguna Tronador.”

Mount Tronador is part of Los Glaciares National Park. It is open year-round except during heavy snowfall periods in winter, when access may be limited or prohibited altogether.

6. Bariloche Circuit Trek

The Bariloche Circuit is a popular trekking route in Argentina. It combines 2 trails: the Circuito Chico and the Circuito Grande. The former runs through the Patagonian Andes, while the latter takes you to Cochamó and Comodoro Rivadavia (the capital of Chubut province).

The Circuito Chico is a challenging trek through this rugged landscape—it starts at Caleta Olivia in El Chaltén National Park and climbs past Refugio Punta de Vacas before dropping into Parque Nacional Laguna Blanca. 

From there, it continues along footpaths that lead across glaciers until they reach Colonia Las Torres, a small town at an elevation of 10,499 ft (3,200 m). This section can be completed in 2 to 3 days if there are no delays along your path; otherwise, it requires 4 to 5 days, depending on your pace and level of exertion.

7. Cachi Circuit Trek

The Cachi Circuit Trek is a 2-week trek that crosses the Andes, following in the footsteps of Inca warriors who once roamed this region. It is one of Argentina’s most popular treks because it offers incredible scenery, including glaciers and lakes (some frozen), waterfalls, and mountain peaks.

The journey begins at El Calafate Airport in Argentina before heading north towards Chile on board a bus via Puerto Natales. After crossing over into Chile by ferry at Punta Arenas, you’ll begin your hike from Torres Del Paine National Park, where you’ll encounter colorful penguins.

8. Laguna Torre Trek

Experience the thrill of the Laguna Torre Trek, a renowned hiking trail in Argentina’s captivating Patagonia region. 

This exhilarating adventure takes you to the shores of Laguna Torre, where awe-inspiring views of the majestic Cerro Torre await, its imposing granite peak veiled in glistening glaciers. Traverse diverse landscapes of lush forests, pristine rivers, and expansive valleys, immersing yourself in the raw beauty of Patagonia. 

To reach Laguna Torre, fly to El Calafate, a gateway city and must-visit destination to add to your southern Patagonia itinerary. From there, take a scenic bus ride to El Chaltén, the starting point of the trek. The best time to visit is during the summer months of December to February when the weather is milder and the trails are more accessible.

9. Poincenot – Laguna de Los Tres

Poincenot in Laguna de los Tres is a popular hiking destination in Argentina’s picturesque Patagonia region. To get there, you can fly to El Calafate and then take a scenic bus ride to El Chaltén, the starting point of the trek. 

The trail leads you through diverse landscapes, including forests, valleys, and rocky terrain, culminating in a rewarding view of Mount Fitz Roy reflected in the pristine waters of Laguna de los Tres. The best time to hike is during the summer months of December to February, but be prepared for Patagonia’s variable weather conditions. 

The trail to Poincenot in Laguna de los Tres typically takes 6 to 8 hours to complete, depending on your pace and hiking experience. It’s a moderately challenging trek that covers approximately 9 mi (15 km). Remember to allocate enough time for breaks and enjoy the magnificent scenery along the way.

10. Laguna Capri

The Laguna Capri trek begins at the end of San Martin Avenue in El Chaltén, where the urban area ends. 

After an hour of trekking, you will reach a viewpoint of the De las Vueltas river valley. Then, you enter the Del Salto stream valley towards Mount Fitz Roy. About an hour and a half later, a signposted bifurcation indicates the path to Laguna Capri (on the left) and the viewpoint of Mount Fitz Roy and Laguna de los Tres (on the right). 

Laguna Capri offers a unique view of the Fitz Roy massif and its surrounding needles, a classic postcard scene of El Chaltén. If you have an additional 30 to 40 minutes, don’t miss the Mirador del Fitz Roy. This well-marked natural rocky viewpoint provides a stunning interpretation of the mountains and glacial landscape. 

Access to this viewpoint is possible throughout the year, but from April to October, it may depend on the snow accumulation on the trail, particularly towards the end.

11. Cerro Madsen

The trail is situated at El Chalten, Santa Cruz, and is among the challenging routes in the area. It is around 19 miles long (30 km) and would take 10 hours to complete. The trail is open throughout the year, but people mostly like to do the Cerro Madsen trek during summer due to improved weather conditions.

People come here to enjoy their leisure time while hiking and camping. At the top of the trail, you can see the Fitz Roy view of El Chalten. 

12. Cerro Otto

The hiking trail on Cerro Otto in Argentina offers a rewarding adventure. It typically takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete. Hikers can expect a moderate difficulty level suitable for various skill levels.

To embark on this journey, you can take a cable car ride up the mountain, which provides a convenient and scenic means of reaching the mountain. Once on Cerro Otto, hikers can explore the well-marked trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints and stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.

13. Cerro Amigo

The hiking trails at Cerro Amigo offer breathtaking views of El Bolsón town and the surrounding mountains. 

There are different paths to the trail:

• Norte: This is the longest trail, spanning 3,280 ft (1000 m). It provides the best view, allowing you to see the distant valley and the town below. The round trip takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
• Cruz: This trail is the steepest, 1,640 ft (500 m). From town, you can easily spot the large white cross at the top. It’s a quick hike, taking around 10 minutes to reach the viewpoint.
• Sur: The shortest trail at 492 ft (150 m), but still worth exploring. Within 10 minutes, you’ll reach the top with long rocks, offering a magnificent view of El Bolsón and the mountains towards Lago Puelo National Park in the west.

14. Parque Nacional Huapi

Looking for the perfect hiking experience in Nahuel Huapi National Park? There are 147 incredible trails offered for hikers, campers, and backpackers. Explore the park’s beauty with hand-curated trail maps, reviews, and photos from fellow nature enthusiasts like yourself.

Whether you’re seeking a thrilling adventure or a family-friendly outing, Nahuel Huapi National Park has something for everyone. Discover 30 easy hiking trails that are perfect for the whole family. 

If you’re up for a challenge, we’ve covered you with trails ranging from 9 to 3,217 meters in elevation gain. Here are some of the famous trails:

• Cascada de los Duendes (Easy) – Length: 0.68 mi (1.1 km) Estimated Time: 19 minutes
• Refugio Frey (Moderate) – Length: 6 mi (9.5 km) Estimated Time: 3 hours
• Cerro López (Hard) – Length: 6 mi (10 km) Estimated Time: 6 hours

No matter your skill level or preference, you’ll find the ideal trail for your next trip to Nahuel Huapi National Park. So, gear up, lace your boots, and embark on an unforgettable hiking or biking journey in this breathtaking Argentine national park.

15. Maestri Overlook

The beauty of the Maestri Overlook trail is its direct access to the panoramic Cerro Torre and the spectacular landscapes of the glacier-covered mountains in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. 

With 13.7 miles long (22 km),  this trail is counted as one of the most challenging routes in the region; you can finish this trek in approximately 6 hours. 

Giving a different perspective compared to Cerro Torre and Mt Fitz Roy, the Maestri Overlook trail is an off-the-beaten hike that gives a unique experience to make your trip to Argentina extraordinary.

16. Martial Glacier

The Martial Glacier trail stretches 4 miles (7 km) and is near Tierra del Fuego. It is widely recognized as one of the most challenging trails in the region. 

The rugged terrain and steep inclines contribute to its reputation. Generally considered a difficult route, it takes an average of 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete the trail. The area’s popularity for hiking and skiing means you can expect to encounter other outdoor enthusiasts during your exploration. 

Whether tackling the demanding ascent or admiring the scenic surroundings, Martial Glacier offers adventure seekers a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

17. Chorrillo del Salto

Located in Los Glaciares National Park near El Chaltén in Patagonian Argentina, Chorrillo del Salto is a 4-mile trail (7 km) that could be covered in an hour and 50 minutes. It’s among the easiest treks in the region. 

The trails are popular for hiking, and people visit them mostly from November to February.

All You Need to Know About Hiking in Argentina

• If you like exploring diverse cultures, visit Argentina. The country is loaded with art and tradition. Argentina is also a budget-friendly country compared to other countries in its vicinity. 
• Argentina has different weather conditions in different regions of the country. To enjoy Argentina’s warm evenings, you should visit during spring (November and December). The days are hot and warm in northern Argentina during summer (January and February). 
• Before traveling to Argentina, you need to get vaccines for diseases like malaria, hepatitis, rabies, and yellow fever. 
• Argentina is safe to travel to, and you don’t need to worry about safety issues. Motorcycle snatchers are common in the country. Traveling the streets of Argentina is riskier. The food and water are hygienic. 

A Must-Hiking Spot for Explorers of South America

Hiking in Argentina is a must for anyone interested in exploring South America. The country offers a variety of hiking opportunities, from short and easy hikes to some of the world’s most challenging trails. The Andes are some of the most challenging trails in the world, but this doesn’t mean you’ll want to skip them when visiting Argentina. 

If you want something shorter and more manageable, try hiking through Patagonia at 3,000 to 4,000 ft (1,000 m) above sea level.

How To Stay Safe During Your Hiking In Argentina?

While hiking in Argentina, always check local weather conditions before setting out and be prepared for sudden changes, especially in mountainous areas. Wear sturdy footwear and carry essential supplies such as water, snacks, a map, and a first-aid kit.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Hiking in Argentina

Is Argentina Good for Hiking?

Argentina has some of the best hiking trails in the world. Hiking in Argentina is worth paying for. 

The trails of Argentina are a must-to-go destination for a hiker who wants to taste the world’s most challenging trails. 

What Are the Different Types of Hiking Trails in Argentina?

Argentina has different hiking trails with difficulty levels ranging from low to high. There are foot trails, hiking trails as well as bike trails. 

Forests cover some trails, while some are filled with snowy glaciers.

What Is the Longest Trail in Argentina?

Argentina has many long-distance trails, among which the Cerro Madsen is the longest at 19 miles (30 km). It is situated in El Chalten, Santa Cruz.

Conclusion – Hiking in Argentina

Hiking through Argentina is essential for anyone interested in exploring South America. It is one of the most beautiful countries, with incredible hiking trails and rich cultural history. 

If you’re looking for an adventure that will take you away from your routine, Argentina is the place to go!

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