Patagonia is home to countless picturesque hikes. After spending a month trekking through the Chilian and Argentinian region I have put together a list of the best places to hike. These are the wow-factor, Insta-worthy, OMG views you simply cannot miss 😂
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5. French Valley, W Trek
Distance: 9.94 miles (16 km)
Time: 5-6 hours return
Difficulty: Medium
French Valley trek can be hiked as a day trip or as part of the W Trek. It’s regarded as the most beautiful valley in Patagonia and is surrounded by glaciers and an amphitheater of granite walls and spires. As you trek you will hear the roar of distant avalanches.
I did this trek as a day hike so had to catch a return catamaran from Puerto Natales to Paine Grande Lodge, the view from the boat was spectacular.
4. Grey Glacier, W Trek
Distance: 13.67 miles (22 km)
Time: 8 hours return
Difficulty: Medium
Like French Valley, Grey Glacier can be done as part of the W Trek or as a day trip. I based myself at Paine Grande Lodge and did the hike as a day trip. Mirador Grey (Grey Viewpoint) has excellent views over the glacier and Grey Lake. If you have time, there is an additional several kilometer-long hike from Mirador Grey that will take you to a closer viewing point.
3. Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate
Time: 12 hours return (7 hours of trekking)
Difficulty: Easy
To visit Perito Moreno Glacier you will need to base yourself at El Calafate. From here it is an simple day trip. I recommend doing the Big Ice trek with Hielo y Adventura. The complete tour with transportation from El Calafate takes around 12 hours.
It’s recommended you bring warm clothes, raincoat jacket, waterproof trousers, hiking boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves, and a hat. I wore leggings (I didn’t own waterproof trousers) and forgot my hat but wore a lot sunscreen to make up it and was fine.
If you’re tossing up between the Mini Trek and the Big Ice trek – I suggest the Big Ice. The smaller version does not take you deep onto the ice, you stay at the outer border. The photo’s above were taken 1km+ into the glacier where you are surrounded by ice as far as the eye can see.
2. Mount Fitz Roy, Laguna De Los Tres Trek, El Chalten
Distance: 8-miles (12.5km)
Time: 6 hours return
Difficulty: Medium
Laguna de Los Tres can be hiked as a day trip from the town of El Chalten. Some people choose to stay overnight to watch the sunrise over the granite peaks (which turn pink!). This is a hike where every step of the way is Instagrammable. You wind through frozen lakes, glaciers, granite spires and native woodland.
1. Torres Del Paine, W Trek
Distance: 11.18-miles (18 km)
Time: 8 hours return
Difficulty: Difficult
The crown of Patagonia – the Torres Del Paine peaks. This was every bit as incredible as I had hoped and dreamed. The hike is tough, particularly the last 45 minutes which is a continuous uphill climb but the view is totally worth it. You scramble over the final boulders and are met with a direct view of the three massive granite giants. I based myself at Refugio Nash and did the trek as a day trip (once again, it could be combined as part of the W trek). Unfortunately, I have a dislodged disc in my back so wanted to avoid hiking with a full tent and equipment when possible.
I hope you have enjoyed reading my essential list of hikes and destinations in Patagonia. Check out @suitcaseandi for more photos from my Patagonia trip.
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