Patagonia Argentina hiking takes you through vast open landscapes of glacial lakes, windswept valleys, and towering granite peaks. Trails lead through forests and along turquoise rivers toward dramatic viewpoints in Los Glaciares National Park — including Mount Fitz Roy and the vast ice fields of Patagonia. Raw, untamed, and truly epic wilderness adventure.
Your adventure begins as you arrive in Argentina, where transport will be arranged to collect you from El Calafate. It’s well connected to Europe and the Americas, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. The meeting point, where we will start our journey to the mountains is in El Calafate centre. The transfer will leave at 3pm and takes around 2,5 hours. If you arrive before this time there are several luggage storage places so you can use the time to explore the town. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey.
For the duration of the trip, you’ll be based in El Chalten, right in the heart of lakes and mountains. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes.
Laguna Diablo is a quieter alternative to the famous Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre hikes, leading into a wild valley framed by rugged peaks. The trail begins near Lago del Desierto, north of El Chaltén, and follows the Diablo River upstream through dense lenga forest.
The path crosses streams and climbs steadily, with glimpses of glaciers and jagged ridges appearing through the trees. As the forest thins, the route opens onto alpine meadows before reaching Laguna Diablo, a glacial lake set beneath steep rock walls and hanging ice.
The return follows the same trail, with views back toward Lago del Desierto and the surrounding valleys. With fewer crowds, lush forest, and a dramatic mountain setting, this hike offers a more remote Patagonian experience.
The trail to Laguna Torre begins right from El Chaltén and follows the valley of the Fitz Roy River toward the base of Cerro Torre, one of Patagonia’s most iconic peaks. The path climbs gently through lenga forest and open slopes, with early viewpoints offering glimpses of Cerro Torre and the surrounding glaciers.
The route continues along the valley floor, crossing streams and meadows where condors often soar overhead. After several hours, the trail arrives at the shore of Laguna Torre, a glacial lake dotted with floating icebergs and framed by the jagged spire of Cerro Torre rising dramatically behind.
The return follows the same trail back to El Chaltén, with changing light on the peaks and valleys. With its mix of gentle terrain and a world-class mountain backdrop, Laguna Torre is one of the most celebrated hikes in Patagonia.
Laguna de los Tres is the classic hike of El Chaltén, leading to the base of Mount Fitz Roy and one of Patagonia’s most iconic views. The trail begins in the village and follows the Río de las Vueltas valley through lenga forest and open ridges, with early lookouts toward Mount Fitz Roy and the glacial lakes below.
The path passes through the valley of the Río Blanco, where a campsite lies nestled among the trees, before the steep final climb begins. This last section ascends sharply over rocky slopes to the turquoise waters of Laguna de los Tres, set directly beneath the towering spires of Fitz Roy.
From the lake, side trails lead to viewpoints over Laguna Sucia and the surrounding glaciers, adding even more dramatic perspectives. The return retraces the same route to El Chaltén, completing one of the most unforgettable day hikes in the Andes.
A chance to explore the town, rest your legs, or set out on another adventure. El Chaltén, nestled in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park, is a lively little village surrounded by some of Patagonia’s most dramatic peaks. Between hikes, you can wander its laid-back streets, stopping at bakeries, cafés, and craft beer bars where trekkers gather to share stories while Fitz Roy glows in the distance at sunset. The town also makes a perfect base for small discoveries on your rest days, with short trails leading straight from the streets to waterfalls and viewpoints without the need for a full expedition. For those wanting to experience more of the region, a day trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier is unforgettable. Watching massive chunks of ice calve into the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino is one of Patagonia’s most awe-inspiring sights, and it adds another dimension to a trip already full of adventure. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or one more taste of the wild, El Chaltén offers the right mix of comfort, character, and access to nature.
Pliegue Tumbado is one of the most panoramic viewpoints near El Chaltén, offering wide-open vistas across the Patagonian steppe, Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and the Southern Patagonian Icefield. The trail begins from the ranger station at El Chaltén and climbs gradually through lenga forest filled with birdsong and occasional woodpeckers.
Above the treeline, the path opens onto alpine meadows and rocky slopes, with ever-expanding views over the valleys below. The final approach to the ridge is steeper and often windy, but the reward is a sweeping panorama that takes in glaciers, jagged peaks, and turquoise lakes scattered across the landscape.
The return follows the same trail back to El Chaltén, with fresh perspectives of the steppe and surrounding mountains. With its quieter trails and unmatched 360-degree views, Pliegue Tumbado is one of the most rewarding day hikes in Patagonia.
Click for Route Map : 17 km 6–7 h ~500 m ●●●○○ — Moderate
This hike begins at Lago del Desierto, north of El Chaltén, and follows the Río Eléctrico valley into one of the most remote corners of Los Glaciares National Park. The trail runs along the river through lush lenga forest and glacial moraine, with views opening toward hanging glaciers and sharp granite peaks.
The first highlight is Lago Eléctrico, a striking glacial lake with floating ice and sheer cliffs rising above. From here, the route continues further into the valley to reach Laguna Pollone, a quieter alpine lake nestled beneath the icefalls of the Marconi Glacier.
The return follows the same trail back toward Lago del Desierto, with fresh views over the valley and surrounding ridges. Combining pristine forest, wild glacial lakes, and the feeling of true wilderness, this hike offers a different, more solitary side of Patagonia.
It’s time to pack your bags and move onwards. We arrange transport back to the airport so you can catch your flight home or continue to explore this wonderful country. We recommend booking a flight after 3pm so we have time to get you back to the airport. We have lots of recommendations if you’re going to spend more time in Argentina.
What's Included?
- Accommodation - Twin Share (private available for supplement on checkout page)
- Transfers
- Expert Guided Hikes
- Breakfast
- Park Entrance Fees
- Transport to and from Hikes
- Hiking Friends
Important Info
Accommodation – Andino, El Chalten
Meeting Point – Calafate Parque Hotel, El Calafate
Nearest Airport – Aeropuerto Internacional Comandante Armando Tola de El Calafate
Airport Transfers – Taxi (20 mins, £20-30)
Bus (25 mins, £8)
Transfer Details – The group transfer will leave Calafate Parque Hotel at 14:00. We recommend not landing later than 12:00 to give yourself time to pass through passport control and baggage reclaim.
Journey time is around 2,5 hours from El Calafate to El Chalten. The return to Calafate Parque Hotel will be at 09:30 on the final day arriving around 12:00. We recommend not booking your return flight before 16:00.
Max Group Size – 16 (2 Guides)
Private Room – If you opt for the private room you will be sharing a two-bedroom apartment. Kitchen and bathroom is shared with your flatmates.
Difficulty – This trip involves five days of hiking, with most days lasting around 5–7 hours. Expect a real mix of landscapes underfoot, from open pastures and straightforward dirt paths to rugged, rocky mountain trails. On the challenging days, there can be up to 1,200 m of ascent and descent.
You don’t need any technical mountaineering experience to join, but you should have a good level of fitness and be comfortable spending several hours on your feet in the mountains. Experience with long day hikes will help, along with sturdy hiking boots, sure footing and a willingness to take on a challenge.
Some routes include short, straightforward scrambling sections as we approach the summits. Your guide will be there to support you through these where needed. Whenever the route and conditions allow, we also aim to provide an easier alternative for anyone wanting a less demanding day. Having a second guide gives the group greater flexibility to split and enjoy different route options and speeds.
Dates & prices
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SaturdayJanuary 9, 2027SaturdayJanuary 16, 2027$2,093Available
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SaturdayMarch 27, 2027SaturdayApril 3, 2027$2,093Available
