The Top 10 Hikes in Patagonia You Can’t Miss

Patagonia is one of the most spectacular hiking regions on Earth. After spending months exploring the trails here, I can honestly say it’s arguably my favourite place on Earth. Many of the trails have made my list for the top 10 multi-day hikes in South America and the best day hikes I’ve done around the world. What makes Patagonia so special is that many of the trails are interconnected, allowing you to choose between tackling them as challenging multi-day treks or sampling them as shorter day hikes.

Whether you’re after remote wilderness, jagged granite peaks, ancient forests, or glaciers spilling into turquoise lakes, Patagonia has a trail that delivers. I also love that I didn’t need a guide for a single trail there. I could hike at my own pace and make my own routes. Below is my countdown for the top 10 hikes across the region. Some are famous, some are completely underrated, but you should add them all to your list.

10. Queulat National Park (Chile)

Queulat is one of the least visited gems in northern Patagonia, but it’s home to one of the most dramatic sights: the Hanging Glacier (Ventisquero Colgante). The main day hike takes you through lush temperate rainforest to a viewpoint where you see the glacier clinging to the mountain, with waterfalls crashing down into the valley. It’s only a half-day hike, but it feels like stepping into a scene out of Jurassic Park. If you want to stay longer, there are some lesser-known trails in the park. The Carretera Austral itself makes the whole area worth a week or more.

9. Conguillío National Park (Chile)

Another gem in Northern Chilean Patagonia is Conguillío. It’s dominated by the massive Llaima Volcano and ancient araucaria (monkey puzzle) trees, similar to Huerquehue. The highlight is the Sierra Nevada trail, which can be done as a long day hike to incredible viewpoints over lakes and lava fields. For multi-day hikers, there’s the option to link different trails in the park and even attempt longer circuits around Llaima. It’s much less touristy than the southern parks, so you’ll often have the trails almost to yourself.

8. El Bolsón (Argentina)

El Bolsón is a hiker’s paradise with a network of mountain huts (refugios) connected by trails. You can easily pick just one for a day hike, like Laguna Escondida or Cerro Lindo, or link them together for multi-day treks that last a week or more. Each refugio has its own character, usually offering food and accommodation, which makes the experience feel like a cozy alpine getaway. I really pushed myself here and did an 84km hike in 3 days. If you want to experience Patagonia’s hiking culture without committing to Torres del Paine-level logistics, El Bolsón is the place.

7. Cerro Castillo (Chile)

Often called the “next Torres del Paine,” Cerro Castillo is a jagged fortress-like peak rising above glacial lakes and valleys. It’s up there for my favourite mountain in Patagonia. The most popular option is the day hike to Laguna Cerro Castillo, which is tough but absolutely stunning. If you’ve got more time and stamina, the Cerro Castillo Circuit is a four-day trek that rivals the famous W in scenery but with a fraction of the crowds. Expect steep climbs, high passes, and some of the best views in Patagonia.

6. Huemul Circuit (Argentina)

The Huemul Circuit near El Chaltén is one of Patagonia’s wildest multi-day hikes. This four-day loop takes you through untouched valleys, across glaciers, and to one of the best viewpoints over the massive Southern Patagonian Ice Field. It’s not an easy trek — there are steep ascents, rope-assisted river crossings, and exposure to some serious winds — but it’s incredibly rewarding. For those short on time, you can still get a taste of it with day hikes around El Chaltén, but the full circuit is what makes this place legendary.

5. Huerquehue National Park (Chile)

Huerquehue is one of those parks that feels like it has a little bit of everything: lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped volcanoes in the distance. The classic Los Lagos Trail is a perfect day hike, winding past a string of crystal-clear mountain lakes surrounded by araucaria trees. It’s not too hard, and you get those iconic views of Volcán Villarrica along the way. If you’re after more, I went off-trail and summited a mountain, where I got to see three volcanoes, in three distinct National Parks! One of the coolest things I’ve done, since it’s not an official hike.

4. Laguna del Caminante (Argentina)

Near Ushuaia at the southern tip of Patagonia, Laguna del Caminante is a hike that feels like a hidden secret. It’s my favourite out of all the hikes in Ushuaia. It’s on the longer end as far as day hikes go, but it can be done in 2 days if you prefer. It passes through forests, valleys, and bogs before arriving at the lake surrounded by rugged peaks. It’s a perfect option if you want to experience the wild terrain of Tierra del Fuego without committing to a huge expedition.

3. Four Refugios Trek (Argentina)

In Bariloche, the Four Refugios Trek is one of the most fun ways to experience the mountains. Over four days, you hike between alpine huts perched on ridges and lakes, each offering food, drinks, and a warm place to stay. You can also just pick one of the huts, like Refugio Frey or Refugio Jakob, for a solid day hike if you don’t want to commit to the whole route. The scenery here is classic alpine Patagonia — granite spires, turquoise lakes, and sweeping valleys — and the hut-to-hut system makes it feel both adventurous and comfortable.

2. Fitz Roy / El Chaltén (Argentina)

El Chaltén is basically the hiking capital of Argentina, and Mount Fitz Roy is the crown jewel. It’s the only place that even made it on this list twice. The day hike to Laguna de los Tres is probably the most famous trail in Patagonia, with that postcard view of Fitz Roy towering above a glacial lake.

If you’ve got more time, you can link trails into multi-day treks that cover both Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, camping along the way. If you prefer to stay in town, Cerro Torre can also be done as a separate day hike. The beauty of El Chaltén is that the trails all start right from town, so you can choose your adventure each morning without worrying about transport.

1. Torres del Paine (Chile)

No list of Patagonia hikes is complete without Torres del Paine. The park’s famous W Trek is a multi-day classic, taking you to the base of the towers, the French Valley, and the Grey Glacier. But if you want the full experience, the O Circuit is the ultimate 7-10 day loop around the entire park that combines the W with remote backcountry sections.

Day hikers can still enjoy Torres by visiting the Torres viewpoint or doing shorter sections, but the multi-day treks are what make it one of the world’s great hiking destinations. Be prepared for every type of weather imaginable, strict campsite bookings, and mind-blowing scenery at every turn. The only downside is that because of its popularity, campsites sell out months in advance. This is the only trail on the list that I would recommend planning and booking before going.

Conclusion

Patagonia really is one of the best hiking destinations on the planet. The trails here range from quick day hikes with world-class views to full-on expeditions that test your endurance and planning. What I love most is that you can mix and match depending on your time and comfort level — you don’t need to be a hardcore mountaineer to experience the magic of Torres del Paine or Fitz Roy. Whether you’re chasing glaciers, camping beside alpine lakes, or just stepping out for a day trek from town, Patagonia will stay with you long after you leave. If you’re planning a South America trip, make sure to check out the top 10 multi-day hikes in South America.