- 1300 761 980
Trekking in Patagonia is every hiker’s dream. It’s an area that offers some of the most breathtaking, scenic landscapes in the world. We’ve got some handy hints about where to go, what you can expect and how to prepare for this trek of a lifetime…
Straddling the border of Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is located at the southern tip of South America. The area is vast and diverse covering over one million km squared. Surrounded on three sides by coastline, it boasts a unique range of wildlife both offshore and inland. Here, you will find diverse landscapes like no other. Traverse deserts and semi-arid lands, hike up imposing mountains and witness some of the most breathtaking glaciers in the world. Home to incredible national parks, including the popular Torres del Paine in Chile, it is no wonder that this is a hiker’s paradise.
Even if you decide to visit during the summer months, weather in Patagonia can be quite variable. Be prepared for a range of different weather conditions and ensure you invest in quality supplies. Must haves when packing for Patagonia include a lightweight but durable tent, thermal clothing, a good quality hiking pack and most importantly sturdy hiking boots. Patagonia is often an isolated landscape. Therefore, it is important to be prepared for all sorts of weather and situations– just be sure not to over pack…
Depending on the park you are trekking in, food is not usually available, so make sure you bring enough provisions. After a long day of trekking, there’d be nothing worse than not being able to enjoy a hearty meal!
For inexperienced hikers or for those just wanting something a little more easy-going, the Lago Grey trail is the perfect choice. This trek takes approximately three to four hours and passes through a lush landscape of wildflowers and vegetation. The main attraction is of course, Lago Grey. Here, see mesmerising pale blue icebergs floating in the water, all set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, the iconic Mount Fitz Roy should be next on your list. Departing from El Chalten in Argentina, this full day trek is mostly flat until the final hour, where it becomes quite steep and more strenuous. However, don’t let that scare you! This path guides you through some of the areas most magnificent forests and hilly landscapes. Finally, you will reach Laguna de los Tres, giving you an unmatched view of the Fitz Roy peaks.
One for the more experienced, this three to four day hike is just over fifty km. If you want to see the true diversity of the Chilean landscape, this trail has it all. Trek through beautiful native forests, cross rocky terrains capped in snow and end your journey at the stunning Laguna Cerro Castillo. If you’re keen to see the laguna but would rather not trek for four days, you can do a full day hike along the emergency route to see this magnificent spectacle.
If you love the outdoors, this spectacular destination is definitely the place for you! Whether you’re interested in light half-day treks or exploring the rugged wilderness on multiple-day hikes, Patagonia has it all…
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage site, Los Glaciares Natonal Park, the Perito Moreno glacier towers over turquoise glacial water. Covering an astounding , this gigantic ice sheet is one of the most visited sites in Argentina.
It may not seem all that exciting, watching a giant glacier, but the visual experience is ever changing. The sun reflects the glacier in the morning and throughout the day its appearance changes as shadows shift.
The glacier experience isn’t just visual; when huge icebergs calve and collapse into the Canal de los Témpanos (Iceberg Channel), you really hear it.
What really makes this glacier exceptional is that unlike many glaciers, it’s not retreating but constantly advancing, resulting in building-sized icebergs calving from its face.
The Perito Moreno Glacier is a sight that can’t be missed when travelling to Patagonia. It’s a true marvel and a spectacle of nature.
Nestled deep in the Patagonian Andes, the Cuevas de Mármol (Marble Caves) are situated on a peninsula of solid marble bordering Lake General Carrera along the Chile/Argentina border; created by waves washing up against calcium carbonate over a period of more than 6,000 years.
When you see them, it looks like they’re covered in smooth, swirling shadows of blue. However, the colour is actually a reflection of the lake’s indigo waters. The intensity and hue changes depending on water levels during the year.
You can explore the caves with a small boat or kayak, pretty much all year round, unless the lake’s waters are really rough. Most caves you can only view from your boat, but in some you can actually take a walk under them, through a series of tunnels permitting water levels are low enough.
Patagonia offers some of the best whale watching in the world, and Puerto Madryn is the place to be if you want to see them. The warmer and more enclosed waters of the Golfo Nuevo, Golfo San José and the coastline near Caleta Valdés offer the perfect breeding ground for Southern Right Whales between June and December.
Whale watching tours last roughly an hour and half, offering ample time to witness these incredible mammals.
If you love hiking and the outdoors, El Chaten is the place for you. With countless hikes, rock climbing, mountain traverses, and mountain ascent opportunities, the adventure never ends.
If you love the nature but don’t have the adrenaline for climbing a mountain, El Chaten offers a range of trails for walking or horseback riding, which take you to the most beautiful forests, waterfalls and lakes. It’s difficult to be disappointed wherever you find yourself in El Chaten.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands) features polychrome rock paintings executed between 13,000 and 9,500 years ago. The cave takes its name from the outlines of human hands on the cave walls. In addition to hands, there are also illustrations of animals, such as guanacos as well as hunting scenes.
Explore this incredible cave, and learn about the ancestors of the historic hunter-gatherer communities of Patagonia. An ancient part of history, Cueva de las Manos are a must do while in Patagonia.
Suite 2, 1st Floor
261-271 Wattletree Rd
Malvern VIC 3144
For tailor-made itineraries or enquiries…
