Top Three Day Hikes in Patagonia

Photo credit: Chad O'Hare

The Patagonia region is absolutely mammoth, with over one million square kilometres covering both Argentina’s and Chile’s southern reaches. The entire expanse is stunning; volcanic peaks, sharp rocky pitches and chunky glacier ice masses extend across its land. This may be one of those treasured destinations that entice you back for more, a sweet treat for outdoor aficionados.

Number One: Laguna Torre
Laguna Torre's pinnacle was at the Mirador Maestri lookout point with views over the Cordón Adela range and down onto Glacier Torre’s gritty arm of ice. Another stunning viewpoint, at Mirador Laguna Torre, afforded a panoramic vista of Cerro Torre’s slivery points among a wider snowy range perched above the chilly Laguna Torre.

Trail: 24 kilometres elchalten.com/eng/actividades/lagunatorre.php

Park: Fitz Roy Range of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

Nearest Town: El Chalten

Accommodation: Patagonia Travellers’ Hostel

Number Two: Costera Route
The Costera route follows the ocean’s shoreline. Its reputation as a popular pathway to observe the local birds was true. Upland geese poked around the lake’s edge, nuzzling between tiny white wildflowers and stringy turf. Their whitish-grey colouring was in bold contrast to the aquamarine waters and lush green vegetation. Even rabbits frolicked in a meadow before ducking out of sight. Of most interest to watch was a young chimango caracara falcon. He was preoccupied in finding some tasty seafood delight left hidden under the stones at low tide.

Park: Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego

Nearest Town: Ushuaia

Accommodation: La Posta Apart Hostel

Number Three: Volcán Villarrica
Volcán Villarrica is one of only five volcanoes worldwide with an active lava lake in its crater, so unless a climber is an accredited and experienced member of a mountaineering club, it is mandatory to have a certified guide who is recognized by the Corporación Nacional Forestal, the Chilean forestry service.

The hike itself was not particularly demanding, in part due to the aid of a chairlift, which knocked approximately 1,600 metres from the initial incline. Couple this with the near-lethargic pace set by the guides and the climb could be considered effortless by those in decent shape. This made it an easy warm-up for the rest of Patagonia’s more challenging tracks.

Hike: Volcán Villarrica

Park: Parque Nacional Villarrica

Nearest Town: Pucón

More about these and my other favourite hikes around the world can be found in Dust in My Pack.

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