Treks of South America – Part 2: The Patagonias (Chile and Argentina)

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Treks of South America – Part 1: Peru

Continuing from Treks of South America – Part 1, below are treks found in the Patagonia region of South America.

CHILE & ARGENTINA

Torres del Paine National Park – Patagonia, Chile
The circuit around the famous craggy mountains that crown Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile is one of the world’s classic trekking routes. Breathtaking views together with glaciers, rivers, lakes, forests, and abundant wildlife provide the trip with constantly changing scenery and experiences. This is one of the greatest scenic wonders of the world and one of those places to which all serious mountain lovers must make a pilgrimage to –  least once in their lifetime.

The circuit, rated strenuous, covers a distance of approx. 100 kms/60 miles. The trek is best done in a counter-clockwise direction that saves the hardest sections until later and prevents trekkers from being impeded by strong winds. During the summer (Dec-Mar) there are 18 hours of daylight which give the explorer plenty of time for the walking journey.

Fitzroy National Park – Patagonia, Argentina
Just north of Calafate in Patagonia, Southern Argentina, Fitzroy National Park is a mecca for rock climbers and those trekkers looking for a less visited area of the southern Andes to explore.

Offering stunning scenery, cloud formations, and 18 hours of daylight in the summer, Fitzroy is an easy hop from Calafate and worth the detour for those who enjoy pristine, isolated, and raw nature.

Suggested Itinerary:
8-Day Patagonia Complete

ARGENTINA

Glacier Trek, Calafate

This trek ranks a mention as it is very rare that you are afforded the chance to walk on an active glacier.

As an option on any day trip out to view the famous Moreno Glacier near Calafate in Southern Argentina, the trek is an easy yet exhilarating walk onto the mammoth ice formations which began their life in the high Andes as snow flakes more than 100 years ago.

Hearing this glacier pop, snap, and groan from afar is a life-changing experience, and standing on it while it “goes through its motions” is remarkable and worth the effort.

Suggested Itinerary:
4-Day Calafate & the Perito Moreno Glacier

Next:
Treks of South America – Part 3: Colombia, Galapagos, and Antarctica