Argentina's best hiking destinations

Argentina's best hiking destinations

We explore Argentina's best hiking destinations, from the highest snow-capped peak in South America to the last vestige of civilization at the end of the world

Argentina is one of the best hiking countries in the world thanks to the 5,000 km long Andes that wind like a spine along the nation's spine. This vast landscape features the Patagonian steppe, massive glaciers and the highest trekking peak in the world.

When Kia and I first visited in 2015, we spent our time exploring the hiking trails around El Chaltén before moving on to Perito Moreno and then to Tierra del Fuego, the famous “end of the world” at the southern tip of Argentina.

I just returned from my second visit to Argentina – climbing Aconcagua, my third mountain of the Seven Summits – and thought I'd check out more of the country's outstanding hiking destinations.

Argentina's best hiking destinations

1. The Lake District

The Argentine Lake District, in the northwestern part of Argentine Patagonia, is one of Argentina's most popular hiking destinations. It is a land of picturesque glacial lakes surrounded by verdant forests, jagged peaks and dormant volcanoes.

alt="The best hiking destinations in the Lake District in Argentina">Guido Amrein/ShutterstockLake Nahuel Huapi in the Lake District

Argentina's Lake District is centered around the thriving city of Bariloche and stretches along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. It offers a range of hiking options, from easy hikes to multi-day traverses of the Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi.

The area is a hub for outdoor activities with cycling, horse riding, skiing, snowboarding and even diving.

2. El Chalten

El Chaltén is Argentina's premier hiking destination. The imposing towers of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre steal the show, but they are the playground of only the world's toughest climbers.

alt=“El Chaltén is one of the best hiking destinations in Argentina”>4kwonderland/ShutterstockEl Chaltén is one of Argentina's best hiking destinations

Once these treacherous towers are behind you, there is an excellent network of well-maintained hiking trails that offer unparalleled views of these pin-up peaks.

Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre and Piedra del Fraile are just a few of the excellent hiking trails. There is enough choice in difficulty, duration and distance to suit all skill levels.

Read more: Hiking in El Chaltén: 6 outstanding hiking trails

3. Tierra del Fuego

South of Patagonia lies Tierra del Fuego, the last concentration of humanity before the vast hinterland of Antarctica. The Tierra del Fuego Andes surround the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia, offering exceptional hiking opportunities.

alt="Argentina's best hiking destinations Tierra del Fuego">Anton_Iwanow/ShutterstockTierra del Fuego National Park

There are several options such as the Tierra Mayor Valley, Glacier Martial or coastal hikes directly from the city. A short boat ride across the Beagle Channel leads to Isla Navarino (officially in Chile), a nature reserve with several hiking trails through and around the mountains of Dientes de Navarino.

However, it is Tierra del Fuego National Park and its sweeping panoramas of echoing peaks that are the most rewarding in terms of scenery. Just a short bus ride from Ushuaia, the park offers an excellent selection of short hiking trails, longer routes and viewing platforms.

Read more: Visiting the end of the world in Tierra del Fuego

4. Quebrada of Humahuaca

Argentina's Rainbow Valley is the history of Argentina itself. The multicolored canyons have cataloged over 10,000 years of Argentine history in their dry archives.

alt="Argentina's Rainbow Valley">Sunsinger/ShutterstockArgentina's Rainbow Valley

Evidence of early hunter-gatherer tribes, pre-Hispanic communities, the Inca culture, Spanish colonizers and the nation's struggle for independence have been found at this World Heritage site.

Aside from geology and archaeology, there are some stunning day hikes you can enjoy within the folds of this vibrant landscape.

5. Perito Moreno

The expanse of blue ice of the colossal Perito Moreno Glacier – 250 km2 (97 square miles) in size and an average of 74 m (240 feet) high – is one of the most stunning places we have ever seen.

alt="Argentina's best hiking destinations Perito Moreno">Atlas & BootsThe wooden walkways next to the Perito Moreno Glacier

It's not just the breathtaking, otherworldly landscape that impresses, but also the sounds of the glacier. There is a constant creaking sound as pieces of ice break away and fall into the water below.

Beyond the footbridges and boardwalks, it is possible to take guided hikes on the glacier. As far as we know, this is the only place in the world where you can walk on a glacier that is in a state of equilibrium (that is, retreating and growing at the same rate and thus in overall equilibrium).

Read more: Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier

6. Iguazu Falls

Not exactly a hiking destination, but a stroll on the boardwalks next to and over the fantastically thundering Iguazu Cascades is probably on every traveler's Argentina itinerary.

alt="Argentina's best hiking destinations falls">Sunsinger/ShutterstockIguazu lies on the border between Brazil and Argentina

Iguazu may not be the largest waterfall in the world – be it width (Khone Phapheng Falls in Laos), height (Victoria in Zimbabwe and Zambia), or flow rate (Boyoma Falls in Congo) – but its excellent walkways and trans-border location between Brazil and Argentina make it one of the most accessible in the world.

Read more: Boat trip to Iguazú Falls: getting drenched under a natural wonder

7. Valdes Peninsula

Hiking in the Reserva Faunística Península Valdés is one of the best nature experiences in South America. Sea lions, elephant seals, guanacos, rheas, Magellanic penguins, southern right whales, orcas and countless seabirds can all be spotted along the 400km coastline.

alt="Magellanic penguins on the Valdés Peninsula">Natalia di Marco/ShutterstockIt's easy to spot Magellanic penguins

Much of the wildlife can be spotted all year round, but from February to April orcas can be seen at high tide hunting seals and sea lions just off the beaches.

Most trails follow the cliffs and beaches along the coast, only occasionally cutting inland into the vast Patagonian pampas.

8. Aconcagua

The great. Aconcagua may not be one of the most enchanting mountains in the world, but what it lacks in grace it makes up for in reputation.

Aconcagua is the highest mountain in South America and one of the seven peaks: the seven peaks coveted by mountaineers who want to reach the highest point on every continent.

Aconcagua is a non-technical climb, but at just under 7,000 m (22,965 feet) it is a long, high and extremely challenging climb. Aspiring summiteers should plan at least two weeks on the mountain.

I took part in a guided climb of Aconcagua by Acomara Aconcagua Expeditions. If you don't feel like taking on the whole beast, there is a hike to Aconcagua Base Camp as well as others. Acomara offers several trekking options.

Read more: Climbing Aconcagua: my third seven peaks

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Mission statement: 4kwonderland/Shutterstock