Trekking in Patagonia: five routes in Chile and Argentina
Five mountain hikes, from one day to several, with duration, season and permits. Prices change: check with the park before you go.
W Circuit, Torres del Paine (Chile)
It is 72 kilometers among glaciers, valleys and towers. In 2026 CONAF closed the circuit in June and July, so check the state of the trails and services on your dates. Park tickets are sold online only. A commercial source says the best time runs from October to April. For sleeping, the park offers campsites and huts with mandatory booking.
Read how the W Circuit is hiked · Torres del Paine page
Laguna de los Tres, El Chaltén (Argentina)
It is the classic hike to the foot of Fitz Roy, in Los Glaciares National Park. It is 20.3 km round trip, with a 991 m climb and about 9 hours 15 minutes. The source rates it advanced and full-day.
Since 21 October 2024, National Parks charges for access to the El Chaltén trails. The price announced for November 2024 was $45,000 for foreigners, $15,000 for Argentine residents and $5,000 for Santa Cruz residents. These are 2024 prices: check the current one with National Parks.
Frey and Jakob huts, Bariloche (Argentina)
These are small inns inside Nahuel Huapi National Park, with no road access. You must sign the trekking register and book each hut. Frey asks for 72 hours' notice. Getting there on foot takes 4 to 5 hours on average, and Frey, Jakob and Laguna Ilón also open in winter. The source dates from 2023: check prices and the status of each hut before you book.
Dientes de Navarino, Navarino Island (Chile)
It is a 31 km, 5-day circuit of moderate to high difficulty, near Puerto Williams. The best time runs from December to March, with an average of about 8 °C; in winter there is snow and the route cannot be done. There is no entrance or camping fee, but you must register with Carabineros in Puerto Williams (Piloto Pardo 287), with your departure and return dates. The source does not recommend doing it alone.
- From Punta Arenas there is a ferry of about 30 hours (the source lists $102,000 CLP for a semi-sleeper seat) and a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes with Aerolíneas DAP.
- From Ushuaia you cross by boat to Puerto Navarino, about 25 minutes, and then a minibus of about 1 hour to Puerto Williams.
Huerquehue National Park, Pucón (Chile)
The park has about 12,500 hectares of mountains and ancient forest. The main entrance is 35 km from Pucón, on the road to Caburgua, with the last stretch on gravel. It is about 1 hour by car. The Los Lagos trail climbs to lakes Chico, Verde and Toro, with views of Villarrica volcano. Tickets are bought online and in advance; the source does not publish prices.
The Los Huerquenes trek is 44.2 km and takes 3 days, with moderate difficulty and the best time from December to March. Comments from 2023 and 2024 say the Renahue campsite was closed and only day trips were allowed: check with CONAF before planning several days.
Before you go
- Mountain trails require good fitness and trekking footwear.
- Bring layers, a waterproof jacket, and enough water and food: there are few services on the route.
- To cross between countries, see the crossing guide.
Keep reading
Sources
- Explora: Laguna de los Tres (published 10 Mar 2021, modified 22 Aug 2024)
- iProfesional: El Chaltén charges for trail access (29 Oct 2024)
- Nomades: Dientes de Navarino (published 21 Apr 2016, modified 13 Aug 2026)
- Chile Travel: Huerquehue National Park (updated 7 Jan 2026)
- Andes Handbook: Los Huerquenes (published 1 Apr 2016, comments from 2023 and 2024)
- Diario Río Negro: Bariloche huts (15 Nov 2023, updated 17 Nov 2023)
- CONAF via The Clinic: W Circuit (25 May 2026)