Our Top Picks: 6 Luxury Hiking Tours in Patagonia
Spanning across Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is a vast and wild landscape, home to mountains, lakes, fjords, glaciers, deserts, tablelands and steppes. The region’s incredibly diverse landscapes, unspoiled natural beauty and dramatic vistas make hiking tours in Patagonia a must for discerning travelers who appreciate epic outdoor adventures and spectacular natural wonders.
Patagonia is a remote and relatively untouched region of the world. Its limited infrastructure and vast wilderness make it possible to enjoy exclusive and immersive outdoor experiences—particularly hiking tours—set in one of the world’s most tranquil locations.
Known for its wide range of hiking trails, Patagonia makes the perfect destination for any traveler who wants to engage in exciting outdoor excursions. Beginners, experienced hikers and everyone in between will find suitable activities in this breathtaking region. What’s more, with a range of outstanding luxury accommodations to choose from and Blue Parallel’s access to white-glove service and special surprises, it’s possible to combine exhilarating hiking tours with luxury experiences on your bespoke Patagonia tour.
Here, read about our favorite hiking tours and the luxury highlights that can be enjoyed on your private journey.
When Is The Best Time Of Year To Hike In Patagonia?
The best time to visit Patagonia is October through April as the weather is ideal for hiking and other outdoor adventures.
In November and December, the landscapes are lush and green and the wildflowers are in bloom. The weather is starting to get warmer in December as it nears the peak summer months of January and February which benefit from long daylight hours and pleasant temperatures. Towards the end of the season in March and April, the weather in Patagonia gets a little milder but the autumn foliage adds a vibrant touch to the landscapes.
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Due to the region’s location, it’s important to be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions all year round.
Best Hiking Tours In Chilean Patagonia
The best hikes in Chilean Patagonia are known for their stunning and diverse landscapes, offering some of the most breathtaking and challenging trekking experiences in the world. Here are three of our favorite hiking tours in this region…
Base Of The Towers Hike, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Duration: 10 hours
Activity level: Difficult
Preferred luxury accommodation: Tierra Patagonia, Awasi Patagonia or Explora Patagonia
Blue Parallel bespoke tour: Patagonia Luxury Tours, Chile & Argentina
The Base of the Towers hike, also known as the Base Torres hike, is one of the most iconic and well known treks in Chilean Patagonia. Located within the Torres del Paine National Park, the hike promises breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, lakes, valleys and unique wildlife.
Although one of the more challenging Torres del Paine day hikes, it is certainly one of the most rewarding. It is part of the famous “W” Trek and provides spectacular, up-close views of the “Torres”, or Towers, from which the National Park draws its name.
The adventure begins with a steep climb along the Ascencio River to Paso de Los Vientos (Passage of the Winds). As you continue to climb higher, the views evolve and the breathtaking mountains come into sight. After a stretch of walking on a steep mountainside, you will arrive at the Chileno Refuge where you may stop for a rest in the shade of a lenga forest.
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Continue through the forest along a hilly trail until you reach the final part of your climb up a rocky mountainside. Trusting you have good weather, the difficult ascent is rewarded by a truly spectacular view of the Towers at the top. As you stand at the foot of the Torres, you will have a moment to take in the isolation and grandeur of these magnificent mountains – a truly unforgettable sight. Then, return to your hotel in the late afternoon by private vehicle via the same trail.
After a day of hiking in Patagonia, nothing beats returning to your luxury, remote accommodation for some pampering. Tierra Patagonia, one of our preferred hotels and an award-winning luxury property that is nestled between emerald lakes and craggy mountains, has luxurious spa treatments and an infinity pool that can be enjoyed while taking in the incredible views.
The French Valley Hike, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Duration: 9 hours
Activity level: Medium / Difficult
Preferred luxury accommodation: Tierra Patagonia, Awasi Patagonia or Explora Patagonia
Blue Parallel bespoke tour: Patagonia Luxury Tours, Chile & Argentina
The French Valley hike, also known as the Valle Francés hike, is another popular trek within the Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia and also makes up part of the iconic “W” Trek. This top hiking trail has stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and of course, the beautiful French Glacier.
Begin your luxury hiking tour with a quick boat ride across the beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Pehoé. Then, with your private expert guide, trek along a meandering trail by the slopes of the tallest mountain of the group, the Paine Grande, and the shores of Lake Skottsberg. You will enjoy stunning views of the Horns of Paine along the way.
Arrive at the Italian Camp for a quick rest before crossing a bridge over the French River. You will continue up the French Valley, surrounded by dense lenga forest, to an incredible viewpoint where you can witness the famous French Glacier and an amphitheater of granite peaks that frame the area. Return via the same trail before taking the boat back to the drop off point.
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You will be privately transferred back to your luxury hotel to enjoy a delicious, gourmet dinner while taking in wonderful views of Patagonia’s beauty.
Glacier Grey, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Duration: 4 hours
Activity level: Medium
Preferred luxury accommodation: Tierra Patagonia, Awasi Patagonia or Explora Patagonia
Blue Parallel bespoke tour: Patagonia Luxury Tours, Chile & Argentina
Glacier Grey is one of the largest glaciers in Chilean Patagonia and is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, which is the third-largest ice mass on Earth. This impressive glacier begins in the vast ice fields of the Pat Patagonian Andes and extends south into Grey Lake, where it often calves icebergs into the lake’s turquoise waters.
Glacier Grey can be explored on land or water and highlights include the unique display of glacier calving, stunning vistas of glaciers, lakes and mountains, and alluring icebergs that are dotted in the lake.
Begin this exciting luxury tour in a catamaran, crossing the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoé towards the Paine Grande lodge where you will start the trek. With your expert guide, walk along the border of the massive mountain range towards the Grey Refuge. Halfway up the ascent, you will stop at a lookout point where you can view one of the most spectacular glaciers in the park, Grey Glacier. You will also be able to witness the extraordinary vastness of the Southern Ice Fields from above.
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Continue on through dense forest until you reach the refuge where you will rest and enjoy a picnic lunch. Afterwards, head down a steep path to Lake Grey beach, where you will board a boat that will take you closer to the towering walls of the sparkling blue glacier.
You will navigate through large and small icebergs that float throughout the lake. Disembark the boat and cross a lush forest and a hanging bridge where you will be picked up and transferred back to your luxury accommodation.
Spend the rest of the evening relaxing in the property’s open-air jacuzzi or private outdoor hot tube before enjoying a delicious dinner with panoramic views of the National Park.
Best Hiking Tours In Argentine Patagonia
The hiking trails in Argentine Patagonia journey through rugged and diverse landscapes, from mountain peaks to glaciers, to untouched wilderness. Here are three of our favorite hikes in this region:
Perito Moreno Glacier, Glaciers National Park, El Calafate, Argentina
Duration: 2 hours
Activity level: Medium
Preferred luxury accommodation: Eolo Lodge
Blue Parallel bespoke tour: Patagonia Luxury Tours, Argentina & Chile
Perito Moreno Glacier, located in Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring and accessible glaciers. While it offers incredible views from its many viewing platforms, one of the most thrilling ways to experience the glacier up close is through an ice trekking adventure.
The glacier is quite unusual in that it is advancing instead of receding and produces spectacular ice ruptures; ice trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentine Patagonia offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with one of nature’s most impressive ice masses.
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Your ice trekking adventure begins with a journey into Glaciers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, you’ll embark on a boat across the bay and enjoy views of what is considered by some as the 8th wonder of the world.
Once you disembark the boat, start your exciting ice trekking excursion on the glacier, venturing across towering ice peaks, huge crevasses, turquoise blue creeks and icy lagoons with your expert guide.
Afterwards, we will set up a once-in-a-lifetime experience solely for your party so you can enjoy a special picnic lunch right in front of the glacier. Head back by boat to the dock where you will continue on by private transfer through the National Park to visit the incredible catwalks and balcony that face Perito Moreno, where you may enjoy panoramic, up-close views of this natural wonder.
Then, return to your luxury lodge at Eolo where you may enjoy a gourmet dinner with expansive views of the sun setting over the Patagonian steppe.
Monte Fitz Roy, Glaciers National Park, El Chalten, Argentina
Duration: 7 hours
Activity level: Difficult
Preferred luxury accommodation: Eolo Lodge
Blue Parallel bespoke tour: Patagonia Luxury Tours, Argentina & Chile
Monte Fitz Roy is a famous mountain located in Argentina and is one of the most iconic peaks in Patagonia for hiking adventures. Set within the Los Glaciares National Park and part of the Andes mountain range, the mountain stands at an elevation of 3,375 meters (11,073 feet) and offers breathtaking views of the Andean peaks.
This hike is the Argentine sister of Chile’s Base of the Towers hike and is just as challenging with a mostly uphill 12-mile hike to a stunning glacial lake in front of the rugged Cerro Torre peak.
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With your private guide and insider Blue Parallel intel, you will travel to a nearby estancia further in the mountains to begin your ascent back towards the town of El Chalten which means no out-and-back necessary! As you wind your way through the beech woods and lenga forests, you will come upon your first views of Mt. Fitz Roy and the staggering glaciers alongside dramatic peaks.
As the path begins to clear and the views become even more impressive, you will eventually reach a steep uphill section in which you will push to reach the summit of the hike and take in the breathtaking tower of Cerro Torre, with Laguna de los Tres majestically poised in front of the tower. When you are ready, return back down the mountain and relax in an open clearing for a delicious picnic lunch. As you make your way back to the town of El Chalten, you will come across the tranquil Laguna Capri, a postcard-ready glacial lake in a relaxing meadow.
After your challenging hike, back in town stop for a much-deserved hot chocolate before you continue back to your luxury lodge and relax for the evening, having conquered one of Patagonia’s most-acclaimed mountains.
Los Palotinos Peak, Nahuel Huapi National Park, Bariloche, Argentina
Duration: 1.5 hours (+ 1 hour kayaking excursion)
Activity level: Easy/Medium
Preferred luxury accommodation: Llao Llao Resort & Spa or Villa Beluno
Blue Parallel bespoke tour: Patagonia Lakes Luxury Tours, Argentina
Los Palotinos Peak, or Cerro Los Palotinos, is a lesser-known peak within the Nahuel Huapi National Park, located in the Patagonia Lake District. The national park has stunning landscapes, and is a playground for lovers of the outdoors including avid hikers. The secluded peaks in Nahuel Huapi National Park can be accessed via hiking trails suitable for all levels, depending on ability and interest.
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The Los Palotinos Peak begins with a hike up beaches on the shores of the pristine Nahuel Huapi Lake until you reach a lookout point over the impressive waters that give this region of Northern Patagonia its nickname, the Lake District. For those after a challenge, you may continue past the viewpoint until you reach another outcrop; from there, the adventurous can enjoy an easy, guided rappel down the mountainside.
During this exhilarating hiking tour, be sure to pause for a moment and take in the silence and wonder of the natural beauty that surrounds you. Should you wish to skip the rappel, your private guide can also accompany you to a nearby trail to meet your companions at the base where you can take pictures of their journey. Afterwards, savor a private gourmet picnic, set up in an ideal location on the mountain with spectacular views surrounding you.
Once you’ve finished relaxing over lunch with a local Patagonia brewery beer, continue back to the beach of the peaks where you may kayak back to your luxury accommodations, or choose to return by private vehicle.
In the evening, unwind at your five-star, luxury hotel and spa as you reflect on the adventure of the remote yet rewarding Palotinos Peak hike.
Tailor-Made Itineraries to Patagonia
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