Argentina is a true paradise for nature lovers, offering a diverse range of landscapes from the towering glaciers of Patagonia to the vibrant, cactus-filled deserts of the Northwest. Whether you are seeking the challenge of high-altitude mountain passes or the serenity of crystal-clear glacial lakes, the country provides an unparalleled backdrop for outdoor adventure.
In this guide, we explore the 10 best hiking trails in Argentina, carefully selected to help you experience the most breathtaking scenery the country has to offer. From the iconic peaks of El Chaltén to the lush forests of the Lake District, prepare your gear and discover the ultimate trekking routes for your next South American expedition.
Mount Fitz Roy
Probably Argentina´s signature trek and up there with the Chilean, Torres del Paine, for South American hiking trails, Mount Fitz Roy is the trek representative of the country and is the must-do trek in that destination. El Chaltén, is the starting point for the trek, as well as Argentina´s primary trekking destination, and the gateway into the magnificent Los Glaciers National Park. The area offers excellent trekking options from relaxed day hikes to the longer five day epic trails. Whatever your trekking style, you will be stunned by the spectacular scenery of snow-capped mountains and the magnificent glacial lakes.
Perito Moreno Glacier
This shorter Patagonia hiking option offers the opportunity to witness nature at its most rugged. The trek is only a couple of hours as you cross over the continent’s most stunning glacier, Perito Moreno. Trekkers will have to use crampons to traverse this bright blue icy terrain, passing over gentle trails and around deep crevasses and sinkholes. At the end of the trek the guide will produce the reward of a bottle of whisky, with fresh ice chipped right off the Perito Moreno glacier to marvel at the scenery and this mind-blowing adventure.
El Chaltén to Villa O’Higgins
Most people travel between Chile and Argentina on a bus or an aeroplane. From El Chaltén in Argentina, however, you can actually walk to Chile! The trek takes two or three days and has hikers winding through remote forests and along the shores of crystal-clear lagoons, under the imposing peaks of Mount Fitz Roy. You will cross a remote and unsupervised border crossing into Chile and trekkers will arrive at a ferry for the final leg to Villa O’Higgins. Please bear in mind that the ferry only leaves once a week on Saturday afternoons, so make sure you start the trek o the correct day to coincide, depending on your pace.
Tronador Glacier
This trek begins with a two hour bus ride from Bariloche towards the Chilean border also and is a relatively easy overnight hike that heads through a lush forest before ascending up a rocky path towards the magnificent Tronador Glacier. The climb is relatively easy-going and there is a welcoming refuge to sleep in at the top, which should be booked in advance at the Club Andino in Bariloche. If you don´t mind carrying your gear there are camping options along the trekking route, with the highlight being the night time stars glistening over the glaciers below.
Paso de las Nubes
Literally translated as the ‘Pathway Through the Clouds’ this is another spectacular trek in the picturesque Lake District of Argentina. The 23 km, two-day trek begins in the town of Pampa Linda and ascends along a forest path with views over Mount Tronador on the border between Argentina and Chile. Once more, you can camp or spend the night in the refuge before dropping down to the magnificent Laguna Frias, where you will take a boat back into the town.
Refugio Frey Trek
This popular trekking option departs from Bariloche, and the savvy trekker can take a ski lift which operate all year round. From the top, you can take a shorter route that requires some active bouldering, or a longer but more relaxed trek through a forest. The Frey refuge is well equipped with decent beds and well received facilities for hikers or you can camp along the trekking route if you prefer.
Refuge to refuge in Bariloche
This is a five-day trek is usually undertaken by more experienced hikers due to some long walking days and steep ascents across rocky terrain. This adventurous route is a great way to see the majestic mountains, thick forested valleys and deep lagoons in the Nahuel Huapi National Park in the Argentinian Lake District. There are four refuges along the way which means you don’t need to carry too much equipment, though camping is always available for those who prefer.
El Bolsón
Bariloche of course is famous for is trekking and the small town of El Bolsón near Bariloche, in the Lake District sees a lot less visitors than its neighbour, but has equally stunning scenery to marvel at. There are thirteen refuges around the town, linked together by a series of trails that pass through lush green forests, beautiful valleys and stunning lagoons. Trekkers may opt to either choose short day hike from town or create their own itinerary by joining the many trails for the perfect tailor-made, multi-day hike.
Iguazu Falls
Of course, Iguazu receive a lot of visitors and isn’t exactly off the beaten track, however the hiking circuits of Iguazu do offer breath-taking views of the most amazing waterfalls on the planet. The lower circuit takes in the best views with eight different lookouts and takes approximately two hours. After the trek, a ferry will sail passengers to a small island where there is a beach, to sunbathe swim or rent a kayak. For the more adventurous, there is also a speedboat ride that sails right into the depths of these magnificent waterfalls. The upper circuit passes the same waterfalls but with more panoramic views and finishes at the viewpoint of the Garganta del Diablo waterfall for a spectacular sight.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
Jujuy in the arid North of Argentina, is home to some of the country’s most colourful attractions. The Hill of the Seven Colours, as the name suggests, is a spectacular rainbow mountain just a short hike away from the main plaza of Purmamarca. The Painter’s Pallete is an equally remarkable marvel that can be enjoyed from the nearby town of Miamara. If these are not enough, the region has plenty of other amazing trekking options though this remarkable high altitude desert landscape. Definitely plan to spend at least a week in the area.
