Argentina, a country of vast natural diversity, offers some of the most breathtaking hiking experiences in the world. From the glacier-carved landscapes of Patagonia to the subtropical rainforests of the north, every trail tells a story of the earth’s power and beauty. This guide will walk you through the 9 best hikes in Argentina, each promising an adventure that will resonate with your soul.
1. Perito Moreno Glacier Trek – Santa Cruz Province
Location: Los Glaciares National Park
Duration: Half-day to full-day
The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most iconic sights in Argentina. Hiking on this massive glacier is an otherworldly experience where you can witness deep crevasses and azure ice formations up close. Equipped with crampons and an experienced guide, you can explore the surface of this natural wonder and listen to the ice crack and groan as it slowly moves.
2. Mount Fitz Roy Trek – Chaltén
Location: Los Glaciares National Park
Duration: 4-8 hours for day hikes, multi-day for full circuit
Mount Fitz Roy, known locally as Cerro Chaltén, is the crown jewel of Patagonia’s hiking scene. The trek to its base offers some of the most stunning views of the sharp peaks that dominate the skyline. The most popular day hike leads to Laguna de los Tres, providing a breathtaking vista of Fitz Roy’s sheer cliffs. For the intrepid, a multi-day circuit around the mountain reveals Patagonia’s true rugged beauty.
Featured in our Patagonia Trekking Tour
3. Iguazu Falls Trails – Misiones Province
Location: Iguazu National Park
Duration: Half-day to full-day
The Iguazu Falls, straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, are a series of massive waterfalls that can be explored through a network of trails. The Paseo Garganta del Diablo is a must-do, leading you to the Devil’s Throat, where the roar of water plunges into a misty abyss. The surrounding subtropical rainforest is also home to colorful birds and butterflies, adding to the magic of the hike.
4. Quebrada de Humahuaca Trek – Jujuy Province
Location: Quebrada de Humahuaca
Duration: 1-3 days
The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring a dramatic valley with multicolored rock formations. Hiking here feels like stepping into a painting, with the Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca being a highlight. Longer treks can take you through ancient Incan trails and to remote villages where time seems to stand still.
5. Aconcagua Base Camp Trek – Mendoza Province
Location: Aconcagua Provincial Park
Duration: 5-7 days
Aconcagua is the highest peak outside of Asia, and reaching its base camp is an achievement in itself. The hike takes you through changing landscapes, from lush green valleys to the stark, moon-like terrain near the mountain’s base. The trail offers a glimpse of the high-altitude world of mountaineers who come to tackle the summit.
6. Lanín Volcano Ascent – Neuquén Province
Location: Lanín National Park
Duration: 2 days
The symmetrical cone of Lanín Volcano is an imposing sight and climbing it is a challenging but rewarding experience. The ascent requires a guide and proper equipment, but reaching the snow-covered summit gives you a panoramic view of the Andes and the satisfaction of conquering one of Argentina’s most iconic peaks.
7. Tierra del Fuego National Park – Tierra del Fuego
Location: Near Ushuaia
Duration: 2-4 hours to full-day
At the southernmost tip of the continent, Tierra del Fuego National Park offers a variety of trails that meander through forests, bogs, and along the Beagle Channel with views of Chilean islands. The park’s remote beauty is a testament to the harsh and windswept landscapes of the far south.
8. Talampaya National Park – La Rioja Province
Location: Talampaya National Park
Duration: Half-day to full-day
Talampaya is a desert region where red sandstone cliffs rise dramatically from the earth. Guided hikes can take you to see ancient petroglyphs, bizarre rock formations, and the remnants of dinosaurs that once roamed this Martian landscape.
9. Los Alerces National Park – Chubut Province
Location: Los Alerces National Park
Duration: 2-6 hours for day hikes, multi-day for full circuit
Named after the ancient alerce trees, some of which are over 3,000 years old, this park offers tranquil hikes along crystal-clear lakes and rivers. The trails are less traveled, providing a peaceful experience in the midst of lush forests and snow-capped mountains.
End of the Road
Argentina’s trails are as diverse as they are stunning. Each hike offers a unique window into the natural wonders of this vast country. Whether you’re trekking on the ice fields of Patagonia, through the subtropical forests of Iguazu, or across the high-altitude deserts of the Andes, hiking in Argentina is sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart.
Remember to respect the natural environments you explore, prepare adequately for each region’s challenges, and immerse yourself fully in the splendor of Argentina’s great outdoors. Happy trails!
