The 10 Best Hiking Trails In Argentina

Argentina is a nature lover’s wonderland. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the country in summer to see the tremendous glaciers of Patagonia, the lush pine tree forests, the crystalline waters of the Lake District and the surreal cactus-filled deserts of the north. So pack your camping gear, put on your hiking boots and read on to learn more about the 10 best hiking spots this amazing country has to offer.

1. Mount Fitz Roy

Park

The highlight of hiking in Argentina and a serious rival to Chile’s Torres del Paine, Mount Fitz Roy is the place to go if you can only do one trek in the country. Hikes begin in the town of El Chaltén, the country’s premier hiking destination, and venture into the wondrous LosGlaciers National Park, with trips ranging from easygoing day hikes to lengthy five day slogs. Whichever route you choose, you won’t be disappointed with the spectacular scenery of snow-capped peaks and pristine lagoons.

El Chaltén to Villa O’Higgins

Most people travel between countries on a bus or an airplane. From El Chaltén in Argentina, however, it’s actually possible to get to Chile on foot. The adventure lasts two or three days and has travelers hiking through wild forests and along pristine lake shores under the majestic peaks of Mount Fitz Roy. After passing through a remote and unsupervised border crossing, hikers must jump on a ferry for the final leg to Villa O’Higgins. The ferry only leaves once a week on Saturday afternoons, so plan accordingly.

El Chaltén, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina to Villa O’Higgins, XI Región, Chile

2. Iguazu Falls

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Not exactly secluded or off the beaten track, what hiking the circuits of Iguazu can promise is breathtaking views of the most amazing waterfalls on earth. The lower circuit takes in the best views via eight different strategically placed lookouts which can be visited in about two hours. At the end, a ferry whisks passengers away to a small island where they can sunbathe on the beach, swim or rent canoes. For the more daring, there’s an insane speedboat ride that goes right into the foam. The upper circuit passes the same waterfalls but from a higher angle, culminating in a great viewpoint of the epic Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat).