The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Argentina
Published on: August 19th, 2024
From the thundering waters of Iguazú Falls to the dusty canyons of Calchaquí, Argentina abounds with outdoor adventures. And according to our travel designers, one of the best things to do in Argentina is also among the simplest: exploring its astonishing landscapes on foot.
In Argentina, trekking is an activity that every type of traveller can enjoy – whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a total novice. There are trails of every difficulty level and length, all of them boasting unbelievable views and experiences. We’ve created this detailed guide to trek travel in Argentina to gather all the essential information in one place.
What’s the Best Time to Hike in Argentina?
Broadly speaking, the best time to hike in Argentina is spring (September–November) or autumn (March–May). The summer months of December to February also offer ideal conditions in much of the country, but tend to be more crowded than the shoulder seasons.
The farther south (and farther from the equator) you go, the more we recommend visiting during summer. While we generally suggest September to March as the best time to go to Argentina, the best time to visit Patagonia is usually December to February. This is when you’ll get the best weather and hiking conditions, with temperatures around 15–21ºC (60–70º) during the day.
Top Hiking Destinations in Argentina
There are phenomenal hiking destinations all over Argentina. The most well-known region is definitely Patagonia – and for good reason – but the rest of country shouldn’t be overlooked. Here are the top areas to go hiking in Argentina, from legendary trails to lesser-known locations.
Patagonia
Stretching across southern Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth: glaciers, volcanoes, ice fields, lakes and, of course, mountains galore. Hiking is absolutely among the best things to do in Patagonia, allowing you to experience the exceptional environment up close.
We highly recommend visiting El Calafate, where you can see the staggering Perito Moreno glacier, and El Chaltén, where you can embark on one of the world’s best hiking trails: Laguna de los Tres. Stay at the remote Estancia Cristina in the former or Explora El Chaltén in the latter for accommodation that’s almost as epic as the views.
All the way at the southern tip of Argentina you’ll find Ushuaia, the ‘end of the world’ and the last piece of land before Antarctica. Hiking through the pristine mountains and forests of Tierra del Fuego National Park, right next to the Beagle Channel, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Andes Mountains
The Andes Mountains separate Argentina from Chile in spectacular fashion, forming an impressive natural boundary that coincides with the border between the two countries. Considering that this is the world’s longest mountain range and the highest outside of Asia, it should come as no surprise that hiking in the Andes is fantastic.
The best home base is the lovely town of Mendoza, primarily known for its wine production and scenic vineyards. Beyond touring local wineries, you can also head to the nearby Uco Valley or the town of Potrerillos to access trails that lead to waterfalls, lakes and panoramic vistas.
The most famous summit in this region is Aconcagua, which holds the title of the tallest peak outside Asia. But reaching the top is neither quick nor easy, requiring around two weeks of time and a fair amount of preparation. If you’d rather tackle a more achievable challenge, we can suggest plenty of day hikes and beginner-friendly treks throughout the Andes.
Northern Argentina
The northern part of the country often goes unnoticed in favour of Buenos Aires, Patagonia and other iconic destinations. But we think it’s among the most beautiful places in Argentina – and certainly worth seeing on a scenic hike (or several). The city of Salta is the gateway to this region; rest up at House of Jasmines before setting off into the surrounding mountains.
First up: the Puna. Set more than 3,000 metres (nearly 10,000 feet) above sea level, this enormous plateau in Argentina’s northwest corner is full of ancient Incan trails that will lead you through deserts, salt flats and charming clay-brick towns. Stay overnight at Pristine Salinas Grandes Luxury Camp, offering comfortable dome tents in the middle of the surreal salt flats.
Then there’s the highly remote Calchaquí Valley, where you can wander through remarkable rock formations and the abundant cacti of Los Cardones National Park – alongside an experienced guide, of course. This area also offers high-altitude wineries like Bodega Tacuil and colonial towns where time seems to stand still.
Central Argentina
Like the northern region, central Argentina is one of the less-visited parts of the country as well as one of the prettiest. The province of Córdoba is primarily known for horse riding, but it’s also a dream destination for hikers, with plenty of trails crisscrossing the bucolic plains and hills around the city of the same name.
The landscapes in this area are known as the Pampas: endless grasslands where traditional gaucho culture is alive and well. In addition to discovering the lifestyle of Argentina’s nomadic horsemen at an elegant estancia, you can enjoy the peaceful rural environment on dozens of different hikes, ranging from hour-long treks to multi-day expeditions.
Wildlife and Natural Wonders
No matter where you decide to go hiking in Argentina, you’re guaranteed to come face to face with plenty of wildlife and natural wonders. The animals you’ll encounter will depend on the region. Patagonia is home to pumas and other wild cats, guanacos and vicuñas (relatives of llamas and alpacas), whales, seals, sea lions and even penguins during the summer season.
Northern Argentina is inhabited by various species of wild cats – including the rare jaguar – as well as foxes, camelids and birds like the majestic condor and endangered black-and-white monjita. The central region also has plenty of unique avian species, plus small mammals, deer and guanacos. The Andes are best known for vicuñas, cougars, chinchillas and huemul deer.
As for natural wonders, you can take your pick of snow-capped peaks, sweeping grassy plains, otherworldly rock formations, colourful cliffs, towering glaciers and glittering lakes. What you can expect depends on where you go hiking; Patagonia is the place for icy vistas, the Andes are unbeatable for steep slopes, and the centre and north are ideal for wide-open spaces.
Tips for Hiking in Argentina
Our top tip for trekking in Argentina is to choose each trail based on your interests, fitness level and degree of experience. If you want to accomplish a challenging hike, make sure that you’re well prepared both physically and mentally, and ideally accompanied by a local expert. Remember that short and simple hikes can be just as spectacular. And no matter the length or difficulty of the trek, ensure that you’re always equipped with the right gear and clothing.
To put it simply, planning ahead is essential if you want to fully enjoy the best hikes in Argentina. Fortunately, we’ve got that part covered. Our expert team can arrange a wide array of private, personalised and entirely exclusive experiences for you, whether that means finding an excellent guide or organising a delicious gourmet picnic for you to enjoy at the summit.
Whatever you want from your adventure in Argentina, our travel designers are ready to help:
