Best Hiking Trails in Patagonia

Deep in a remote mountain range in South America, a series of peaks straddle the border between Chile and Argentina. This pristine area of land is where dreams and adventure meet. Welcome to Patagonia. Whether you are an avid hiker, trekker, or backpacker this is one of the last unexplored places on Earth.

The best time to hike or trek is November through April, also bear in mind that the seasons are reverse of the Northern Hemisphere meaning Patagonia's warmest months are December, January and February with the coldest being June, July and August. Patagonia can be split into two sections: Northern and Southern. Northern Patagonia is best known as the "Lake District" flanked with majestical forests and lakes while Southern Patagonia is home to Torres del Paine National Park and the spectacular Monte Fitzroy.

Hiking Destination 1: Torres del Paine National Park, Southern Patagonia, Chile

Torres del Paine is a mountain range in Chile that boasts heights up to 9,000 feet and is one of the world's most scenic treks. The park is comprised of 450, 000 acres and is nearly impossible to exhaust. The mountains are granite and can be reached by air or boat only. This stretch of land homes the southern Patagonia city of Punta Arenas, Chile's wool capital. While exploring the park be sure to check out the waterfalls of Salto Chico; and the Verde and Azul lagoons. The scenery of this legendary land is nothing short of breathtaking and the hiking will be sure to please.

The Lago Grey hike: This hike is well known among trekkers as a "warm up hike." Starting out across the grassland, along the Rao Grey the trails are well marked and in about half a day you can reach Glacier Grey, where the glacial caves will be sure to thrill the most intense adventure seeker.

The Torres del Paine Circuit hike: This is the "heart" of the hike picking up where the Lago Grey hike left off. This trek can last anywhere between 8 and 10 days with the terrain being anything but predictable. This is not a hike for the faint of heart and one needs to be prepared for. Note: if you are completing this circuit you will need a tent (unless prior accommodations are made) and a week's worth of food. For those hikers that want to take in all that nature has to offer wild herbs and greens can be found in the park's meadows.

Organized Trekking Tours:

Antares Patagonia
Address:Barros Arana 111, Puerto Natales
Phone: (56-61) 414611

Andes Mountain

Address: Eberhard 161, Puerto Natales
Phone: (61) 415749

Mara Patagonia

Address: Armando Sanhueza 876, Punta Arenas Phone: (61) 710026

Lodging in Punta Arenas:

Hotel Tierra del Fuego Address: Avenida Colón 716

Phone: (56-61) 226200

Hotel José Nogueira

Address: Bories 959. Punta Arenas

Phone: (56-61) 248840

Hiking Destination 2: Fitz Roy, Southern Patagonia, Argentina

Fitzroy Massif, is the highest peak in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares in Southern Argentina. These majestic peaks are located near the small village of El Chalten. El Chalten can be reached by bus from the tourist center of El Calafate. Fitz Roy boasts many different routes with the most popular being that of the Franco-Argentine route. Climbing permits for this region are required however can be easily obtained, free of charge at the national park center in El Chalten. (*Note: there is a small fee for entrance into the main park -- Parque Nacional Los Glaciares)

Climbing Fitz Roy is best done during the southern hemispheres summer months, December through February. However it is always wise to stay on top of the weather as Patagonia's constant changing climate can be unexpected at times. This stretch of earth is known to some as a fantasy land where sweeping views of granite peaks and glorious lakes abound.

Patagonia is one of those areas on our planet that remains dream like. A place where one dreams of exploring, met with the illusion of endless time and space. Lucky for us this place is real and is only an adventure away.

Getting There

These carriers fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santiago, Chile

Delta Air Lines: Reservations: 1-800-221-1212

http://www.delta.com/

Continental Airlines: Reservations: 1-800-231-0856

http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/default.aspx

American Airlines: Reservations: 1-800-433-7300

http://www.aa.com/homePage.do

Literature

Trekking in the Patagonia Andes by Carolyn Mccarthy

Enduring Patagonia by Gregory Crouch