The Best Patagonia Day Hikes: Laguna de los Tres & Hidden Gems
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While many people arrive in Patagonia focused on completing the famous multi-day treks in Torres del Paine (the W Trek - see here for my guide - or the longer O-Trek), you should not overlook the shorter hiking trails in both Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia.
For me personally, some of these day hikes were better than any single day of the W-Trek, although the W-Trek as whole was undoubtedly a special experience.
Of these day hikes, perhaps the Laguna de Los Tres (or 'Mount Fitz Roy') trek is the most well known. It is well worth its hype although it is undeniably a tough trek. Seeing the peaks of Fitz Roy appear on the horizon lit by the Alpenglow for the first time quite literally took my breath away.
One of my favourite days of all though was a hike a lot less well publicised - that is of course part of its charm as you will not be trekking alongside the masses - the trek to Refugio Frey in Bariloche. The entire route, not just the viewpoint at the top, is awash with stunning scenery from start to finish. From sweeping valleys to covered forests to rocky outcrops, this trek has new surprises around each corner and just wait until you see the view at the top.
Bariloche, Argentina
Trek to Refugio Frey
Laguna Tonchek (Refugio Frey hike)
TLDR: The unsung hero. This trek is less commonly known but every bit as worthy of hiking glory as Laguna De Los Tres and Base de las Torres.
Length: c. 20km out and back
Approximate Time: 5-7 hours (c. 3-3.5 hours ascending, usually quicker descending)
How to find the trailhead? Start from Cerro Catedral ski resort (Villa Catedral). The trail is clearly signposted and well-trodden. If you don’t have a car, it’s easy to reach by public transport (30-40 minute bus journey). Take Bus 55 from the town centre (stops along Avenida Bustillo) and get off at Cerro Catedral.
MAPS.ME: Search for “Refugio Frey” or “Laguna Toncek”
Circuito Chico
TLDR: A scenic loop you can hike or cycle. Less intense than Frey but do not be fooled into thinking it is a breeze - there are rolling hills the entire way.
Length: c. 20km main circular route with c.10km of optional side trails
Approximate Time: 5–7 hours (walking), shorter by bike
How to find the trailhead? Accessible from multiple points along the circuit — most start near Hotel Llao Llao.
MAPS.ME: Search “Circuito Chico” or either “Hotel Lao Lao” or “Cerro Campanario” depending on where you want to start the loop.
Bonus Tip: If you choose to cycle I would recommend hiring a bike from Circuito Chico Adventure who will provide you with good guidance on the route, what to see and how to stay safe. You can reach them by taking the number 20 bus from the centre of town and getting off at Cerro Campanario. They also provide a bike + kayak package where you can use one of their kayaks at a scenic location en route during the cycle loop.
El Chalten, Argentina
Laguna de los Tres (or Mount Fitzroy)
TLDR: The iconic hike — challenging final ascent, but one of the most rewarding views in Patagonia.
Length: c. 20–22km out and back
Approximate Time: c. 7–9 hours
How to find the trailhead? Start at the end of Avenida San Martín in El Chaltén. Walk through the parking lot until you reach the gate and information board announcing the start of the Laguna de Los Tres trail. Note: Since October 2024, an entrance fee is required to be paid to complete the hike.
MAPS.ME: Search “Sendero Fitz Roy”
Bonus Tip: Unless you are set on trying to reach the peak for sunrise, I would recommend arriving at Laguna Capri - 4km into the Laguna de los Tres hike - for sunrise. There are fewer people at Laguna Capri and watching the Fitz Roy peaks gradually light up in the alpenglow from across the lake is a calming, almost magical moment. You will then continue the ascent facing the orange-tinted Fitz Roy peaks which provides for a stunning backdrop.
Cerro Torre
TLDR: A slightly easier alternative to Fitz Roy with equally dramatic glacier views and a more gradual climb.
Length: c. 18km out and back
Approximate Time: 6-8 hours
How to find the trailhead? The main trailhead is located at the end of
MAPS.ME: Search “Laguna Torre”
Laguna Capri
TLDR: A shorter, more accessible hike — ideal if you are short on time or if you want Fitz Roy views without committing to the full trek.
Length: 8km out and back
Approximate Time: 2-3 hours
How to find the trailhead? Same starting point as Laguna de los Tres at the end of Avenida San Martín in El Chaltén.
MAPS.ME: Search “Sendero Fitz Roy” and “Laguna Capri”
El Calafate, Argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways
Perito Moreno Glacier
TLDR: OK this one is not really a ‘hike’ but it is one of the few places in the world where you can easily witness glacier calving up close — accessible, but unforgettable.
Length: Flexible (multiple boardwalk circuits, 2–6km total)
Approximate Time: 2-3 hours
Recommendations: I did this guided tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier which I would highly recommend, especially if you don’t have a car. They will organise round-trip transport to the glacier, the opportunity to trek the walkways from which you can see the glacier from different viewpoints and finally (the best bit!) sailing up close to the glacier with a mini trek alongside the face of the glacier. It offers a great alternative to the pricey ‘Mini Trek’.
Puerto Natales, Chile
Base de las Torres (Day Hike)
TLDR: The headline act. A tough, often crowded climb, but the final reveal of the towers makes every step — and early start — worth it.
Length: c. 18–20km out and back
Approximate Time: 7–9 hours (depending on pace and time spent at the top)
How to find the trailhead? Start from Hotel Las Torres / Torres Central inside Torres del Paine National Park. If you are staying in Puerto Natales, you will need to get a bus to the park entrace.